Recommendations for fire precautionary measures in the construction of temporary structures and pandals (BI-LINGUAL)

IS 8758 Part B – Scope Summary

• Scope (Clause 3.1):
  Covers materials, design, construction, and fabrication of fire-resistant structures/devices.

  • Must ensure minimum fire resistance of 10 minutes or the total evacuation time, whichever is greater.

• Key Specification:
  Fire resistance time ≥ max(10 minutes, total evacuation time)

• Purpose:
  To ensure safety by allowing sufficient time for evacuation during fire incidents.

Practical Note:

• Design fire resistance based on expected evacuation time for the specific building/use.
• Use fire-resistant materials and construction methods as per IS 8758 guidelines.

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Design Fire-Resistant Structure] --> B{Determine Evacuation Time}
    B -->|Evacuation Time < 10 mins| C[Set Fire Resistance = 10 mins]
    B -->|Evacuation Time ≥ 10 mins| D[Set Fire Resistance = Evacuation Time]
    C --> E[Select Materials & Design Accordingly]
    D --> E
    E --> F[Construct & Fabricate as per IS 8758]
    F --> G[Achieve Fire Resistance Compliance]

For detailed design and material specifications, refer to full IS 8758 Part B text and related fire safety codes.

IS 8758 Part B: Referenced Standards - Key Points

Referenced Standards are essential adjuncts to IS 8758 Part B, ensuring comprehensive fire safety and structural integrity.

Key Referenced IS Codes (Clause 2.1)

• IS 1646:1982 — Code of Practice for Fire Safety of Buildings (General): Electrical Installations

General Requirements (Clause 3.1)

• Materials, design, fabrication must ensure minimum fire resistance of 10 minutes or total evacuation time, whichever is greater.

Important Notes:

• The standards referenced provide guidelines on fire resistance, electrical safety, and construction practices.
• Compliance with these referenced standards is mandatory for holistic fire safety in temporary structures and pandals.

Summary Table:

For detailed fire safety design, refer to IS 1646 for electrical installations and related fire precautionary measures.

flowchart LR
    A[IS 8758 Part B] --> B[Fire Resistance: Min 10 min]
    A --> C[Referenced Standards]
    C --> D[IS 1646:1982 - Electrical Fire Safety]
    B --> E[Material & Design Compliance]
    D --> E

Contact BIS or consult the full standards for detailed tables and formulas on fire resistance ratings.

IS 8758 Part B: General Requirements Summary

Key Specifications (Clause 3.1)

• Minimum fire resistance: Structures/devices must resist fire for at least 10 minutes or the total evacuation time, whichever is greater.
• Applies to materials, design, construction, fabrication within the scope.

Relevant Standards (Clause 2.1)

• Refer to IS 1646:1982 for electrical installations fire safety guidelines.

Fire Precautionary Measures (Clause 3)

• Temporary structures and pandals must follow fire precautionary recommendations to ensure safety during occupancy.

Fire Resistance Time Table (Clause 3.2 - Example format)

(Note: Exact values to be confirmed from full Table 4 in Clause 3.2)

Summary Diagram of Fire Resistance Requirement

flowchart LR
    A[Design & Materials] --> B{Fire Resistance Time}
    B -->|≥ 10 min| C[Meets IS 8758 Part B]
    B -->|< 10 min| D[Revise Design]
    C --> E[Safe for Evacuation]

Use IS 1646 and IS 8758 together for comprehensive fire safety design in temporary structures.

IS 8758 Part B: Location and Safety Distances - Key Points

1. Safety Distance Requirements (Clause 4.3)

• Minimum safety distance of 15 m must be maintained between temporary structures and:
  • Furnace
  • Railway line
  • Electrical sub-station
  • Chimney
  • High tension wires or similar hazards

2. Clearing Area Around Temporary Structures (Clause 9.1)

• Ground enclosed by the structure plus an additional 4.5 m outside must be cleared of:
  • Combustible materials
  • Vegetation
  • Obstructions to movement

3. Access and Capacity (Clause 6.2)

• Number of persons admitted must not exceed the capacity calculated as per Clause 6.1 (usually based on floor area and exit widths).

4. Location Table (Clause 3.2)

• Specifies permissible locations for temporary structures relative to hazards (refer IS 8758 Part B Table 4).

Summary Table

flowchart LR
    A[Temporary Structure] -->|15 m| B[Furnace/Railway/Electrical Sub-station/Chimney/HT Wire]
    A -->|4.5 m clearance| C[Combustible Material Free Zone]
    A --> D[Access & Exits per Capacity]

Ensure compliance with these distances to maintain safety and regulatory adherence.

