LABS INITIATIVE

Standard for Structural, Fire & Electrical Safety in the

Ready-Made Garment and Footwear Sector in India

Version 1.3

PROPRIETARY TO THE LABS INITIATIVE

 LABS Initiative

Standard for Structural, Fire & Electrical Safety in the

Ready-Made Garment and Footwear Sector in India

Overview
The core purpose of the LABS Initiative is improving the life safety of workers in the international ready‐made
garment (RMG) and footwear sectors. Crucial to achieving this aim is improving the structural, fire and electrical
safety of RMG and footwear factories. The LABS Initiative Standard for Structural, Fire & Electrical Life Safety in
the Ready-Made Garment and Footwear Sector in India will help guide those improvements and will contribute
to a safer garment sector for workers.
The key objective of this Standard is to address critical life safety issues in the RMG and Footwear factories. It is a
minimum standard for RMG factories, designed to address those issues which create the biggest risk to the life
safety of the workers. It is based on international best practice for Fire, Electrical and Structural Engineering.
Compliance with this document does not infer compliance with any other national codes, standards or statutory
requirements that may prevail and it is not intended to replace those. For those factories which are part of the
LABS Initiative, while they may satisfy local codes, the minimum requirements of this Standard shall prevail, where
related to life safety.
Development of the Standard
This Standard has been prepared as a response to the fact that in many countries, relevant national building codes
and standards do not adequately address assessment of existing buildings. It is based on published standards
prepared in Bangladesh by the Alliance and the Accord, following the Rana Plaza building collapse in April 2013. It
takes many of the lessons learned there and applies these along with international best practice to set out this
Standard. Subsequently, this reference Standard has been localised for use specifically in India, taking account of
relevant Indian building codes, regulations and practices
Implementation
This Standard will be implemented by the LABS Initiative RMG and Footwear factories in India where this life
safety programme is being rolled out.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Part 1 Scope and Definitions ........................................................................................................................... 4
2 Part 2 Administration and Enforcement.......................................................................................................... 8
3 Part 3 General Fire Safety Requirements ........................................................................................................ 9
4 Part 4 Fire Protection Construction ............................................................................................................... 11
5 Part 5 Fire Protection Systems ...................................................................................................................... 16
6 Part 6 Means of Egress .................................................................................................................................. 31
7 Part 7 Building Materials ............................................................................................................................... 45
8 Part 8 Structural Safety Requirements .......................................................................................................... 31
9 Part 9 Construction Practices and Safety....................................................................................................... 45
10 Part 10 Electrical Safety Requirements ......................................................................................................... 49
11 Part 11 Alterations / Change of Use .............................................................................................................. 68
12 Part 12 Operations and Maintenance ........................................................................................................... 69
Appendix A: Scope of Works for Detailed Engineering Assessment (DEA) ............................................................ 72
1 Part 1 Scope and Definitions

1.1 Scope
1.1.1 Title. Standard for Structural, Fire & Electrical Life Safety in the Ready-Made Garment and Footwear Sector
in India developed by the LABS Initiative shall be referred to herein as “the Standard” or “this Standard.”
1.1.2 Danger to Life Safety from Fire. This Standard addresses those building features needed to minimize
danger to life from the effects of fire including smoke, heat, and toxic gases created during a fire.
1.1.3 Danger to Life Safety from Electrical Issues. This standard addresses those building features needed to
minimize danger to life from electrical shock, electrocution, electrical fires and failure of power supplies to
safety systems.
1.1.4 Danger to Life Safety from Structural Collapse. This Standard addresses and establishes minimum criteria
for the evaluation and protection from danger to life from catastrophic, progressive and disproportionate
building collapse.

1.2 Application
1.2.1 This Standard is the standard which shall be used in India for the LABS Initiative.
1.2.2 It is based on the international overarching standard prepared for LABS Initiative, known as the Reference
Standard. This provides more detail on country-specific issues such as construction practices, local
materials and known deficiencies in the Indian Building Codes which are relevant to the Life Safety
objectives of the LABS Initiative.
1.2.3 This Standard shall apply to the construction, addition, alteration, enlargement, extension, replacement,
repair, installation or movement of major equipment, use and occupancy, maintenance, removal, and
demolition of all buildings and structures used for RMG and Footwear factories. This Standard shall also
apply to subcontractors’ buildings and structures producing RMG and Footwear for LABS affiliated brands.
1.2.4 This Standard shall apply to both new construction and existing buildings and structures as specifically
outlined in this Standard.

1.3 Purpose
1.3.1 The purpose of this Standard is to establish a common set of minimum requirements that provide a
uniform and effective method for assessing structural, fire and electrical life safety in new and existing
RMG factories utilized by LABS‐affiliated vendors.

1.4 Disclaimer
1.4.1 The technical requirements of this Standard are intended for use by professional Structural Engineers, Fire
Safety Engineers or Architects, and Electrical Engineers who are competent to evaluate the significance
and limitation of its content and who will accept the responsibility for the application of the material it
contains. The developers of this Standard and the LABS Initiative disclaim any responsibility for the stated
principals and requirements and shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from their application.
1.5 References
1.5.1 General
1.5.1.1 The documents listed in this section are referenced in this Standard and the portions thereof are
considered part of the requirements of this Standard to the extent of each such reference.
1.5.2 Indian National Building Code
Current versions of Indian National Building Code. The following is a non-exhaustive list of codes referred
to in this Standard:
1.5.2.1 National Building Code of India 2016, Volumes 1 & 2
1.5.3 Indian National Laws and Rules
Current versions of codes published by Bureau of Indian Standards. The following is a non-exhaustive list
of technical documents referred to in this Standard:
1.5.3.1 IS 456: 2000 Plain and Reinforced Concrete – Code of Practice
1.5.3.2 IS 800: 2007 General Construction Steel – Code of Practice
1.5.3.3 IS 875: 1987 Code of Practice for Design Loads (Other than Earthquake) for Buildings and Structures Part 1
Dead Loads
1.5.3.4 IS 875: 1987 Code of Practice for Design Loads (Other than Earthquake) for Buildings and Structures Part 2
Imposed Loads
1.5.3.5 IS 875: 2015 Code of Practice for Design Loads (Other than Earthquake) for Buildings and Structures Part 3
Wind Loads
1.5.3.6 IS 875: 1987 Code of Practice for Design Loads (Other than Earthquake) for Buildings and Structures Part 5
Special Loads and Combinations
1.5.3.7 IS 1893: 2016 Criteria for Earthquake Resistant Design of Structures Part 1 General Provisions and
Buildings
1.5.4 ICC publications
International Code Council, 5203 Leesburg Pike, Suite 600, Falls Church, VA 22041 USA.
1.5.4.1 IBC, International Building Code, 2012.
1.5.4.2 IFC, International Fire Code, 2012.
1.5.4.3 IEBC, International Existing Building Code, 2012.
1.5.5 NFPA publications
National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169‐7471 USA.
1.5.5.1 NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, 2013.
1.5.5.2 NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2013.
1.5.5.3 NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2013.
1.5.5.4 NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection, 2013.
1.5.5.5 NFPA 22, Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection, 2013.
1.5.5.6 NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water‐Based Fire Protection Systems,
2011.
1.5.5.7 NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 2012.
1.5.5.8 NFPA30B, Code for the Manufacture and Storage of Aerosol Products, 2011.
1.5.5.9 NFPA 37, Standard for the Installation and Use of Stationary Combustion Engines and Gas Turbines, 2010.
1.5.5.10 NFPA 51B, Standard for Fire Prevention during Welding, Cutting, and Other Hot Work, 2014.
1.5.5.11 NFPA 70, National Electrical Code®, 2011
1.5.5.12 NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, 2013.
1.5.5.13 NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives, 2013.
1.5.5.14 NFPA 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air‐Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, 2012.
1.5.5.15 NFPA 92, Standard for Smoke Control Systems, 2012.
1.5.5.16 NFPA 101, Life Safety Code®, 2012.
1.5.5.17 NFPA 110, Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems, 2013.
1.5.5.18 NFPA 111, Standard on Stored Electrical Energy Emergency and Standby Power Systems, 2013.
1.5.5.19 NFPA 241, Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations, 2013.
1.5.5.20 NFPA 252, Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Door Assemblies, 2012.
1.5.5.21 NFPA 257, Standard on Fire Test for Window and Glass Block Assemblies, 2012.
1.5.6 ASCE Publications
American Society of Civil Engineers, 1801 Alexander Bell Drive, Reston, VA 20191 USA.
1.5.6.1 ASCE 41, Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Buildings, 2013
1.5.7 ASME Publications
American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Two Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016 USA.
1.5.7.1 ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, 2010.
1.5.8 ASTM Publications
ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428 USA.
1.5.8.1 ASTM E 84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, 2010.
1.5.8.2 ASTM E 119, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials, 2010b.
1.5.8.3 ASTM E 136, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750 Degrees C,
2009b.
1.5.8.4 ASTM E 814, Standard Test Method for Fire Tests of Through‐Penetration Fire Stops, 2010.
1.5.9 FM Global publications
FM Global, 270 Central Avenue, Johnston, RI 02919‐4923 USA.
1.5.9.1 FM Data Sheet 7‐1, Fire Protection for Textile Mills, January 2012.
1.5.9.2 FM Data Sheet 8‐7, Baled Fiber Storage, January 2000.
1.5.10 Indian Standards
Bureau of Indian Standards, 9 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi-110002, India
1.5.10.1 IS 732 Code of Practice of Electrical Wiring Installation
1.5.10.2 IS 3043 Code of Practice of Earthing
1.5.11 International Electrotechnical Commission
3, rue de Varembé, 1st floor, P.O. Box 131, CH - 1211 Geneva 20 - Switzerland
1.5.11.1 IEC 60364-4-42 Low voltage electrical installations Protection for safety - Protection against thermal
effects
1.5.11.2 ISO 8528 Reciprocating internal combustion engine driven alternating current generating sets.
1.5.12 Factories Act 1948
Act No. 63 of 1948, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, 23 Sept 1948.
2 Part 2 Administration and Enforcement
2.1 General
2.1.1 The administration of this Standard, including interface with factory owners and performance of
Preliminary Safety Assessments, will be administered by the LABS Initiative.
2.1.2 Factory building owners shall also be responsible for compliance with Indian National Building Code
and all other relevant laws and rules.
3 Part 3 General Fire Safety Requirements
3.1 The primary focus of the LABS initiative is to ensure Life Safety in RMG and Footwear factories.
3.2 As such, the purpose of this section is to identify the critical fire safety measures which need to be verified
by observation, testing, preliminary and detailed calculation, in order ensure an adequate level of safety to
the occupants in the event of fire.
3.3 It is not designed to identify all fire safety deficiencies, but to identify those issues that would have a major
impact on life safety. Compliance with this minimum Standard may not mean compliance with the relevant
National Construction Regulations. It is a pragmatic approach to ensure a level of Life Safety for the
occupants acceptable to LABS.

3.4 Applicability of the Local Building Code

3.4.1 This Standard utilizes the Indian National Construction Regulations as the applicable minimum standard for
new factory construction and for all expansions or modifications to existing factories.
3.4.2 New factories shall comply with the more stringent requirements of this Standard and the relevant Indian
National Construction Regulations, together with associated code updates and jurisdictional circulars as
they may be issued from time to time. New factories are those which are built after the adoption of this
Standard.
3.4.3 Existing factory buildings are those that are in current use in the Garment and Footwear industry at the
time of adoption of this Standard.
3.4.4 Any substantial retrofit or expansion of an existing factory building shall comply with Indian National
Building Code- 2016 and Local State bye- laws. Where these changes impact the layout or structure of the
existing building, the compliance shall be with the spirit and intent of the Indian National Construction
Regulations, supported by best international practice. The structural design of the new parts of the building
retrofit or expansion shall comply with the requirements of Indian National Construction Regulations,
unless modified by this Standard.
3.4.5 Interpretive Guideline: Regardless of when a factory was constructed, the impact on the fire safety
measures of any expansion must be analytically evaluated and confirmed by a qualified Architect or
Engineer.
3.4.6 A substantial expansion will be interpreted to mean any new area, floor or roof levels, mezzanine levels,
horizontal floor additions, adaptation for any new uses or add-ons to the existing building, or construction
of similar new buildings.

3.5 Fire Safety of Existing Factory Buildings

3.5.1 Every existing factory building must demonstrate a minimum degree of fire safety as confirmed by a
Preliminary Fire Safety Assessment performed by a LABS qualified Architect or Engineer.
3.5.2 Interpretive Guideline: The intent of Section 3.5 is that every existing factory must demonstrate a
reasonable level of fire safety regardless of when it was constructed and regardless of the availability of
credible fire safety documentation or permits. This Standard requires the visual assessment and on
occasion, analytical confirmation of capacity of key measures for the actual in-situ conditions in the factory
by a LABS-qualified Architect or Engineer. A Preliminary Fire Safety Assessment with no or limited concerns
or generally acceptable findings may be accepted as evidence of a reasonable level of fire safety. For
factory buildings with noted concerns or unacceptable findings from the Preliminary Fire Safety
Assessment, a higher level of fire safety investigation, analysis and ongoing assessments may be required.
3.5.3 Existing factory buildings and components thereof shall be assessed to confirm the adequacy of the fire
safety measures, both active and passive, in the buildings. An adequate level of life safety in the event of
fire will be assumed by LABS to be present if the fire safety measures provided meet all the requirements of
this Standard.
3.5.4 Interpretive Guideline: The fire safety measures present in the building must be confirmed and documented
in accordance with accepted engineering design processes by LABS qualified Architects or Engineers.

3.6 Preliminary Fire Safety Assessment

3.6.1 It is recognized that some factory buildings were built in the absence of established Building Codes or their
active enforcement. Some of these factories lack basic or verifiable documentation that could provide
evidence of physical design characteristics such fire safety measures which could be used to readily confirm
the fire safety of the buildings. Recognizing that absence of fire safety documentation does not make a
factory unsafe, this Standard provides a methodology for Factory Owners who lack appropriate
documentation to provide other acceptable evidence of fire safety. Factories with adequate fire safety
documentation shall also be assessed using this methodology.
3.6.2 The Preliminary Fire Safety Assessment shall include the following activities:
1. Review of available documents, either original architectural and fire safety documents prepared in
accordance with the Indian National Construction Regulations or as-built documents prepared in
accordance with Section 3.10 of this Standard.
2. Visual assessment of the means of escape provided from the building, and all enclosed areas within the
building.
3. Some simple analytical assessment of occupant numbers and escape capacity
4. Visual assessment of passive fire safety construction issues, such as separation of high risk areas from
the production areas with partition walls and doors, compartmentation between floors, fire rated
protection of escape routes, fire protection of the structure, etc.
5. Visual assessment of the fire safety systems provided for life safety, such as the fire, smoke and heat
detection, early warning for all occupants, emergency lighting of escape routes, automatic fire
suppression systems, etc and some basic operational testing.
6. Visual assessment of facilities provided for fighting fires, such as portable extinguishers, fire hoses,
hydrants, standpipes, etc.
7. Visual assessment of the state of housekeeping, particularly how well escape routes are kept clear of
obstacles, fire escape doors kept closed but not locked, fire loads remain stored in accordance with
acceptable practice, management of temporary ‘in-process’ storage, etc.
8. Review of the management procedures, permits, records of regular maintenance of all active fire safety
systems, the factory emergency plan, evidence of fire drills and recorded outcomes, etc and other any
other evidence in support of the factory management’s obligations for fire and electrical safety under
the Factories Act of 1948. It should also be noted whether the factory provides evidence of a valid Fire
NOC (No Objection Certificate) or not.

3.7 Results of Preliminary Fire Safety Assessments of Existing Factory Buildings

3.7.1 If the Architect or Engineer determines that there are major deficiencies observed during the Preliminary
Assessment, he/she may recommend and/or conduct a more detailed fire safety assessment, investigations
or analysis.
3.8 Detailed Assessment of Existing Factory Buildings
3.8.1 Interpretative Guideline: the purpose of this section is to outline how recommended follow-up fire safety
assessment work should be carried out. Such follow-up work could include observation, testing and
monitoring over a particular time period, exposing certain elements and inspecting condition and
performance of systems, preparation of accurate as-built drawings as identified in the Preliminary Fire
Safety Assessment report.
3.8.2 If the Preliminary Fire Safety Assessment indicates areas of fire safety concern, non-compliant doors on
escape paths, missing, damaged or distorted fire rated compartmentation elements, non-performing fire
safety systems, lack of verifiable documents or other lack of compliance with the requirements of this
Standard, then more detailed fire safety investigation or assessment shall be required.
3.8.3 To accomplish this, the Factory Owner shall engage a Qualified Architectural or Engineering Consultant that
meets the qualifications established by LABS to provide fire safety advisory services to prepare all required
design confirmation and fire safety documentation.
3.8.4 If required, the Qualified Architectural or Engineering Consultant shall prepare as‐built fire safety
documents as described in the Section 3.10.

3.9 Required Fire Safety Documentation for New and Existing Factories
3.9.1 Every factory requires fire safety documentation that accurately describes the fire safety measures provided
for the factory buildings.
3.9.2 Fire Safety documentation shall be maintained at the factory site and made available to third parties
assessing the fire safety of the factory.
3.9.3 New factories and any additions or expansions shall have complete fire safety documentation including
Design Report and Fire Safety Documents as required by the Indian National Construction Regulations.
3.9.4 Existing factories shall have one of the following types of documentation
1. Complete and credible fire safety documentation prepared in general accordance with the Indian
National Construction Regulations and used as a basis for the original construction of the factory
building, or
2. As‐built structural documents that accurately describe the fire safety measures as described in Section
3.10.

3.10 Requirements for As-Built Documents

3.10.1 Where existing factories lack complete design and construction documentation from the factory
construction, as-built documents shall be prepared in accordance with this section.
3.10.2 The Factory Owner shall engage a Qualified Architectural or Engineering Consultant to prepare accurate as‐
built documents from first-hand knowledge and personal investigation of the actual in situ factory
construction and operational conditions.
3.10.3 The credibility of any existing structural documentation shall be determined by the Qualified Architectural
or Engineering Consultant on the basis of observations and tests at the factory.
3.10.4 As-built documents shall serve as the basis for any detailed fire safety analysis performed to confirm the
adequacy of the fire safety measures provided.
3.10.5 As-built documents shall include, at a minimum, the following:
3.10.6 The as-built fire safety drawings should include:
 • Cover page – including date of survey and date of completion of as-built drawings, GPS location and
name of factory, names of Surveyor and Checking Engineer
• All plan drawings shall include a north arrow
• Key plans shall be used where relevant to denote clearly separate sections of the building
• The drawings should be to a relevant scale, related to the size and complexity of the building in
question. Typical suitable scales are 1:50, 1:100 and 1:200 on A3 or A2 drawing sheets with A3 size as a
minimum.
3.10.7 Scaled and dimensioned Architectural Documents, including:
• Scaled site plan showing:
• general layout of all buildings in the complex with labels
• location and names of adjacent streets
• location and size of utilities, if known
• Scaled architectural floor plan for each level of each building showing:
• Architectural detail dimension
• Location and size of stairs
• Location and size of elevators
• Location of fixed walls
• Location of corridors
• Location and size of doors and windows
• Location of openings in floors
• Labelled usage areas on each floor, e.g. sewing, storage, dining, rooftop, office, etc.
• Location of major machinery and equipment
• General layout of factory activities
• Roof Plan showing any construction, equipment, water tanks, or tower added at roof level.
• Scaled elevations of each façade of the building showing:
• General configuration of the building including door and window schedule
• Location and type of façade materials
• Accurate number of levels and any intended future vertical or horizontal expansion areas.
• Scaled cross-section of the building showing:
• Stair location
• Location and size of doors
• Location and type of materials
• Dimensions between floors
• Accurate number of levels and any intended future vertical or horizontal expansion areas
3.10.8 Factory Fire Safety Drawings should use the architectural plan documents as background and should show,
for every floor and roof level, if accessible:
• dedicated aisle locations
• means of escape from most remote areas to floor exits, giving maximum travel distances
• protection of evacuation paths where provided, giving fire rating for each element
• type and fire rating of all fire doors location, extent and type of any fire rated elements provided for
horizontal compartmentation
• location of fire alarm initiating devices (pull or push) and manual call stations
• location, extent and type of enclosures for protection of vertical openings between floors or spaces.
 • location of storage areas and type and extent of fire rated enclosures
• location of any high fire risk areas (boilers, generators, transformers, substations, etc.) and extent and
type of fire rated enclosures
• location of any chemical stores and type and extent of fire rated enclosures
• location of exit signage at floor exits
• locations and type of portable fire extinguishers
• locations and type of all fire fighting systems distribution and connection points
• locations and type of all fire department emergency water connection points
3.10.9 Fire Safety Systems design documents should provide, for every floor and roof level, if accessible:
• Design and Specifications for the detection and alarm systems
• Single line diagrams and electrical layouts for fire detection and alarm systems
• Location and types of detectors and alarm sounders, visual warning, voice system components
• Design and Specifications for back-up power systems for detection and alarm systems
• Design and Specifications for the emergency lighting system
• Single line diagrams and electrical layouts for emergency lighting systems
• Location of luminaires, lamp types and ratings for the emergency lighting system
• Design and Specifications for back-up power systems for emergency lighting system
• Location, type and capacity of on-site water storage reservoirs
• Design of pumps (duty and standby) giving calculations for capacities and specifications of each
• Design of standpipes, fire hose systems giving sizes, pressures and flow rates
• Design and specifications of any automatic suppression system (sprinklers, dry powder, etc.)
• Design of sprinkler system pumps (duty and standby) giving calculations for capacities and
specifications of each

3.11 General Fire Safety requirements

3.11.1 The following sections describe the general fire safety requirements for building and structures based on use
and occupancy, building height and area, and construction type.
3.11.2 Parts 3-6 of this document cover mainly Fire Safety requirements for new and existing buildings. The
objective of these measures is to limit the risk to occupants in the event of fire and for that reason focuses
on the following fire safety measures:
• Automatic detection and fire alarm systems for early warning to all occupants in the event of a fire in
the building
• Emergency escape routes from all parts of the building protected from the effects of smoke and fire
and free of obstacles that could hinder free flow of people to a place of safety
• Adequate emergency lighting on all components of the escape paths
• Separation of high fire risk areas from the production area and protection of emergency escape paths
3.12 Definitions
3.12.1 High-Rise Building: Structures or buildings where the highest occupiable floor is located more than 23 m (75
ft.) above the grade level around the building.
3.12.2 Building Height: The building height shall be measured from the fire brigade access level to the highest
occupiable floor, excluding the roof technical floor.
3.12.3 Occupiable Roof: A roof-level shall be considered occupiable where access to the roof is provided and is not
limited to mechanical equipment.
3.12.4 Incidental Occupancy: Occupancy types other than the main purpose of the floor or building.
3.12.5 Mixed Occupancy: Occupancy with various uses all of which are incidental occupancy types that do not
require to be separated from the main occupancy type of the floor or building, having regard to the
limitations of this Standard.
3.12.6 Separated Occupancy: A multiple occupancy where the occupancies are separated by fire resistance-rated
assemblies.

