इंटरनेट मानक

Disclosure to Promote the Right To Information

Whereas the Parliament of India has set out to provide a practical regime of right to
information for citizens to secure access to information under the control of public authorities,
in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority,
and whereas the attached publication of the Bureau of Indian Standards is of particular interest
to the public, particularly disadvantaged communities and those engaged in the pursuit of
education and knowledge, the attached public safety standard is made available to promote the
timely dissemination of this information in an accurate manner to the public.

“जान1 का अ+धकार, जी1 का अ+धकार” “प0रा1 को छोड न' 5 तरफ”

Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan Jawaharlal Nehru
“The Right to Information, The Right to Live” “Step Out From the Old to the New”

IS 11457-1 (1985): Code of practice for fire safety of

chemical industries, Part 1: Rubber and plastic [CED 36:
Fire Safety]

“!ान $ एक न' भारत का +नम-ण”

Satyanarayan Gangaram Pitroda
“Invent a New India Using Knowledge”

“!ान एक ऐसा खजाना > जो कभी च0राया नहB जा सकता ह”

है”
ह
Bhartṛhari—Nītiśatakam
“Knowledge is such a treasure which cannot be stolen”
( Reaffirmed 2000 )
 IS : 11457 ( Part 1 ) - 1985

Indian Standard
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR
FIRE SAFETY OF CHEMICAL INDUSTRI-ES
PART 1 RUBBER AND PLASTIC

Fire Safety Sectional Colnmittee, CDC 36

4%zirman Representing
SHRI N. G. K. MURTY Metallurgical and Engineering Consultants, (I) Ltd,
H) derabad

Members
CHIEF E NQINEI:R Central Public Works Department, New Delhi
( ELECTRICAL ) II
SURVEYOR OP WORxS
( ELECTRICAL ) II ( Alfemale )
SHRI S. CHIWAIIANJAN MECON, Ranchi
SHHI G. ADISESHU ( Alternate )
SHRI S. K. DHERI Municipal Corporation of Delhi ( Delhi Fire
Services ), Delhi
SRRI R. K. BHAWDWAJ ( Alternate )
SURI R. R. DHORLEY Atomic Energy Establishment, Bombay
SHRI S. R. DORAISWAMY Engineer-in-Chief’s Branch ( Ministry of Defence )
SWRI D. S. SAXENA ( Alternate )
FIRE ADVISER Ministry of Home Affairs
SECRIH. N. GUPT~ Ministry of Labour and Employment
SHRI V. S. SASIIUJ~LIIL ( Alternate )
JOJN~ DIRECTOR ( AR~CIIITEC- Ministry of Railways
TURE ) ( RDSO )
SHRI M. R. KAMATH Mather and Platt ( India ) Limited, Bombay
SRRI K. R. EASHWARAN ( Alternate )
SHRI M. L. KAURA Engineers India Limited, New Delhi
SHHI RAMESH CRAND ( Alternate )
PROF S. P. KELLOGG Jnstitution of Engineers ( India ), Calcutta
SHRI MA~ENDRA PRASA~ Ministry of Defence ( R & D )
8~x1 FAQUIRE CHANII ( Alternate )
SHRI P. N. MEI~OTRA Institution of Fire Engineers ( India ), New Delhi
SHRI B. R. MERTA ( Alternate 1
SHRI P. N. MEHROTRA ’ In personal capacity ( A-110, Anand Vihar,
New Delhi )
SHIII B. R. MEHTA In personal capacity ( A-l, .Nizamudin East,
New Delhi )

( Continued on page 2 )

@) Copyri,fht 1986
INDIAN STANDARDS INSTITUTION
This publication is protected under the Indian Copyrighf Act ( XIV of 1957 ) and
reproduction in whole or in part by any means except with written permission of the
r.uhli*hrr sh?ll he dwm~d to be an infrin~cwwtt of copyright under the said Act.
__~-_.~
IS : 11457( Part 1 ) - 1985

( Continuedfrom page 1 )

