IS 949:2012 specifies the functional requirements for Emergency (Rescue) Tenders used by fire and rescue services. It covers detailed provisions on design, materials, construction, electrical systems, safety features, and equipment to ensure reliability and effectiveness during emergency operations. This standard is essential for manufacturers, engineers, and procurement professionals involved in the design, production, and evaluation of rescue vehicles tailored for fire and special service work.
Overview
IS 949:2012 specifies the functional requirements for Emergency (Rescue) Tenders used by fire and rescue services. It covers detailed provisions on design, materials, construction, electrical systems, safety features, and equipment to ensure reliability and effectiveness during emergency operations. This standard is essential for manufacturers, engineers, and procurement professionals involved in the design, production, and evaluation of rescue vehicles tailored for fire and special service work.
Audience
Contents
Structure
IS 949 Scope Summary: Schedule of Equipment for Fire Appliances
The scope defines the minimum equipment to be carried on fire appliances, adaptable to local conditions and chassis size.
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Breathing apparatus (positive pressure, IS 10245 Part 2) | 6 sets |
| Protective suits (Proximity/chemical) | 4 Nos. |
| Ambu bags | 1 set |
| MFR Kit | 2 sets |
| Woolen blankets (IS 1681) | 6 |
| Oxygen cylinder (spare, 5 litre) | 1 |
| Leather gloves | 2 pairs |
| Chain lifting 5 t (6 m length) | 1 set |
| Chain tackle 2 t (pulley block) | 1 set |
| Tarpaulin (3.5 m × 3.5 m) | 2 Nos. |
| Hydraulic jacks (various capacities) | Multiple Nos. |
| Fireman's axe (IS 703) | 2 Nos. |
| Hydraulic cutters and spreaders | 1 No. each |
| Wireless walkie-talkie sets | 6 sets |
| Thermal imaging camera | 1 No. |
flowchart TD
A[Fire Appliance] --> B[Breathing Apparatus (6 sets)]
A --> C[Protective Suits (4 Nos.)]
A --> D[Hydraulic Tools]
A --> E[Rescue & Safety Equipment
IS 949 - References Summary
IS 949 references several Indian Standards (IS) and equipment specifications essential for compliance and design. Key points:
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| IS 5:2007 | Colours for ready mixed paints and enamels |
| IS 704:1984 | Specification for crow-bars and claw-bars |
| IS 273:1990 | Picks and beaters - Specification |
| IS 841:1983 | Specification for steel hammers |
| IS 274 (Pt 1 & 2) | Specification for shovels (general & heat-treated) |
| IS 927:1981 | Specification for fire hooks |
| IS 1681:1998 | Textiles - Hospital blankets, woolen, dyed |
| IS 4770:1991 | Rubber gloves - Electrical purposes |
| IS 10245 (Pt 2) | Respiratory protective devices - Breathing apparatus |
graph LR
A[IS 949 Standard] --> B[Annex B: Indian Standards]
B --> C[IS 5:2007, IS 704:1984, IS 273:1990, ...]
A --> D[Annex A: Equipment List]
D --> E[Breathing Apparatus (IS 10245)]
D --> F[Protective Suits, Blankets (IS 1681)]
D --> G[Chains, Gloves, Goggles]
Use the latest editions of referenced IS codes for compliance and safety.
Key Specifications (Clause 5.6.7.1 - Superstructure details):
| Member Type | Size (mm) |
|---|---|
| Under frame cross members | 100 × 50 × 5 |
| Floor longitudinal members | 50 × 50 × 6 |
| Vertical members (even side) | 45 × 45 × 20 |
| Skirt member | 45 × 45 × 20 |
| Waist member | 45 × 45 × 20 |
| Top deck longitudinal | 45 × 45 × 20 |
Rounding Off (IS 2:1960):
Additional Notes:
flowchart TD
A[General Requirements] --> B[Superstructure Dimensions]
B --> C[Under frame cross members: 100x50x5 mm]
B --> D[Floor longitudinal members: 50x50x6 mm]
B --> E[Vertical members: 45x45x20 mm]
B --> F[Skirt, Waist, Top deck: 45x45x20 mm]
A --> G[Rounding off per IS 2:1960]
This concise summary aids in quick verification of structural member sizes and rounding rules per IS 949.
