Code of practice for fire safety of hotels

IS 13716: Scope Summary

• Scope: This standard covers fire safety requirements for buildings, focusing on construction types, fire protection systems, and management responsibilities.

• Key References:
  The standard is supplemented by related IS codes for comprehensive fire safety:

  IS Code	Title	Year	Focus Area
  IS 1641	Fire safety - General principles	1988	Fire grading & classification
  IS 1642	Fire safety - Construction details	1989	Construction details for fire safety
  IS 1644	Fire safety - Exit requirements	1988	Exit design & personal hazard
  IS 2189	Fire detection & alarm systems	1988	Selection, installation, maintenance
  IS 2190	Portable fire extinguishers	1992	Selection, installation, maintenance
  IS 3844	Internal hydrants & hose reels	1989	Installation & maintenance
  SP 7	National Building Code (Part IV)	1983	Fire protection requirements

• Type of Construction (Clause 6.2): Specifies construction types relevant for fire safety design.

• Access & Approach Roads (Clause 4.2): Width, hardness, and distance of approach roads for fire engines must comply with NBC 1983 (Part IV).

Key Takeaway:

IS 13716 integrates fire safety design with other IS codes and NBC provisions to ensure comprehensive fire protection covering construction, equipment, and emergency access.

graph LR
A[IS 13716: Fire Safety] --> B[Construction Types (6.2)]
A --> C[Fire Safety Codes]
C --> D[IS 1641, 1642, 1644]
C --> E[IS 2189, 2190, 3844]
A --> F[Access Roads (4.2) - NBC Part IV]
A --> G[Management Responsibility (5)]

This diagram shows the scope and linked standards under IS 13716.

IS 13716: Fire Safety in Hotels — Referenced Standards & Key Specifications

Referenced Indian Standards (Clause 2.1)

Fire Safety Equipment Requirements (Clause 9.1)

• Internal hydrant/sprinkler system per IS 3844
• Automatic detection-cum-alarm system per IS 2189
• Portable fire extinguishers per IS 2190
• Kitchen hoods require automatic/manual extinguishers (dry powder/CO2)
• Public address system linked or independent of fire alarm

Important Notes:

• Halon systems are deleted as per Amendment No. 1 (May 2005).
• Fire safety provisions supplement statutory regulations (Factory Act, Petroleum Rules, etc.).
• Rounding off values per IS 2:1960.

Summary Table: Fire Safety Systems in Hotels

flowchart LR
    A[Fire Safety in Hotels] --> B[Fire Detection (IS 2189)]
    A --> C[Fire Suppression (IS 3844)]
    A --> D[Portable Extinguishers (IS 219

Classification of Hotels as per IS 13716

• Definition (Clause 3.1):

  • Hotels = Buildings under same management with >15 sleeping accommodations for hire, primarily for transients, with or without meals. Includes inns, motels, clubs, guest houses.
  • High Rise Hotels: Building height ≥ 15 m
  • Low Rise Hotels: Building height < 15 m

• Construction Type (Fire Safety):

  • High Rise Hotels (≥ 15 m): Must be Type I construction as per NBC India 1983 (Part IV) Fire Protection (Clause 6.2.1)
  • Low Rise Hotels (< 15 m): Minimum Type II construction as per IS 1642:1989 (Clause 6.2.2)

Summary Table

Notes:

• Fire safety provisions aim to minimize life/property loss due to fire hazards in hotels.
• Halon fire suppression systems are deleted as per Amendment No. 1 (May 2005).
• Compliance with other statutory rules (Factory Act, Petroleum Rules, etc.) is mandatory alongside this standard.

flowchart TD
    A[Hotel Building] --> B{Height ≥ 15 m?}
    B -- Yes --> C[High Rise Hotel]
    B -- No --> D[Low Rise Hotel]
    C --> E[Type I Construction (NBC 1983 Part IV)]
    D --> F[Minimum Type II Construction (IS 1642:1989)]

This classification guides fire safety design and construction requirements for hotels under IS 13716.

IS 13716: General Fire Safety Principles - Key Points

1. Fire Safety Aspects (Clause 4.1)

Fire safety is achieved by addressing:

• Management responsibility
• Containment of smoke/fire
• Provision of safety escape routes
• Emergency power and lighting
• Provision of fire safety/fighting equipment

2. Fire Safety/Fighting Equipment (Clause 9.1)

All hotel buildings must have:

• Internal hydrant/sprinkler system (IS 3844:1989)
• Automatic detection-cum-alarm system (IS 2189:1988)
• Portable fire extinguishers (IS 2190:1992)
• Efficient public address system
• Kitchen hood fire protection (automatic/manual dry powder/CO2 extinguisher)