3.13 Use and Occupancy

3.13.1 General
3.13.1.1 Buildings or portions of buildings shall be classified based on occupancy in one or more of the following
occupancies listed below. For spaces that are used for more than one occupancy, the space shall be
classified based on all the occupancies present and shall meet the requirements of Section 3.14. All other
requirements of NFPA 5000 (2015) Section 6.1 regarding classification of occupancy and hazard of contents
shall be met.
3.13.2 Industrial Occupancy
3.13.2.1 An occupancy in which products are manufactured or in which processing, assembling, mixing, packaging,
finishing, decorating, or repair operations are conducted. [See NFPA 5000 (2015) Clause 6.1.12.1].
3.13.2.2 Industrial occupancies relevant to Garments and Footwear include the following:
1. Dry-cleaning plants
2. Factories of all kinds
3. Laundries
3.13.3 Each industrial occupancy shall be classified according to its use as described in NFPA 5000 (2015) Section
29.1.2.1, see below:
3.13.4 General Industrial Occupancy
1. Industrial occupancies that conduct ordinary and low hazard industrial operations in buildings of
conventional design that are usable for various types of industrial processes.
2. Industrial occupancies that include multistorey buildings where floors are occupied by different
tenants, or buildings that are usable for such occupancy and, therefore, are subject to possible use for
types of industrial processes with a high density of employee population.
Note: Garment and Footwear factories fall under the Industrial – General Industrial Occupancy Type.
3.13.4.1 Industrial Occupancy is referred to in the NBC of India 2016 as Group G Industrial Buildings. Garment
factories correspond to Subdivision G-2 Moderate fire hazards [see NBC of India 2016 Part 4 cl.3.1.8 b) and
Annex B]. For the purposes of application of this Standard the NBC Occupancy Subdivision G-2 will be
assumed to be equivalent to General Industrial Occupancy Type.
3.13.5 Special-Purpose Industrial Occupancy
 1. Industrial occupancies that conduct ordinary and low hazard industrial operations in buildings designed
for, and that are usable only for, particular types of operations.
2. Industrial occupancies that are characterized by a relatively low density of employee population, with
much of the area occupied by machinery or equipment.
Note: Garment and Footwear factories are typically not classified as Industrial – Special-Purpose
Industrial Occupancy Type
3.13.6 High-Hazard Industrial Occupancy
3.13.6.1 Industrial occupancies that conduct industrial operations that use high-hazard materials or processes or
house high-hazard contents in excess of the maximum allowable quantities (MAQ) as permitted by NFPA
5000 Section 6.3.2.4.
Note: Industrial occupancies in which incidental high-hazard operations in low- or ordinary-hazard
occupancies are protected in accordance with Section 3.14.5 in this Standard, are considered to be
Separated occupancies hence are not required to be the basis for overall occupancy classification.
3.13.7 Assembly Occupancy
3.13.7.1 An occupancy (1) used for a gathering of 50 or more persons for deliberation, worship, entertainment,
eating, drinking, amusement, awaiting transportation, or similar uses; or (2) used as a special amusement
building, regardless of occupant load. [See NFPA 5000 (2015) Clause 6.1.2.1]
3.13.8 Educational Occupancy
3.13.8.1 An occupancy used for educational purposes through the twelfth grade by six or more persons for 4 or
more hours per day or more than 12 hours per week. [See NFPA 5000 (2015) Clause 6.1.3.1]
3.13.9 Day-Care Occupancy
3.13.9.1 An occupancy in which four or more clients receive care, maintenance, and supervision, by other than their
relatives or legal guardians, for less than 24 hours per day. [See NFPA 5000 (2015) Clause 6.1.4.1]
3.13.10 Residential Occupancy
3.13.10.1 An occupancy that provides sleeping accommodations for purposes other than health care or detention and
correctional. [See NFPA 5000 (2015) Clause 6.1.8.1]
3.13.11 Mercantile Occupancy
3.13.11.1 An occupancy used for the display and sale of merchandise. [See NFPA 5000 (2015) Clause 6.1.10.1]
3.13.12 Business Occupancy
3.13.12.1 An occupancy used for the transaction of business other than mercantile. [See NFPA 5000 (2015) Clause
6.1.11.1]
3.13.13 Storage Occupancy
3.13.13.1 An occupancy used primarily for the storage or sheltering of goods, merchandise, products, or vehicles. [See
NFPA 5000 (2015) Clause 6.1.13.1].
3.13.13.2 Note: Contents of storage occupancies shall be classified as low hazard, ordinary hazard, or high hazard in
accordance with NFPA 5000 (2015) Section 6.3, depending on the quantity and character of the materials
stored, their packaging, and other factors, as set below:
3.13.14 Low Hazard Contents
3.13.14.1 Low hazard contents shall be classified as those of such low combustibility that no self-propagating fire
therein can occur.
3.13.15 Ordinary Hazard Contents
3.13.15.1 Ordinary hazard contents shall be classified as those that are likely to burn with moderate rapidity or to give
off a considerable volume of smoke.
Note: Garment factories are in most circumstances under the Ordinary Hazard Contents classification.
3.13.15.2 Storage Occupancy is referred to in the NBC of India 2016 as Group H Storage Buildings. For the purposes of
application of this Standard the NBC Occupancy Group H will be assumed to be equivalent to Storage
Occupancy - Ordinary Hazard Contents.
3.13.16 High Hazard Contents
3.13.16.1 High hazard contents shall be classified as those that are likely to burn with extreme rapidity or from which
explosions are likely.

3.14 Mixed Use

3.14.1 General
3.14.1.1 Each portion of a building or structure shall be classified individually according to Section 3.13 of this
Standard. When a building contains more than one occupancy, the building or portion shall comply with the
applicable requirements of 3.14.2, 3.14.3 and 3.14.4.
3.14.2 Mixed (non-separated) Occupancies
3.14.2.1 Where minor accessory uses do not occupy more than 25 percent of the area of any floor of a building, nor
more than the basic area permitted for the occupancy by NFPA 5000 (2015) Section 7.4.2 for such minor
use, for the purpose of determining permitted area the principal use of the building shall determine the
occupancy classification.
3.14.2.2 Otherwise, in buildings including more than one occupancy type, where these are not separated in accordance
with 3.14.3, the most restrictive requirements for each occupancy type shall be applied to the entirety of the
building (including fire protection, means of egress, type of construction and allowable building height and
area).
Note: No separation is required between non-separated occupancies meeting the requirement of this
section.
3.14.3 Separated Occupancies
3.14.3.1 Where separated occupancies are provided, new and existing occupancies shall be separated by fire-resisting
enclosure from other occupancy types, in accordance with NFPA 5000 (2015) Section 6.2.4.
3.14.4 Incidental Occupancies
3.14.4.1 Where incidental to another occupancy, areas used as follows shall be permitted to be considered part of
the predominant occupancy and shall be subject to the provisions of the codes that apply to the
predominant occupancy only:
1. Mercantile, business, industrial, or storage use, regardless of occupancy level.
2. Assembly gathering less than 50 persons.
3. Educational for less than 6 people.
4. Day care for less than 4 people.
3.14.5 Separation of Incidental Occupancies
3.14.5.1 No occupancy separation shall be required between incidental and main occupancies except where required
by 3.14.6 through 3.14.12.
3.14.6 Daycare
3.14.6.1 Daycare occupancies which are incidental to other occupancies shall be located on the ground floor with a
maximum travel distance of 9 m (30 ft.) to a storey or final exit.
3.14.7 Boiler or Furnace Rooms
3.14.7.1 Provision for boilers and boiler rooms shall conform to The Indian Boilers Act, 1923.
3.14.7.2 Further, the following additional aspects may be taken into account in the location of boiler room:
5. The boilers shall be installed in a fire resisting room of 120 min fire resistance rating.
6. Entry to this room shall be provided with a composite door of 60 min fire resistance rating.
7. The boiler room shall be provided with its dedicated natural or mechanical ventilation system.
Mechanical ventilation system for the boiler room would be accepted with 120 min fire resistance
rating ductwork, if it has interface with other mechanical areas. Ventilation system should not be
allowed to be routed through electrical room area or through exit corridor/exits.
8. The oil tank for the boiler shall be provided with a dyked enclosure having a volumetric capacity of at
least 10 percent more than the volume of the oil tank. The enclosure shall be filled with sand for a
height of 300 mm
3.14.8 Generators
3.14.8.1 Generator sets shall be separated from all other occupancy areas by a minimum 2-hour construction. Fuel
tanks shall be limited to a maximum 2500 L (660 gal) when located in a building with other occupancies.
Exhaust shall be in accordance with NFPA 37. All exhaust systems shall discharge to the exterior of the
building in a safe location.
Further, the following additional aspects may be taken into account in the location of generator room:
1. The generator room shall be provided with its dedicated natural or mechanical ventilation system.
Mechanical ventilation system for the generator room would be accepted with 60 min fire resistance
rating ductwork, if it has interface with other mechanical areas. Ventilation system should not be
allowed to be routed through any dedicated electrical room area or through exit corridor/exits.
2. The oil tank for the generator shall be provided with a dyked enclosure having a volumetric capacity of
at least 10 percent more than the volume of the oil tank (if not a in-built day-tank for fuel placed under
Alternator). The enclosure shall be filled with sand for a height of 300 mm
3.14.9 Other Hazardous Area Protection
3.14.9.1 It is recommended that rooms used for the housing of transformers, compressors, refrigerating machinery
and other hazardous areas are located outside and remote from the main facilities. In the case this is not
possible, such rooms:
1. Shall not be located directly under, or directly adjacent to, exits (hence cannot be connected to exit
corridors, etc. stairs by way of lobbies).
2. Shall be separated by fire barriers and / or protected by automatic extinguishing systems, in accordance
with NFPA 5000 (2015) Table 24.3.2.3 (included in the table below):
 Table 1 Hazardous Area Protection

Hazardous Area Description Separation / Protection

Employee locker rooms 1 hour or sprinklers
Gift or retail shops 1 hour or sprinklers
Laundries 1 hour and sprinklers or
2 hours and no sprinklers
Transformers 1 hour and suppression system or
2 hours and no suppression system
Maintenance shops 1 hour and sprinklers or
2 hours and no sprinklers
Storage rooms 1 hour or sprinklers
Trash rooms 1 hour and sprinklers or
2 hours and no sprinklers

3.14.10 Non-Sprinklered Electrical Rooms

3.14.10.1 In accordance with NFPA 13 (2016) Section 8.15.11, sprinklers can be omitted from electrical equipment
rooms whilst the building is considered as sprinkler throughout, provided that:
1. The room is dedicated to electrical equipment only.
2. Only dry-type electrical equipment is used.
3. No combustible storage is permitted within the room.
4. Equipment is installed in a 2hr fire-rated enclosure including protection for penetrations (e.g. smoke
ventilation should be direct to the exterior only or fire-rated ducts / fire dampers should be installed).
3.14.11 Miscellaneous (‘in-process’) Storage
3.14.11.1 Sprinklered buildings: In process storage open to the surrounding occupancy is not required to be separated
when provided with automatic sprinkler protection in accordance with Section 5.3 and meets the following
requirements:
1. The storage does not exceed 3.66m in height,
2. It is incidental to other occupancies (3.14.2 and 3.14.4 above),
3. Does not exceed 93m2 in any one area, and
4. Is separated by at least 7.62m from other storage areas
3.14.11.2 Non-sprinklered buildings: In process or miscellaneous open to the surrounding occupancy is not required
to be separated provided that it meets the following requirements:
1. The storage does not exceed 2.45m in height,
2. It is incidental to other occupancies (see 3.14.2 and 3.14.4 above),
3. Does not exceed 23m2 in any one area, and
4. Is separated by at least 3.0m from other storage areas.
 Figure 1 In-process temporary storage arrangement for non-sprinklered areas

3.14.12 Parking
3.14.12.1 Parking of personal motor vehicles shall not be allowed in existing buildings unless the parking area is
separated by 1-hour fire-resistive rated construction or automatic sprinkler protection is provided. In
addition, parking shall only be permitted if adequate provisions for carbon monoxide detection/removal are
provided, and if parking areas were originally designed or subsequently approved for the parking of vehicles
by appropriate legislative parties.
3.14.13 Flammable and Combustible Liquid
3.14.13.1 The storage and handling of flammable liquids or gases shall be in accordance with the following applicable
standards:
1. NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code.
2. NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code.
3. NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code.
3.14.13.2 Licenses required by this section must be prominently posted and kept up-to-date.
3.14.14 Laboratories Housing Chemical Storage
3.14.14.1 Laboratories that use chemicals shall comply with NFPA 45, Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories
Using Chemicals, unless otherwise modified by other provisions of this Code.
3.14.15 Dry-Cleaning Plants
3.14.15.1 Dry-cleaning plants shall be constructed in accordance with NFPA 32, Standard for Dry-cleaning Plants.
3.14.16 Chemical Storage
3.14.16.1 All liquid or solid chemicals should be stored in separate buildings, located outside Garment and Footwear
factories.
3.14.16.2 Where such a room can only be practically located within the factory building, the enclosures of the room
must achieve at least 1-hour fire resistance. Such rooms shall not be located directly under, or directly
adjacent to, exits (hence cannot be connected to exit corridors, etc. stairs by way of lobbies).
3.14.16.3 Automatic detection must be provided within the storage room, linked to an automatic alarm system.
3.14.16.4 Chemical containers should be stored within enclosed cupboards within the storage room.
3.14.16.5 Where flammable liquids are stored, the room should be provided with spill containment, to prevent the
spread of flammable liquids beyond the storage room (typically recessed at least 100mm).
3.14.16.6 Liquefied or compressed flammable gas cylinders create an explosion and fire risk because of the high
pressures inside the cylinders. Gas can be released deliberately by opening the cylinder valve, or
accidentally from a broken or leaking valve or from a safety device. Even at a relatively low pressure, gas
can flow rapidly from an open or leaking cylinder. Flammable gases, such as acetylene, butane, ethylene,
hydrogen, methylamine and vinyl chloride, can burn or explode under certain conditions. Therefore, the
storage or use of such liquefied or compressed flammable gas cylinders shall be prohibited within the
factory building.
3.14.16.7 The requirements of NFPA 5000 (2015) Section 8.15 shall be incorporated. Where hazardous processes or
storage e.g. chemical processing or storage is of such a character as to introduce and explosion potential, an
explosion venting system or an explosion suppression system specifically designed for the hazard shall be
provided subject to a risk assessment by and LABS-appointed engineer.
3.15 Building Height and Areas
3.15.1 General
3.15.1.1 Buildings or parts of buildings classified in a specified occupancy group because of their use:
1. Shall be limited to the types of construction specified in NFPA 5000 (2015) Section 7.2 (see Section
3.15.2 in this Standard).
2. Shall comply with the height and area requirements specified in 3.15.3 below.
3. Construction Type III and IV are not permitted for Industrial buildings, in accordance with the NBC of
India 2016 Part 4 cl. 4.4.2.4.and Table 5 Note 3.
3.15.2 Types of Construction
1. Type I (442 or 332) and Type II (222, 111, or 000) construction: fire walls, structural elements, walls,
arches, floors, and roofs are of approved non-combustible or limited-combustible materials. [Refer to
NFPA 5000 (2015) Section 7.2.3.]
E.g. reinforced concrete and steel construction with no combustible linings, insulation, etc.
2. Type III (211 or 200) construction: exterior walls (and structural elements that are portion of such walls)
are of approved non-combustible or limited-combustible materials, and in which fire walls, interior
structural elements, walls, arches, floors, and roofs are of approved non-combustible, limited-
combustible, or other approved combustible materials. [Refer to NFPA 5000 (2015) Section 7.2.4.]
E.g. reinforced concrete and steel construction with approved combustible linings, insulation, etc.
3. Type IV (2HH) construction: fire walls, exterior walls, and interior bearing walls (and structural elements
that are portions of such walls) are of approved noncombustible or limited-combustible materials.
Other interior structural elements, arches, floors, and roofs shall be of solid or laminated wood or
cross-laminated timber without concealed spaces. [Refer to NFPA 5000 (2015) Section 7.2.5.]
E.g. construction making use of large size timber structure and no combustible materials elsewhere.
4. Type V (111 or 000): structural elements, walls, arches, floors and roofs are entirely or partially of wood
or another approved material. [Refer to NFPA 5000 (2015) Section 7.2.6.]
E.g. construction making use of wooden construction of any type and size and no restrictions on the
combustibility of materials elsewhere.
3.15.3 Allowable Building Height and Area
3.15.3.1 New Construction. The type of construction and fire resistance ratings of new Industrial occupancies shall
be as required in the NBC of India 2016 Part 4 Table 1.
3.15.3.2 Existing Construction
 The type of construction and the allowable building height and area of existing Industrial occupancies shall
be as required in NFPA 5000 (2015) Sections 7.4 through 7.6. These are summarized in NFPA 5000 (2015)
Table 7.4.1, with amendments as specified by clause 5.3.1.2 of this Standard.
3.15.3.3 Relevant extracts for Garments and Footwear factories are included in table below.