| Structural Element | Size (mm) |
|---|---|
| Under frame cross members | 100 × 50 × 5 |
| Floor longitudinal members | 50 × 50 × 6 |
| Vertical members (even side) | 45 × 45 × 20 |
| Skirt member | 45 × 45 × 20 |
| Waist member | 45 × 45 × 20 |
| Top deck longitudinal | 45 × 45 × 20 |
| Member Type | Width (mm) | Height (mm) | Thickness (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under frame cross members | 100 | 50 | 5 |
| Floor longitudinal members | 50 | 50 | 6 |
| Vertical members | 45 | 45 | 20 |
| Skirt/Waist/Top deck | 45 | 45 | 20 |
If you need formulas for structural design (e.g., bending, shear), please specify.
IS 949: Design and Construction Key Specifications
| Member Type | Size (mm) |
|---|---|
| Under frame cross members | 100 × 50 × 5 |
| Floor longitudinal members | 50 × 50 × 6 |
| Vertical members (even side) | 45 × 45 × 20 |
| Skirt member | 45 × 45 × 20 |
| Waist member | 45 × 45 × 20 |
| Top deck longitudinal | 45 × 45 × 20 |
| Parameter | Small Tender | Large Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Vehicle Weight | ≥ 16,000 kg | ≥ 25,000 kg |
| Wheel Base | ≤ 4.50 m | ≤ 5.00 m |
| Turning Circle | ≤ 20 m | ≤ 20 m |
| Road Clearance | ≥ 0.23 m | ≥ 0.23 m |
| Overall Width | ≤ 2.50 m | ≤ 2.50 m |
| Height | ≤ 3.60 m (from ground) | ≤ 3.60 m (from ground) |
graph TD
A[Chassis] --> B[Under Frame Cross Members: 100x50x5 mm]
A --> C[Floor Longitudinal Members: 50x50x6 mm]
A --> D[Vertical Members: 45x45x20 mm]
A --> E[Skirt, Waist & Top Deck Members: 45x45x20 mm]
This summarizes the key design and construction parameters per IS 949.
IS 949 - Fuel System Key Points
| Tender Type | Minimum Fuel Tank Capacity (litres) |
|---|---|
| Small | 140 |
| Large | 250 |
flowchart LR
FuelTank[Fuel Tank (140/250 L)]
Orifice[Fuel Fitting Orifice]
Cap[Fuel Cap with Anti-flash Device]
Gauge[Fuel Contents Gauge]
DriverPanel[Instrument Panel]
FuelTank --> Orifice --> Cap
FuelTank --> Gauge --> DriverPanel
Note: Ensure fuel system components comply with accessibility, safety (anti-flash for petrol), and capacity requirements per IS 949.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 12 V or 24 V DC |
| Alternator Type | Heavy duty, engine-driven |
| Control Unit | Voltage regulator & protective |
flowchart LR
Engine --> Alternator[Heavy Duty Alternator/Generator]
Alternator --> ControlUnit[Control Unit (Voltage Regulator)]
ControlUnit --> VehicleElectricalSystem[12V or 24V DC System]
This ensures a stable DC supply for vehicle operations as per IS 949 requirements.
IS 949: Alternator and Generator Controls - Key Specifications & Formulas
[ V = V_{no-load} - I \times Z_{eq} ] Where:
graph LR
A[Alternator Output] --> B[3-Phase Ampere Meters (3 Nos.)]
A --> C[kW Meter]
A --> D[Frequency Meter]
A --> E[RPM Meter]
A --> F[Sockets & Switches]
Summary: IS 949 mandates specific control components near the generator for safety, monitoring, and regulation, with an alternator designed for stable voltage output and rated minimum 25 kVA at 220 V, 50 Hz.