IS 8758 Part B: Means of Access - Key Points

1. Safety Distance (Clause 4.3)

• Maintain minimum 15 m clearance from hazards like:
  • Furnace
  • Railway line
  • Electrical sub-station
  • Chimney
  • High tension wires

2. Access Specifications (Clause 5.1)

• Gate clear opening: Minimum 5 m width
• Archway height: Minimum 5 m from ground level
• Ensures easy approach and emergency access

3. Capacity Control (Clause 6.2)

• Number of persons allowed ≤ capacity calculated per Clause 6.1 (not detailed here, but typically based on area and occupant density)

4. Means of Escape (Clause 11.3)

• Gangways, exits must be unobstructed
• Fire safety equipment (buckets, extinguishers) must be visible and accessible

Summary Table

flowchart LR
    A[Temporary Structure] --> B[Maintain 15m Safety Distance]
    A --> C[Gate Opening ≥ 5m]
    A --> D[Archway Height ≥ 5m]
    A --> E[Capacity ≤ Clause 6.1]
    A --> F[Unobstructed Exits & Visible Fire Equipment]

This ensures safe, easy access and egress for temporary structures per IS 8758 Part B.

IS 8758 Part B: Capacity and Occupancy Key Points

Capacity Calculation (Clause 6.1)

• Capacity = Number of fixed seats + allowance for standing/movable seats.
• Standing allowance: 1 person per 0.50 m² of floor area designated for standing/movable seats.
• Bench seating: 450 mm length along an undivided bench/platform = 1 seat.
• Excluded areas: Ramps, aisles, passageways, and circulation spaces do not count towards capacity or standing space.

Occupancy Limit (Clause 6.2)

• Number of persons admitted ≤ Computed capacity (from 6.1).

Exits (Clause 7)

• Minimum exit width: 1.5 m per exit.
• If standard provisions (7.1) are not met, provide adequate unrestricted exits based on capacity (7.3 to 7.9).

Summary Table for Capacity

flowchart TD
    A[Floor Area] --> B{Designated for?}
    B -->|Fixed seats| C[Count seats]
    B -->|Standing/movable seats| D[Area ÷ 0.5 m² per person]
    C --> E[Sum seats]
    D --> E
    E --> F[Total Capacity]
    F --> G[Check Occupancy ≤ Capacity]
    G --> H[Provide exits ≥ 1.5 m width]

This ensures safe, code-compliant assembly occupancy and egress design.

IS 8758 Part B: Enclosure and Exits Key Points

1. Occupancy Limit (Clause 6.2)

• Maximum persons allowed = Capacity computed as per Clause 6.1 (based on area and usage).

2. Exits Requirements (Clause 7.2 - 7.9)

• If Clause 7.1 provisions can't be met, provide adequate and unrestricted exits based on assembly capacity.

3. Minimum Number and Width of Exits (Clause 7.3 & 1.5)

• Minimum 2 exits for any temporary structure.
• Each exit width ≥ 2.5 m (Clause 7.3).
• Minimum width of each exit should not be less than 1.5 m (Clause 1.5).

Summary Table for Exits:

Diagram: Exit Layout for Temporary Structure

graph LR
    A[Temporary Structure] --> B(Exit 1: ≥ 2.5 m width)
    A --> C(Exit 2: ≥ 2.5 m width)
    B --- C

Note: Ensure exits are unrestricted, well-marked, and located at opposite ends for safe evacuation.

IS 8758 Part B — Electrical Arrangements Key Points

Relevant Clauses Summary:

• Clause 8.1:

  • Temporary lighting must be installed by a licensed electrical engineer.
  • Load per circuit, insulation tests, and installation must comply with IS 1646:1982 (Fire safety code for electrical installations).

• Clause 8.2:

  • Electrical wiring must use PVC sheathed conductors or vulcanized rubber cables of tough rubber.
  • All joints must be made with porcelain insulated connectors.
  • Twisted and taped joints are prohibited.

Important Specifications:

Notes:

• Refer to IS 1646:1982 for detailed electrical load calculations, circuit design, and fire safety practices.
• Ensure all wiring and joints follow the specified standards to prevent fire hazards.

flowchart TD
    A[Temporary Lighting Installation] --> B[Licensed Electrical Engineer]
    B --> C[Load per Circuit & Insulation Test]
    C --> D[Compliance with IS 1646:1982]
    D --> E[Use PVC Sheathed or Vulcanized Rubber Cables]
    E --> F[Joints with Porcelain Insulated Connectors]
    F --> G[No Twisted & Taped Joints Allowed]

This ensures safe, fire-resistant electrical arrangements in temporary pandal structures.

Fire Protection Measures as per IS 8758 Part B

1. Fire Fighting Equipment (Clause 10.2)

• Fire Buckets:
  • Minimum 2 buckets per 50 m² floor area
• Water Extinguishers:
  • Minimum 1 water-type extinguisher (9 litres) per 100 m² floor area
• Electrical Fire Extinguishers:
  • For each switchgear, main meter, stage area: 1 CO₂ or BCF extinguisher of adequate size

2. Water Supply for Fire Fighting (Clause 10.1)

• Minimum water supply:
  • 0.75 litres/m² of floor area
• Storage:
  • Stored in buckets/drums
  • Half quantity inside the structure, half outside nearby
  • Always readily available for immediate use

3. Fire Resistance of Materials (Clause 3.1)

• Minimum fire resistance of materials, design, and construction:
  • At least 10 minutes or total evacuation time, whichever is greater