Table 2 Allowable Building Height and Area

Type of Restriction General Storage, Mercantile Business All

Construction Industrial Ordinary Others
Hazard
Type I 442 Max. height Unlimited As per
Max. area NFPA
Max. floors 5000
332 Max. height Unlimited (2015)
Max. area Table
Max. floors 7.4.1
Type II 222 Max. height 48.7 m (54.8 m if sprinklered)
Max. area[2] Unlimited 4459 m2 Unlimited Unlimited
Max. floors 11[1]
11[1] 11 11
(unsprinklered)
Max. floors 12 12 12 12
(sprinklered)
111 Max. height 19.8 m (25.9 m if sprinklered)
Max. area[2] 2325 m2 2415 m2 2000 m2 3485 m2
Max. floors 4[1]
4[1]
4 5
(unsprinklered)
Max. floors 5 5 5 6
(sprinklered)
000 Max. height 16.7 m (22.8 m if sprinklered)
Max. area[2] 1440 m2 1625 m2 1160 m2 2140 m2
Max. floors 2[1]
3[1]
4 4
(unsprinklered)
Max. floors 3 4 5 5
(sprinklered)
Type III 211 Max. height 19.8 m (25.9 m if sprinklered)
Max. area[2] 1765 m2 2415 m2 1720 m2 2650 m2
Max. floors 3[1]
3[1]
4 5
(unsprinklered)
Max. floors 4 4 5 6
(sprinklered)
200 Max. height 16.7 m (22.8 m if sprinklered)
Max. area[2] 1115 m2 1625 m2 1160 m2 1765 m2
Max. floors 2[1] 3[1] 4 4
(unsprinklered)
Max. floors 3 4 5 5
(sprinklered)
Type IV 2HH Max. height 19.8 m (25.9 m if sprinklered)
Max. area[2] 3112 m2 2369 m2 1905 m2 3345 m2
Max. floors 4[1]
4[1]
4 5
(unsprinklered)
Max. floors 5 5 5 6
(sprinklered)
 Type of Restriction General Storage, Mercantile Business All
Construction Industrial Ordinary Others
Hazard
Type V 111 Max. height 15.2 m (21.3 m if sprinklered)
Max. area[2] 1301 m2 1301 m2 1301 m2 1672 m2
Max. floors 2[1]
3[1]
3 3
(unsprinklered)
Max. floors 3 4 4 4
(sprinklered)
000 Max. height 12.1m (18.2m if spinklered)
Max. area[2] 790 m2 836 m2 836 m2 836 m2
Max. floors 1 1 1 2
(unsprinklered)
Max. floors 2 2 2 3
(sprinklered)
Notes:
[1]
The allowable number of floors is also subject to the requirements of Section 5.3.1.2 of this Standard.
[2]
The allowable area per storey specified in the Table shall be permitted to be increased in accordance
with the frontage and sprinkler enhancement factors given in NFPA 5000 cl. 7.6.2.
3.15.4 Automatic Sprinkler System
3.15.4.1 The provision of sprinklers shall be in accordance with the allowable building height and area limitations set
forth in Section 3.15.3 of this Standard, except where modified by Section 5.3.1 of this Standard.

3.16 Mezzanine
3.16.1 Definition
3.16.1.1 An intermediate level between the floor and the ceiling of any room or space, so that sufficient elevation is
provided for human occupancy in the area underneath.
3.16.2 Area limitations
3.16.2.1 The aggregate area of mezzanines within a room shall not exceed 1/3rd of the open area of the room in
which the mezzanines are located (note that the area of the mezzanines shall not be included in the area of
the main room).
3.16.3 Openness
3.16.3.1 All portions of a mezzanine, other than walls not more than 1065mm high, columns and posts, shall be open
to and unobstructed from the room in which the mezzanine is located, unless the occupant load of the
aggregate area of the enclosed space does not exceed 10. However, a mezzanine having two or more
means of egress shall not be required to open onto the main area if one of the means of egress provides
direct access from the enclosed area to an exit at the mezzanine level.
3.16.4 Fire Resistance Requirements
3.16.4.1 New Construction. The supporting structure of the mezzanine shall be rated to not less than 1 hour in Type
I and Type II (222 or 111) buildings.
3.16.4.2 Mezzanine floors in Type II (000) construction shall not be required to have a fire resistance rating.
3.16.4.3 Existing Construction. In existing buildings with non-fire-rated structures complying with Section 3.15.3.2
above, the mezzanine does not need to be fire rated.
4 Part 4 Fire Protection Construction
4.1 General
4.1.1 This section describes the requirements for materials, systems and assemblies used for structural fire
resistance and fire resistance rated construction to restrict the spread of fire and smoke both internal
within a building or structure and from building to building.
4.1.2 Fire-resistive materials and construction shall be built in accordance with NFPA 5000 (2015) Chapter 8.

4.2 Definitions
4.2.1 Fire Barrier: A wall, other than a fire wall, having a fire resistance rating. [See NFPA 5000 (2015) clause
3.3.670.3]. This would fall under the definition of a Fire Barrier given in the NBC of India 2016 Part 4 clause
2.20.
4.2.2 Fire Wall: A wall separating buildings or subdividing a building to prevent the spread of fire and having a
fire resistance rating and structural stability. [See NFPA 5000 (2015) clause 3.3.670.4].
4.2.3 Fire Compartment: A space within a building that is enclosed by fire barriers on all sides, including the top
and bottom
4.2.4 Fire Resistance: The fire resistance ratings of structural elements, building components or assemblies shall
be determined in accordance with the test procedures outlined in IS/ISO 834-1 to -9, ASTM E 119 or UL 263,
or any other internationally recognized LABS approved test procedures (suggested examples - BS 476, EN
13501, etc.).
4.2.5 Vertical Openings: An opening through a floor or roof.
4.2.6 Shaft: An enclosed space extending through one or more stories and connecting vertical openings through
two or more successive floors of a building or through floors and roof.
4.2.7 Atrium: An atrium is an opening connecting two or more stories other than enclosed stairways, elevators,
plumbing, electrical, mechanical, or other equipment that is enclosed in fire-rated enclosures. Stories do
not include mezzanines that are open.

4.3 Fire Resistance of Structural Members

4.3.1 The fire resistance of structural members shall be following NFPA 5000 (2015) Chapter 7 and Table 7.2.1.1
(repeated below), for the types of construction referred to in Section 3.15.2 of this Standard.

Table 3 Fire Resistance Ratings for Type I through Type V Construction (hours)

Construction Element Type I Type II Type III Type Type V

IV
442 332 222 111 000 211 200 2HH 111 000
Exterior Bearing Walls 4 3 2* 1 0 2 2 1 0
Interior Bearing Walls
Supporting more than one floor, 4 3 2 1 0 1 0 2 1 0
columns, or other bearing walls
Supporting one floor only 3 2 2 1 0 1 0 1 1 0
Supporting roofs only 3 2 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 0
Columns
Supporting more than one floor, 4 3 2 1 0 1 0 H 1 0
columns, or other bearing walls
Supporting one floor only 3 2 2 1 0 1 0 H 1 0
 Construction Element Type I Type II Type III Type Type V
IV
442 332 222 111 000 211 200 2HH 111 000
Supporting roofs only 3 2 1 1 0 1 0 H 1 0
Beams, Girders, Trusses and Arches
Supporting more than one floor, 4 3 2 1 0 1 0 H 1 0
columns, or other bearing walls
Supporting one floor only 2 2 2 1 0 1 0 H 1 0
Supporting roofs only 2 2 1 1 0 1 0 H 1 0
Floor / Ceiling Assemblies 2 2 2 1 0 1 0 H 1 0
Roof / Ceiling Assemblies 2 1.5 1 1 0 1 0 H 1 0
Interior Nonbearing Walls 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Exterior Nonbearing Walls 0** 0** 0** 0** 0** 0** 0** 0** 0** 0**
H: heavy timber members.
* 1hr where exterior bearing walls support a roof only.
** Except where required to be protected as per NFPA 5000 (2015) Table 7.3.2.1.

4.4 Separation
4.4.1 General
4.4.1.1 Separation of floors, occupancies, hazards, exit enclosures shall be provided with fire rated construction
fire barriers in accordance with this section.
4.4.2 Fire Barriers
4.4.2.1 Fire barriers shall be classified as 1-, 2-, or 3-hr fire-resistive rated construction.
4.4.2.2 Fire barrier shall be continuous from outside wall to outside wall, from one fire barrier to another or
combination thereof and shall be continuous through all concealed spaces.
4.4.2.3 Fire barriers shall be constructed of materials meeting the testing requirements of IS/ISO 834-8 or ASTM E
119, or any other internationally recognized LABS approved test procedures.
4.4.2.4 All openings in fire barriers shall be protected with fire-resistant protective opening protection in
accordance with 4.11.
4.4.3 Vertical Openings
4.4.3.1 Every vertical opening between the floors of a building shall be suitably enclosed or protected, as
necessary, to provide reasonable safety to occupants while using the means of egress by preventing
spread of fire, smoke, or fumes through vertical openings from floor to floor to allow occupants to
complete their use of the means of egress.
4.4.3.2 Openings through floors shall be enclosed with fire barrier walls, shall be continuous from floor to floor or
floor to roof, and shall be protected as appropriate for the fire resistance rating of the barrier. Openings
through a floor/ceiling assembly shall be protected shafts in accordance with Section 4.8 unless meeting
the requirements of Section 4.4.4 or 4.4.5.
4.4.4 Services Penetrations
4.4.4.1 A shaft enclosure is not required for penetrations by pipe, tube, conduit, wire, cable and vents protected in
accordance with Section 4.8.1.
4.4.5 Openings Connecting Two Storeys
4.4.5.1 A shaft enclosure is not required for stairs or other floor openings connecting only two stories and is
separated from floor openings serving other floors by construction as required for shafts, and does not
connect to a basement area or storage or hazardous occupancies.

4.5 Doors
4.5.1 Fire Doors
4.5.1.1 Fire doors shall comply with the following requirements:
1. Fire doors shall be constructed of non-combustible material having appropriate fire resistance, and
two fire doors may be fitted in an opening if each door by itself is capable of closing the opening and
the two doors together achieve the required level of fire resistance.
2. All fire doors shall be fitted with an automatic self-closing device, of same fire rating as of the door,
which is capable of closing the door from any angle and against any latch fitted to the door.
3. Any fire door fitted within an opening which is provided as a means of escape shall be capable of
being opened manually, not be held open by any means other than by an electromagnetic or electro-
mechanical device which can be activated by the presence of smoke and/or the fire alarm system,
provided that this shall not apply in the case of fire doors opening into pressurised exit staircases.
4.5.2 Fire Door Specifications
4.5.2.1 Fire doors assemblies shall conform to IS 3614 Part 2: 1996 or NFPA 252.
4.5.3 Fire Door Ratings
4.5.3.1 Ratings of fire doors shall be in accordance with Section 4.10 in this Standard.

4.6 Windows
4.6.1 Fire windows shall conform to NFPA 257, or any other internationally recognized LABS approved standard

4.7 Ducts
4.7.1 Ducts penetrating fire-resistance rated assemblies shall be protected with listed fire dampers. Dampers
shall be 1 ½ -hour rated dampers when located in a 2 -hour or less fire-resistance rated assembly. Dampers
shall be 3 -hour rated dampers when located in a 3 -hour or greater fire-resistance rated assembly.

4.8 Shafts
4.8.1 Fire-Resistance Rating
4.8.1.1 A shaft enclosure shall have a minimum fire-resistance rating of 2 -hours when connecting four stories or
more and a minimum fire-resistance rating of 1 -hour when connecting three stories or less. Any associated
opening protectives shall comply with the requirements in Section 4.10 of this Standard.
4.8.2 Continuity
4.8.2.1 A shaft enclosure shall be constructed as a fire barrier and shall meet the continuity requirements of Section
4.4.2.2. of this Standard.
4.8.3 Openings
4.8.3.1 Openings in shafts shall be limited to those necessary for the purpose of the shaft. These openings shall be
protected as required in Section 4.10 or 4.11 of this Standard.

4.9 Parapets
4.9.1 Parapet walls shall be provided on the exterior of all buildings where exterior walls are required to have
fire resistance (as per NFPA 5000 (2015) Table 7.3.2.1), unless otherwise permitted by NFPA 5000 (2015)
clause 37.1.3.1, e.g. if the building is sprinklered throughout.
1. Parapets should have the same fire resistance rating as the wall upon which they are erected.
2. Parapets shall extend not less than 760 mm above any part of the roof that is within 3050 mm of the
parapet wall.

4.10 Opening Protectives and Fire Doors

4.10.1 Openings in fire resistance rated walls (e.g. fire doors) shall be protected in accordance with NFPA 5000
(2015) Section 8.7 and Table 8.7.2, namely:
1. 3 -hour fire barriers protected with 3 -hour fire protective opening assemblies
2. 2 -hour fire barriers protected with 1.5 -hour fire protective opening assemblies
3. 1 -hour fire barriers protected with ¾ -hour fire protective opening assemblies
4. 1 -hour exit enclosures and vertical shafts (e.g. stairs) protected with 1 -hour fire protective opening
assemblies. [Refer to 6.2.4 in this Standard for a definition of exit enclosure.]

4.11 Penetrations
4.11.1 Penetrations of fire barriers and fire walls shall be protected with a listed through-penetration firestop
system tested in accordance with IS/ISO 834-1 or ASTM E814.

4.12 Atrium
4.12.1 General
4.12.1.1 This section shall apply to buildings or structures containing vertical openings known as atrium.
4.12.2 Fire Alarm System
4.12.2.1 An automatic fire alarm system shall be provided throughout all new and existing buildings containing an
atrium in accordance with Section 5.10 of this Standard.
4.12.3 Separation
4.12.3.1 Enclosure of new and existing atria shall be in accordance with NFPA 5000 (2015) Section 8.12.3 (1), i.e.
separated from the adjacent spaces by fire barriers with not less than a 1-hour fire resistance rating with
opening protectives for corridor walls.
4.12.3.2 Glass walls and inoperable windows shall be permitted in lieu of the 1-hr. fire barrier where all of the
following items are met:
1. Automatic sprinklers are placed on both sides of the glass at maximum 1.83 m intervals.
2. These sprinklers are placed no more than 305 mm from the glass to allow wetting the entire surface
of the glass.
 3. The glass is of wired, tempered, or laminated glass held in place by gasketed frames allowing the glass
to deflect without breaking prior to operation of the sprinklers.
4. Sprinklers can be eliminated from the atrium side of the glass on levels where there is not a walking
surface on the atrium side above the lowest level of the atrium.
5. Doors in the glass walls are smoke-resistant and are self- or automatic-closing.
6. The glass is vertically continuous, not provided without horizontal elements that would prevent the
sprinklers from wetting the entire surface of the glass.
4.12.3.3 The additional requirements for atria made in NFPA 5000 (2015) Section 8.12.3 shall be complied with.
4.12.4 Engineering Analysis
4.12.4.1 An engineering analysis shall be conducted to demonstrate that the building is designed to keep the smoke
layer interface above the highest unprotected opening (from the atrium) to adjoining spaces, or 1830 mm
above the highest floor level open to the atrium for 20 min. The results of the engineering analysis may
require smoke control, separation, sprinkler protection and/or other protection features.
4.12.5 Smoke Control
4.12.5.1 Smoke control required by the engineering analysis in new and existing construction shall be designed in
accordance with NFPA 92 unless the requirements of Section 4.12.6.1 of this Standard are met.
4.12.6 Existing Buildings
4.12.6.1 Atria in existing buildings shall not be required to have a smoke control system provided the entire atrium
is separated from the rest of the building by 2-hour fire- rated construction and where egress paths do not
pass through the atrium and where emergency workers are not required to access the atrium.
5 Part 5 Fire Protection Systems

5.1 General
This section describes the requirements as to where fire protection systems are required and the
requirements for design, installation and operation of these fire protection systems.

5.2 Definitions
5.2.1 Sprinkler System: A system that consists of an integrated network of piping designed in accordance with
fire protection engineering standards that includes a water supply source, a water control valve, a water
flow alarm, and a drain. The portion of the sprinkler system above ground is a network of specifically sized
or hydraulically designed piping installed in a building, structure, or area, generally overhead, and to which
sprinklers are attached in a systematic pattern. The system is commonly activated by heat from a fire and
discharges water over the fire area.
5.2.2 Standpipe: An arrangement of piping, valves, hose connections, and allied equipment installed in a building
or structure, with the hose connections located in such a manner that water can be discharged in streams
or spray patterns through attached hose and nozzles, for the purpose of extinguishing a fire, thereby
protecting a building or structure and its contents in addition to protecting the occupants.
5.2.3 Wet Riser: An arrangement for firefighting within the building by means of vertical rising mains not less
than 100 mm nominal diameter with landing valves on each floor/landing for firefighting purposes and
permanently charged with water from a pressurized supply.
5.2.4 Dry Riser: An arrangement of firefighting within the building by means of vertical rising mains not less than
100 mm internal diameter with landing valves on each floor/landing which is normally dry but is capable of
being charged with water usually by pumping from fire service appliances.
5.2.5 Down-Comer: An arrangement of firefighting within the building by means of down-comer pipe connected
to terrace tank through terrace pump, gate valve and non-return valve and having mains not less than 100
mm internal diameter with landing valves on each floor/landing. It is also fitted with inlet connections at
ground level for charging with water by pumping from fire service appliances and air release valve at roof
level to release trapped air inside.
5.2.6 Automatic Fire Detection and Alarm System: A system comprising components and sub-systems required
for automatically detecting smoke, heat or fire initiating an alarm and other actions as appropriate. This
system also includes manually operated electronic fire alarm (MOEFA) system.
NOTE: MOEFA system (with or without automatic fire detection and alarm system) includes all or some of
the components such as manual call stations (initiating an alarm for fire and other actions as required),
talk-back system and public address system.
5.2.7 Alarm: A fire alarm system that activates the system alarm(s) and occupant notification devices.

5.3 Automatic Sprinkler Systems

5.3.1 General: Automatic sprinkler systems shall comply with this section.
5.3.1.1 New Construction: Sprinklers shall be provided in accordance with the allowable building height and area
limitations set forth in table 7 of the NBC of India 2016: An Integrated system of underground and overhead
piping shall be designed in accordance with good fire engineering practice. The system should include a
dedicated water supply that caters to one or more systems. The portion of the piping installed in a building
to which sprinklers are attached in a systematic pattern. Each system shall have a control valve that
includes a device for actuating an alarm when system is in operation. The Sprinkler system shall be designed
and installed in accordance with IS 15105:2016.
5.3.1.2 Existing Construction: Sprinklers shall be retrofitted to existing construction where the following applies:

(1) Sprinklers shall be provided throughout any building with an occupied floor more than 23 m
above grade level.
(2) For buildings with fire-rated structures where required as per clause 3.15.3.2 (and Table 2)
in this Standard
(3) In existing buildings with non-fire-rated structures, automatic sprinkler protection shall be
provided throughout where the building is more than 2 stories in height and the built area
exceeds 2,000 m2 per floor.
5.3.2 Water Demand: Where sprinklers are retrofitted to an existing building, the sprinkler system water
demand shall be calculated in accordance with NFPA 13 (2015) Table 11.2.2.1, reproduced in Table 4 below:

Table 4 Water Supply Requirement for Pipe Schedule Sprinkler Systems

Occupancy Minimum Residual Acceptable Flow at Base of Riser Duration

Classification Pressure Required (Including Hose Stream (minutes)
Allowance)
psi Bar L/min gpm
Light Hazard 15 1 1900 - 2850 500 - 750 30 - 60
Ordinary Hazard 20 1.4 3200 - 5700 850 - 1500 60 - 90

Note: Garment and Footwear factories (Textile manufacturing) falls within the Ordinary Hazard (Group
2) i.e. OH2 classification, as per NFPA 13 (2016) Clause A.5.3.2(26).

Note: NFPA 13 allows to use the lower bound figures provided in Table 11.2.2.1 where the sprinkler
operation is reported to a permanently manned fire command centre (or similar e.g. permanently
manned security office) and the building makes use of non-combustible construction i.e. Type I or II
construction.

5.3.3 Installation Requirements: Where sprinklers are retrofitted to an existing building, the design, installation
and maintenance of the sprinkler systems shall be in accordance with NFPA 13. Pipe schedules shall not be
used to size pipe. All systems shall be hydraulically calculated to meet the required NFPA 13 design
requirements.
5.3.4 Documentation: Where sprinklers are retrofitted to an existing building, the installer of the automatic
sprinkler system shall be required to provide shop drawings and hydraulic calculations as outlined in NFPA
13. These drawings shall include all details as outlined in NFPA 13.
5.3.5 Documentation Review: All new sprinkler system installations in existing buildings shall be submitted for
review to LABS India.
5.3.6 Acceptance Testing: Testing of the installation shall be conducted in accordance with NFPA 13 acceptance
testing requirements. Documentation of all testing shall be submitted for review to LABS India. Final
assessment and testing of the installation shall be witnessed by LABS India.
5.3.7 Supervision and Alarms
5.3.7.1 Valves: All valves controlling automatic sprinkler systems, fire pumps, and water supply systems shall be
electrically supervised by a listed fire alarm system control unit.
5.3.7.2 Alarms: An approved audible device shall be connected to every automatic sprinkler system and shall be
activated by waterflow equal to the flow of one sprinkler. Where a fire alarm system is installed, activation
of the waterflow shall activate the fire alarm system.
5.3.8 Testing and Maintenance: Automatic sprinkler systems shall be tested and maintained in accordance with
NFPA 25.
5.3.9 Storage Protection
5.3.9.1 Storage Clearance: All storage shall be maintained with a 460 mm minimum clearance from the top of
storage to the sprinkler deflector.
5.3.9.2 Solid-Shelves
5.3.9.3 Racks: Unless in-rack automatic sprinklers have been designed and installed, solid shelf racking shall not be
used. A minimum of 50% openings in shelving material shall be considered open shelves. See NFPA 13 for
further clarification.
5.3.9.4 Shelves: Shelving units not greater than 760 mm deep can have solid shelves. Back to back solid shelf units
not greater than 760 mm deep each with a solid vertical barrier can have solid shelves. See NFPA 13 for
further clarification.
5.3.9.5 Aisles: Minimum aisles shall be maintained free of storage in accordance with NFPA 13 based on the
design criteria used for the sprinkler system.