IS 949 - Body Work Key Specifications and Dimensions
| Member Type | Size (mm) |
|---|---|
| Under frame cross members | 100 × 50 × 5 |
| Floor longitudinal members | 50 × 50 × 6 |
| Vertical members (even side) | 45 × 45 × 20 |
| Skirt member | 45 × 45 × 20 |
| Waist member | 45 × 45 × 20 |
| Top deck longitudinal | 45 × 45 × 20 |
| Parameter | Small Tender | Large Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Vehicle Weight | ≥ 16,000 kg | ≥ 25,000 kg |
| Wheel Base | ≤ 4.50 m | ≤ 5.00 m |
| Turning Circle | ≤ 20 m | ≤ 20 m |
| Road Clearance | ≥ 0.23 m | ≥ 0.23 m |
| Overall Width | ≤ 2.50 m | ≤ 2.50 m |
| Height | ≤ 3.60 m (from ground) | ≤ 3.60 m (from ground) |
graph TD
A[Body Work] --> B[Under Frame Cross Members: 100x50x5]
A --> C[Floor Longitudinal Members: 50x50x6]
A --> D[Vertical Members: 45x45x20]
A --> E[Skirt, Waist, Top Deck
IS 949 - Miscellaneous Features: Key Specifications & Equipment Schedule
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| IS 10245 (Part 2) | Breathing apparatus |
| IS 1681 | Woolen blankets |
| IS 927 | Fire hooks |
| IS 274 (Part 1 & 2) | Shovels |
| IS 273 | Picks and beaters |
| IS 703 | Axes |
| IS 704 | Crow bars |
| IS 841 | Steel hammers |
| IS 4770 | Rubber gloves ( |
IS 949 - Lockers and Equipment Storage: Key Specifications & Tables
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Overall length | ≥ 2.0 m |
| Overall width | ≥ 600 mm |
| Centre of rungs | ≈ 210 mm spacing |
| Material | Aluminium alloy |
| Mounting | Separate, quick removable |
graph LR
A[Locker Frame] --> B[Roll-in/Roll-out Drawers]
B --> C[Designated Equipment Slots with Labels]
A --> D[Aluminium Roller Shutter]
D --> E[Rolls Inwards Under Roof]
A --> F[Internal Lighting]
F --> G[Auto ON/OFF with Shutter]
F --> H[Master Isolating Switch]
This ensures efficient, rapid access to firefighting equipment during emergencies per IS 949 standards.
IS 949: Workmanship and Finish - Key Points
| Member Type | Dimensions (mm) |
|---|---|
| Under frame cross members | 100 × 50 × 5 |
| Floor longitudinal members | 50 × 50 × 6 |
| Vertical members on even side | 45 × 45 × 20 |
| Skirt member | 45 × 45 × 20 |
| Waist member | 45 × 45 × 20 |
| Top deck longitudinal | 45 × 45 × 20 |
graph TB
A[Under Frame Cross Members<br>100x50x5] --> B[Floor Longitudinal Members<br>50x50x6]
B --> C[Vertical Members on Even Side<br>45x45x20]
C --> D[Skirt Member<br>45x45x20]
D --> E[Waist Member<br>45x45x20]
E --> F[Top Deck Longitudinal<br>45x45x20]
This ensures structural integrity, ease of maintenance, and aesthetic finish per IS 949 standards.
IS 949: Instruction Book and Accessories - Key Points
| Item Description | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Breathing apparatus (IS 10245 Part 2) | 6 sets |
| Protective suits (Proximity/chemical) | 4 Nos. |
| Woolen blankets (IS 1681) | 6 Nos. |
| Oxygen cylinder (5 litre) | 1 No. |
| Gauges for oxy-acetylene cutting plant | 2 Nos. |
| Leather gloves | 2 pairs |
| Goggles/dark glasses | 4 pairs |
| Chain lifting 5t (with shackles) | 6 m |
| Chain sling, double leg | 1 No. |
| Chain tackle 2t (pulley block) | 1 set |
| Tarpaulin (3.5m × 3.5m) | 2 Nos. |
| Pulling/lifting machine (3t lift or 5t pull) | 2 sets |
flowchart TD
A[Instruction Book] --> B[Operating Procedures]
A --> C[Maintenance Procedures]
A --> D[Spare Parts List]
E[Accessories] --> F[Breathing Apparatus]
E --> G[Protective Suits]
E --> H[Gloves & Goggles]
E --> I[Chains & Lifting Equipment]
E --> J[Miscellaneous Tools]
IS 949 - Committee Composition & Key Specifications
Committee Composition:
The detailed composition of the Fire Fighting Sectional Committee (CED 22) responsible for IS 949 is provided in Annex C of the standard. This includes experts from various stakeholder groups ensuring comprehensive standard formulation.