3. Fire Safety Management

• Written fire safety policy (Annex A)
• Responsibility assigned to Chief Executive
• Every employee must contribute to fire prevention

4. Reference Codes for Fire Safety

Summary Diagram of Fire Safety Principles

graph TD
  A[Fire Safety in Hotels] --> B[Management Responsibility]
  A --> C[Smoke/Fire Containment]
  A --> D[Safety Escape Routes]
  A --> E[Emergency Power & Lighting]
  A --> F[Fire Safety Equipment]
  F --> G[Hydrant/Sprinkler System]
  F --> H[Fire Detection & Alarm]
  F --> I[Portable Extinguishers]
  F --> J[Public Address System]
  F --> K[Kitchen Fire Protection]

Note: Halon systems are deleted from the latest amendment (2005). Always refer to the latest IS codes for updated practices.

IS 13716 - Management Responsibility (Clause 5)

Key points on Management Responsibility in fire safety for hotels:

• Written Fire Safety Policy (Clause 5.1):
  Management must issue a clear, written fire safety and fire loss control policy to all employees. (Refer Annex A for a sample statement.)

• Preventive Programs (Clause 5.9):
  Management shall establish and maintain a preventive inspection, testing, and maintenance program for:

  • Fire protection and firefighting systems
  • Machinery and equipment that may cause fire hazards

• Coordination with NBC (Clause 4.2):
  Management must ensure compliance with National Building Code (Part IV) provisions regarding:

  • Approach road width and hardness for fire engine access
  • Open spaces and parking distances from roads

Summary Table: Management Responsibility Actions

flowchart TD
    A[Management Responsibility] --> B[Written Fire Safety Policy]
    A --> C[Preventive Inspection & Maintenance]
    A --> D[Compliance with NBC Fire Access]
    A --> E[Employee Training & Awareness]

This structured approach ensures effective fire safety management in hotels as per IS 13716.

Containment of Smoke and Fire as per IS 13716 focuses on compartmentation and fire-resistive construction to restrict fire/smoke spread.

Key Clauses Summary:

• Clause 6.1:
  Use fire-resistive materials and compartmentation to contain smoke/fire.

• Clause 6.3:
  Restrict fire/smoke spread by design and materials.

• Clause 5.11:
  Escape routes must be unobstructed and safe:

  • No obstruction to exits or escape routes.
  • Notices and extinguishing equipment must be visible and accessible.
  • Avoid mirrors or reflective surfaces on escape routes.
  • Floor/stair coverings must be firmly fixed to prevent slipping.
  • Max floor occupancy = 60% for free movement.

Important Specifications:

Reference Standards for Fire Safety Design:

Conceptual Diagram of Fire Compartmentation

flowchart LR
    A[Fire Origin] --> B[Fire-Resistive Wall]
    B --> C[Compartment 1]
    B --> D[Compartment 2]
    C --> E[Smoke Barrier]
    D --> E
    E --> F[Escape Route]
    F --> G[Exit]

Summary:
Contain smoke/fire by creating fire-resistant compartments, ensuring escape routes are unobstructed, and controlling occupancy

Means of Egress as per IS 13716

Key Specifications:

• Definition (Clause 1.8): Means of egress includes vertical & horizontal travel paths—rooms, corridors, stairs, ramps, lobbies, exits, etc.
• Minimum Widths:
  • Corridors/passageways to exit stairs: ≥ 1.5 m
  • Corridors from banquet/dance halls:

    • 50 persons: ≥ 2.0 m

    • ≤50 persons: ≥ 1.8 m
• Occupancy: Floor occupancy limited to 60%, reserving 40% for free movement.
• Obstructions (Clause 5.11): No obstruction to exits, escape routes, signage, doors; no mirrors or reflective surfaces on escape routes; floor/stair coverings must prevent slipping/tripping.

Means of Egress Components (Clause 7.1):

• Exit Access: Path from any point to an exit.
• Exit: The actual exit point from the building.
• Exit Discharge: Path from exit to public way.

Summary Table of Corridor Widths

flowchart LR
    A[Any Point in Building] --> B[Exit Access]
    B --> C[Exit]
    C --> D[Exit Discharge]
    D --> E[Public Way]

This ensures a continuous, unobstructed path from any location inside the hotel to safety outside.

IS 13716: Emergency Power Supply and Lighting - Key Points

1. Emergency Illumination Requirements (Clauses 7.4, 7.4.1, 7.4.4)

• Illumination of exits, corridors, staircases, basements, and exit signage must be maintained by emergency power.
• Failure of any bulb or connection shall not cause total darkness in any area (redundant lighting or multiple lamps recommended).
• Emergency lighting can be from:
  • Diesel generator-driven power supply, or
  • Self-contained emergency lights.