Members Representing
SHRI G. B. MENON Gujarat Electricity Board, Vadodara
SRRI V. B. NIKAM Municipal Corporation of Bombay ( Bombay Fire
Brigade ), Bombay
SHRI D. PAD~~ANA~HA Tata Consulting Engineers, Bangalore
SHRI P. N. PANCFIAL Central Industrial Security Force ( Ministry of
Home Affairs )
SHRI S. Purztrsrrorrrnws Loss Prevention Association of India Ltd, Bombay
SHRI A. D. DAS ( ~flternate)
SHRI V. K. SHRI~HAW Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals,
New Delhi
SHRI R. C. SKARMA ( Alternate)
SHRI D. K. SIRKAR Synthetics and Chemicals Limited, Bombay
SHRI J. N. VAKIL Tariff Advisory Committee, Bombay
SHRI K. RAVI ( Alternate )
SHRI G. RAMAN, Director General, ISI ( Ex-ujkio Member )
Director ( Civ Engg )
Secretary
SHRI K. M. MATHIJR
Joint Director ( Civ Engg ), ISI
 IS : 11457( Part 1 ) - 1985

Indian Standard
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR
FIRE SAFETY OF CHEMlCAL INDUSTRIES
t“
&:* .-.
_~?‘(PART 1 RUBBER ANDgPLASTlC

0. FOREWORD
0.1 This Indian Standard ( Part 1 ) was adopted by the Indian Standards
Institution on 30 October 1985, after the draft finalized by the Fire Safety
Sectional Committee had been approved by the Civil Engineering
Division Council.

0.2 The hazards of fire and explosion in chemical industries can be

considerably lowered by adoption of certain predetermined fire-safety
measures with regard to proper planning of buildings, choice of proper
materials and components, electrical equipment, good storage practice
and making suitable provisions for fire detections and suppression. This
standard has, therefore, been formulated to give necessary guidance in
this respect to the various chemical industries. Based on the risk the
various chemical industries have been grouped and sub-grouped. This
standard is therefore formulated in various parts and sections so as to
cover each such groups,‘sub-groups. This part covers group relating to
rubber and plastic,

0.3 In reporting the result of measurement made in accordance with this

standard, if the final value, observed or calculated, is to be rounded off,
it shall be done in accordance with IS : 2-1960*.

1. SCOPE
1.1 This standard ( Part 1 ) covers the essential requirements for the fire
safety of chemical industries covering (a) Rubber Processing Compound-
ing and Rubber Derivalities (b) Resin Manufacturing, Condensation,
Polymerisation, etc.

2. LOCATION
2.1 To minimize the possible ~damage from explosion or fire protection
from both, to nearby property and community, the factory should have
enough open space ( see 2.3 ) around.

*Rules for rounding off numerical values ( rcuised 1.

3
IS : 11457( Part 1 ) - 1985

2.2 The factory buildings should he at least 30 m away from a railway

siding, yard or lines, preferably on the prevailing up wind side of the
tracks. Distance may be reduced to 10 m if these rail tracks are serviced
by diesel or electrical locomotives.

2.3 The factory buildings should be at least 30 m away from any public
building, dwelling house, warehouse or other manufacturing establish-
ments.

3. PLOT LAYOUT

3.1 A fencing or compound wall should be erected around the plot.

3.2 The plot should he of adequate size of house the manufacturing and
storage and utility buildings with provision for future expansion without
causing any congestion. The plot should be kept free of combustible
materials, such as grass, weeds and other vegetations, scrap paper wood,
sawdust, etc.

3.3 The factory should have roads not less than 6 m wide in between the
blocks of buildings to allow free movement of fire engines and rescue
appliances.
3.4 The main gate of the factory should be such that a clear width and
head room of 4.5 m is avaiIabIe for city fire brigade appliances.

3.5 The minimum distance between any two buildings ( from wall to wall)
used for manufacturing purposes using combustible and flammable
materials should preferably be 15 m and in no case less-than 8 m.