Key Structural Specifications (Clause 5.6.7.1 - Body Work):
| Member Type | Dimension (mm) |
|---|---|
| Under frame cross members | 100 × 50 × 5 |
| Floor longitudinal members | 50 × 50 × 6 |
| Vertical members (even side) | 45 × 45 × 20 |
| Skirt member | 45 × 45 × 20 |
| Waist member | 45 × 45 × 20 |
| Top deck longitudinal | 45 × 45 × 20 |
This ensures uniformity in fire fighting vehicle body construction per IS 949 requirements.
graph TD
A[Committee CED 22] --> B[Experts from Industry]
A --> C[Government Representatives]
A --> D[Academia]
A --> E[Testing Agencies]
F[Annex C] --> A
For detailed committee member names and roles, refer to Annex C of IS 949.
Annex B lists Indian Standards referenced in IS 949, which form integral provisions. Key IS codes include:
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| 5 : 2007 | Colours for ready mixed paints and enamels |
| 273 : 1990 | Picks and beaters - Specification |
| 274 (Part 1 & 2) : 1981 | Specification for shovels (General & Heat-treated) |
| 704 : 1984 | Specification for crow-bars and claw-bars |
| 841 : 1983 | Specification for steel hammers |
| 927 : 1981 | Specification for fire hooks |
| 4770 : 1991 | Rubber gloves - Electrical purposes |
| 5991 : 1971 | Specification for ballast rakes |
| 10245 | Respiratory protective devices |
| 9968 (Part 1 & 2) | Elastomer insulated cables for various voltages |
graph LR
A[IS 949] --> B(Annex B: Referenced IS Codes)
B --> C[Tools: Picks, Shovels, Hammers]
B --> D[Protective Equipment: Gloves, Respiratory Devices]
B --> E[Electrical: Cables, Insulation]
B --> F[Fire Fighting Accessories]
For detailed specifications, refer directly to the respective IS codes listed in Annex B.
Frequently Asked
According to IS 949 (2012), Clause 5.3.1, the minimum fuel tank capacities for emergency tenders are:
Additional requirement:
This ensures adequate operational range during emergency response without frequent refueling.
| Tender Type | Minimum Fuel Tank Capacity |
|---|---|
| Small Tender | 140 litres |
| Large Tender | 250 litres |
If you need further details on chassis specs or dimensions, refer to Clause 5.1 of IS 949.
According to IS 949, the vehicle superstructure must follow these material and construction requirements:
Material:
Section Sizes (Clause 5.6.7.1):
| Component | Section Size (mm) |
|---|---|
| Under frame cross members | 100 × 50 × 5 |
| Floor longitudinal members | 50 × 50 × 6 |
| Vertical members | 45 × 45 × 20 |
| Skirt member | 45 × 45 × 20 |
| Waist member | 45 × 45 × 20 |
| Top deck longitudinal | 45 × 45 × 20 |
This ensures a strong, lightweight, and durable superstructure without timber components.
According to IS 949 Clause 5.4.2 on Electrical System safety and battery charging:
This ensures continuous battery maintenance without overcharging, enhancing safety and reliability.
This setup prevents battery damage, electrical hazards, and ensures operational readiness.
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This simple electrical safety provision aligns with best practices for vehicle battery management.
According to IS 949 Clause 5.13, the stability requirement for a fully equipped and loaded tender (excluding crew) is:
This means:
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This stability criterion ensures safe operation on slopes and uneven terrain during emergency response.
According to IS 949, equipment storage lockers must have the following features:
This design ensures fast, smooth rescue operations and systematic equipment storage.
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