2. Stand-by Power Supply (Clause 8.1)

• Must be independent from normal power supply.
• Diesel generator(s) capacity must cover:
  • Emergency lighting (exits, corridors, staircases, basements).
  • Mechanical ventilation in basements or centrally air-conditioned buildings.
  • Fire water pumps (unless a separate diesel pump is provided).
  • Other emergency automatic firefighting systems.

3. Typical Specification Table for Emergency Lighting Load

Generator Sizing Formula (Simplified)

[ \text{Generator Capacity (kVA)} = \frac{\text{Total Emergency Load (kW)}}{\text{Power Factor (usually 0.8)}} ]

• Include all emergency loads: lighting, ventilation, pumps, firefighting systems.
• Add 10-20% margin for safety.

flowchart LR
    A[Normal Power Supply] -->|Failure| B[Stand-by Diesel Generator]
    B --> C[Emergency Lighting]
    B --> D[Mechanical Ventilation]
    B --> E[Fire Water Pump]
    B --> F[Firefighting Systems]

Summary:
Ensure emergency lighting is redundant and continuous with an independent diesel generator sized for all critical emergency loads per IS 13716 clauses.

IS 13716: Fire Safety & Fighting Equipment - Key Points

Essential Fire Safety Systems (Clause 9.1)

All hotel buildings must have:

• Internal hydrant/sprinkler system per IS 3844:1989
• Automatic fire detection & alarm system per IS 2189:1988
• Automatic emulsifier/Halon system
• Portable fire extinguishers per IS 2190:1992
• Public address system integrated or independent of fire alarm
• Kitchen fire protection: Automatic/manual Halon, CO2, or dry powder extinguishers in hoods and ducts

Stand-by Power Supply (Clause 8.1)

Must support:

• Emergency lighting (corridors, staircases, basements, exit signs)
• Mechanical ventilation (basements or central AC)
• Fire water pump (unless diesel pump backup exists)
• Other emergency fire fighting systems

Related IS Codes (Clause 2.1)

Fire Safety Management (Clause 4.1)

Focus on:

• Management responsibility
• Smoke/fire containment
• Safe escape routes
• Emergency power & lighting
• Fire safety/fighting equipment provision

Summary Table: Fire Fighting Equipment per IS 13716

flowchart TD

IS 13716: Key Points on Written Fire Safety Policy & Equipment

1. Written Fire Safety Policy (Clause 5.1 & Annex A)

• Management Responsibility: Hotel management must issue a written fire safety and loss control policy to all employees.
• Policy Highlights:
  • Commitment to fire prevention and property loss control.
  • Life safety of customers and employees is paramount.
  • Fire safety responsibility vested with the Chief Executive.
  • Every employee must contribute actively to fire prevention.

2. Fire Safety Equipment Requirements (Clause 9.1, Table 9)

All hotel buildings, regardless of height, must have:

3. Related Indian Standards (Clause 2.1)

• IS 1641, 1642, 1644: Fire safety building codes.
• IS 2189: Fire detection & alarm systems.
• IS 2190: Portable fire extinguishers.
• IS 3844: Internal hydrants & hose reels.
• SP 7: National Building Code of India.

Summary Diagram: Fire Safety Management Framework

graph TD
    A[Hotel Management] --> B[Written Fire Safety Policy]
    B --> C[Employee Awareness & Responsibility]
    A --> D[Fire Safety Equipment Installation]
    D --> E[Internal Hydrants & Sprinklers (IS 3844)]
    D --> F[Detection & Alarm Systems (IS 2189)]
    D --> G[Portable Extinguishers (IS 2190)]
    D --> H[Kitchen Fire Protection]
    C --> I[Fire Prevention & Loss Control]

Use this policy and equipment framework to ensure compliance and safety in hotel buildings as per IS 13716.

IS 13716 - Committee Composition (Fire Safety Sectional Committee, CED 36)

Key Points:

• The committee includes representatives from various sectors:

  • Government bodies (e.g., Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, Central Public Works Department)
  • Fire authorities (e.g., Chief Fire Officer, Municipal Corporations)
  • Engineering institutions (e.g., Institution of Engineers, Institution of Fire Engineers)
  • Industry experts (e.g., Tata Consulting Engineers, Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd)
  • Private sector and consultants (e.g., Lloyds Institution, Vijay Fire Protection Systems)

• Member Secretary: Shri Hemant Kumar, Joint Director (Civil Engineering), BIS

• Ex-officio Member: Shri Y. R. Taneja, Director General, BIS

Summary Table of Committee Composition:

Related Standards Referenced in IS 13716:

This committee ensures the standard's technical robustness by involving multidisciplinary experts, aligning with national fire safety codes and practices.