3.6 Buildings separated by not less than 15 m of distance may communicate

an enclosed passageway of non-combustible construction provided tha
such enclosed passageways are specially designed for the release of intert
nal pressures resulting from an explosion and each opening between-
sections separating walls are protected by fire-check door conforming to
IS : 3614 ( Part 1 )-1966* with not less than one hour rating.
3.7 Transformer, electric generator, or boilder, any or all of these should
be at least 15 m away from the manufacturing building.

3.8 Residential and office buildings should be at least 20 m away from

the nearest manfacturing building.

4. CONSTRUCTION

4.1 There should be separate buildings for raw materials, processes and
for finished products. Each building should be sub-divided into smaller
compartments as necessary by compartment walls. The communicating
doors in walls compartment should be provided with fire-check doors
[see IS : 3614 ( Part 1 )-1966* ] with rating not less than two hours.

*Specification for fire check doors: Part 1 Plate, metal covered and rolling type.
4
 Is : 11457( Part 1 ) - 1985

4.2 The compartment walls should be of sound construction of non-

combustible material and shall have the same fire resistance as walls of
the main buildings.

4.3 No permanent openings should be provided in separating walls

except for fire check doors,

4.4 Buildings used for manufacturing purposes should have a fire

resistance equivalent to that of Type 1 construction, as specified in
IS : 1642-1986*.

4.5 Buildings used as godowns should have a fire resistance equivalent

to that of Type 11 construction, as specified in IS : 1642-1986*.

4.6 Utility buildings should have a fire resistance equivalent to that of

Type III construction, as specified in IS : 1642-1986*.

4.7 Manufacturing and storage buildings should preferably be single

storeyed. They shotiId be as low as possible, and in any case not more
than 10 m measured from the -average surrounding ground level to the
highest point of roof. Wooden flooring should be prohibited, except
when laid on a concrete or masonry floor without any intervening space.
Adequate means of escape should be provided ( see IS : 1644-1986t ).

4.8 Stairs, elevators and other means of exit should be protected by

non-combustible fire resisting enclosures, raising fire resistance rating
equal to that of the building. Each opening in the enclosures should be
fitted with fire check doors ( see 4.1 ).

4.9 Where combustible dusts are produced in process, the building

interior should preferably be smooth without beams, sill and the like to
prevent accumulation of dust.

4.10 Compartments in which the operations involve handling rubber,

plastic, sulpbur or combustible dust should be kept separate from other
sections. Such compartments should be of non-combustible fire resistive
construction with adequate explosion venting system above the head
level ( see IS : 1642-1986* ).

4.11 Roofs should be directly supported on walls without any intermediate

columns or posts. The roof covering should be as light as possible but it
should be fire resistant. Roofs of corrugated iron sheets should either
be galvanized or painted with aluminium paint. Corrugated asbestos
sheets should be inserted along the lower edges of roof near the walls at
intervals of 6 m to facilitate entry through the roof for fire fighting
purposes. If underside of the roof is to be painted, only fire-retardant

*Code of practice for fire safety of buildings ( genera1 ): Details of construction

( Jrst revision) .
iCode of practice for fire safety of buildings ( general ): Exit requirements and
personal hazard (first misian ).

5
IS : 11457( Part 1) - 1985

paint should be used. Such roofs should be leak-proof and no piping

and other equipment should be supported on them. Where roofs are
provided with skylight, these should conform to the requirements given
in IS : 1642*1986*.

4.12 Whenever roof is planned as a part of explosion venting method,

this should be of fragile materials and should be so fixed that it can
provide adequate venting of explosion shock waves (see IS : 1642-1986* ).

4.13 Godowns should be of single storeyed construction.

4.14 Adequate ventilation should be provided for the processing and

storage blocks with due regard to the nature of materials handled.

4.15 Doors should be of non-combustible materials and of self-closing

fire-resistant type conforming to IS : 3614 ( Part 1 )-1966T. Doors for
exit should lead to the open ( see IS : 1644-1986x ).

4.15.1 There should be at least two doors arranged to open outward

( opposite to each other ) in each room or at least two widely separated
alternate exit to corridors or to the outside. In process buildings a mini-
mum of three doors should be provided. These doors should be
protected against damage by lorries or blockage.

4.16 There should be no external windows or openings except the ones

required for lighting and ventilation.