5.4 Wet Riser

5.4.1 General: Wet Riser shall be designed and installed in accordance with NBCI 2016 and IS Code 3844.
5.4.2 Where Required: Wet Riser shall be provided in the building as per Table 7 section 4 of NBCI 2016.
5.4.3 Water Demand: In accordance with table 7 section 4 of NBCI, the combined water demand for wet riser
and hose reels shall be followed. For LABS purpose it will be Industrial- G2 classification.
5.4.3.1 Flow Pressure: In accordance with table 1 of IS Code 3844.
5.4.3.2 Flow Rates: In accordance with table 1 of IS Code 3844.
5.4.3.3 Flow Duration: In accordance with table 1 of IS Code 3844.
5.4.3.4 Size of Main: In accordance with table 2 of IS 3844.
5.4.4 Installation Requirements: The design, installation and maintenance of the wet pipe systems shall be in
accordance with IS Code 3844.
5.4.4.1 Documentation: Installation of wet standpipe systems shall be required to provide shop drawings.
5.4.4.2 Documentation Review: All standpipe system installations shall be submitted for review by LABS India for
review prior to commencement of installation.
5.4.4.3 Acceptance Testing: Testing of the installation shall be conducted in accordance with IS Code 3844
acceptance testing requirements. Documentation of all testing shall be submitted for review by LABS India.
Final assessment and testing of the installation shall be witnessed by LABS India.
5.5 Hose Reels
5.5.1 General: Hose Reels shall be designed and installed in accordance with NBCI 2016 and IS Code 3844
5.5.2 Where Required: Hose Reels shall be provided in all General Industrial and Storage occupancy buildings,
and for all other occupancies as per Table 7 section 4 of NBCI 2016. Hose reels shall be sited at each floor
level, staircase, lobby or mid-landing adjacent to exits in corridors in such a way that the nozzle of the hose
can be taken into every room with in 6m of any part of a room keeping in view the layout and obstruction.
5.5.3 Water Demand: In accordance with table 7 section 4 of NBCI, the combined water demand for wet riser
and hose reels shall be followed. For LABS purpose it will be Industrial- G2 classification. The water storage
provided for the hose reel system in an overhead tank must have a minimum capacity of 20m3.
5.5.3.1 Flow Pressure: In accordance with table 1 of IS Code 3844. The minimum pressure at terrace tank level is
3.5 kg/m2.
5.5.3.2 Flow Rates and Range: In accordance with IS Code 884, flow rate of hose reels should be 24LPM and range
of jet spray should not be less than 6m.
5.5.4 Installation Requirements: The design, installation and maintenance of the Hose Reels shall be in
accordance with IS Code 884. The first-aid hose reel shall be connected directly to the riser/down-comer
main and diameter of the hose reel shall not be less than 19 mm.
5.5.4.1 Documentation: Installation of the hose reel systems shall be required to provide shop drawings
5.5.4.2 Documentation Review: All hose reel system installations shall be submitted for review by LABS India for
review prior to commencement of installation.
5.5.4.3 Acceptance Testing: Testing of the installation shall be conducted in accordance with IS Code 3844
acceptance testing requirements. Documentation of all testing shall be submitted for review by LABS India.
Final assessment and testing of the installation shall be witnessed by LABS India.

5.6 Down-Comer
5.6.1 General: Down-Comer shall be designed and installed in accordance with NBCI 2016 and IS-3844-
1989/2000.
5.6.2 Where Required: Down-Comer shall be provided as per the this standard and Table 7 of the NBCI 2016.
5.6.3 Water Demand: In accordance with NBCI and IS-3844-1989/2000, water demand for overhead tank will be
based on height and building classification. For LABS purpose it will be Industrial- G2 classification.
5.6.4 Installation Requirements: The design, installation and maintenance of the down-comer systems shall be in
accordance with NBCI 2016 and IS-3844-1989/2000.
5.6.4.1 Documentation: Installation of down-comer systems shall be required to provide shop drawings and
hydraulic calculations as outlined in NBCI 2016 and IS-3844-1989/2000.
5.6.4.2 Documentation Review: All Down-comer system installations shall be submitted for review by LABS India
for review prior to commencement of installation.
5.6.4.3 Acceptance Testing: Testing of the installation shall be conducted in accordance with NBCI 2016 and IS-3844-
1989/2000 acceptance testing requirements. Documentation of all testing shall be submitted for review by
LABS India. Final assessment and testing of the installation shall be witnessed by LABS India.

5.7 External Hydrant

5.7.1 General: External Hydrant shall be designed and installed in accordance with NBCI 2016 and IS Code 13039
5.7.2 Where Required: External Hydrant shall be provided in the building as per Table 7 section 4 of NBCI 2016.
5.7.3 Water Demand: In accordance with table 7 section 4 of NBCI, the combined water demand for wet riser,
hose reels and external hydrant shall be followed.
5.7.3.1 Flow Pressure: In accordance with IS Code 13039.
5.7.3.2 Flow Rates: In accordance with table 7 section 4 of NBCI 2016 and IS Code 13030.
5.7.3.3 Flow Duration: In accordance with table 7 section 4 of NBCI 2016.
5.7.3.4 Size of Main: In accordance with table 2 of IS 3844
5.7.4 Installation Requirements: The design, installation and maintenance of the wet pipe systems shall be in
accordance with IS Code 13030.
5.7.4.1 Documentation: Installation of wet standpipe systems shall be required to provide shop drawings.
5.7.4.2 Documentation Review: All standpipe system installations shall be submitted for review by LABS India for
review prior to commencement of installation.
5.7.4.3 Acceptance Testing: Testing of the installation shall be conducted in accordance with IS Code 13030
acceptance testing requirements. Documentation of all testing shall be submitted for review by LABS India.
Final assessment and testing of the installation shall be witnessed by LABS India.

5.8 Water Supply

5.8.1 Water Sources for Fire Protection: Provision and Maintenance of water supplies for firefighting shall be in
accordance with IS 9668.
5.8.1.1 Roof Gravity Tanks: Roof Gravity tank for water supply to firefighting shall be provided in accordance with
table 7, section 4 of NBCI 2016.
5.8.1.2 Storage Tank: Underground storage water tank shall be provided in accordance with Section 4 of NBCI
2016.
5.8.2 Installation Requirements: Firefighting water supply systems shall be in accordance with the requirements
of IS 15301 (fire pumps), and IS 9668 (water tanks). If the adequate water supply cannot be warranted off
the municipal mains, the entire water supply for the suppression systems should be stored within water
tanks.
5.8.2.1 Documentation: Installation of new fire protection water supply systems shall be required to provide shop
drawings and hydraulic calculations as outlined in NFPA 13 and relevant IS documents. These drawings shall
include all details as outlined in the standards mentioned before.
5.8.2.2 Documentation Review: All fire protection water supply system installations shall be submitted for review
by LABS INDIA for review prior to commencement of installation.
5.8.2.3 Acceptance Testing: Documentation of all testing shall be submitted for review by LABS INDIA. A final
assessment and testing of the installation shall be witnessed by the LABS.

5.8.3 Size of Tanks: Tanks shall be sized to provide the maximum required water for sprinklers / standpipe
systems for the minimum duration for fire protection supply (as set out in 5.3.2, 5.4.3.3 and 5.7.3.3 in this
Standard).
5.8.4 Fire Department Connections: Fire department (Siamese) inlet connections shall be provided to allow fire
department pumper equipment to supplement the fire protection systems. Fire department outlet
connections shall be provided to allow fire department pumper vehicles to draw water from ground-level or
underground water storage tanks. Connections shall match the Local Fire Services requirements.
5.8.5 Acceptance: Documentation of all testing shall be submitted to LABS India for review prior to final
acceptance by LABS India. The Owner shall contact LABS India prior to conducting the final acceptance
testing of the fire pump installation to allow LABS India to witness this test. A final assessment of the
installation shall be conducted by LABS India prior to final acceptance of the installation by LABS India.

5.9 Portable Fire Extinguishers

Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed throughout all new and existing facilities in accordance with
NBCI 2016 and IS 2190:2010 code of practice for selection, installation and maintenance of portable first-aid
fire extinguisher (fourth revision)
5.9.1 Spacing: Extinguishers shall be placed so that maximum travel distance to the nearest unit shall not exceed
15 m.
5.9.2 Mounting Height
5.9.2.1 Fire extinguisher shall be mounted at a convenient height to enable its quick access and efficient use by all
in the event of a fire incidence.
5.9.2.2 Fire extinguishers having a gross weight not exceeding 18.0 kg shall be installed so that the top of the fire
extinguisher is not more than 1.5 m above the floor (NFPA 10 6.1.3.8).
5.9.2.3 Fire extinguishers having a gross weight greater than 18.0 kg (except wheeled types) shall be installed so
that the top of the fire extinguisher is not more than 1.05 m above the floor (NFPA 10 6.1.3.8).

5.10 Automatic Fire Detection and Alarm System

5.10.1 General: Fire detection and alarm systems shall comply with this section.
5.10.2 Where Required: Automatic fire detection and alarm systems shall be provided throughout all new and
existing RMG buildings and structures, regardless of occupancy type. Initiating devices shall include either
smoke or fire detection devices spaced in accordance with NFPA 72.
5.10.2.1 In existing buildings, if complete sprinkler protection is provided throughout, including water-flow devices
designed to initiate the alarm notification, the requirement for smoke and fire detection devices can be
relaxed.

Note: where an automatic fire alarm is to be installed in accordance with this clause, it shall be
activated by automatic detectors interlinked with a fire alarm panel at a manned location. Battery-
operated point-type smoke alarms are not permitted to serve as automatic fire alarm or detection
devices.

5.10.3 Installation Requirements: The fire detection and alarm systems shall be in accordance with the
requirements of IS 2189:2008.
5.10.4 Documentation: Installation of new fire alarm and detection systems shall be required to provide shop
drawings and as outlined in IS 2189:2008.
5.10.5 Documentation Review: All fire alarm installations shall be submitted for review by LABS India for review
prior to commencement of installation.
5.10.6 Acceptance Testing: Testing of the installation shall be conducted in accordance with IS 2189:2008
acceptance testing requirements. Documentation of all testing shall be submitted for review by LABS India.
A final inspection and testing of the installation shall be witnessed by LABS India.
5.10.7 Evacuation: A general alarm should be raised upon initiation of any of the following: manual alarm box,
water flow alarm, fire detection device or two or more automatic smoke detection devices (or one smoke
detection device in small enclosed spaces with only one detector). Notification shall be provided
throughout the building for complete simultaneous evacuation (any staged evacuation policies shall be
removed).
5.10.8 Monitoring: Until such time that a central station monitoring service or direct connection to the Fire
Services can be set up, a person shall be assigned to contact the fire department in the event of fire alarm
activation. An annunciator shall be in a constantly attended location to alert this person.
5.10.9 Air Handling Equipment: Smoke detectors listed for use in air distribution systems shall be located as
required in NBCI 2016 (Section 3.4.8.2) and NFPA 90A.

5.11 Automatic and Manual Heat and Smoke Ventilation

5.11.1 New Construction: In accordance with NBCI 2016 clause 3.4.8, many high-rise buildings integrate the
smoke management system in to conventional HVAC systems. In such installation, it requires special design
considerations, including safe and adequate controls, acceptable and documented testing and regular
maintenance systems.
5.11.2 For other clauses in more detail refer NBCI clause 3.4.8
5.11.3 Smoke Exhaust and Pressurization of areas above ground should be in accordance with clause 4.6.1 of NBCI
2016. Smoke exhaust system where provided, for areas and occupancies above ground shall have minimum
of 12 air changes per hour smoke exhaust mechanism. Pressurization system where provided shall have a
minimum pressure differential of 25-30 Pa in relation to other areas.
5.11.4 Smoke Exhaust and Pressurization of areas below ground should be in accordance with 4.6.2 of NBCI 2016.
Each basement shall be separately ventilated. Vents with cross sectional area (aggregate) not less than 2.5
percent of the floor area spread evenly round the perimeter of the basement shall be provided in the form
of grills, or breakable stall board lights or pavement lights or by ways of shafts. Alternatively, a system of
mechanical ventilation can be provided with the requirement mentioned in section 4.6.2 of NBCI 2016.
5.11.5 Existing Buildings: In accordance with NFPA 5000 (2015) clause 31.2.6, the underground portions of an
underground structure shall be provided with approved, automatic smoke control where the underground
structure has all of the following:
5.11.5.1 Occupant load of more than 100 persons in the underground portions of the structure.
5.11.5.2 An occupied floor level more than 9.1 m (30 ft.) below, or more than one level below, the lowest level of
exit discharge (i.e. final exit to the exterior).
5.11.5.3 Combustible contents, combustible interior finish, or combustible construction
5.11.5.4 In existing buildings, any automatic heat and smoke vents shall be converted to manual-only operation if
the building is provided with automatic sprinklers.

5.12 Elevators (Lifts)

5.12.1 New Construction: Fire Protection requirements of Lifts in buildings of height 15 m and above shall be in
accordance with NBCI 2016 Part 8, section 5, clause 7.
5.12.2 Existing Construction: In accordance with NFPA 101 (2015) clause 9.4.3.2, all existing elevators having a
travel distance of 25 ft. (7620 mm) or more above or below the level that best serves the needs of
emergency personnel for fire-fighting or rescue purposes shall conform to the fire fighters’ emergency
operations requirements of ASME A17.3, Safety Code for Existing Elevators and Escalators (two-way
emergency communication, emergency lighting, etc. shall be provided).
5.12.3 Shafts: All elevators shall be installed in shafts in accordance with 4.8 of this Standard.
5.12.4 Fire Department Elevators (Lifts)
5.12.4.1 Where required: In accordance with NBCI 2016 Part 8, section 5, clause 7.1.1-k shall be provided for the
purpose of aiding fire fighters in evacuating trapped persons in the building and to take the equipment for
fighting fire to upper levels with minimum delay. Some lifts out of all lifts shall be identified as fireman’s
lifts. This clause shall be followed for deciding the number of fire lift and for location.
5.12.4.2 Recall: In all new construction, elevators with Phase 1 (emergency recall operation by fire alarm initiating
devices) and Phase 2 (emergency in-car operation) capabilities in accordance with ASME A17.1 shall be
provided.
5.13 Emergency Power
5.13.1 An emergency power system shall be provided to supply power to the following loads in accordance with
NFPA 110. Refer to Part 10 of this Standard for greater detail:
1. Exit signs and means of egress illumination.
2. Automatic fire, smoke and heat detection systems.
3. Fire alarm and notification systems.
4. Electrically powered fire pumps.
5. Smoke control systems.
6. Elevators/lifts.
7. Other emergency communications systems, such as servers, PA system, etc.
5.13.2 Battery Powered Signs and Exit Lights
5.13.2.1 Existing battery-operated or uninterruptable power supply systems can be continued to be used to supply
exit signs and means of egress illumination where monthly testing of such systems is conducted and
properly documented.
5.13.3 Duration
5.13.3.1 Emergency power shall be provided for a minimum duration of 90 min.

5.14 Fire Brigade access

5.14.1 Access to the building for fire tenders shall be in accordance with NBCI 2016 Part 3 Section 4.
6 Part 6 Means of Egress
6.1 General
6.1.1 A means of escape shall be a continuous and unobstructed way of exit travel from any point in a building to
a street. The path of travel along a means of escape may consist of three parts: (a) the exit access, (b) the
exit, and (c) the exit discharge. That portion of the means of escape which leads to the entrance of an exit
and is included in the measure of travel distance to reach an exit shall be termed the exit access. The exit
itself shall be considered to be that portion of the means of escape which is protected from the area of
incidence and provides a safe path to the exit discharge. The exit discharge shall comprise any portion of
the travel between the termination of exit and the exterior.
6.1.2 The parts of the means of escape may consist of any of the following exit components:
1. A doorway, corridor or passage leading to an exterior or interior staircase, smoke proof and fireproof
enclosure, ramp, balcony, fire escape or combination thereof, having direct access to the street, or any
designated refuge area which affords safety from fire or smoke from the area of incidence;
2. A horizontal exit from the affected building to an adjoining building or an area of refuge at the same
level which provides safety from fire and smoke from the area of incidence and the areas
communicating therewith.
6.1.3 Lifts, escalators and moving walks shall not be regarded as components of means of escape.
6.1.4 Exit from any room or space shall not open into an adjoining or intervening room or area except where such
adjoining room or area is an accessory to the area served, is not a hazardous occupancy and provide a direct
escape to the designated exit area.
6.1.5 No portion of an exit route shall pass through a room that may be subject to locking or be intervened by a
door that may be locked when the building is occupied.
6.1.6 All exits shall be so located and arranged that they provide continuous and unobstructed means of escape
to the exterior of the building leading to a street or to other designated areas of refuge.
6.1.7 All exit doors and doors along an exit route must be readily openable (e.g. not locked or subject to locking).

6.2 Definitions
6.2.1 Exit: That portion of a means of egress that is separated from all other spaces of the building or structure
by construction, location, or equipment as required to provide a protected way of travel to the exit
discharge. discharge or public way. Exit components include exterior exit doors at the level of exit
discharge, interior exit stairways, exit passageways, exterior exit stairways and exterior exit ramps.
6.2.2 Horizontal Exit: A way of passage from one building to an area of refuge in another building on
approximately the same level, or a way of passage through or around a fire barrier to an area of refuge on
approximately the same level in the same building that affords safety from fire and smoke originating from
the area of incidence and areas communicating therewith.
6.2.3 Exit Access: That portion of a means of egress that leads to an exit, (for example, doorways, staircase
lobby, ramps, Veranda, corridor or passageway leading to an exit)
6.2.4 Exit Enclosure: Fire barriers in accordance with 4.4.2 in this Standard, arranged to provide protection from
fire and smoke to an exit, so as to provide a safe way of travel to the exit discharge.
6.2.5 Exit Discharge: That portion of a means of egress between the termination of an exit and a public way.
6.2.6 Level of Exit Discharge: The storey that is either:
1. The lowest storey from which not less than 50 percent of the required number of exits and not less
than 50 percent of the required egress capacity from such a storey discharge directly outside at the
finished ground level.
2. Where no storey meets the conditions of item (1), the storey that is provided with one or more exits
that discharge directly to the outside to the finished ground level via the smallest elevation change.
6.2.7 Area of Refuge: An area that is either:
1. A storey in a building where the building is protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic
sprinkler system and has not less than two accessible rooms or spaces separated from each other by
smoke-resisting partitions.
2. A space located in a path of travel leading to a public way that is protected from the effects of fire,
either by means of separation from other spaces in the same building or by virtue of location, thereby
permitting a delay in egress travel from any level.
6.2.8 Common Path Limit: Distance along an egress path where no alternatives routes exist.
6.2.9 Dead-End: Secondary branches connected to a corridor, where the only exit is by way of the main corridor.
6.2.10 Travel Distance Limit: Total travel distance where alternative routes exist, including any distance along
common-path or dead-end portions of the egress routes.

