Code of practice for fire safety of industrial buildings: General storage and warehousing including cold storage

IS 3594 - Scope Overview & Key References

Scope:
IS 3594 primarily deals with safety provisions related to specific building services and installations. It references several related Indian Standards essential for comprehensive safety compliance.

Key Referenced IS Codes (Annex A - Clause 2.1)

Notes:

• These codes cover fire safety, mechanical refrigeration, air conditioning, fire detection, extinguishers, and water supply for firefighting.
• IS 3594 is a complementary standard, requiring adherence to these codes for holistic safety.
• For detailed design, installation, and maintenance, consult the respective IS codes above.

Summary Diagram: Scope & Related IS Codes

graph LR
    A[IS 3594 Scope] --> B[Air Conditioning Safety (IS 659)]
    A --> C[Mechanical Refrigeration Safety (IS 660)]
    A --> D[Fire Safety of Buildings (IS 1641, 1642, 1646)]
    A --> E[Fire Detection & Alarm (IS 2189)]
    A --> F[Fire Extinguishers (IS 2190)]
    A --> G[Fire Check Doors (IS 3614 Part 1)]
    A

IS 3594: Referenced Indian Standards (Clause 2.1 & Annex A)

This standard refers to essential Indian Standards related to fire safety, air conditioning, refrigeration, and fire-fighting equipment:

Key Notes:

• These standards complement IS 3594 for comprehensive fire safety and mechanical system safety.
• Compliance with these referenced IS codes ensures adherence to best practices in design, installation, and maintenance.
• For detailed requirements, refer to each IS document individually.

flowchart LR
    A[IS 3594] --> B[IS 659: Air Conditioning Safety]
    A --> C[IS 660: Mechanical Refrigeration Safety]
    A --> D[IS 1641/1642/1646: Fire Safety of Buildings]
    A --> E[IS 2189: Fire Detection & Alarm]
    A --> F[IS 2190: Fire Extinguishers]
    A --> G[IS 3614: Fire Check Doors]
    A --> H[IS 9668: Water Supply for Fire Fighting]

For full compliance, consult the latest editions of these standards from BIS.

IS 3594 - Definitions & Key Specifications

• Clause 3.0: Defines terms used in the code for clarity and uniformity.
• Annex A (Clause 2.1): Lists related Indian Standards essential for comprehensive application:
  • IS 659: Safety code for air conditioning
  • IS 660: Safety code for mechanical refrigeration
  • IS 1641, 1642, 1646: Fire safety codes for buildings (general)
  • IS 2189, 2190: Fire detection, alarm systems, and portable fire extinguishers
  • IS 3614 (Part 1): Fire check doors specification
  • IS 9668: Water supplies for fire fighting

Important Notes:

• These referenced standards complement IS 3594 for holistic safety and fire protection design.
• Definitions ensure consistent interpretation across these standards.
• Contact BIS regional offices for detailed code clarifications or updates.

Summary Table of Key Referenced IS Codes

For practical engineering use, always cross-reference these IS codes for detailed definitions and safety provisions when applying IS 3594.

IS 3594: Site Selection and Layout - Key Points

1. Site Distance from Railways (Clause 4.2)

• Buildings and open storage must be ≥ 50 m away from railway lines, sidings, or yards with locomotives to avoid vibration and safety hazards.

2. Compound Area (Clause 5.1 & 8)

• When storage buildings have their own compound, the compound area should meet the specifications in Clause 8 (refer to IS 3594 for detailed area requirements based on storage type and capacity).

3. Floor Areas (Clause 6.1.1)

• Floor areas must be designed considering:
  • Storage capacity
  • Handling equipment
  • Movement space for loading/unloading

4. Cold Storage Buildings (Clause 6.2)

• Special layout considerations include:
  • Thermal insulation zones
  • Air circulation paths
  • Proximity to power and water supply

Summary Table: Minimum Distances and Areas

flowchart LR
    A[Site Selection] --> B[Distance from Railway ≥ 50m]
    A --> C[Compound Area as per Clause 8]
    A --> D[Floor Area per Storage Needs]
    A --> E[Cold Storage Layout Considerations]
    E --> F[Thermal Insulation]
    E --> G[Air Circulation]
    E --> H[Utility Proximity]

For detailed dimensions and layout, refer directly to IS 3594 Clause 8 and related sub-clauses.

IS 3594: Building Construction & Compartmentation Key Points

1. Compartmentation (Clauses 6.1.1.2, 6.2.3)

• Max compartment area per floor:
  • Storeyed floors: As per 6.1.1.1 (not specified here)
  • Basement floors: ≤ 500 m²
  • Individual compartment (divided by separating walls): ≤ 750 m²
• Floors must have 2-hour fire resistance.
• Openings in floors must be protected to maintain 2-hour fire resistance.

