IS 955 (1980) specifies the functional requirements for dry powder tenders used by fire brigades, designed primarily for extinguishing fires involving oils, petroleum products, gases, and electrical equipment. It covers design, construction, materials, performance, and equipment standards for a 150 kg dry powder capacity vehicle, ensuring reliability, safety, and operational effectiveness for firefighting professionals.
Overview
IS 955 (1980) specifies the functional requirements for dry powder tenders used by fire brigades, designed primarily for extinguishing fires involving oils, petroleum products, gases, and electrical equipment. It covers design, construction, materials, performance, and equipment standards for a 150 kg dry powder capacity vehicle, ensuring reliability, safety, and operational effectiveness for firefighting professionals.
Audience
Contents
Structure
IS 955: Scope and Key Specifications Summary
Seating & Body (Clause 4.6.1):
Equipment Schedule (Appendix A):
| Item No. | Equipment | Quantity | Reference IS Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Extension ladder, 4.5 m | 1 | IS 4571-1977 |
| 2 | Fireman's axe | 2 | IS 926-1970 |
| 3 | Axe, large | 1 | IS 5505-1969 |
| 4 | Axe, hand | 1 | IS 5505-1969 |
| 5 | Shovel | 1 | IS 274 (Parts I & II)-1966 |
Gearbox (Clause 4.1.4):
Accessories (Clause 6.2):
flowchart LR
A[Driver + 2 Men Seating] --> B[2 Doors (front hinged)]
B --> C[Rear Body: Dry Powder Vessel + Equipment]
C --> D[Chequered Plate Flooring]
C --> E[Aluminium Sheet Roof]
F[Equipment List] --> G[Extension Ladder, Axe, Shovel, etc.]
H[Gearbox] --> I[3 Forward + 1 Reverse Speeds]
IS 955: General Requirements for Dry Powder Tender for Fire Brigade Use
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 2 men (driver + 1) |
| Door Type | Front-hinged, outward opening, double catch |
| Door Lock | Anti-inadvertent opening from inside |
| Rear Body Flooring | Chequered plates |
| Rear Roof Covering | Aluminium sheets |
flowchart LR
A[Dry Powder Tender] --> B[Driver + 1 Seating]
A --> C[Two Doors (Front Hinged)]
A --> D[Rear Body for Equipment]
D --> E[Dry Powder Vessel]
D --> F[Chequered Plate Flooring]
D --> G[Aluminium Sheet Roof]
This ensures compliance with IS 955 functional and safety requirements for fire brigade dry powder tenders.
IS 955: Material, Selection and Treatment Summary
Material Selection (Clause 3.1):
Choose materials balancing lightness, strength, and durability for the appliance carrying 150 kg dry powder.
Corrosion Resistance (Clause 3.2):
Reference Standard for Design (Clause 4.4.1):
Use IS 7372-1974 for relevant design and construction guidelines instead of IS 7342-1974.
| Aspect | Requirement | Example Materials/Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Water-contact parts | Corrosion-resisting material | Stainless steel, brass |
| Atmospheric exposure parts | Corrosion-resistant or treated | Galvanized steel, painted steel |
| Structural material choice | Light, strong, durable | Aluminum alloys, mild steel with coating |
flowchart TD
A[Material Selection] --> B{Contact with Water?}
B -- Yes --> C[Use Corrosion-Resisting Material]
B -- No --> D{Exposed to Atmosphere?}
D -- Yes --> E[Use Corrosion-Resisting or Treated Material]
D -- No --> F[Standard Structural Material]
This ensures durability and safety for the powder discharge appliance per IS 955.
IS 955: Design and Construction Key Points
| Item No. | Equipment | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Extension ladder, 4.5 m (IS:4571-1977) | 1 |
| 2 | Fireman's axe (IS:926-1970) | 2 |
| 3 | Large axe (IS:5505-1969) | 1 |
| 4 | Hand axe (IS:5505-1969) | 1 |
| 5 | Shovel (IS:274 Parts I & II) | 1 |
graph TD
A[Parts in Contact with Water] --> B[Corrosion-Resistant Material]
C[Metal Parts Exposed to Atmosphere] --> D[Corrosion-Resistant Material or Treated]
For detailed design calculations, refer to the specific IS codes mentioned for equipment and materials.
IS 955: Key Chassis Requirements Summary
Chassis Design (4.1.1):
Must carry full load per specification; conform to specified dimensions (refer IS 955 for exact dimensions).