6.3 General Means of Egress

6.3.1 Separation of Means of Egress
6.3.1.1 Corridors: Exit access corridors serving an occupant load exceeding 30 shall be separated by walls having a
fire resistance rating of 1 -hour in accordance with 4.4 in this Standard.
6.3.1.2 Exits: Exits shall be enclosed with fire-resistance rated construction as outlined in 1 (1) – (3) below
1. Exits connecting three or fewer stories shall be enclosed with a minimum 1-hr fire-resistance rating.
2. Exits connecting four or more stories shall be enclosed with a minimum 2-hr fire-resistance rating.
3. Exits shall be enclosed with the same fire-resistance rating as the floor penetrated but will not need to
exceed 2 -hour.
6.3.1.3 Exterior Exit Stairs: Exterior exit stairs shall be separated from the building with the rating requirements of
Section 6.3.1.2. The rating of the exterior wall shall extend 3.0 m beyond the ends of the stair structure.
Refer also to Sections 6.10.11 and 6.14.6 of this Standard.
6.3.2 Interior Finish: The use of combustible surface finishes on walls and ceilings affects the safety of the
occupants of a building.
6.3.2.1 All interior finishes for exits shall be limited to Class 1 materials as per the NBC of India 2016 Part 4 cl. 3.4.11.
6.3.3 Headroom
6.3.3.1 All means of egress shall have a minimum ceiling height of 2.3 m, with projections from the ceiling not less
than 2.0 m. The minimum ceiling height shall be maintained for at least 2/3 of the space or room as long as
the remaining area shall be not less than 2.0 m. Headroom on stairs shall not be less than 2.0 m.
6.3.4 Walking surfaces
6.3.4.1 Changes in Elevation: Abrupt changes in elevation of walking surfaces shall not exceed 6 mm unless
provided with a beveled slope of 1 in 2 that do not exceed 13 mm. Changes greater than 13mm shall meet
the requirements for Section 6.3.4.2 of this Standard.
6.3.4.2 Walking surfaces shall be mostly level; however, shall not exceed a slope of 1 in 20 in the direction of travel
unless meeting the requirements for ramps in 6.11 of this Standard.
6.3.4.3 Changes in Level: Changes in level exceeding 535 mm in elevation shall meet the requirements for stairs in
Section 6.10 or ramps in Section 6.11 of this Standard.
6.3.4.4 The change in level shall be readily apparent and if not, marked with additional signage or floor markings.
6.3.5 Slip Resistance
6.3.5.1 Walking surfaces, including stairway treads shall be uniformly slip resistant.
6.3.6 Guards
6.3.6.1 Guards shall be provided in accordance with Section 6.13 of this Standard on the open sides of means of
egress components where the elevation exceeds 760 mm above the ground or floor below.
6.3.7 Impediments to Means of Egress
6.3.7.1 No locks or other devices shall be installed on a means of egress component that would prevent any
occupant from having safe egress from the building or structure. No portion of an exit route shall pass
through a room that may be subject to locking or be intervened by a door that may be locked when the
building is occupied. All exits shall be so located and arranged that they provide continuous and
unobstructed means of escape to the exterior of the building leading to a street.
6.3.8 Reliability
6.3.8.1 Means of egress shall be maintained continuously free and clear of all obstructions or impediments to full
instant use in the case of fire or other emergency.
6.3.9 Furnishings and Decorations
6.3.9.1 No furnishings, decorations, or other objects shall obstruct exits and access to exits. Nothing shall obstruct
or impede visibility to exits.

6.4 Occupant Load

6.4.1 For determining the exits required, the number of persons within any floor area or the occupant load shall
be based on the actual number of occupants declared, but in no case less than that specified in Table 5 of
this Standard.
6.4.2 For occupancies not given in this table the occupant load shall be determined on the basis of the occupant
load factors in NFPA 5000 (2015) Table 11.3.1.2 that are characteristic for the use of the space or the
maximum probable population of the space, whichever is greater
6.4.3 The occupant load of a mezzanine floor discharging to a floor below shall be added to that floor occupancy
and the capacity of the exits shall be designed for the total occupancy load thus established.
6.4.4 The occupant load of each storey considered individually.

Table 5 Occupant Load Factor

Occupancy Use Occupant Load Factor (m2 per person)

Industrial - General and high hazard industrial 10.0 gross
Industrial - Special purpose Not applicable - Maximum probable number of
occupants at any material time
Storage - Mercantile occupancies 30.0 gross
Business (i.e. office) 10.0 gross
Mercantile - Sales area on street floor (i.e. shops) 3.0 gross
Day-care use 3.0 net
Assembly - Concentrated use, without fixed seating 0.65 net
Assembly - Less concentrated use, without fixed 1.4 net
seating
Fixed Seating Number of fixed seats
Other Refer to NFPA 5000 (2015) Table 11.3.1.2

Note: Garment and Footwear factories shall have a designated occupant load factor in accordance with
NFPA of 9.3 m² per occupant, but some references give a number of 2.3 m² per occupant for sewing and
finishing floors. The actual occupancy levels might exceed these figures; hence occupant load should also
be calculated based on the number of workstations or known amount of occupants based on factory
processes. The greater of the calculated figures should be used to quantify the occupancy load.
6.4.5 Increased Occupant Load
6.4.5.1 The occupant load is permitted to be increased above the calculated occupant load provided that all other
means of egress requirements for that higher occupant load are met.
6.4.6 Posting of Occupant Load
6.4.6.1 The maximum permissible occupant load shall be posted for every assembly and production floor in a facility
in a conspicuous space near the main exit or exit access doorway for the space.

6.5 Egress Width and Capacity

6.5.1 Egress capacity is the number of people that can pass through a stairway, and level components (door and
corridor) and ramps. The total capacity of all the respective means of egress serving a floor shall be
sufficient to allow egress of the entire population of the floor.
When calculating stairways, level components and ramps and other exit means, the capacity of the entire
system shall have to be based upon the minimum capacity available from any part of the system.
6.5.2 Means of Egress Continuity: The path of egress travel along a means of egress shall not be interrupted by
any obstruction. The capacity of the means of egress shall not be reduced along the path of travel.
6.5.3 Capacity: The total capacity of the means of egress shall for any storey, floor, or other occupied space shall
be sufficient for the occupant load as calculated in Section 6.4 of this Standard.
6.5.4 Capacity Factors: The capacity factors for calculating the available capacity for each means of egress
component in existing buildings shall be in accordance with NFPA 5000 (2015) Table 11.3.3.1 (extract
reproduced below as Table 6).

Table 6 Capacity Factors

Area Stairways Corridors, doors, other level

(mm / person) components and ramps
(mm / person)
Industrial 7.6 5
Storage 7.6 5
All others 7.6 5
High Hazard Contents 18 10

6.5.5 Sufficient Capacity: For other than existing means of egress, where more than one means of egress is
required, the means of egress shall be of such width and capacity that the loss of any one means of egress
leaves available not less than 50 percent of the required capacity.
6.5.6 Minimum Widths
6.5.6.1 Aisles: Aisles shall be provided with a minimum unobstructed clear-width of 915mm.
6.5.7 Doors: Doors in an existing means of egress shall have an exit width in accordance with Section 6.4 and 6.5
of this document, but in no case less than a minimum width of 810 mm in accordance with NFPA 5000
(2015) Section 11.2.1.2.3.2.
6.5.8 Stairs: In new construction and for newly constructed stairs, internal stairs shall have a minimum width of
1500 mm for Industrial and Storage occupancies, and in accordance with the NBC of India 2016 clause
4.4.2.4.3 for all other occupancies.
6.5.9 In existing construction, a performance based determination of the width of the staircase shall be adopted,
but in no case the width of the staircase shall be less than 915 mm.

6.6 Number of Means of Egress

6.6.1 General: The minimum required number of exits in a building shall be determined based on occupant load
and width required per person as appropriate to the type of exit for respective occupancies, subject to
complying with maximum travel distance requirement.
6.6.1.1 The number of means of egress from any floor or storey shall not be less than 2 except where a single exit is
permitted by Section 6.6.2 of this Standard or where a greater number is required by Section 6.6.3. of this
Standard.
6.6.2 Single exits: Only one exit shall be required in existing buildings where the occupant load and travel
distance listed below in Table 7 are not exceeded.

Table 7 Single Exit Requirements

Occupancy Type Maximum Occupants in Common Path Distance Common Path Distance
the Floor / Area Limitation (Non- Limitation (Sprinklered)
Sprinklered)
Industrial - General 50 15 m 30 m
Industrial - Special 50 15 m 30 m
Purpose
Industrial - High Hazard 50 Not permitted Not permitted
Storage - Low Hazard 50 No requirement No requirement
Storage - Medium Hazard 50 15 m 30 m
Storage - High Hazard 50 Not permitted Not permitted
Other 50 Refer to NFPA 101 (2015) Table A.7.6

6.6.3 Minimum Number of Exits: The number of means of egress from any floor or storey shall be:
1. Not less than 2, unless the area complies with all the requirements of 6.6.2
2. Not be less than 3 when the occupant load exceeds 500 per storey and;
3. Not less than 4 when the occupant load exceeds 1000 per storey.
6.6.3.1 Occupied Roofs: Occupied roofs shall be provided with the minimum number of exits required as a storey.
6.6.3.2 Basements: In no case shall there be less than 2 independent basement exits as per the NBC of India 2016
cl. 4.3.

6.7 Travel Distance

6.7.1 Travel distance to reach an exit for new buildings shall comply with the requirements of the NBC of India
2016 Part 4, clause 4.4.2 and Table 5.
6.7.2 Travel distance to reach an exit for existing buildings shall not exceed the values listed in NFPA 101 (2015)
Table A.7.6 (summarized the table below):

Table 8 Common Path, Dead-End and Travel Distance Limits (by Occupancy)

Occupancy Type Common Path Limit (single Dead-End Limit (closed Travel Distance Limit
way) corridor branch) (alternate ways)
No Sprinklered No Sprinklered No Sprinklered
sprinklers sprinklers sprinklers
Industrial - General 15 m 30 m 15 m 15 m 61 m 76 m
Industrial - Special 15 m 30 m 15 m 15 m 91 m 122 m
Purpose
Industrial - High Prohibited Prohibited Prohibited Prohibited Prohibited 23 m
Hazard
Storage - Low Hazard Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted
Storage - Medium 15 m 30 m 15 m 30 m 61 m 122 m
Hazard
Storage - High Hazard Prohibited Prohibited Prohibited Prohibited 23 m 30 m
Parking - Open 15 m 15 m 15 m 15 m 91 m 122 m
Parking - Enclosed 15 m 15 m 15 m 15 m 46 m 60 m
Other Refer to NFPA 101 (2015) Table A.7.6

Note: Total travel distance limitations for existing Garment and Footwear factories (Industrial - General)
shall be increased from 61 m to 76 m where sprinklers are installed throughout the building in accordance
with this Standard.

6.8 Egress Illumination

6.8.1 All paths of egress shall be provided with illumination in accordance with Part 10 and Section 6.8.2 through
Section 6.8.4 of this Standard.
6.8.2 Coverage
6.8.2.1 The exit, exit access and exit discharge systems shall be illuminated continuously. The floors of the means of
egress shall be illuminated at all points, including angles and intersections, in corridors and passageways,
stairwells, landings of stairwells and exit.
6.8.2.2 Escape lighting luminaires should be sited to cover the following locations:
1. Near each intersection of corridors,
2. At exits and at each exit door,
3. Near each change of direction in the escape route,
4. Near each staircase so that each flight of stairs receives direct light,
5. Near any other change of floor level,
6. Outside each final exit and close to it,
7. Near each fire alarm call point,
8. Near firefighting equipment, and
 9. To illuminate exit and safety signs as required by the enforcing authority.
Note: For the purpose of this clause ‘near’ is normally considered to be within 2m measured horizontally.
6.8.3 Power Source
6.8.3.1 Emergency lighting shall be powered from a source independent of that supplying the normal lighting.
6.8.4 Performance
6.8.4.1 Emergency illumination shall be provided for not less than 90 minutes in the event of failure of normal
lighting. Emergency lighting facilities shall be arranged to provide initial illumination that is not less than an
average of 10.0 lux (lumen/m2) and, at any point, not less than 1.0 lux, measured along the path of egress at
floor level and should be measured at the darkest point (midway between two light sets).

6.9 Doors and Gates

6.9.1 Door Swing
6.9.1.1 All doors in a means of egress shall be of the side-hinged swinging outward type. Roll-down and sliding
gates and shutters shall not be allowed on an exit route.
6.9.2 Locking
6.9.2.1 General: Doors shall not be locked in the direction of egress under any conditions. All existing hasps, locks,
slide bolts, and other locking devices shall be removed unless provided for in 6.9.2.2 and 6.9.2.3.
6.9.2.2 Doors may be locked where the latch and lock are disengaged with one motion where the occupant load
does not exceed 49 persons. Turning a door handle and disengaging a lock is considered two motions.
6.9.2.3 Doors may be provided with locking hardware from the ingress side provided that a panic bar is installed on
any door with an occupant load exceeding 49 persons. The re-entry provisions of 6.9.3 must be met.
6.9.3 Re-Entry
6.9.3.1 Every door in a stair enclosure serving more than 5 stories shall be provided with re-entry unless it meets the
requirements of 6.9.3.2. [Set forth in NFPA 5000 (2015) 11.2.1.5.8.]
6.9.3.2 Stair doors may be permitted to be locked from the stair (ingress) side that prevents re-entry to the floor
provided at least two floors allowing re-entry to access another exit are provided, there are not more than 4
stories intervening between re-entry floors, re-entry is allowed on the top or next to top level, re- entry
doors are identified as such on the stair side, and locked doors shall identify the nearest re-entry floors.
When the discharge floor is determined to be a required re-entry floor using the above requirements, re-
entry does not have to be provided back into the building on this level.
 Figure 2 Required re-entry floors when starting at the top level.

Figure 3 Required re-entry floors when starting at the next to top level

6.9.4 Warehouse
6.9.4.1 Doors to storage areas of buildings shall be in compliance all the requirements in this Standard, including the
locking control requirements made in Section 6.3.7 of this Standard.
6.9.5 Landings
6.9.5.1 A landing shall be provided on both sides of doors used in the means of egress. Exit door shall not open
immediately upon a flight of stair and all such entries to the stair shall be through a landing, so that such
doors do not impede movement of people descending from a higher floor when fully opened. Such doors
shall not reduce the pathway in the landing by more than half the width of such staircase.
6.9.5.2 In new buildings, every landing shall have a dimension measured in the direction of travel that is not less
than the width of the stair.
6.10 Stairs
6.10.1 New Construction: Newly constructed stairs shall be in compliance with the NBC of India 2016 Part 4 cl.
4.4.2.4.3.
6.10.2 Existing Buildings: Existing stairs shall meet the requirements of this subsection.
6.10.3 Construction: Stairs shall be of noncombustible construction.
6.10.4 Exit Discharge: At least half of the required exit stairs from upper floors (rounded to the next higher
number) shall discharge directly to the exterior, subject to the conditions of 6.17.3, or through exit
passageways.
6.10.5 Landings: Landings shall be provided with same width in the direction of egress travel as the stair clear
width and shall be provided at each level and at intermediate landings. Existing landings that are less than
the stair width, shall reduce the overall available capacity of the stair as calculated in 6.5.
6.10.6 The maximum height of stairs between landings shall be limited to 3.66m in accordance with NFPA 5000 cl.
11.2.2.2.
6.10.7 Treads: Stair treads shall be of nominal uniformity.
1. The maximum riser height for any stair shall be 215 mm.
2. Any riser height at the top or bottom step in a stair run exceeding more than 50 mm difference from
the adjacent riser height shall be modified to be within this tolerance.
3. Any riser height or tread depth not at the top or bottom step in a stair run exceeding more than 25 mm
difference from the adjacent step shall be modified to be within this tolerance.
4. For existing stairs that do not meet these tread dimensions and will require extensive rework of the
stairway, a full detailed analysis of the tread dimensions can be submitted to the Authority for review
and approval of an alternate corrective action plan.
6.10.8 Handrails: Handrails shall be provided on both sides of each stairway.
6.10.8.1 In existing stairs, handrails shall be provided within 1120 mm of all portions of the required egress width.
Such stairs shall not have their egress capacity adjusted to a higher occupant load than permitted for a stair
with a clear width of 1520mm in accordance with the factors in Section 6.5 of this Standard.
6.10.9 Guards: Guards shall be provided in stairs in accordance with 6.13.2 in this Standard.
6.10.10 Curved Stairs: Curved stairs shall not be treated as part means of egress. However, these may be used as
part of exit access provided the depth of tread is not less than 280 mm at a point 350 mm from the
narrower end of the tread and the smallest radius is not less than twice the stair width.
6.10.11 External Stairs: The external staircases are the staircases provided on the external wall/facade, and shall
comply with the following:
1. All external stairs shall be directly connected to the ground.
2. Where an external staircase is provided, it shall be ensured that the use of it at the time of fire is not
prejudiced by smoke and flame from openings (for example, windows, doors) in the external face of the
building. Care shall be taken to ensure that no external wall or window opening opens on to or close to
an external stair. If such openings exist within 3 m from an external staircase, they shall be protected
with fire rated doors/window assemblies with rating of at least 60 min.
3. The external stairs shall be constructed of non-combustible materials.
4. No external staircase, shall be inclined at an angle greater than 45° from the horizontal.
5. Handrails, to be provided on both sides, shall be of a height not less than 1 000 mm and not exceeding
1 200 mm.
6.10.12 Signs
6.10.12.1 Stair Signs: Stair designation signs shall be provided at each floor entrance from the stair to the floor.
Where text is used, both English and local language indications shall be used, and signs shall indicate the
name of the stair and the floor level. Signs shall be posted adjacent to the door.

6.11 Ramps
6.11.1 Width
6.11.1.1 Ramps used in a means of egress shall not reduce the overall means of egress width. The minimum width of
new ramps shall be 1120 mm. The minimum width of existing ramps shall be 760 mm.
6.11.2 Slope
6.11.2.1 New ramps shall not have a running slope greater than 1 in 12 (8 percent). Existing ramps shall not have a
running slope greater than 1 in 8 (12.5 percent).
6.11.3 Handrails
6.11.3.1 Ramps shall be provided with handrails on both sides of the ramp.

6.12 Exit Signs

6.12.1 General
6.12.1.1 All required means of exit or exit access in buildings or areas requiring more than one exit shall be
signposted. The signs shall be clearly visible at all times, where necessary supplemented by directional
signs. An exit sign indicating the direction to an exit shall be provided at all changes in direction. All exit
doors shall be clearly marked for easy identification.
6.12.2 Location
6.12.2.1 Exit signs shall be installed at stair enclosure doors, horizontal exits and other required exits from the
storey. When two or more exits are required from a room or area, exit signs shall be installed at the
required exits from the room or area and where otherwise necessary to clearly indicate the direction of
escape.
6.12.3 Graphics
6.12.3.1 The color and design of lettering, arrows and other symbols on exit signs shall be in high contrast with their
background. Words on the signs shall be at least 150mm high with a stroke of not less than 20mm.
6.12.4 Illumination
6.12.4.1 Signs shall be internally or externally illuminated by two electric lamps or shall be of an approved self-
luminous type. When the luminance on the face of an exit sign is from an external source, it shall have an
intensity of not less than 54 lux from either lamp. Internally illuminated signs shall provide equivalent
luminance.
6.12.5 Source of Power
6.12.5.1 Supply of power to one of the lamps for exit signs shall be provided by the premises' wiring system. Power
to the other lamp shall be from storage batteries or an on-site generator set.
6.12.6 Floor-Level Exit Signs
6.12.6.1 The signs shall be on the floor-level in contrasting color showing the exit direction. The sign at the exit door
shall be adjacent to the door with the closest edge of the sign within 100 mm of the door frame.
6.13 Handrails and Guards
6.13.1 Handrails
6.13.1.1 New handrails shall have a minimum height of 865 mm (34 in.) and a maximum height of 965 mm as
measured from the leading edge of the tread.
6.13.1.2 Existing handrails that are less than 760 mm or greater than 1065 mm as measured from the leading edge of
the tread, shall be replaced with handrails meeting the requirements of 6.13.1.1.
6.13.2 Guards
6.13.2.1 Guards shall be provided at all open sides of means of egress that exceed 760 mm above the floor or
finished ground below.
6.13.2.2 New guards shall have a minimum height of 1065 mm.
6.13.2.3 Existing guards shall have a minimum height of 760 mm.
6.13.2.4 Open guards shall have intermediate rails or pattern such that a sphere 100 mm in diameter cannot pass
through any opening up to a height of 865 mm.
6.13.3 Roofs
6.13.3.1 All occupiable roofs shall be provided with parapets or guards with a minimum height of 1065 mm.

6.14 Exit Enclosures

6.14.1 Ratings
6.14.1.1 Interior exit stairways and ramps shall be enclosed with fire barriers constructed in accordance with 4.8.1 of
this Standard.
6.14.2 Termination
6.14.2.1 Interior exit stairways and ramps shall terminate at an exit discharge except where terminating at an exit
passageway constructed in accordance with Section 6.15 of this Standard.
6.14.3 Openings
6.14.3.1 Openings into an exit enclosure other than unprotected exterior walls shall be limited to those necessary
for exit access to the enclosure.
6.14.3.2 In new construction, elevators shall not open into an exit enclosure (vestibules shall also be provided to
separate exit enclosures from elevator access, where possible).
6.14.3.3 Openings from exit enclosures to normally unoccupied spaces such as storage areas, basements, transformer
rooms, generator rooms, boiler rooms, and similar normally unoccupied spaces shall be provided with
vestibules by using partitions of the same fire resistance of the stair.
6.14.4 Penetrations
6.14.4.1 Penetrations into and through an exit enclosure shall be prohibited with the exception of required exit
doors, sprinkler piping, standpipes, electrical raceway for fire alarm equipment, and electrical conduit
serving the exit enclosure.
6.14.5 Exterior Walls
6.14.5.1 Exterior walls of exit enclosures shall comply with 6.14.6 of this Standard.
6.14.6 Exposures
6.14.6.1 In accordance with NFPA 5000 (2015) Section 11.2.2.5.2, where non rated walls or unprotected openings
enclose the exterior of the stairway and the walls or openings are exposed by other parts of the building at
an angle of less than 180 degrees, the building exterior walls within 3050 mm (10 ft.) horizontally of a
nonrated wall or unprotected opening shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hr. Openings
within such exterior walls shall be protected by opening protectives having a fire protection rating of not less
than ¾ hr. This construction shall extend vertically from the ground level to a point 3050 mm (10 ft.) above
the topmost landing of the stairway or to the roof line, whichever is lower.

