Functional Requirements for Water Tender Type 'A' for Fire Brigade Use

IS 948: Scope & Key Specifications Summary

Scope:
IS 948 covers specifications for fire brigade water tenders including construction, equipment, and performance criteria.

Key Specifications (Clause 2.2):

Equipment & Accessories (Appendix A highlights):

• Hose-clamps, hose-bandages, hose-straps (IS 5612 Parts I & II)
• Aluminium & wooden extension ladders
• Suction hoses, delivery couplings, nozzles (IS 903 series)
• Portable chemical fire extinguishers (dry powder & foam)
• Various ropes, lamps, tools (axes, spades, crow-bar, etc.)
• First-aid box, rubber gloves, asbestos gauntlets

Rounding off values:

Follow IS 2-1960 for rounding test/analysis results matching significant figures of specified values.

This summary ensures compliance with IS 948 for fire brigade water tenders regarding design, performance, and equipment.

IS 948: Water Tank Capacity & Chassis Requirements Summary

1. Water Tank Capacity (Clause 4.2 & 2.1)

• Capacity range: 2,700 to 3,600 litres depending on chassis type.

2. Tank Construction & Mounting (Clause 4.2.1)

• Material: Mild steel with anti-corrosion treatment.
• Thickness:
  • Tank body & baffles (except bottom): min 3 mm
  • Bottom: min 4 mm
• Baffles:
  • Minimum 2 for 2,700 L tank.
  • Minimum 3 for tanks > 2,700 L.
  • Arranged to prevent surge and allow man passage for cleaning.
• Mounting:
  • On at least 3 cross members for load distribution and chassis flexing.
  • Secure but removable.

3. Chassis & Vehicle Performance (Clause 2.2)

Summary Diagram: Tank Mounting & Baffle Arrangement

flowchart TB
    A[Water Tank] --> B{Baffles}
    B -->|2 for 2700L| C[Baffle 1, Baffle 2]
    B -->|3 for >2700L| D[Baffle 1, Baffle 2, Baffle 3]
    A --> E[Mounted on ≥3 Cross Members]
    E --> F[Load Distribution on Axles]
    A -.-> G[Anti-corrosion Treated Mild Steel]
    A -.-> H[

IS 948 - Portable Pump Specifications for Fire Fighting

Key Specifications (Clause 4.3 & 2.2)

• Pump Capacity: 275 LPM (liters per minute) portable pump conforming to IS 942-1982.
• Mounting: Preferably behind the water tank.
• Mobility: Pump frame with two quickly detachable solid-tyred road wheels.

Water Tender Vehicle Requirements (Clause 2.2)

Additional Notes

• Pump mobility: Quick-detachable wheels aid transport.
• Vehicle braking: Foot brake stops within 15 m at 48 km/h; hand brake holds on 1 in 4 gradient.
• Locker lighting & doors (Clause 4.4.4): Internal automatic lighting with cab meter switch; spring-loaded flush fitting doors, side lockers not hinged at bottom.

flowchart LR
    A[Water Tender Vehicle] --> B[Portable Pump 275 LPM]
    B --> C[Mounted behind water tank]
    B --> D[Two detachable solid-tyred wheels]
    A --> E[Vehicle Specs]
    E --> F[Gross mass ≥ 8500 kg]
    E --> G[Max speed 72 km/h]
    E --> H[Acceleration 0-50 km/h in 45s]
    E --> I[Gradient 1 in 4]
    E --> J[Braking ≤ 15 m at 48 km/h]

This summary ensures compliance with IS 948 for portable pumps and water tender vehicles used in firefighting.

IS 948: Crew Compartment and Accommodation Key Points

• Crew Compartment Size & Capacity (Clause 4.4.1):

  • Enclosed accommodation for 6 persons (including driver & crew incharge) in the driver-cum-crew compartment.
  • Two doors on each side, hinged outward, hung forward.
  • Doors must have catch locks and flush type handles.

• Lockers for Equipment (Clause 4.4.3):

  • Lockers to secure equipment as per Appendix A (except SI No. 1, 2, 26, 44).
  • Minimum locker height: 600 mm (bottom to top of opening).