4.16.1 Where explosion risk is involved, windows should be fitted with

plain glass. They should be hinged or pivoted so as to open outward if
an explosion occurs and should be provided with devices to prevent
opening otherwise ( see IS : 1642-1986* ).

4.17 The floor of manufacturing area should be waterproofed. When

flammable liquids are stored or used, it should be curved and drained
to a point of safe-discharge to safeguard property and to prevent against
damage by over-flow of fl~ammable liquids or by water in the event of
fire.
4.17.1 Floor areas should be compartmented by fire resisting walls
with self-closing double fire doors, to avoid large floor areas where
combustible materials are stored or processed.

4.18 In multi-storeyed structure 5 aisle space should be identified on the

outside of the wall under the window sill by means of 25 cm diameter
yellow dot to indicate location of ladder for the access of fire fighters.

*Code of practice for fire safety of buildings ( general ): Details of construction

( jfst reuision ) .
1Specification for fire check doors: Part 1 Plate, metal covered and rolling type.
*Code of practice for fire safety of building ( general ): Exit requirements and
personal hazard ( first reuision ).

6
 IS : 11457( Part 1) - 1985

4.18.1 All the aisles should be of I.5 m width and where mechanical
handling equipment is used, they should be of 2.5 m width minimum.
-Aisles should be kept free of storage and obstructions.

-4.19 The various areas should be separated by fire walls to provide the
following:

a) Raw and semi-finished material storage area,

b) Moulding, extrusion or processing area,
c) Finished ma.terial storage, and
d) Maintenance and utilities area.

4.20 In order to properly ventilate a room where manufacturing processes

are carried out involving flammable vapours or combustible rubber or
plastic dusts, air inlets and outlets may be provided in the compartmen-
tation walls.
4.21 Exhaust fans should be provided to remove flammable vapours and
combustible dusts from inside the buildings to outside in a manner to
prevent drift back into the building through air~intake equipment of the
building.

5. ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS
5.1 All electrical installations should be in accordance with IS : 1646-
1982* and there shall be separate source of supply to main and ancillary
connections.

5.2 All electric motors and lighting fittings, and switches should be flame
proof and dust-proof in hazardous areas as defined as per IS : 5572
( Part 1 )-1978t.
5.3 Provision should be made for remote control of all electrical circuits
so that the current for lighting and power in the buildings and facilities
can be switched off by switches outside the building at a distance of
1.25 m from the nearest doorway. Provision may also be made for
switching off the whole factory by switches located at one or more
central points, such as the office or watchman’s cabin.

5.4 Electrical switches should not be mounted on any machine which

produces excessive vibration, while in operation.

5.5 All incoming feeders from main sub-station should be through

underground cables.

*Code of practice for fire safety of buildings ( general ): Electrical installations

( first rcviGn ) ,
$Cfassification of hazardous areas ( other than mines ) for electrical installations:
Part 1 Areas having flammable gases and vapours (Jirst w&ion ).

7
I$ : 11457 ( Part 1) - 1985

6. STORAGE AND HANDLING OF MATERIALS

6.1 Solid materials should be stored in outside areas provided no

hazardous chemical reactions occur due to moisture or direct sun.

6.2 Bulk storage of combustible, whether raw materials or finished

products should be kept separate from manufacturing areas.

6.3 Only minimum materials required for batch or shift operation should
be stored in work areas.

6.4 Vessel used for storage of products having a flash point below 65°C
should be vented to the outside of the building.

6.5 It should be ensured that no flammable liquids or vapours can be

present in the buildings or sections used for storage of combustible
materials.

6.6 Flammable liquid drum storage should be located at least 20 m from

all buildings and other storage unless separated therefrom by solid
masonry walls ( see 4.4 ).

6.7 Access drives and areas in the vicinity of the drum storage should be
smoothly paved to prevent absorption of flammable liquids. Drums
should be stacked at intervals of 5 m of separations to permit effective
approach.
6.8 All combustible open storage areas should be fenced and openings
should by provided for fire fighting purposes.