Chassis Configuration (4.1.2):
Suspension & Axle (4.1.3):
Gearbox (4.1.4):
| Parameter | Typical Value (mm) |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 2500 - 3500 |
| Track width (front) | 1400 - 1600 |
| Track width (rear) | 1400 - 1600 |
| Ground clearance | 150 - 200 |
[ \sigma = \frac{6WL}{bt^2} ]
Where:
flowchart LR
A[Chassis] --> B[4-Wheel Drive]
A --> C[Rear Axle with Stabilizer]
A --> D[Drag Hooks Front & Rear]
A --> E[High Grade Elliptical Springs]
A --> F[Semi-Floating Rear Axle]
A --> G[Shock Absorbers on Wheels]
A --> H[Gearbox: 3
Key Engine Specifications from IS 955
Power Output:
Engine Type & Starting:
Performance Requirements:
Operating Conditions:
Gearbox:
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Continuous Power | ≥ 30 kW |
| Auto-rating Power | ≥ 52 kW |
| Cylinders | ≥ 4 |
| Max Road Speed | 95 km/h |
| Acceleration | 0 to 60 km/h ≤ 40 seconds |
| Gradient Start Capability | 1 in 4 |
| Ignition (Petrol engines) | Dual coil ignition |
| Gearbox Speeds | ≥ 3 forward + 1 reverse |
flowchart TD
A[Engine] --> B{Power Output}
B -->|Continuous| C[≥ 30 kW]
B -->|Auto-rating| D[≥ 52 kW]
A --> E{Cylinders}
E --> F[≥ 4]
A --> G[Starting System]
G --> H[Electric Starter]
G --> I[Hand Starter (preferable)]
A --> J[Cooling System]
J --> K[Thermostatically Controlled]
A --> L[Performance]
L --> M[Speed: 95 km/h]
L --> N[
IS 955 - Fuel System Key Specifications
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Minimum 50 litres (Clause 4.3.1).
Fuel Tank Content Gauge:
Must be fitted on the instrument panel in the driving compartment for monitoring fuel level (Clause 4.3.1).
Filling Orifice:
Fuel Pump:
Exactly one mechanically operated fuel pump is required (Clause 4.3.3).
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Fuel Tank Capacity | ≥ 50 litres |
| Filling Orifice Size | ≥ 50 mm diameter |
| Fuel Tank Gauge | Required on instrument panel |
| Fuel Pump | One, mechanically operated |
| Filling Cap | Marked & antiflash device (petrol engines) |
flowchart LR
FuelTank[Fuel Tank (≥50L)]
FillingOrifice[Filling Orifice (≥50mm)]
FuelPump[Mechanical Fuel Pump (1 No.)]
FuelGauge[Fuel Gauge on Panel]
FillingCap[Cap marked "Fuel" + Antiflash device]
FillingOrifice --> FillingCap
FuelTank --> FuelPump
FuelTank --> FuelGauge
This ensures safe, accessible, and reliable fuel system design per IS 955.
IS 955: Electrical System Key Points
| Accessory | Specification / Details |
|---|---|
| Fire Bells | 250 mm, F-Natural Tone Carillon, per IS: 928-1964 |
| Fog Lamps | Positioned to assist reversing |
| Reversing Light | Low mounted, approved design |
| Trafficators | Indicating light on instrument panel |
| Wind Screen Wipers | One pair |
| Tools | All routine maintenance tools, beyond chassis kit |
| Search Light | Adjustable flood/beam, 30 m TRS cable, ≤ 2V voltage drop |
| Spot Light | Adjustable, near side of driver enclosure |
| Inspection Lamp | Protected type, plug socket on control panel |
[ V_{drop} = I \times R_{cable} \leq 2, \text{Volts} ]
graph LR
A[12V Electrical System] --> B[Battery (IS:7342)]
A --> C[Dynamo/Alternator (Heavy Duty)]
A --> D[Accessories]
D --> E[Fire Bell (IS:928)]
D --> F[Fog Lamp]
D --> G[Reversing Light]
D --> H[Trafficators]
D --> I[Wind Screen Wipers]
D --> J[Tools]
D --> K[Search Light (≤2V drop)]
D --> L[Spot Light]
D --> M[Inspection Lamp]
This ensures compliance with IS 955 electrical system requirements for fire appliances.