Summary Table for Crew Compartment

Diagram: Door Opening & Locker Position

graph LR
A[Driver-Cum-Crew Compartment]
A --> B[Two Doors Each Side]
B --> C{Door Hinged Outward}
B --> D[Catch Lock & Flush Handle]
A --> E[Lockers for Equipment]
E --> F[Height ≥ 600 mm]

This ensures safe, ergonomic access and secure equipment storage as per IS 948.

IS 948: Lockers and Equipment Storage - Key Points

Locker Dimensions & Construction (Clauses 4.4.2, 4.4.3)

• Locker height (opening): ≥ 600 mm
• Material: All-metal construction with sufficient rigidity; use pressed sections for strength and lightness.
• Reinforcement: Lockers must be reinforced to maintain shape and durability.

Locker Doors & Lighting (Clause 4.4.4)

• Lighting: Internal automatic lighting with meter switch in cab.
• Door mechanism: Flush-fitting spring-loaded locks.
• Door hinge: Side locker doors must not be hinged at the bottom (to avoid accidental opening).

Equipment Stowage

• Lockers must secure all equipment listed in Appendix A except items at SI No. 1, 2, 26, and 44.
• Refer to Appendix A (Clause 0.2.1) for detailed equipment schedule.

Summary Table: Locker Specification

flowchart LR
    A[Equipment List (Appendix A)] --> B[Lockers]
    B --> C{Exclude SI No. 1,2,26,44}
    C --> D[Lockers with ≥ 600 mm opening height]
    D --> E[All-metal construction]
    E --> F[Doors with spring-loaded locks]
    F --> G[Internal automatic lighting]

For detailed equipment sizes and locker layout, consult Appendix A of IS 948.

IS 948 - Electrical System Key Points

1. Electrical Circuits (Clause 4.1.2)

• Separate fuses for all important circuits.
• Fuses grouped in a common fuse-box in driver's cab.
• Fuse-box must have spare fuses storage.
• Wiring: single pole type.

2. Mandatory Electrical Accessories (Clause 6.2.1)

Fuse & Wiring Notes:

• Use appropriate fuse ratings per circuit load.
• Wiring should follow single pole system for simplicity and safety.

flowchart LR
    A[Electrical Circuits] --> B[Fuse Box in Driver's Cab]
    B --> C[Separate Fuses + Spare Fuses]
    A --> D[Single Pole Wiring]
    A --> E[Accessories]
    E --> F[Fire Bell]
    E --> G[Head & Fog Lamps]
    E --> H[Reversing & Amber Blinker Lights]
    E --> I[Siren & Search Light]
    E --> J[Spot & Inspection Lamps]
    E --> K[Tail Lamps & Reflectors]
    E --> L[Public Address System]

This summary aligns with IS 948 requirements for a fire appliance's electrical system.

IS 948 Key Specifications for Vehicle Dimensions & Performance (Water Tender Type 'A')

Notes:

• Water tank capacity increased to 3600 litres due to diesel chassis payload.
• Acceleration revised due to diesel engine power limits.

Performance Formula (Basic):

• Acceleration (a) = Δv / Δt = (50 km/h × 1000/3600 m/s) / 45 s ≈ 0.31 m/s²

graph LR
A[Start from Rest] --> B[Accelerate to 50 km/h in 45s]
B --> C[Maintain Max Speed 72 km/h]
C --> D[Brake to Stop within 15m at 48 km/h]
D --> E[Hold on 1 in 4 Gradient using Hand Brake]

This summarizes critical vehicle performance and dimension criteria per IS 948 for water tenders.

IS 948 - Accessories and Additional Equipment (Clause 6.2)

Key Specifications for Accessories:

• Fire Bell:

  • Diameter: 250 mm
  • Mounted externally, hand-operated, operable from inside driving compartment.