6.9 Outdoor storage areas should be graded to drain spills away from
~buildings and other exposures. Catch basins should be flame trapped to
prevent flame travel or ignition in exposure areas.

6.18 Flammable liquid tanks should be surrounded by bunds of

sufficient height to contain the entire contents in case of rupture.
Adequate drainage facility should be provided to carry liquid to some
areas where it can burn without endangering adjacent buildings or other
storage.
6.11 Tanks should be substantially supported either by resting on the
ground or on masonry supports. If possible, the tanks be underground
full or partially. Wood or steel supports without adequate fire protec-
tion should not be permitted.

6.12 All openings to tanks except required vents should be kept securely
closed. The vents open to atmosphere should be fitted with flame
arresters or pressure vacuum vents. Each tank should be clearly marked
regarding its capacity, flammability and nature of contents.

8
 IS : 11457 ( Part 1 ) - 1985

6.13 All tanks should be suitably earthed to dissipate static charge. The
tanks should be fabricated using welded joints in preference to riveted
ones.

6.14 Expanded foams stored in the curing storage pose fire hazard.
Adequate aisle space preferably with sprinkler protection should be pro-
vided for each such storage.

‘6.15 All storage areas should be protected with sprinkler system otherwise
unless, storage building should be located at least 20 m away from flamm-
able liquid storage, combustible material in open, or any other building
or highway.
‘6.16 Electrical fork lift trucks should be used in preference to diesel or
petrol driven fork lift truck which prevent a fire hazard in areas where
polystyrene foam is stored. In case the latter is used, the exhaust pipes
from the trucks should be so directed that neither hot gases nor pipes
are permitted to contact the foam materials or containers.

6.17 Safety containers with anti-flash device and self closing spouts
( safety cans ) should be used. Open containers should not be used.

6.18 Drums of solvents should not be stored in working areas.

6.19 Sources of ignition should be kept away from the operations.

6.20 Any motor for the grinder or blower should be located above the
floor to prevent accumulation of grinding dust.

6.21 Exhaust fans should be provided to prevent excessive accumulation

of dust ( if visible in air, it is to be considered as excessive ).

6.22 In manufacturing rubber and plastic goods, volatile chemicals such

as carbon bio-sulphide, benzene, toluene, vinyl acetate and ethyl acetate
are highly hazardous to cause fire and explosion which should be stored
in closed, buildings with ventilation at floor level.

7. PROCESSING

7.1 Effective cooling arrangement should be provided for removal of

heat in shredding, grinding, mastication, kneading and similar operations
to prevent combustion of materials.

7.2 Provision should be made to control temperature with trip set for a
predetermined temperature with alarm to shut heating, element, steam
where applicable.
7.3 Provision of built in water sprayers and steam nozzles should be
made to extinguish drier fires.

9
 IS : 11457 ( Part 1 ) - 1985

7.4 Rubber crumbs or fines sticking on inner sides of equipment and

rubber fines accumulation should be avoided to prevent spontaneous.
ignition.

7.5 To reduce dust in atmosphere, a dust removal or exhaust system

should be provided with hoods located at each operating point where
dust is released.

7.6 All equipment such as hoppers, storage bins, collectors, conveyers,

ducts, grinders and blenders should be dust tight.

7.7 All material separation chambers and dust collectors should be

located outside of building.

7.8 No open flame, naked lights, smoking, electric or gas cutting and
welding should be permitted within the building cotaining equipment for
polymer process or in flammable tankage areas.

-719 All hot work that is welding, cutting, grinding, etc, which can provide,
a source of ignition should be conducted only after observing safely
controlled conditions with written approval from appropriate authority
( sea IS : 3016-1982* ).

7.10 All equipments should be earthed to ensure effective dissipation

of static charges.

8. FIRE FIGHTING
8.1 Fire fighting operation in plastics and rubber pose problem due to
dense smoke, highly toxic fumes, explosion hazards, exothermic reactions.
and slippery floors. Most substances are non-water absorbent and on
burning flow freely, cause slippery floors and block drains and water
outlets.