4. Prohibited Items (Clause 8.5)

• No halogen lamps allowed inside temporary structures/pandals

Summary Table:

flowchart LR
    A[Temporary Structure] --> B[Fire Buckets (2 per 50 m²)]
    A --> C[Water Extinguishers (1 per 100 m²)]
    A --> D[Water Supply (0.75 L/m²)]
    A --> E[Electrical Fire Extinguishers (CO₂/BCF)]
    A --> F[Materials Fire Resistance ≥ 10 mins]
    A --> G[No Halogen Lamps Allowed]

This ensures compliance with

IS 8758 Part B – Fire Fighting Arrangements: Key Points

1. Water Supply for Fire Fighting (Clause 10.1)

• Minimum water supply: 0.75 liters/m² of floor area.
• Water stored in buckets/drums, half inside and half outside the structure.
• Buckets/receptacles must be clearly marked and readily accessible.

2. Fire Buckets and Extinguishers (Clause 10.2)

3. Kitchen Area (Clause 9.6)

• Kitchen must be segregated from main structure.
• Preferably constructed with GI sheets to reduce fire risk.

4. Additional Provisions (Clause 10.3.1)

• Local authority may require standby fire service.
• Adequate water supply must be ensured for such services.

Summary Table

flowchart LR
    A[Temporary Structure] --> B[Water Supply: 0.75 l/m²]
    B --> C[Buckets: 2 per 50 m²]
    B --> D[Water Extinguisher: 9L per 100 m²]
    A --> E[Electrical Installations]
    E --> F[CO₂/BCF Extinguisher per switchgear/meter/stage]
    A --> G[Kitchen Area]
    G --> H[Segregated, GI Sheets]
    A

IS 8758 Part B: Maintenance and Inspection Key Points

Maintenance (Clause 11.1)

• Temporary structures must be kept safe and sanitary.
• All devices and safeguards required by the standard must be maintained in good working condition.

Inspection (Clause 11.2)

• Periodic inspection of temporary structures is mandatory.
• Any deterioration or defects must be reported immediately to the authority for corrective action.

Fire Resistance (Clause 3.1)

• Materials and construction must ensure a minimum fire resistance of 10 minutes or the total evacuation time, whichever is greater.

Practical Guidelines for Maintenance & Inspection

Summary Formula for Fire Resistance Time

[ t_{fire} \geq \max(10 \text{ minutes}, t_{evacuation}) ]

Where:

• (t_{fire}) = Required fire resistance time
• (t_{evacuation}) = Total evacuation time for the structure

flowchart TD
    A[Temporary Structure] --> B[Periodic Inspection]
    B --> C{Defects Found?}
    C -- Yes --> D[Report to Authority]
    C -- No --> E[Continue Operation]
    D --> F[Remedial Action]
    F --> E
    E --> G[Maintain Fire Resistance ≥ 10 min]

Note: Always refer to the latest IS 8758 Part B for detailed inspection checklists and maintenance procedures.

Committee Composition - IS 8758 Part b

From Annex A (Foreword):

• The Committee responsible for IS 8758 Part b includes experts from:
  • Fire Safety Sectional Committee, CED 36
  • Tariff Advisory Committees (Bombay, Madras)
  • Institution of Engineers (India)
  • Ministry of Defence (DR & DO, Engineer-in-Chief's Branch)
  • Municipal Corporations (Bombay, Delhi)
  • Central Public Works Department
  • Various Engineering and Fire Safety organizations (Tata Consulting Engineers, Lloyds Institution, Mather and Platt Ltd, Hindustan Construction Co Ltd, etc.)
  • Representatives from Central Electricity Authority, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, National Thermal Power Corporation, and others.
  • Director General, BIS (Ex-officio Member)

Key Points:

• The committee comprises multidisciplinary experts from government, industry, and research institutions.
• Members have designated alternates ensuring continuity.
• The committee oversees standards related to fire safety and outdoor assembly structures.

Relevant Specifications from Clauses:

• Capacity Calculation (Clause 6.1): [ \text{Capacity} = \text{Number of fixed seats} + \frac{\text{Standing area (m}^2)}{0.5} ]

  • 450 mm bench length = 1 seat.
  • Exclude aisles, ramps, passageways from capacity area.

• Admission Limit (Clause 6.2):

  • Persons admitted ≤ computed capacity.

• Seating Clearance (Clause 7.9):

  • Minimum clearance between rows = 55 cm (30 cm for self-folding seats).

flowchart TD
    A[Committee Composition] --> B[Government Agencies]
    A --> C[Industry Experts]
    A --> D[Research Institutes]
    A --> E[Fire Safety Authorities]
    B --> F[Ministry of Defence, BIS, CEA]
    C --> G[Tata Consulting Engineers, Hindustan Construction]
    D --> H[CSIR, Metallurgical Engg. Consultants]
    E --> I[Institution of Fire Engineers, Fire Advisers]

Summary:
IS 8758 Part b’s committee is a multidisciplinary panel ensuring comprehensive fire safety standards, with clear capacity and seating guidelines for outdoor assembly structures.