Dry Powder Fire Extinguishing Equipment (IS 955 - Clauses 4.5, 4.5.2, 4.5.3)
Cylinder Capacity:
Nitrogen Cylinder Setup:
Discharge Requirements:
Cylinder Specifications:
Powder Standard:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dry Powder Cylinder Capacity | 75 kg |
| Nitrogen Cylinder Capacity | ≥ 1.7 m³ |
| Hose Diameter & Length | 25 mm dia, 10 m length |
| Discharge Rate | ≥ 2.5 kg/s |
| Discharge Throw | ≥ 10 m |
| Discharge Duration | ≥ 25 s |
| Powder Discharge Efficiency | ≥ 85% |
| Filling Orifice Diameter | ≥ 15 cm |
| Drain Orifice Diameter | ≥ 50 cm |
| Working Pressure | ≤ 15 kgf/cm² @ 16°C |
| Hydraulic Test Pressure | 30 kgf/cm² |
flowchart LR
N2Cylinder[Nitrogen Cylinder (≥1.7 m³)]
PressureReg[Pressure Regulator]
ReducerValve[Reducer Valve]
Hose
IS 955: Body and Accommodation Key Points
| Accessory | Specification/Detail |
|---|---|
| Fire Bell | 250 mm, F-Natural Tone Carillon (IS:928-1964) |
| Fog Lamps | Positioned for reversing assistance |
| Reversing Light | Low-mounted, approved design |
| Trafficators | Indicating light on instrument panel |
| Wind Screen Wipers | One pair |
| Tools | For routine maintenance, beyond chassis standard kit |
| Search Light | Adjustable flood/beam, 30 m TRS cable, voltage drop ≤ 2V |
| Spot Light | Adjustable, near side of driver enclosure |
| Inspection Lamp | Protected, plug-in on control panel |
graph LR
A[Driver Seat] --> B[Second Seat]
B --> C[Two Doors (Front Hinged)]
C --> D[Rear Body: Dry Powder Vessel & Equipment]
D --> E[Chequered Plate Flooring]
D --> F[Aluminium Sheet Roof Canopy]
This concise summary covers body seating, doors, rear body specs, clearance, and essential accessories per IS 955. For detailed dimensions and Appendix A, refer to the full code.
Ladder Gallows per IS 955 (Clause 4.7):
| Equipment | Quantity | Reference IS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Extension ladder 4.5 m | 1 | IS 4571-1977 |
| Fireman's axe | 2 | IS 926-1970 |
| Large axe | 1 | IS 5505-1969 |
| Hand axe | 1 | IS 5505-1969 |
| Shovel | 1 | IS 274 (Parts I & II) |
flowchart LR
Ladder[4.5 m Extension Ladder]
Gallows[Support Gallows]
HeadLock[Positive Head Lock]
RearAccess[Rear Access for Withdrawal]
Ladder -->|Mounted on| Gallows
Gallows -->|Secured by| HeadLock
RearAccess -->|Enables| Ladder
For detailed ladder specs, refer to IS 4571-1977 (Aluminium extension ladders for fire brigade use).
IS 955: Tool Kit Container - Key Specifications
| Item No. | Equipment | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Extension ladder 4.5 m | 1 |
| 2 | Fireman's axe | 2 |
| 3 | Large axe | 1 |
| 4 | Hand axe | 1 |
| 5 | Shovel | 1 |
flowchart LR
A[Tool Kit Container] --> B[Recessed Tray]
B --> C[Extension Ladder]
B --> D[Fireman's Axe x2]
B --> E[Large Axe]
B --> F[Hand Axe]
B --> G[Shovel]
This ensures compliance with IS 955 for tool storage on fire appliances.
IS 955 - Key Performance Specifications for Fire Brigade Appliances
Road Speed:
The appliance must achieve 95 km/h on a level road without engaging the transfer case.
Acceleration:
From a standing start, the fully laden appliance should reach 60 km/h within 40 seconds through the gears with a warm engine.
Gradient Start Capability:
The appliance must be capable of starting from rest on a 1 in 4 gradient (25%) when fully loaded.
Gearbox Requirements:
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Max Road Speed | 95 km/h |
| Acceleration to 60 km/h | ≤ 40 seconds |
| Gradient Start Capability | 1 in 4 (25%) fully laden |
| Gearbox Speeds | ≥ 3 forward + 1 reverse |
| Gearbox Oil Level Check | Dip-stick or equivalent |
flowchart LR
Start["Start from rest"] --> Acceleration["Reach 60 km/h ≤ 40 sec"]
Acceleration --> Speed["Maintain 95 km/h on level road"]
Speed --> Gradient["Start on 1 in 4 gradient fully laden"]
Gradient --> Gearbox["Gearbox: ≥3 forward + 1 reverse"]
Gearbox --> OilLevel["Oil level measurable (dip-stick)"]
This ensures the fire appliance is reliable, quick, and capable of handling operational demands.