2. Roadways & Access (Clause 5.2)

• Roadways alongside godowns: ≥ 5 m wide (for fire engine manoeuvring).
• Compound gates: ≥ 4.5 m wide with sufficient headroom.

3. Fire Protection Systems (Clause 6.2.7)

• If no automatic sprinklers, install automatic fire alarm system per IS 2189:1988.
• Alarm system should cover area above false ceilings and walls.

Summary Table

flowchart TD
    A[Storeyed Floor] -->|Compartmented| B[Compartment ≤ 750 m²]
    A --> C[Floor Fire Resistance 2 hrs]
    D[Basement Floor] -->|Compartment ≤ 500 m²| E[Compartment]
    F[Roadway] -->|≥ 5 m wide| G[Fire Engine Access]
    H[Compound Gate] -->|≥ 4.5 m wide| I[Fire Engine Passage]
    J[Fire Protection] -->|No sprinklers| K[Automatic Fire Alarm (IS 2189)]

IS 3594: Fire Resistance & Separating Walls - Key Points

Fire Resistance & Separating Walls (Clauses 3.5, 7, 15.0)

• Separating Walls must comply with IS 1642:1989 specifications.
• For facing godowns:
  • Distance > 15 m between walls.
  • One wall must be a separating wall: fully blank (no openings).
  • Openings in facing walls require:
    • Fire check doors or wired glass (approved type).
    • A drencher system for fire protection.
• Storage compartments formed by separating walls should not exceed 750 m³ floor area.

Fire Alarm & Sprinkler Systems (Clause 6.2.7)

• If automatic sprinklers are not mandatory, install an automatic fire alarm system per IS 2189:1988, covering areas above false ceilings.

Summary Table

flowchart TD
    A[Facing Godowns] -->|Distance > 15m| B[Separating Wall (Blank)]
    B --> C[Storage Compartments ≤ 750 m³]
    A --> D[Openings in walls]
    D --> E[Fire Check Doors/Wired Glass + Drencher System]
    F[Fire Alarm System] -->|If no sprinklers| G[IS 2189 compliant]

This ensures compartmentalization and fire safety per IS 3594.

IS 3594 - Storage Arrangements and Segregation (Clause 9.5)

Key Points on Segregation of Materials:

• 9.5.1: Hazardous & extra-hazardous materials must be segregated from each other and from non-hazardous materials.

• 9.5.2: Materials hazardous in combination must be stored separately in segregated areas to prevent dangerous reactions.

• 9.5.7: Fire hazard characteristics of materials should be identified in advance. If unknown, assume materials are hazardous and segregate accordingly.

Practical Guidelines:

Additional Notes:

• Specific commodities like rubber, gases, acids, flammable liquids require special safety codes (not covered here).
• Segregation reduces risk of fire, explosion, or chemical reaction.
• Use fire-resistant walls, distance, and ventilation to enhance safety.

graph LR
A[Hazardous Materials] -->|Separate| B[Extra-Hazardous Materials]
A -->|Separate| C[Non-Hazardous Materials]
D[Incompatible Materials] -.->|Physical Barrier/Distance| A
E[Unknown Hazard] -->|Assume Hazardous| A

For detailed design, consult IS 15905 (flammable liquids), IS 14687 (chemical storage), and relevant fire safety codes.

IS 3594: Outdoor Storage and Clearance Requirements

Key Specifications

• Minimum clearance from godown/warehouse:

  • 15.0 m if outdoor storage faces doors/windows without fire protection.
  • 6.0 m minimum clearance in any case to avoid obstruction of access.

• Fire protection requirements if within 15.0 m:

  • Doorways must have fire-resistant doors/shutters or a drencher system.
  • Windows/openings must be protected with wired glass or a drencher system.

• Exception: Clearance rules can be waived if stored materials are non-combustible (subject to authority approval).

Summary Table

Visual Concept

flowchart LR
    A[Godown/Warehouse] -->|≥ 15 m| B[Outdoor Storage (No fire protection needed)]
    A -->|< 15 m & ≥ 6 m| C[Outdoor Storage (Fire protection required)]
    A -->|< 6 m| D[No outdoor storage allowed (Access blocked)]

Note: Always verify local authority approvals for exceptions and specific fire safety systems.