Figure 4 Staircase with Nonrated Exterior Wall Exposed by Adjacent Exterior Wall of Building

6.15 Exit Passageways

6.15.1 Definition
6.15.1.1 An exit passageway is an exit component that is separated from other interior spaces of a building or
structure by fire resistance-rated construction and opening protectives, and provides for a protected path of
egress in a horizontal direction to the exit discharge or the public way.
6.15.2 General
6.15.2.1 Exit passageways shall be considered an extension of the stairs and shall not be used for any other purpose.
6.15.3 Construction
6.15.3.1 Exit passageways shall have walls, ceilings, and floors that meet the same rating requirement as the exit that
is being served and shall not be less than 1 -hour fire-resistance rated construction.
6.15.4 Termination
6.15.4.1 Exit passageways shall terminate at an exit discharge.

6.16 Horizontal Exits

6.16.1 Horizontal exits shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 5000 (2015) Section 11.2.4.

6.17 Exit Discharge

6.17.1 General
6.17.1.1 Exits shall discharge to the exterior of the building unless meeting the requirements of 6.14.2 and 6.14.3.
The exit discharge shall be at grade or provide direct access to grade. Exit discharge shall not reenter a
building.
6.17.2 Egress Court
6.17.2.1 An egress court serving as a portion of the exit discharge shall be open to the sky or provided with a fire
resistance rated enclosure the same as the exit enclosure. Egress courts less than 3050 mm (10 ft.) in width
(as measured from the building and the adjacent property line) shall be provided with walls having a 1-hr
fire resistance rated construction for a distance of 3050 mm (10 ft.) above the floor of the court.
6.17.3 Interior Building Exit Discharge
6.17.3.1 A maximum of 50 percent of the number and capacity of the exit enclosures can discharge through areas on
the level of exit discharge where all of the following are met;
1. Automatic sprinkler protection is provided throughout the level of exit discharge or portion of the level
of discharge where separated from non-sprinklered portions of the floor by fire barriers with the same
fire resistance rating as the exit enclosure.
2. The interior discharge is not through a storage or hazardous occupancy.
3. The entire area of the level of exit discharge is separated from areas below by construction having a fire
resistance rating not less than that required for the exit enclosure.
4. The way to the exterior shall be free and unobstructed and shall be readily visible and identifiable from
the point of discharge of the interior exit.
7 Part 7 Building Materials
7.1 The requirements of the Indian National Building Code are adopted in their entirety. Alterations, additions,
extensions or new buildings shall comprise building materials which comply with the relevant National
Building Code.
7.2 Minimum Construction Material Properties in Evaluating the Structural Capacity of Existing Structural
Elements
7.2.1 Actual measured or tested properties of materials may be used for elements tested in accordance with
Bureau of Indian Standards.
7.2.2 Where testing has not been used to confirm actual properties and there is no sign of structural distress or
deficiency in the subject member, the following minimum properties may generally be used, unless good
engineering judgment indicates that lesser properties should be assumed.

7.3 Reinforced Concrete

7.3.1 Prior to the introduction of IS 456: 2000, concrete grade may assumed to be grade M15 which is equivalent
to a design compression strength (fck) of 15MPa. This shall be reduced because of workmanship issues and
quality control on the site. Hence our recommended minimum characteristic concrete cube compressive
strength figure (fck) is 10MPa for structures built in 2001 and earlier.
7.3.2 From 2002 onwards, the concrete grade may be assumed to be grade M20 which is equivalent to a design
compression strength (fck) of 20MPa. Since the workmanship improved and also quality controls were in
place, our recommended minimum characteristic concrete cube compressive strength figure (fck) is 18MPa
for structures built in 2001 or later.
7.3.3 Minimum assumed density of reinforced concrete – 25kN/m3
7.4 Reinforcing Steel
Reinforcement prior to 1990
Reinforcement grade Rolled Bars
Yield Strength (MPa) 250
Reinforcement since 1990
Reinforcement grade Deformed Bars
Yield strength (MPa) 415

7.5 Structural Steel Elements

Structural Steel Grade Pre 2010 Post 2010

E165 (Fe 290) E250 (Fe 410)

Yield strength (MPa) 165 250

Ultimate Tensile Strength (MPa) 290 410

Elongation Percent (min) 23 23

8 Part 8 Structural Safety Requirements
8.1 General
8.1.1 The primary focus of the LABS initiative is to ensure Life Safety in RMG and Footwear factories. As such, the
purpose of this section is to identify the critical structural elements which need to be verified by
observation, testing, preliminary and detailed calculation, in order to prevent catastrophic, progressive and
disproportionate structural collapse. It is not designed to identify or prevent minor or local structural
failures or non-performance issues, which would not contribute to a catastrophic failure. Compliance with
this minimum standard may not mean compliance with the Indian National Building Code. It is a pragmatic
approach to preventing catastrophic structural collapses and ensuring Life Safety.
8.2 Applicability of National Building Code
8.2.1 This Standard utilizes the Indian National Building Code as the applicable minimum standard for new factory
construction and for all expansions or modifications to existing factories.
8.2.2 New factories shall comply with the more stringent requirements of this Standard and the Indian National
Building Code such as IS 456:2000 for reinforced concrete, IS 800: 2007 for structural steel, IS 875 Part 2:
1987 for live loads, IS 875 Part 3:2015 for Wind loads and IS 1893 part 1: 2016 for seismic design plus code
updates and state regulations as they may be issued from time to time.
8.2.3 Existing factory buildings are those that are in current use in the RMG industry at the time of adoption of
this Standard.
8.2.4 Any substantial retrofit or expansion of an existing factory building shall comply with the Indian National
Building Code. Where these changes impact the structure of the existing building, the compliance shall be
with the spirit and intent of the National Building Code, supported by best international practice. The
structural design of the new parts of the building retrofit or expansion shall comply with the requirements
of National Building Code, unless modified by this Standard.
8.2.5 Interpretive Guideline: Regardless of when a factory was constructed, the structural impact on the entire
structure of any expansion must be analytically evaluated and confirmed by a qualified Structural Engineer.
This shall include consideration of any potential effects on the lateral stability system of the existing
building both in terms of additional wind loads or seismic loads and the resistance to these loads by the
stability system within the existing and extended structure.
8.2.6 A substantial expansion will be interpreted to mean any new floor or roof levels, mezzanine levels,
horizontal floor additions, or similar new structure.
8.3 Structural Safety of Existing Factory Buildings
8.3.1 Every existing factory building must demonstrate a minimum degree of structural safety as confirmed by a
Preliminary Structural Safety Assessment performed by a LABS qualified Structural Engineer.
8.3.2 Interpretive Guideline: The intent of Section 8.3 is that every existing factory must demonstrate a
reasonable level of structural safety regardless of when it was constructed and regardless of the availability
of credible structural documentation. This Standard requires the visual assessment and on occasion,
analytical confirmation of structural capacity of key gravity and lateral load-bearing elements for the actual
in situ conditions in the factory by a LABS-qualified Structural Engineer. A Preliminary Structural Safety
Assessment with no or limited concerns or generally acceptable findings may be accepted as evidence of a
reasonable level of structural safety. For factory buildings with noted concerns or unacceptable findings
from the Preliminary Structural Safety Assessment, a higher level of structural investigation, analysis, and
ongoing assessments may be required.
8.3.3 Existing factory buildings and components thereof shall be assessed to confirm design adequacy to support
all loads, including dead loads and live loads on the factory during its lifetime. Such loads shall be supported
without exceeding the allowable stresses or design strengths under applicable factored loads and load
combinations for the materials of construction in the structural members and connections in accordance
with the provisions of the Indian National Building Code, except as specifically modified in this Standard.
8.3.4 Interpretive Guideline: Structures must have analytically-determined or empirically-determined structural
capacity to support all the imposed loads including occupants, equipment, water tanks, and storage loads
without overstressing structural elements. The structural capacity of key elements must be confirmed and
documented in accordance with accepted engineering design processes by LABS-qualified Structural
Engineers.
8.3.5 Where the magnitude of the dead loads and live loads can be determined with a high level of assurance,
the applicable load factors and combinations may be used as indicated in Section 8.10.
8.3.6 The Limit State strength design method for reinforced concrete and structural steel shall generally be the
basis of assessment under this Standard. Structural safety of existing factories may be confirmed by
Preliminary Structural Safety Assessment as described in Section 8.4.
8.3.7 For elements such as reinforced concrete columns, which may fail in a non-ductile manner, it is reasonable
to assess under service loads using permissible stress criteria.
8.4 Preliminary Structural Safety Assessment to Confirm Structural Safety of Existing Factory
Buildings.
8.4.1 Interpretive Guideline: It is recognized that some factory buildings were built in the absence of established
Building Code provisions or their active enforcement. Many of these factories lack basic or verifiable
documentation that could provide evidence of physical design characteristics such as element dimensions,
reinforcing and material strengths which could be used to readily confirm the structural safety of the
factories. Recognizing that absence of structural documentation does not make a factory unsafe, this
Standard provides a methodology for Factory Owners who lack appropriate documentation to provide
other acceptable evidence of structural safety. Even factories with structural documentation shall be
assessed using this methodology.
8.4.2 The Preliminary Structural Safety Assessment for gravity and wind actions shall include the following
activities:
1. Review of available documents, either original structural documents prepared in accordance with the
Indian National Building Code or as-built documents prepared in accordance with Section 8.18 of this
Standard.
2. Comparison of these documents with actual as-built conditions, including dimensional checks of
samples of structural elements. Refer to 8.13 and 8.14 for further details.
3. Visual assessment of as-built structure for evidence of phased construction, horizontal or vertical
extensions, alterations, additions (e.g. telecom towers or advertising hoardings), increased loading,
change of use etc.
4. Visual assessment of all structural elements for evidence of distress, cracking, or lack of performance.
5. Visual and analytical confirmation of floor loading and comparison of observed loading with any
existing floor load plans.
6. Visual confirmation of performance of foundations, including absence of settlement cracking, excessive
perimeter separations or settlement, or lack of floor levelness attributable to foundation settlements.
7. Visual confirmation of clear and redundant load path for lateral loads, including diaphragms and
vertical elements. Visual observations shall note any evidence of apparent cracking or other lack of
performance of lateral systems under prior lateral loading.
 8. In-situ non-destructive testing including reinforcement scanning, rebound hammer tests and other
similar non-destructive tests as deemed appropriate by the Structural Engineer at a number of sample
locations.
9. Local exposure of key structural elements to validate results of non-destructive testing (eg local
removal of concrete cover to validate reinforcement scanning of main bars and links).
8.4.3 Simple structural calculations to assess the basic capacity of structural members, including:
• Columns and wall elements at most critical floor levels, including lowest level.
• Vulnerable or critical structural elements identified by Structural Engineer including transfer beams,
hangers, cantilevers, columns with high slenderness ratio, flat slab floors, and footings with inadequate
thickness.
8.4.4 The Preliminary Structural Safety Assessment for seismic actions shall be undertaken in conjunction with
the Preliminary Structural Safety Assessment for gravity actions. It should include the following activities, in
addition to those already specified in 8.4.2.
8.4.5 Carry out a Rapid Visual Screening (RVS), in accordance with “FEMA P-154: Rapid Visual Screening of
Buildings for Potential Seismic Hazards: A Handbook (Third Edition) published by FEMA in January 2015.
8.4.6 Carry out a preliminary check on the shear demand-capacity level for columns at gorund floor level, as per
ASCE 41-13 Tier 1 procedure.
8.4.7 Classify seismic risk in accordance with the Preliminary Assessment Methodology for India
8.4.8 The general purpose of the Preliminary Structural Safety Assessment and any follow‐up detailed structural
assessment is to answer the following seven questions in the affirmative. These questions should be
addressed in the context of both a) gravity and wind loads and b) seismic loads:
• Is the vertical load carrying system logical?
• Is the lateral load‐carrying system apparent and does it have redundancy?
• Are key structural elements such as columns, slender columns, flat slabs and transfer structures
satisfactory?
• Is building performance in respect to foundation settlement satisfactory?
• Is the structure free from any visible structural distress (progressive cracking) in main load‐carrying
members?
• Is the structural strength and performance of any visible vertical or horizontal extensions acceptable?
• Are credible structural documents available?
8.4.9 Either credible original structural document in accordance with the Indian National Building Code or as-built
documents in accordance with Section 8.18 will generally suffice.
8.5 Results of Preliminary Structural Safety Assessment of Existing Factory Buildings
8.5.1 If the Structural Engineer determines that the answer to one or more of the seven questions in Sections
8.4.8 are negative, he/she may recommend and/or conduct more detailed structural assessment,
investigations or analysis.
8.5.2 Based on the seismic risk classification criteria, follow-up assessment, investigation or analysis may be
recommended.
8.6 Detailed Structural Investigation or Assessment of Existing Factory Buildings
8.6.1 Interpretive Guideline: the purpose of this section is to outline how recommended follow-up structural
investigation or assessment work should be carried out. Such follow-up work could include observation and
monitoring over a particular time period, exposing certain structural elements and inspecting condition,
localised structural capacity checks on particular structural elements, preparation of accurate as-built
drawings or a full Detailed Engineering Assessment of the entire structure identified in the Preliminary
Structural Safety Assessment.
8.6.2 If the Preliminary Structural Safety Assessment indicates areas of structural concern, distressed, damaged
or distorted structural members, lack of verifiable documents or other lack of compliance with the
requirements of this Standard, then more detailed structural investigation or assessment shall be required.
A more detailed structural assessment/ capacity check shall be performed where this has been identified.
Reasons for this would include apparently non-engineered additions to the original structure, distress or
damage in a structural member which may impact its structural capacity or where the strength of the
original structural material is questionable.
8.6.3 To accomplish this, the Factory Owner shall engage a Qualified Structural Engineering Consultant (QSEC)
that meets the qualifications established by LABS to provide structural advisory services to prepare all
required design confirmation and structural documentation.
8.6.4 If required, the QSEC shall prepare as‐built structural documents as described in the Section 8.19.
8.6.5 If required, the QSEC shall prepare Factory Safe Load Plans as described in Section 8.9.3.
8.6.6 If required, the QSEC shall conduct additional detailed structural condition assessments and investigations
to determine the adequacy of specific structural elements, distressed structural members, or other
conditions identified in the Preliminary Structural Safety Assessment.
8.6.7 In this case, the QSEC shall state assumptions regarding strength and properties of key construction
materials. Unless confirmed otherwise by testing of in‐situ conditions in accordance with applicable
National Building Code test procedures, the QSEC shall determine the material properties using Section 7.2.
8.6.8 Where required, for determination of in-situ concrete strength, IS 516: 1959 shall be used in conjunction
with concrete core tests. Non-destructive methods may be applied where there is documented calibration
of these methods as per IS 13311: 1992.
8.6.9 For the detailed assessment, all concrete reinforcement shall be determined from use of ferroscanning
equipment.
8.6.10 Where required, for determination of structural steel strength, IS 800: 2007 shall be used.
8.6.11 The installations of Telecoms towers, water tanks or similar structures on the roof top of any existing RMG
factory building shall be critically examined against induced forces as per the local standards using the usual
load factors. Such structures must be removed from the building if they are found to adversely affect the
safety of the structure.
8.6.12 On occasion, the Preliminary Structural Safety Assessments will identify a serious structural issue or a
number of issues which shall require preparation of a Detailed Engineering Assessment (DEA). This
encompasses the entire building and has the following principal requirements:
• Acquiring accurate as-built information for the building
• Structural analysis
• Development of retrofit options where required – for agreement with the Factory and LABS Initiative.
• Detailed design of agreed retrofit option
8.6.13 The DEA shall be carried out by a QSEC, which should be a separate firm from that which carried out the
Preliminary Structural Safety Assessment. The full requirements for a DEA are included in Appendix A.
8.7 Remediation of Deficient or Overloaded Structural Elements
8.7.1 If the Preliminary Structural Safety Assessment or subsequent more detailed structural investigations
determine that a structural member has inadequate structural capacity under applied loads, the Factory
Owner shall take appropriate steps to remediate by implementing one of the following methods:
8.7.2 The applied loads may be reduced to acceptable levels if possible by removal and limitation of structure,
equipment, utilities, or floor loading, or
8.7.3 Overloaded structural elements may be strengthened using properly designed, documented, and installed
strengthening and retrofit.
8.7.4 All load reductions and retrofits shall be designed and supervised by a QSEC and may be subject to technical
review by LABS prior to implementation.
8.7.5 All installation of retrofit shall be carried out by construction firms experienced in the materials and
techniques of structural retrofit. See Section 5.
8.8 Phased Construction
8.8.1 When a building or structure is planned or anticipated to undergo phased construction, structural members
therein shall be investigated and designed for any additional stresses arising due to such effect.
8.8.2 Interpretive Guideline: Temporary or permanent loads due to construction phasing must be anticipated
and analytically confirmed by a QSEC prior to any expansion.
8.9 Restrictions on Loading
8.9.1 The Factory Owner shall ensure that the live load for which a floor or roof is or has been designed, will not
be exceeded during its use.
8.9.2 Factory Load Manager
8.9.2.1 For any factories with more than one floor (including mezzanines), the Factory Owner shall ensure that at
least one individual (the Factory Load Manager) is located on site full time at the factory, is trained in the
operational load characteristics of the specific factory. The Factory Load Manager shall serve as an ongoing
resource to RMG & Footwear brands/vendors and be responsible to ensure that the factory operational
loads do not at any time exceed the factory floor loading limits as described on the Factory Safe Load Plans.
8.9.3 Floor Loading Plans (Safe Load Plans)
8.9.3.1 In every factory building, Safe Load Plans shall be prepared, by a QSEC, for each suspended floor and roof
level (if roof is accessible). These Safe Load Plans shall document the actual maximum operational loading
allowable. Safe Load Plans shall include the items described in Section 8.19.7. The Safe Load Plan for each
suspended floor and roof shall be permanently and conspicuously posted on that floor. Safe Load Plans are
subject to review and approval by LABS. Sample load plan is included in Figure 8.20.
8.9.4 Floor Load Markings
8.9.4.1 In areas of factory buildings used for storage of work materials and work products, walls, columns, and
floors shall be clearly marked to indicate the acceptable loading limits as described on the relevant Safe
Load Plan.
8.10 Load Factors and Load Combinations for Structural Analysis
8.10.1 In analysing the structural adequacy of existing factories, the load factors and load combinations described
below shall be used, as per IS 875 Part 5, IS 456: 2000 and IS 800: 2007.