• Lighting:

  • Head Lamps: 2 units
  • Fog Lamps: 2 units
  • Reversing Light: Positioned for reversing assistance
  • Amber Blinker Lights: On top of driving compartment
  • Trafficators: Illuminated indicators on instrument panel
  • Tail Lamps: 2 combined stop and tail lamps
  • Rear Reflectors: Provided for visibility

• Other Equipment:

  • Wind Screen Wipers
  • Tools: For routine maintenance excluding chassis kit
  • Siren: Battery operated
  • Search Light: Adjustable flood/beam, detachable with tripod and ≥30 m TRS cable
  • Spot Light: Adjustable, rear side of driving compartment
  • Inspection Lamp: Protected, plug-in on control panel
  • Cab, Instrument Panel, Locker Light
  • Public Address System (if required): Battery operated with mike and external speaker

Notes:

• Accessories must comply with statutory height clearance rules by Transport Authority.
• Rounding off test results per IS:2-1960.

flowchart LR
    A[Fire Bell (250mm)] --> B[Lighting]
    B --> B1[Head Lamps (2)]
    B --> B2[Fog Lamps (2)]
    B --> B3[Reversing Light]
    B --> B4[Amber Blinkers]
    B --> B5[Trafficators]
    B --> B6[Tail Lamps (2)]
    B --> B7[Rear Reflectors]
    A --> C[Other Equipment]
    C --> C1[Wind Screen Wipers]
    C --> C2[Tools]
    C --> C3[Siren]
    C --> C4[Search Light + Tripod + 30m Cable]
    C --> C5[Spot Light]
    C --> C6[Inspection Lamp]
    C --> C7[Cab & Panel Lights]
    C --> C8[Public Address System]

This ensures the appliance is fully equipped for operational safety and statutory compliance.

IS 948: Workmanship and Finish - Key Points

• Clause 5.1: All parts of the appliance must exhibit good workmanship and have a streamlined finish to ensure durability and aesthetic quality.

• Corrosion Resistance (Clause 3.2):

  • Parts in contact with water or exposed to atmosphere must be made of corrosion-resisting materials (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum) or be treated (galvanized, painted) to prevent corrosion.

• Stability (Clause 4.4.8):

  • The appliance must remain stable when tilted up to 30° from horizontal under fully loaded condition (excluding crew).

Summary Table for Workmanship & Finish

Practical Tips:

• Use welding or fastening techniques that avoid sharp edges.
• Apply protective coatings uniformly.
• Ensure dimensional accuracy for parts fitting and assembly.

flowchart LR
    A[Material Selection] --> B{Corrosion Resistance?}
    B -->|Yes| C[Use as is]
    B -->|No| D[Treat Surface]
    C & D --> E[Good Workmanship]
    E --> F[Streamlined Finish]
    F --> G[Final Inspection]

This ensures compliance with IS 948 workmanship and finish standards.

IS 948: Compliance with Statutory Regulations - Key Specifications

1. General Requirements (Clause 2.2):

   • Gross Vehicle Mass: ≥ 8,500 kg (including crew, water, equipment)
   • Maximum Speed (fully laden): 72 km/h on level road
   • Acceleration: 0 to 50 km/h in 45 seconds (fully laden)
   • Gradient Capability: Start and move on 1:4 gradient
   • Braking:
     • Foot brake stops vehicle within 15 m at 48 km/h on dry surface
     • Hand brake holds vehicle on 1:4 gradient in neutral gear
   • Dimensions:

     Parameter	Limit
     Wheel base	≤ 4.30 m
     Turning circle dia	≤ 20 m
     Road clearance	≥ 23 cm
     Overall width	≤ 2.50 m

2. Marking & Accessories (Clause 22.5 & Appendix A):

   • Hose clamps, bandages, straps per IS: 5612 parts I & II
   • Fire fighting hoses, nozzles, suction heads per relevant IS codes (e.g., IS 903, IS 1904)
   • Essential tools like hydraulic jack (7.5 tonnes), fire hook, gloves (IS 4770), axes (IS 703), pick axe (IS 273), crow-bar (IS 704), etc.
   • Safety & operational equipment such as lamps, extinguishers (dry powder IS 2171, foam IS 933), ropes (IS 1084)

3. Statutory Compliance:

   • Conform to Transport Authority height clearance rules.
   • Final test values rounded per IS 2-1960.

Summary Table of Key Vehicle Parameters