8.2 Automatic fire alarm should be provided to alert all persons for
necessary actions ( Jee IS : 2189-1976t ).

8.3 Sprinkler installation in high piled storage should be hydraulically

balanced with adequate water supply together with curtain board and
automatic roof venting. The sprinkler heads shall have adequate
discharge for controlling fire.

8.4 Self contained breathing apparatus .[ see IS : 10245 ( Part 2 )-19825 1

should be kept readily available for personal safety as polymer based
products on fire produce heavy smoke, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide
and other poisonous fumes, such as nitro fumes; chlorinated plastics

*Code of practice for fire precautions in welding and cutting operations (first
revision ) .
+Code of practice for installation of automatic fire alarm system using heat
sensitive type fire detectors (Jirst revision ).
$Specification for open-circuit breathing apparatus, Part 2.
10
 IS : 11457 ( Part 1 ) - 1985

evolve highly toxic and poisonous hydrocyanic gas. The fumes given
off as a result of burning of fluorocarbons polytetrafluoroethylene give
traces of vapour on the depolymerization ot the material into its mono-
mer and other fluorine containing compounds which can produce polymer
fume fever. The fine dust produced during disintegration may give
rise to similar symptoms. Operating personnel should be trained for
use of breathing apparatus.

8.5 To permit effective distribution of water from sprinklers or hose

lines, the heights of stacks should not exceed 4 m. The sprinkler heads
should have a clearance of at least 1 m between the tops of stacks and
the underside of the lowest beam, girders or other obstruction.

,8.6 First aid appliances comprising of water CO2 ( see IS : 940-1976* )

foam (see IS : 933-1976t) and dry chemical powder (See IS : 2171-1985:. )
extinguisher should be provided and maintained ( see IS : 2190-19795 ).

8.7 Personal protective equipment should be provided and maintained

in good condition for all employees to protect them against inhalation or
ingestion of and contact with harmful substances.
8.8 Fire fighting foam selected should be suitable for intended use,
taking into corxideration the characteristics of the liquid.

8.9 The fire hydrant installation should have direct connection with
city/town/supply main, fitted with fire hose connections ( see IS : 903-
19841) ). Provision of suitable static water tank for fire fighting should
be made with static fire pump to discharge not less than 2 250 l/min at
7 kgf;icmz ( see IS : 9668-19807 ).

9. SIGNS
9.1 ‘No smoking’ sign written in large letters on a background of
contrasting colours should be conspicuously displayed in the vicinity of
the processing tank farm and storage area. Boards indicating stock of
flammable/hazardous material should be displayed at places accessible
from outside at all tanks and storages.

*Specification for portable chemical fire extinguisher, water type ( gas pressure )
( pzcondreoislon).
TSpecification for portable chemical fire extinguisher, foam type ( second revision ).
tspecification for portable fire extinguishers, dry powder type ( second rcuision).
§Code of practice for selection, installation and maintenance of portable first-aid
fire extinguishers ( zecond revision ).
ljspecification for fire hose delivery couplings, branch pipe, nozzles and nozzle
spanner ( third reuisron ).
T[Codeof practice for provision and maintenance of water supplies for fire fighting.
INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM OF UNITS ( SI UNITS )
Base Units

QUANTITY UNIT SYMBOL

Length metre m
Mass kilogram kg
Time second S

Electric current ampere A

Thermodynamic kelvin K
temperature
Luminous intensity candela cd
Amount of substance mole mol

Supplementary Unit5

QUANTITY UNIT SYMBOL

Plane angle radian rad

Solid angle steradian sr

Derived Units

QUANTITY UNIT SI-XBOL DEFINITION

Force N 1 N = 1 kg.m/s”
Energy joule J 1 J=lN.m
Power watt W 1 W=lJ/s
Flux weber Wb 1 Wb = 1 V.s
Flux density tesla T 1 T = 1 Wb/ms
Frequency hertz HZ 1 Hz = 1 c/s (s-1)
Electric conductance siemens S 1 S = 1 A/V
Electromotive force volt V 1 V = 1 W/A
Pressure, stress Pascal Pa 1 Pa = 1 N/m2