Table 9 Load Factors and Load Combinations

Load Combination for Limit State of Strength

1.5 DL + 1.5 LL
1.2 DL + 1.2 LL ± 1.2 (WL/EL)
0.9 DL ± 1.5 (WL/EL)
Load Combination for Limit State of Serviceability
1 DL + 1 LL
1. DL + 0.8 LL ± 0.8 (WL/EL)
1 DL ± 1 (WL/EL)
DL = Dead Load
LL = Live Load
WL = Wind Load from any direction
EL = Seismic Load

8.11 Member Sizes and Properties for Structural Analysis

8.11.1 Where practical, all structural analysis of existing structures shall consider actual in‐situ material strengths
as measured by non‐destructive and destructive testing in conformance with applicable testing protocols
mentioned by Bureau of Indian Standards. Where factory conditions dictate that in-situ testing cannot be
carried out, minimum construction material properties as set-out in Section 7.2.2. shall be used. In addition,
characteristics of structural members should be verified as follows;
• Dimensions of members shall be established at critical sections
• Locations and sizes of reinforcement shall be determined by measurement. It shall be permitted to
base reinforcement locations on available drawings if field-verified at representative locations to
confirm the information on the drawings
• An established equivalent fc’ shall be based on analysis of results of credible cylinder tests from original
construction or tests of cores removed from the part of the structure where strength is in question
• The method for obtaining and testing cores shall be in accordance with IS 516: 1959
8.12 Confirmation of Actual Dead Loads
8.12.1 As a requirement to use the load factors and load combinations stated in Table 9, dead loads shall be
confirmed by measurement as follows:
1. Slab thicknesses shall be measured at mid‐span of representative slab spans on each floor, where
possible, using any existing floor openings. Where local floor openings do not exist, the QSEC shall
consider how best to determine floor slab thickness by measurement.
2. Dimensions of representative sampling of beams shall be field measured.
3. Dimensions of representative sampling of columns shall be field measured.
4. Construction materials of walls shall be confirmed by representative exploration.
 5. Fixed service equipment and other permanent machinery, such as generators, water tanks, production
equipment, electrical feeders and other machinery, heating, ventilating and air‐conditioning systems,
lifts and escalators, plumbing stacks and risers etc. may be considered as dead load whenever such
equipment is supported by structural members and weights are confirmed by manufacturer’s data
sheets provided by Factory Owner for each piece of equipment.
8.13 Confirmation of Actual Operational Live Loads
8.13.1 As a requirement to use the load factors and load combinations stated in Table 9, operational live loads
shall be confirmed by measurement as follows:
• For stored work materials, each type of material shall be weighed and measured.
• For stored work products, each size of boxed or packaged material shall be weighed and measured.
• For other types of live load, confirmation shall be accomplished in the most appropriate means in the
judgment of the QSEC.
• The live loads used for the structural design of floors, roof and the supporting members shall be the
greatest applied loads arising from the intended use or occupancy of the building, or from the stacking
of materials and the use of equipment and propping during construction, but shall not be less than the
minimum design live loads set out by the provisions of this section.
8.14 Minimum Floor Design Live Loads
8.14.1 Minimum floor design live loads for the review of sewing and cutting floors during the Preliminary
Structural Safety Assessment shall be 2.0 kN/m2 (42 psf) subject to review of in-situ factory conditions by
the QSEC.
8.14.2 Where density of operations, storage of materials, or equipment weights require live load capacity in excess
of 2.0 kN/m2 (42 psf), the Preliminary Structural Safety Assessment shall consider the actual required live
load.
8.14.3 If the approved design documents for the factory construction do not explicitly confirm that the required
load capacity exists, then the floor load capacity in the affected areas shall be analytically confirmed and
certified by a QSEC as part of the follow up to the Preliminary Structural Safety Assessment.
8.15 Confirmation of Actual Construction Material Properties
8.15.1 Where practical, all Preliminary Structural Safety Assessments and follow-up detailed structural
investigation and assessment will preferably consider actual in‐situ material strengths as measured by non‐
destructive and destructive testing in conformance with applicable Bureau of Indian standards.
8.15.2 Where field conditions allow and are acceptable in the judgment of the QSEC, presumed minimum material
strengths and characteristics may be used as stated in Section 7.2.
8.16 Design for Lateral Loads
8.16.1 Every building, structure or portions thereof shall be designed to resist lateral loads due to notional, wind or
seismic loads in compliance with the forces, Load Factors and Load Combinations as stated in the Indian
National Building Code. Specifically, the wind loading shall be assessed according to IS 875 part 3: 2015 as
required, and the seismic load shall comply with IS 1893 part 1: 2016
8.16.2 When dead loads, live loads, and material properties are confirmed as described in Sections 8.12 to 8.15,
and there are no signs of distress due to loading, the alternative Load Factors and Load Combinations stated
in Table 8.1 may be used.
8.16.3 A redundant structural system with clear load path to foundations to resist lateral loads is required in all
existing factories. If such a load path does not exist, or if the factory has been vertically expanded, the
lateral‐resisting capacity of the factory shall be analytically confirmed and strengthened as required to resist
lateral loads.
8.16.4 Any of the lateral loads prescribed in the Indian National Building Code, considered either alone or in
combination with other forces, whichever produces the most critical effect, shall govern the design.
8.16.5 As noted in 8.4.4, the Preliminary Structural Safety Assessment will include a seismic rick classification to
determine the seismic characteristics of the building. This shall identify the requirement to carry out further
seismic analysis or assessment work.
8.16.6 Interpretive Guideline: The requirements to carry out seismic strengthening is not mandatory. These
recommendations are included as advisory only, with the ultimate decision to proceed left with the Factory
Owner.
8.16.7 Importance Factor for all factory buildings and ancillary buildings shall be 1.0, unless hazardous materials
are stored in the building. In that case, the importance factor shall be 1.5.
8.17 Seismic Bracing of Key Non‐Structural Elements
8.17.1 The following non‐structural elements suspended from, attached to, or resting on the structure shall be
adequately anchored and braced to resist seismic forces:
• Parapets
• Canopies
• Unrestrained masonry
• Steam pipes
• Gas pipes
• Chemical or process pipes
• Storage racks
• Water tanks
• Other suspended equipment weighing more than 1.8 kN that in the opinion of the QSEC presents a
danger to workers in an earthquake.
8.17.2 Seismic bracing for non‐structural elements shall be designed using the requirements of ASCE 41-13 Section
3.3.1.
8.17.3 Interpretive Guideline: This requirement applies to both new and existing factories. It is intended to
ensure that falling non‐structural elements in a seismic event do not create life safety hazards or hindrances
to building egress.
8.18 Required Structural Documentation for New and Existing Factories
8.18.1 Every factory requires structural documentation that accurately describes the factory structure.
8.18.2 Structural documentation shall be maintained at the factory site and made available to third parties
assessing the structural safety of the factory.
8.18.3 All structural documentation shall be prepared and signed by the QSEC responsible for the preparation of
the documents.
8.18.4 New factories and any additions or expansions shall have complete structural documentation as described
in the Indian National Building Code
8.18.5 Existing factories shall have one of the following types of documentation:
1. Complete and credible structural documentation prepared in general accordance with the Indian
National Building code and used as a basis for the original construction of the factory building, or
2. As‐built structural documents that accurately describe the structural elements as described in Section
8.21.5.
8.19 Requirements for As‐Built Documents
8.19.1 Where existing factories lack complete design and construction documentation from the factory
construction, as-built documents shall be prepared in accordance with this section.
8.19.2 The Factory Owner shall engage a QSEC to prepare accurate as‐built documents from first-hand knowledge
and personal investigation of the actual in situ factory construction and operational conditions.
8.19.3 The credibility of any existing structural documentation shall be determined by the QSEC on the basis of
observations and tests at the factory.
8.19.4 As-built documents shall serve as the basis for any detailed structural analysis performed to confirm the
capacity of structural elements and load plans.
8.19.5 As-built documents shall include, at a minimum, the following:
1. The as-built structural drawings should include:
• Cover page – including date of survey and date of completion of as-built drawings, GPS location
and name of factory, names of Surveyor and Checking Engineer
• All plan drawings shall include a north arrow
• Key plans shall be used where relevant to denote clearly separate sections of the building
• The drawings should be to a relevant scale, related to the size and complexity of the building in
question. Typical suitable scales are 1:50, 1:100 and 1:200 on A3 or A2 drawing sheets with A3 size
as a minimum.
2. Scaled and dimensioned Architectural Documents, including:
• Scaled site plan showing:
• general layout of all buildings in the complex with labels
• location and names of adjacent streets
• location and size of utilities, if known
3. Scaled architectural floor plan for each level of each building showing:
• Architectural detail dimension
• Location and size of stairs
• Location and size of elevators
• Location of fixed walls
• Location of corridors
• Location of openings in floors
• Labelled usage areas on each floor, e.g. sewing, storage, dining, rooftop, office, etc.
• Location of major machinery and equipment
• General layout of factory activities
• Roof Plan showing any construction, equipment, water tanks, or tower added at roof level.
4. Scaled elevations of each façade of the building showing:
• General configuration of the building including door and window schedule
• Location and type of façade materials
• Accurate number of levels and any intended future vertical or horizontal expansion areas.
5. Scaled cross-section of the building showing:
• Stair location
• Location and type of materials
• Dimensions between floors
• Accurate number of levels and any intended future vertical or horizontal expansion areas
8.19.6 Scaled and dimensioned Structural Documents as follows:
• Floor Plan for each level showing:
• measured locations of columns and walls
• reinforcement details (rebar size and layout) for any columns determined using any scanning device or
physical investigations.
 • confirmed construction type of walls, e.g. masonry or cast concrete
• general size and layout of beams
• thickness of slabs
• general size and location of major floor openings
• Foundation Plan showing general layout and type of foundations, if known. It should be specified
whether elements have been assumed or have been verified by site inspection.
• Roof Plan – including beam and column schedule, any additional structures at roof level such as sheds,
steel structures, partially completed levels/structures etc. and existing super-imposed dead loading
• Building section(s) showing all constructed floors, dimensions between floors, and intended future
vertical or horizontal expansion, if any.
• Building sections shall indicate location and extent of any mezzanines, suspended storage areas, or
partial floors.
8.19.7 Factory Layout and Load Documents for every floor showing:
• scaled layout of work stations
• operating equipment
• dedicated aisle locations
• type and extent of storage areas
• type and weights of stored work materials and/or stored work products at maximum density
• Factory layout and loading documents should use the architectural plan documents as background.
Factory Layout and Load Plans shall be coordinated with the structural plans.
8.19.8 An example of a factory layout and loading plan is included in the figure below.
8.19.9 Factory Equipment Schedule, including:
• Type of each piece of factory equipment including generators, washing machines, driers, etc.
• Include plan dimensions and weight of each piece of equipment.
 Figure 5 Example factory layout and loading plan

8.20 Notification to LABS of Planned Modifications to LABS-Affiliated Factories

8.20.1 Prior to the implementation of any substantial structural expansion, alteration, or repair of an existing
factory utilized by LABS‐affiliated brand/vendor(s), the Factory Owner shall notify LABS Initiative of his
intent.

8.21 Construction Observation

8.21.1 Construction observation of all new construction, including new factory buildings, expansions of existing
factory buildings, and repairs of existing factory buildings, shall be performed by a QSEC.
8.21.2 Construction observation shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
1. Specification of an appropriate testing and inspection schedule prepared and signed with date by the
responsible person;
2. Review of testing and inspection reports;
3. Regular site visits to verify the general compliance of the construction work with the structural
drawings and specifications, and
4. Preparation of reports to document the results of observations and testing, including resolution of non‐
conforming construction.
8.21.3 The quality and completeness of new construction, expansions, alterations, and repairs must be confirmed
by independent observation and testing during construction.

8.22 Temporary Construction Loads on Existing Factories

8.22.1 All loads required to be sustained by an existing factory structure or any portion thereof due to placing or
storage of construction materials and erection equipment including those due to operation of such
equipment shall be considered as temporary construction loads.
8.22.2 Provisions shall be made in design to account for all stresses due to such loads.
8.22.3 When an existing factory will be expanded, all temporary construction loads shall be analytically confirmed
and documented by the QSEC who is responsible for the design of the expansion works.
8.22.4 Interpretive Guideline: Temporary construction loadings on an existing factory during an expansion or
other construction operations must not be allowed to endanger the life safety of building occupants
through overloading elements of the factory. Construction loadings must be properly reviewed and
managed.

8.23 Changes to Foundation Loads

8.23.1 Application for construction of a new building or structure, and for the alteration of permanent structures
which require changes in foundation loads and their distribution shall be accompanied by a statement
describing the soil in the ultimate bearing strata, including sufficient records and data to establish its
character, nature and load bearing capacity. Such records shall be certified by a QSEC in accordance with
Section 8.27.
8.23.2 Prior to vertical expansion of an existing factory, a QSEC shall provide analytical confirmation and
documentation that the foundations supporting the factory have adequate capacity to safely support the
additional loads due to the expansion.

8.24 Retrofitting of Deficient Structural Elements

8.24.1 When a structural member is identified to have inadequate structural capacity and the applied loadings
cannot or will not be reduced to allow the structural member to be acceptable, then structural retrofitting
may be accomplished in accordance with this section.
8.24.2 Structural retrofitting shall be properly designed using industry‐standard methods.
8.24.3 Retrofitted elements must be strengthened to provide adequacy under all imposed and anticipated loads
using the load factors specified in 8.10.1.
8.24.4 Where columns are strengthened the load path through floors and joints must be carefully considered.
8.24.5 All retrofitting shall be overseen by the responsible QSEC.
8.25 Durability and Maintenance
8.25.1 Factory Owner shall address all areas where maintenance is required, including areas with efflorescence,
dampness, and corrosion.
8.25.2 Standing water on rooftop or other locations shall not be permitted.
8.25.3 Roofs shall be sloped to drain with minimum drainage of 1%.
8.25.4 Drains shall be provided at low points.
8.25.5 All exposed reinforcement (kept for possible future expansion) shall be protected from weathering effect
and rust by using approved protective covering.

8.26 Qualification of QSEC

8.26.1 Subject to approval by LABS, the QSEC firm shall have appropriate qualifications and an established track
record in the completion of detailed structural assessments and the preparation of remediation measures
for strengthening of existing buildings.
8.26.2 In addition, the minimum qualification and experience of the individual engineer nominated as the QSEC
shall be as follows:
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil/ Structural Engineering from a university recognised by the national
engineering institute such as IIT/NIT or equivalent international professional qualifications.
• Shall have minimum 10 years of structural design experience or experience in carrying out assessments
of existing buildings
• Shall ideally have registration/licensing from local bodies where the factories which are to be assessed
are located.
• Ideally experience of at least three existing building assessments in the last two years
8.26.3 These requirements are to ensure that the QSEC is suitably qualified to check, approve and certify an
Existing Building Assessment Report. For the avoidance of doubt, certification shall comprise an official
company stamp from the QSEC firm and the signature of the suitably qualified Engineer who will retain
responsibility for the existing building report.

8.27 Required Statement of Design Responsibility

8.27.1 The Factory Owner’s QSEC shall provide written evidence of design responsibility, including calculations,
design report, documents and site observations as appropriate, for each of the following situations:
1. Structural investigations or design confirmations of structural distress or suspected deficiencies
2. Structural strengthening or improvements to comply with requirements
3. Structural expansions or modifications to existing factories
4. Structural repairs of existing structural elements
5. Qualifications of Retrofitting Construction Firms
6. All firms used for construction of structural retrofitting elements shall be experienced and competent
construction firms with a minimum of five years of experience in this area.
8.28 Qualifications of Testing Laboratory
8.28.1 Where testing of in situ structural elements or materials or construction materials is required to confirm
strength or other characteristics, this testing shall be performed in accordance with applicable Bureau of
Indian Standards by a qualified testing laboratory that meets the requirements of Section 8.27. The Testing
Laboratory shall meet the basic requirements of National Building Code and shall provide to LABS evidence
of accreditation from NABL or an equivalent national certification program.
8.28.2 The Testing Laboratory shall be approved by the relevant Building Control authorities to perform Special
Inspections and other tests and inspections as outlined in the applicable building code.
8.28.3 Tests and inspections shall be conducted in accordance with specified requirements, and if not specified, in
accordance with the applicable standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials or other
recognized and accepted authorities in the field.
8.29 Qualifications of Welding Inspectors
8.29.1 Inspectors performing visual weld inspection shall meet the requirements of AWS D1.1 Section 6.1.4.
Inspectors shall have current certification as required by the relevant local laws and standards.
8.29.2 Inspectors performing nondestructive examinations of welds other than visual inspection (MT, PT, UT, and
RT) shall meet the requirements of AWS D1.1, Section 6.14.6.
9 Part 9 Construction Practices and Safety
9.1 General
9.1.1 Interpretive Guidelines: For the purposes of this Standard, the primary concern is the protection of the
existing structural safety and its occupants during subsequent construction, especially with overhead
construction to vertically expand a factory. Those who expand factories must take extra care to avoid
structural overloading with shoring loads, equipment loads, temporary stacking of materials, or building
beyond the original design intent. This may be a significant concern as factories are expanded, in particular
where the buildings remain occupied. Temporary storage of construction materials, especially hazardous
or explosive materials, is also of concern and must be addressed.

9.2 Permit and Approvals

9.2.1 All construction including extension, alteration and demolition shall require a permit from the Authority, in
accordance with the relevant local laws and standards. Permits shall also be obtained from relevant
organizations for service connections and other facilities. The construction work shall conform to the plan
approved by the Authority. The owner shall make arrangements for obtaining the required approvals. All
new work or alteration shall be planned, designed, supervised and executed by competent professionals of
relevant discipline.
9.2.2 When existing LABS-affiliated factories are planned for expansion, LABS shall be notified in advance of the
start of construction.
9.2.3 Interpretive Guideline: The LABS Initiative wishes to be kept informed of major alterations to factories
used by LABS‐affiliated brands/ vendors. Notification should include full documents describing the planned
improvements, including Design Report confirming the structural adequacy of the existing factory to safely
support the alteration. Notification should be made at least 60 days in advance of planned start of
construction.

9.3 Professional Services and Responsibilities

9.3.1 The responsibility of professionals with regard to planning designing and supervision of building
construction work, etc. and that of the owner shall be in accordance with the relevant part of the National
Building Code and professional practice. All Structural Engineers employed as responsible Structural
Engineers for new design and for design confirmations shall be LABS‐qualified in accordance with Section
8.26. Employment of trained workers shall be encouraged for building construction activity.

9.4 Construction of all Elements

9.4.1 Construction of all elements of a building shall be in accordance with good practice, such as IBC 2015 Part
33, NFPA 241, and others as applicable.

9.5 Construction Stage Loading

9.5.1 General
9.5.1.1 No structure, temporary support, scaffolding, other devices and construction equipment shall be loaded in
excess of its safe working capacity.
9.5.1.2 Interpretive Guideline: The structural capacity and safety of shoring, formwork, reshoring, temporary
works and construction storage of materials should be confirmed by a LABS‐qualified Structural Engineer.
9.5.2 Temporary Works Loading
9.5.2.1 Scaffolds, formwork, temporary works and components thereof shall be capable of supporting without
failure, at least two times the maximum intended load. The following loads shall be used in designing the
formwork:
1. weight of wet concrete : 20 kN/m3 (127 PCF);
2. live load due to workmen and impact of ramming or vibrating: 1.5‐4.0 kN/m2 (light duty for carpenter
and stone setters, medium duty for bricklayers and plasterers, heavy duty for stone masons);
9.5.3 Formwork
9.5.3.1 Formwork provided for concrete structures shall be designed and constructed for the anticipated loads.
During the construction of the concrete element, the formwork shall be frequently inspected for defects.
Enough walking platforms shall be provided in the reinforcement area to facilitate safe walking to the
concreting area. Loose wires and unprotected reinforcement ends shall be avoided. Formwork supporting
cast‐in‐place reinforced and pre stressed concrete floors and roofs shall be adequately tied or braced
together to withstand all loads until the new construction has attained the required strengths.
9.5.3.2 All formworks and scaffolds shall be strong, substantial and stable. All centering and props shall be
adequately braced to ensure lateral stability against all construction and incidental loads.
9.5.3.3 The space under the scaffold or formwork shall not be used as a working or living space. The space shall
not be used as a shelter or refuge during inclement weather or at any other time.

9.6 General Requirements and Restrictions on Storage and Handling

9.6.1 General
9.6.1.1 Materials required in construction operations shall be stored, and handled in a manner to prevent
deterioration and damage to the materials, ensure safety of workmen in handling operations and non‐
interference with public life including safety of public, prevention of damage to public property and
natural environment. Materials shall be stored and placed so as not to endanger the public, the workers or
the adjoining property. Materials shall be stacked on well‐drained, flat and unyielding surface. Material
stacks shall not impose any undue stresses on walls or other structures. Materials shall be separated
according to kind, size and length and placed in neat, orderly piles. High piles shall be staggered back at
suitable intervals in height. Piles of materials shall be arranged so as to allow a minimum 800 mm wide
passageway in between for inspection and removal. All passageways shall be kept clear of dry vegetation,
greasy substance and debris. For any site, there should be proper planning of the layout for stacking and
storage of different materials, components and equipment with proper access and proper maneuverability
of the vehicles carrying the material. While planning the layout, the requirements of various materials,
components and equipment at different stages of construction shall be considered. Stairways,
passageways and gangways shall not become obstructed by storage of building materials, tools or
accumulated rubbish. Materials stored at site, depending upon the individual characteristics, shall be
protected from atmospheric actions, such as rain, sun, winds and moisture, to avoid deterioration. Special
and specified care should be taken for inflammable and destructive chemicals and explosive during
storage.