IS 955 - Brakes Key Specifications & Requirements
Brake System:
Hand Brake:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Speed for braking test | 30 km/h |
| Maximum stopping distance | 6 m |
| Hand brake holding slope | 1 in 4 (25%) gradient |
flowchart LR
A[Vehicle at 30 km/h] -->|Apply Brake| B[Hydraulic Brakes on 4 Wheels]
B --> C[Stop within 6 meters]
D[Hand Brake] --> E[Hold Vehicle on 1 in 4 Gradient]
This ensures safety in both motion and stationary conditions as per IS 955.
IS 955 Stability Requirements Summary
Stability Criterion (Clause 4.11):
The appliance must not overturn when tilted up to 25° from the horizontal under fully equipped and loaded conditions (excluding crew).
Interpretation:
The overturning angle θ ≥ 25° ensures safe operation on inclined surfaces.
The overturning angle θ can be approximated by:
[ \tan \theta = \frac{B}{2h} ]
Where:
To satisfy IS 955:
[ \theta \geq 25^\circ \implies \tan 25^\circ \leq \frac{B}{2h} ]
Or,
[ \frac{B}{2h} \geq 0.466 ]
graph LR
A[Ground] --> B[Vehicle Base Width (B)]
B --> C[Center of Gravity Height (h)]
C --> D[Overturning Angle (θ)]
Summary:
Design the appliance so that:
[ \boxed{ \frac{B}{2h} \geq \tan 25^\circ \approx 0.466 } ]
to meet IS 955 stability clause 4.11.
IS 955: Workmanship and Finish - Key Points
Clause 5.1: All parts of the appliance must exhibit good workmanship — smooth, uniform, and free from defects such as cracks, sharp edges, or burrs.
Clause 3.2:
Stability (Clause 4.11): The appliance must remain stable up to a tilt angle of 25° under full load (excluding crew).
| Aspect | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Material for waterways | Corrosion-resisting | Stainless steel, brass, etc. |
| Exposed metal parts | Corrosion-resisting or treated | Paint, galvanizing, coating |
| Surface finish | Smooth, defect-free | No cracks, burrs, or sharp edges |
| Stability | Tilt resistance ≥ 25° | Fully equipped & loaded |
flowchart LR
A[Raw Material Selection] --> B[Corrosion Resistance Check]
B --> C[Fabrication]
C --> D[Surface Treatment]
D --> E[Inspection for Defects]
E --> F[Final Assembly]
Tip: Follow standard metal finishing practices (e.g., grinding, polishing) to ensure durability and safety in fire brigade appliances.
IS 955: Instruction Book, Accessories, and Equipment Key Points
| Item No. | Equipment | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Extension ladder, 4.5 m (IS:4571-1977) | 1 |
| 2 | Fireman's axe (IS:926-1970) | 2 |
| 3 | Large axe (IS:5505-1969) | 1 |
| 4 | Hand axe (IS:5505-1969) | 1 |
| 5 | Shovel (IS:274 Parts I & II-1966) | 1 |
graph LR
A[Instruction Book] --> B[Operating Procedures]
A --> C[Maintenance Procedures]
A --> D[Spare Parts List]
E[Equipment] --> F[Extension Ladder]
E --> G[Axes & Shovel]
IS 955 - Instruction Book & Equipment Specifications
| Item No. | Equipment | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Extension ladder, 4.5 m (IS:4571) | 1 |
| 2 | Fireman's axe (IS:926-1970) | 2 |
| 3 | Axe, large (IS:5505-1969) | 1 |
| 4 | Axe, hand (IS:5505-1969) | 1 |
| 5 | Shovel (IS:274 Parts I & II) | 1 |
flowchart TD
A[Instruction Book] --> B[Operating Procedures]
A --> C[Maintenance Procedures]
A --> D[Spare Parts List]
D --> E[Illustrated & Itemized]
F[Equipment] --> G[Extension Ladder]
F --> H[Axes & Shovel]
I[Gear-box] --> J[3 Forward Speeds]
I --> K[1 Reverse Speed]
I --> L[Oil Level Check]
This concise summary ensures compliance with IS 955 for appliance operation and maintenance.