Key Specifications for Fire Detection & Alarm Systems (IS 3594 referencing IS 2189:1988):

• Automatic Fire Alarm System is mandatory unless the godown has an automatic sprinkler system.
• For large open areas, a well-designed manual fire alarm system is acceptable.
• When sprinklers are not required, install an automatic fire alarm system covering areas above false ceilings and walls.
• Fire compartments should not exceed 750 m²; can increase to 2250 m² if sprinklers are installed.

Relevant IS Code Reference Table

Fire Alarm System Design Considerations:

• Early detection reduces damage.
• Cover all compartments, especially above false ceilings.
• Use automatic detection where possible.
• Manual alarm systems for large open spaces without sprinklers.

Simplified Fire Alarm System Layout

flowchart TD
    A[Fire Detection Sensors] --> B[Fire Alarm Control Panel]
    B --> C[Alarm Sounders & Visual Indicators]
    B --> D[Sprinkler System (if installed)]
    B --> E[Manual Call Points]

Summary:
Use IS 2189:1988 for detailed design. Automatic fire alarms are essential unless sprinklers exist. Compartment size limits ensure effective alarm coverage. Manual alarms suffice for large open areas without sprinklers.

IS 3594: Mechanical & Electrical Equipment Safety - Key Points

Mechanical Equipment Safety (Clause 10)

• Mechanical Handling Equipment (10.1): Must follow safety practices to prevent accidents.
• Refrigeration Equipment (10.2.1):
  • Must comply with IS 660:1963 (Safety code for mechanical refrigeration).
  • Electrical wiring per IS 659:1964 (Safety code for air conditioning).
• Refrigerants (10.2.2): Use only non-combustible refrigerants for safety.

Electrical Installations (Clause 11)

• Refer to IS 1646:1982 for fire safety of electrical installations.
• Follow IS 659:1964 for wiring safety in mechanical refrigeration and air conditioning.
• Ensure compliance with fire grading, classification, and fire fighting provisions from IS 1641, IS 1642, IS 9668.

Important IS Codes for Safety Compliance

Summary Diagram: Safety Compliance Flow

flowchart TD
    A[Mechanical Equipment] --> B[IS 660:1963]
    A --> C[IS 659:1964 (Wiring)]
    D[Refrigerants] --> E[Non-combustible only]
    F[Electrical Installations] --> G[IS 1646:1982]
    F --> H[Fire Safety Codes (IS 1641,1642,9668)]

Note: Always cross-check equipment and installation with the relevant IS codes listed above for detailed safety requirements.

IS 3594: Fire Fighting Arrangements & Water Supply – Key Points

Water Supply System (Clause 13.1.2)

• Storage Area > 750 m² (indoor) or > 2000 m² (outdoor):
  Provide a water supply system with fire hydrants & static water tanks per IS 9668:1980.
• Smaller premises (>8 km from fire station):
  At least one self-fed static water tank ≥ 125,000 litres with access & hardstanding for fire engines.

Fire Brigade (Clause 13.5)

• For large, hazardous, or critical storage installations:
  Provide a full-time Fire Brigade with major firefighting equipment.
  Details to be worked out case-by-case.

Equipment Location (Clause 13.6)

• Mark locations of hydrant valves, landing valves, hand appliances on building plans.
• Display prominently at godown entrances.

Maintenance (Clause 13.4)

• Fixed fire protection systems must undergo periodical inspection and maintenance, possibly via approved maintenance contracts.

Summary Table: Water Tank Capacity Requirements

flowchart LR
    A[Storage Premises] --> B{Area & Location}
    B -->|Indoor > 750 m² or Outdoor > 2000 m²| C[Fire Hydrants + Static Tanks (IS 9668)]
    B -->|Smaller & >8 km from fire station| D[Self-fed Static Tank ≥125,000 L]
    B -->|Large Hazardous Installations| E[Full-time Fire Brigade]
    C & D & E --> F[Maintenance & Inspection]
    F --> G[Marked Equipment Locations]

Note: Refer IS 9668:1980 for detailed tank sizing, hydrant spacing, and pipe sizing.

IS 3594 - Illumination Requirements Summary

• Minimum Illumination:
  Clause 12.1 specifies that all godowns must have a minimum illumination of 50 lux to ensure safe and efficient operations.

• Lighting Fixture Clearance:
  Per Clause 11.2.3.1, all light fittings must maintain a minimum clearance of 75 cm from the highest stacking level to prevent damage and ensure uniform lighting.

• Wiring Requirements:
  Clause 11.4.4 mandates that all wiring (except for bars, copper collectors, or trolley wires) must be enclosed in screwed steel conduits for safety and durability.