IS 955: Accessories Key Specifications & Tables
Fire-Bell:
Fog Lamps:
Reversing Light:
Trafficators:
Wind Screen Wipers:
Tools:
Search Light:
Spot Light:
Inspection Lamp:
| Item No. | Equipment | Quantity | IS Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Extension ladder 4.5 m | 1 | IS: 4571-1977 |
| 2 | Fireman's axe | 2 | IS: 926-1970 |
| 3 | Large axe | 1 | IS: 5505-1969 |
| 4 | Hand axe | 1 | IS: 5505-1969 |
| 5 | Shovel | 1 | IS: 274 (Parts I & II)-1966 |
flowchart TD
A[Fire Appliance] --> B[Accessories]
B --> C[Fire-Bell (250 mm, F Tone)]
B --> D[Fog Lamps (Reversing Aid)]
B --> E[Reversing Light (Low Mounted)]
B --> F[Trafficators
IS 955 - Equipment Specifications for Fire Appliances
| Item No. | Equipment | Quantity | Reference IS Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Extension ladder, 4.5 m | 1 | IS: 4571-1977 |
| 2 | Fireman's axe | 2 | IS: 926-1970 |
| 3 | Large axe | 1 | IS: 5505-1969 |
| 4 | Hand axe | 1 | IS: 5505-1969 |
| 5 | Shovel | 1 | IS: 274 (Parts I & II)-1966 |
flowchart TD
A[Fire Appliance] --> B[Extension Ladder (4.5 m)]
A --> C[Fireman's Axe (2 Nos.)]
A --> D[Large Axe (1 No.)]
A --> E[Hand Axe (1 No.)]
A --> F[Shovel (1 No.)]
A --> G[Paint: Fire-Red Shade No. 536]
This ensures compliance with IS 955 equipment requirements.
IS 955 - Marking: Key Specifications & Equipment
| Item No. | Equipment | Quantity | Reference IS Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Extension ladder (4.5 m) | 1 | IS: 4571-1977 |
| 2 | Fireman's axe | 2 | IS: 926-1970 |
| 3 | Large axe | 1 | IS: 5505-1969 |
| 4 | Hand axe | 1 | IS: 5505-1969 |
| 5 | Shovel | 1 | IS: 274 (Parts I & II)-1966 |
flowchart LR
A[Fire Appliance] --> B[Extension Ladder (4.5 m)]
A --> C[Axes (Fireman's, Large, Hand)]
A --> D[Shovel]
A --> E[Accessories]
E --> F[Fire-Bell (250 mm)]
E --> G[Fog Lamps & Reversing Light]
E -->
Frequently Asked
IS 955 (1980) specifies the functional requirements for a dry powder tender (150 kg capacity) for fire brigade use. Regarding engine specifications, the code does not explicitly detail engine parameters in the provided context.
However, based on typical fire tender requirements and IS standards for fire appliances:
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Diesel, 4-cylinder or higher |
| Power Output | ~70-100 kW (95-135 HP) |
| Torque | High torque for load carrying |
| Cooling System | Forced water cooling |
| Fuel Capacity | Sufficient for minimum 200 km range |
| Transmission | Manual/Automatic, 4-6 speed |
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Note: For exact engine specs, consult vehicle manufacturer and IS 14687 (Fire Fighting Vehicles) or related IS codes
According to IS 955 (1980) for dry powder tenders:
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Dry powder capacity | 2 × 75 kg = 150 kg |
| Nitrogen cylinder capacity | ≥ 1.7 m³ each |
| Discharge rate | ≥ 2.5 kg/sec |
| Throw distance | ≥ 10 m |
| Discharge duration | ≥ 25 seconds |
| Minimum powder discharge | ≥ 85% of total content |
This ensures effective fire suppression performance as per IS 955.
IS 955 Vehicle Safety & Stability Requirements:
Dimensions:
Chassis & Drive:
Brakes:
Stability:
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These requirements ensure safe operation, maneuverability, and resistance to overturning under load.
According to IS 955, the mandatory accessories and equipment on a dry powder tender include:
These accessories ensure effective and controlled powder discharge for firefighting.
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According to IS 955, for corrosion resistance in dry powder fire tenders:
| Part Exposure | Material/Treatment |
|---|---|
| Water-contact parts | Stainless steel, brass, bronze |
| Atmospheric exposure | Corrosion-resistant metals or coatings |
This ensures durability, strength, and lightness as per Clause 3.1.
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