Typical Illumination Levels (IS 3646 & IS 3647 reference)

Key Formula for Illumination (E):

[ E = \frac{I \times \cos \theta}{d^2} ]

Where:

• (E) = illuminance (lux)
• (I) = luminous intensity (candela)
• (\theta) = angle of incidence
• (d) = distance from light source (meters)

flowchart LR
    A[Godown Lighting] --> B[Minimum 50 lux]
    A --> C[Light fittings ≥ 75 cm from stacks]
    A --> D[Wiring in steel conduits]

Summary: Ensure godown lighting ≥ 50 lux, maintain 75 cm clearance for fixtures, and use steel conduits for wiring as per IS 3594.

IS 3594: Special Provisions for Cold Storage

Key Clauses Summary:

• Clause 3.1 & 6.2 (Cold Storage Buildings):

  • Structures must accommodate low temperatures and high humidity.
  • Design for thermal insulation, moisture control, and condensation prevention.
  • Structural elements must resist temperature-induced stresses.

• Clause 3.4 (Insulation Boards):

  • Use materials with low thermal conductivity (e.g., expanded polystyrene, polyurethane).
  • Thickness depends on temperature difference and insulation material properties.
  • Typical thermal conductivity: 0.02 - 0.04 W/m·K.

• Clause 10.2.1 (Refrigeration Equipment):

  • Equipment must comply with IS 660:1963.
  • Electrical wiring per IS 659:1964.
  • Ensure compatibility with cold storage environment.

Typical Design Formula for Insulation Thickness (t):

[ t = \frac{k \times (T_i - T_o)}{Q} ]

Where:

• ( t ) = insulation thickness (m)
• ( k ) = thermal conductivity of insulation (W/m·K)
• ( T_i, T_o ) = inside and outside temperatures (°C)
• ( Q ) = allowable heat flux (W/m²)

Important Considerations:

• Structural load: Account for frost, snow, and equipment loads.
• Condensation control: Vapor barriers and proper sealing.
• Material durability: Resistant to moisture and low temperatures.

flowchart TD
    A[Cold Storage Building] --> B[Structural Design]
    A --> C[Insulation Boards]
    A --> D[Refrigeration Equipment]
    B --> E[Temperature Stress Analysis]
    C --> F[Material Selection]
    D --> G[IS 660 & IS 659 Compliance]

For detailed design, refer to IS 3594 clauses and IS 660/659 for equipment and wiring standards.

IS 3594: Inspection, Maintenance & Operational Safety - Key Points

1. Inspection & Maintenance

• Fixed fire protection systems must undergo periodical inspections and maintenance to ensure readiness in emergencies (Clause 13.4).
• Maintenance contracts with approved agencies are recommended for reliability.
• All switchgears and fuses should be enclosed in iron cases; an emergency isolation switch must be provided for safe inspection/repair (Clause 11.4.2).

2. Operational Safety

• For large storage installations with hazardous or valuable goods, provision of a full-time Fire Brigade with major fire-fighting equipment is advised (Clause 13.5).
• Locations of all fire-fighting equipment (hydrant valves, landing valves, hand appliances) must be marked on building plot plans and displayed prominently at entrances (Clause 13.6).

3. Referenced IS Codes for Safety & Maintenance

Summary Table: Maintenance & Safety Checklist

flowchart TD
    A[Fire Protection System Installed] --> B{Periodic Inspection?}
    B -- Yes --> C[Maintain & Repair]
    B -- No --> D[Risk of Failure]
    C --> E[Emergency Ready]
    D --> F[Operational Risk]
    E --> G[Safe Operation]
    F --> G

This ensures safe operational conditions and compliance with IS 3594 safety provisions.

IS 3594: Right to Information & Compliance - Key Points

IS 3594 emphasizes transparency and public access to safety standards under the Right to Information Act, promoting accountability in public authorities.

Key Specifications & References:

• Disclosure: Timely dissemination of standards to the public, especially disadvantaged groups.
• Copyright: BIS publications are copyrighted; reproduction requires permission except for implementation details.
• Safety & Fire Codes Referenced:

Compliance Guidance:

• Follow referenced IS codes for design, installation, and maintenance of safety systems.
• Ensure public access to standards as per RTI Act.
• Maintain records and documentation for audits and transparency.

Summary Diagram: Compliance Flow

flowchart TD
    A[Public Authority] --> B[Maintain Safety Standards]
    B --> C[Implement IS Codes (e.g. IS 1641, IS 2190)]
    C --> D[Documentation & Records]
    D --> E[Provide Information under RTI]
    E --> F[Public Access & Transparency]

For detailed formulas or tables, refer to individual IS codes listed above.