9.7 Fire safety Construction practices

9.7.1 General
9.7.1.1 The National Building Code of India 2016, Volumes 1 & 2, should be followed during all construction
projects.
9.7.2 Fire Protection During Inspections
9.7.2.1 Inspections of construction activities in occupied facilities shall be performed by the Fire Safety Director or
designee. These inspections shall insure compliance with this Chapter. The Fire Safety Director shall be
given the contractual authority with the construction team to stop any construction or construction
activity that creates an unsafe fire condition.
9.7.3 Fire Protection During Construction
9.7.3.1 The requirements of National Building Code of India 2016, Volumes 1 & 2 shall be followed for all
construction work.
9.7.4 Escape Facilities
9.7.4.1 In buildings under construction, adequate escape facilities shall be maintained at all times for the use of
construction workers. Escape facilities shall consist of doors, walkways, stairs, ramps, fire escapes, ladders,
or other approved means or devices arranged in accordance with the general principles of Part 6 of this
Standard.
9.7.5 Waste
9.7.5.1 Accumulations of combustible waste material, dust, and debris shall be removed from the structure and its
immediate vicinity at the end of each work shift or more frequently as necessary for safe operations.
9.7.6 Automatic sprinklers
9.7.6.1 Where automatic sprinkler protection is to be provided, the building shall not be occupied until the
sprinkler installation has been completed and tested.
9.7.7 Standpipes
9.7.7.1 Where standpipes are required, temporary or permanent standpipe connections shall be installed during
construction.
9.7.7.2 The standpipes shall be securely supported.
9.7.7.3 At least one hose valve shall be provided to allow connection of fire department hoses.
9.7.7.4 The standpipes shall be extended up with each successive floor and securely capped at the top.
9.7.7.5 Top hose outlets shall not be more than one level below the highest forms, staging, and similar
combustible materials at all times.
9.7.8 Hot Work
9.7.8.1 A hot‐work permit system in accordance with NFPA 51B shall be provided for any construction in an
occupied facility.
9.7.8.2 Fire watch personnel shall not be assigned other duties.
9.7.9 Construction Materials
9.7.9.1 Storage of construction materials shall not be placed in any means of egress from an occupied building.
9.7.9.2 Transportation of construction materials shall not use any required exits, including stairways, needed for
safe egress of an occupied building.
9.7.9.3 Inflammable and/or Fire‐Sensitive Materials. NFPA 241 - Standard for Safeguarding Construction,
Alteration, and Demolition Operations: Materials under this classification shall be stored within fire‐
preventive confines, furnished with firefighting provisions. Buckets containing sand shall be kept ready for
use. A 5 kg dry powder fire extinguisher conforming to accepted standards shall be kept at an easily
accessible position. Besides the areas shall be close to fire hydrants.
9.7.9.4 Protection against Fire. NFPA 241 - Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition
Operations: Timber, Bamboo, coal, paints and similar combustible materials shall be kept separated from
each other. A minimum of two dry chemical powder (DCP) type fire extinguishers shall be provided at both
open and covered locations where combustible and flammable materials are stored. Flammable liquids
like petrol, thinner etc., shall be stored in conformity with relevant regulations. Explosives like detonators,
gun powder etc. shall be stored in conformity with the fire protection provisions set forth in this Code so
as to ensure desire safety during storage. Stacks shall not be piled so high as to make them unstable under
fire fighting conditions and in general they shall not be more than 4.5 m (14.8 ft.) in height.
9.7.9.5 Further details on various material types are contained in National Building Code of India 2016, Volume 2.
9.7.9.6 Materials which are likely to be affected by subsidence of soil like precast beams, slabs and timber of sizes
shall be stored by adopting suitable measures to ensure unyielding supports.
10 Part 10 Electrical Safety Requirements
10.1 Scope
10.1.1 The main aims of this section are to identify and aid the reduction of risk caused by;
1. Shock currents,
2. Excessive temperature likely to cause burns, fires and other injurious effects
3. Ignition of a potentially explosive atmosphere
4. Undervoltages, overvoltages and electromagnetic disturbances likely to cause or result in injury or
damage
5. Mechanical movement of electrically actuated equipment, in so far as such injury is intended to be
prevented by electrical emergency switching or by electrical switching for mechanical maintenance of
non-electrical parts of such equipment
6. Power supply interruptions and/or interruptions of safety services
7. Arcing or burning, likely to cause blinding effects, excessive pressure and/or toxic gases
10.1.2 The requirements of relevant national codes are adopted in their entirety except as specifically noted in
the Sections below.

10.2 Applicability of National Building Code

10.2.1 This Standard utilises the National Construction Regulations as the applicable minimum standard for new
factory construction and for all expansions or modifications to existing factories, unless modified by the
Localised Standard in any particular country.
10.2.2 New factories shall comply with the more stringent requirements of this Standard and the relevant
National Construction Regulations, in particular (but not limited to): NBCI 2016 together with associated
code updates and jurisdictional circulars as they may be issued from time to time. New factories are those
which are built after the adoption of this Standard.
10.2.3 New factories shall comply with the more stringent requirements of this Standard and the relevant
National Construction Regulations, in particular (but not limited to): IEC suite of documents together with
associated code updates and jurisdictional circulars as they may be issued from time to time. New
factories are those which are built after the adoption of this Standard.
10.2.4 Existing factory buildings are those that are in current use in the RMG and Footwear industry at the time of
adoption of this Standard.
10.2.5 Any substantial retrofit or expansion of an existing factory building shall comply with National
Construction Regulations.

10.3 Electrical Safety of Existing Factory Buildings

10.3.1 Every existing factory building must demonstrate a minimum degree of electrical safety as confirmed by a
Electrical Safety Assessment performed by a LABS qualified Electrical Engineer.
10.3.2 The Electrical Safety Assessment shall include the items detailed in the Preliminary Assessment
Methodology document.

10.4 Terms and Definitions

10.4.1 Terms and Definitions shall be taken from NBC of India 2016 Vol-2 Part-8 Section 2-2
10.4.2 Protection Against Electric Shock
10.4.2.1 The requirement of IEC 60364-4-41 shall be followed. (Accepted standard) (Section 13.2 of Part-8 also talks
about Protection against electric shock)
10.4.3 Protection Against Thermal Effects
10.4.3.1 The requirement of IEC 60364-4-42 shall be followed.
10.4.4 Protection Against Overcurrent
10.4.4.1 The requirement of IEC 60364-4-43 shall be followed.
10.4.5 Selection and Erection of Wiring Systems
10.4.5.1 The requirement of IEC 60364-5-52 shall be followed.
10.4.6 Earthing Arrangements
10.4.6.1 The requirement of IEC 60364-5-54 (IS 3043) shall be followed.
10.4.7 Generator Set Definitions
10.4.7.1 The terms used in ISO 8528 for definitions of generator set ratings shall be used.
10.4.8 Maximum Voltage Drop
10.4.8.1 The requirement of IEC 60364-1shall be followed.
10.4.9 Building Electrical Load Estimate
10.4.9.1 In order to asses an installation, the actual maximum load demand likely to be imposed on the power-
supply system must be determined. A load estimate calculation shall be carried for each building to
determine the load. The load estimate shall be reviewed by a LABS qualified engineer.
10.4.9.2 Load estimates shall be carried by summing all the power consuming appliances in the site and applying
diversity factors. Ratings of the equipment mentioned in Section 6.1 “Estimation of Load requirement” of
NBC 2016 Vol-2 Part-8 Section-2 to be followed for the load calculation. Diversities mentioned in Section
4.2.2.2. of NBC 2016 Vol-2 Part-8 Section-2 to be applied for its respective loads.

Table 10 Electrical Load Estimates

Table 11 Diversity Allowance Table

10.4.10 Electrical Load Diversity
10.4.10.1 Circuits in 3‐phase installations shall be balanced as far as is reasonably practical.
10.5 Electrical Substation
10.5.1 Where practical direct access from the street for installation or removal of the equipment shall be
provided.
10.5.2 Arrangements should be provided to prevent the entrance of storm or flood water into the substation
area.
10.5.3 Areas in substation shall not be used as storage/dump areas or for other utility purposes other than those
required for the functioning of the substation.
10.5.4 Layout of Substation
10.5.4.1 For new construction substations shall be sized to provide adequate clearance distances for the equipment
contained within (transformer, MV and LV switchgear).
10.5.4.2 Sufficient access and working space to permit safe operation and maintenance of the equipment within
the substation shall be no less than 1 m where access is required.
10.5.4.3 Where sufficient access isn’t provided steps shall be taken to provide the required access. (for example,
transformer room may need to increase in size to allow for this)
10.5.4.4 For new construction, the HV Panel shall be located near the exterior, just after or adjacent to the
incoming supply and transformer.
10.5.4.5 For new construction, the location of the LV panel should such that the riser main cable can have their way
upward or outward within very short distance.
10.5.4.6 The Substation shall be provided with adequate;
1. partitions up to the ceiling (these may require a fire resistance which will defined by the Fire Safety
Engineer)
2. Ventilation (ventilation shall be designed to comply with the recommendations of the equipment
manufacturer)
3. Lighting levels
4. Earthing
5. Warning Signage
6. Lockable door with restricted access to those only competent to entry substations
7. Emergency first aid signage and equipment
10.5.4.7 For transformers having large oil content (more than 600 liters), soak pits are to be provided. Soak pits shall
be adequately sized to deal with the volume of oil.
10.6 Transformers
10.6.1 For new construction, in most cases oil type natural cooled transformer may be used for substations if
adequate space is available to accommodate the transformer.
10.6.2 If total continuous load (determined from load estimate) exceed 95% serious consideration shall be given
to upgrade the transformer.
10.6.3 The transformer shall have sufficient cooling air to maintain a room temperature below the transformers
recommended operating temperature. Natural ventilation should be used where possible. If mechanical
ventilation is used it shall be reviewed by a LABS engineer.
10.6.4 Sufficient access and working space to permit safe operation and maintenance of the transformers shall be
no less than 1m.
10.7 Generator Room
10.7.1 The generator room should have sufficient ventilation as recommended by the generator manufacture.
Appropriate type and number of firefighting equipment must be installed inside the generator room.
10.7.2 The generator engine exhaust shall be taken out of the building and should be routed above the height of
the building.
10.7.3 In case of gas engine generator extra precaution must be taken regarding ventilation, leakage to prevent
explosion (this could be in the form of gas detection).
10.7.4 For existing construction, the room shall have sufficient access and working space to permit safe operation
and maintenance of the equipment within generator room. Access shall be no less than 1 m on all sides of
the generator that require access.
10.7.5 The generator shall have sufficient combustion and cooling air. Air shall always be taken from outside. Air
shall always be exhausted to outside.
10.7.6 Air inlets should be located away from sources of heat.

10.8 Switchgear
10.8.1 All switchgear shall be either of metal clad enclosed patterns or of any insulated enclosed pattern.
10.8.2 For each building a main switch shall be installed at close proximity to the point of entry of the supply.
10.8.3 The wiring throughout the installation shall be such that there is no break in the neutral wire in the form a
switch or fuse unit or otherwise, 4 pole breakers shall generally not be used.
10.8.4 The location of the main switch shall be such that it is easily accessible for the fire services and other
personnel to quickly disconnect the supply in case of emergencies. The entire building(s) supply shall be
isolated from a single point, safety service sources i.e. generators, shall not be affected by this.
10.8.5 Open type switchboards are not allowed.
10.8.6 In damp situation or where inflammable or explosive dust, vapor or gas is likely to be present, the
switchboard shall be totally enclosed or made flame proof as may be necessitated by the particular
circumstances. In these circumstances they shall have as a minimum IP54 rating.
10.8.7 Switchgear shall not be erected above gas stoves or sinks or within 2.5 m of any washing unit in the
washing rooms or laundries.
10.8.8 In case of switchgear being unavoidable in places likely to be exposed to weather, to drip or in abnormally
moist atmosphere, the outer casing shall be weather proof and shall be provided with glands or bushings
or adapted to receive screwed conduit. In these circumstances they shall have as a minimum IP54 rating.
10.8.9 Adequate illumination shall be provided for all working spaces about the switchboards when installed
indoors. Rooms shall be 200 lux minimum on the working plane, and 500 lux at and around electrical
equipment / panels.
10.8.10 All metal casings or metallic coverings containing or protecting any switchgear shall be connected to
earth.
10.8.11 There shall be a distance of 1 m clear in front of all switchgear.
10.8.12 Metal Clad Switchgear
10.8.12.1 Metal clad switchgear shall be mounted on hinged type metal boards or fixed type metal boards.
10.8.12.2 Hinged type metal boards shall consist of a box made of sheet metal not less than 2 mm thick and shall be
provided with a hinged cover to enable the board to swing open for examination of the wiring at the back.
The joints shall be welded. The board shall be securely fixed to the wall by means of rag bolt plugs and
shall be provided with locking arrangement and earthing stud. All wires passing though the metal board
shall be protected by a suitable glad at the entry hole. The earth stud should be commensurate with the
size of the earth lead(s).
10.8.12.3 All switchgear shall have a minimum rating of IP31.
10.8.12.4 Fixed type metal boards shall consist of an angle or channel steel frame fixed on the wall at the top, if
necessary.
10.8.13 Location of Switchgear
10.8.13.1 They shall be fixed on suitable stanchion or wall and shall be accessible ‐ for replacement of protective
devices and generally maintenance. The top of boards shall not be more than 2 m from floor level.
10.8.13.2 Boards should not be exposed to
1. External weather conditions
2. Explosive dust
3. Vapors / steam
4. Gas
5. Corrosive atmospheres
10.8.13.3 If unavoidable, within corrosive atmospheres they shall be treated with anticorrosive preservative or
covered with suitable plastic compounds.
10.8.13.4 Where two of more distribution boards feeding low voltage circuits are fed from a supply of medium
voltage, these distribution boards shall be:
1. fixed not less than 2m apart, or
2. arranged so that it is not possible to open two at a time, namely they, are interlocked, and the metal
case is marked "Danger 400 Volts" and identified with proper phase marking and danger marks, or
3. installed in rooms or enclosures accessible to authorized persons only.
10.8.13.5 All distribution boards shall be marked with the voltage and number of phases of the supply. Each shall be
provided with a circuit list of each circuit which it controls and the current rating for the circuit and size of
protective device.
10.8.14 Switchboards / Main Distribution Boards Enclosures
10.8.14.1 Low-voltage switchgear and control gear shall comply with IEC 60947-1 (Part of the list of accepted
standards, Last page of Section-2)
10.8.14.2 Low voltage products shall comply with the following IEC 60949 and S9.2.2.2 of NBC-2016 Vol-2 Part-8
Section -2.
10.8.14.3 Enclosures for distribution boards located inside the building shall be vermin‐ proof using sheet steel
fabrication of a minimum thickness of 2 mm2. All live parts must be concealed by a non‐combustible
material.
10.8.14.4 Every circuit shall be legibly identified as to its clear, evident, and specific purpose or use. Spare positions
that contain unused overcurrent devices or switches shall be described accordingly. The identification shall
include a circuit directory that is located on the face or inside of the panel door. Circuits used for the same
purpose must be identified by their location.
10.8.15 Wiring of Distribution Boards
10.8.15.1 In wiring a distribution board, total load of the consuming devices shall be distributed as far as possible
evenly between the phases.
10.8.15.2 Outgoing cables shall be connected to terminals only by soldered or welded lugs, unless the terminal are
of such form that it is possible to securely clamp them without cutting away the cable strands. Terminals
shall be wired to the correct circuit protective device.
10.8.16 'Form' of switchgear enclosure
10.8.16.1 There are four basic Forms from 1 to 4, with Forms 2, 3 and 4 having further subdivisions 'a' and 'b’. The
choice of which form to specify must be based on how any future maintenance or installation work will be
carried out after the switchgear has been put into service. For example, if it will be necessary to terminate
new cables while the remainder of the panel is still energised then the form of separation must ensure
that it is not possible to make contact with any live parts during this work. The method of maintenance
shall be checked to ensure that personal are not subjected to undue risk (e.g. that switchgear is de-
energized during modification or maintenance works)

10.9 Equipment and Accessories

10.9.1 High Voltage (HV) Switchgear
10.9.1.1 HV switchgear shall be located in the same space as the transformer it serves. Access to HV switchgear
shall be limited to only those who are qualified to enter. Unless trained, factory electricians or engineers
shall not enter the space.
10.9.1.2 For new construction, banks of switchgears shall be segregated from each other by means of fire resistant
barriers in order to prevent the risk of damage by fire or explosion arising from switch failure.
10.9.1.3 In the case of duplicate or ring main supply, switches with interlocking arrangement shall be provided to
prevent simultaneous switching of two different supply sources.
10.9.2 Low Voltage (LV) Switchgear
10.9.2.1 LV switchgear must have adequate breaking capacity in relation to the capacity of the transformers.
10.9.2.2 Circuit protection shall comply with IEC 60364-5-53.
10.9.3 Changeover Switch of a Standby Generator
10.9.3.1 A standby generator is to be connected at the supply input point after the energy meter and after the
main incoming switch or the main incoming circuit breaker, but through a changeover switch of
appropriate rating. The rating of such a switch shall be at least 1.25 times the rating of the main incoming
circuit breaker. The changeover switch shall be of such a type so that when moved to the mains position,
there is no chance that the generator will be connected and vice versa. A mechanical or /and electrical
interlock shall be installed to ensure this.
10.9.3.2 The changeover switch may be manual type or automatic type.

10.10 Electrical Connections

10.10.1 General
10.10.1.1 Separate branch circuits shall be provided for the installation, which need to be separately controlled.
These branches should not be affected by failure of other branch circuits. The number of final circuits
required and the points supplied by any final circuits shall comply with:
1. the requirement of over current protection,
 2. the requirement for isolation and switching, and
3. the selection of cables and conductors.
10.10.1.2 Separate branch circuits shall be provided from their own protective device for
1. general lighting
2. fixed appliances with a load of 500 watt or more
3. and plug receptacles.
10.10.1.3 Size of wire to be used in a branch circuit shall be at least one size larger than that computed from the
loading if the distance from the over current protective device to the first outlet is over 15 m.
10.10.1.4 When the distance from the over current protective device to the first socket outlet on a receptacle circuit
is over 30 m the minimum size of cable used for a 15A branch circuit shall be 4mm2.
10.10.1.5 The use of common neutral for more than one circuit shall not be permitted.
10.10.1.6 Circuits with more than one outlet shall not be loaded in excess of 50% of their current carrying capacity.
10.10.1.7 Connections between conductors and between conductors and other equipment shall provide durable
electrical continuity and adequate mechanical strength and protection.
10.11 Installation
10.11.1 Surface/exposed wiring shall be run‐either horizontally or vertically, and never at an angle.
10.11.2 In case of concealed wiring, the cables shall be encased in metallic (GI) or non‐metallic (PVC) conduits that
are buried in roof or floor concrete and in brick/concrete wall. The conduits in the walls shall be run
horizontally or vertically, and not at an angle. Conduits in concrete slabs shall be placed at the centre of
thickness and supported during casting by mortar blocks or 'chairs' made of steel bare or any other
approved means. All conduits shall be continuous throughout their lengths.
10.11.3 Underground cables for electrical distribution in the premises/garden/compound of the building shall be
encased in GI or PVC conduit and laid in earth trenches of a minimum depth of 600 mm. Armored cables
need not be encased in conduit except for crossings under road, footpath, walkway or floors.
10.11.4 Wiring for connections to machines shall be carried in steel pipes or cable tray hung from the ceiling or in
concrete or steel cable tray running over the floor.

10.12 Wiring for Lighting

10.12.1 Internal fittings cabling shall normally be restricted to the internal wiring of the lighting. When the fittings
wire is used outside the fitting it shall terminate in a ceiling rose or box with connectors.

10.13 External Influences

10.13.1 Ambient temperature: Wiring system components including cables and wiring accessories shall be
installed or handled only at temperatures within the limits stated in the relevant product specification or
as given by the manufacturers.
10.13.2 External heat sources: In order to avoid the effects of heat from external sources one of the following
methods shall be used to protect wiring systems:
1. shielding;
2. placing 900 mm (36 in.) from the source of heat;
3. selecting a system with due regard for the additional temperature rise which may occur;
 4. local reinforcement or substitution of insulating material.
10.13.3 Presence of water: Wiring systems shall be selected and erected so that no damage is caused by the
ingress of water. The completed wiring system shall comply with the IP degree of protection relevant to
the particular location.

10.14 Selection and Erection to Minimize the Spread of Fire

10.14.1 The risk of spread of fire shall be minimized by the selection and erection of appropriate materials.
10.14.2 Wiring systems shall be installed so that the general building structural performance and fire safety are not
compromised.
10.14.3 Cables not complying, as a minimum, with the IEC 60332-1 (flame propagation) and IEC 60332-1-3 (fire
droplet) requirements shall be;
1. limited to short lengths for connection of appliances to permanent wiring systems and
2. shall in any event not cross fire compartments (NBC just talks about usage of Flame Retardant low
smoke and Halogen cables but not in detail as mentioned in Section 5.3.7.1 of Part-8 Sec-2 but not in
detail)
10.14.4 Parts of wiring systems other than cables which do not comply, as a minimum, with the flame propagation
and flaming droplets requirements but which comply in all other respects with standards for wiring
systems shall, if used, be completely enclosed in suitable non‐combustible building materials.

10.15 Conduits and Conduit Fitting

10.15.1 Non-metallic conduits and conduit fillings shall be of heavy wall water grade type. All bends shall be large
radius bends. The cross-section of the conduit shall remain circular at the band and the internal diameter
shall not be reduced. PVC pipe fittings shall be sealed with PCV solvent cement or by using glue or gum
paste of approved quality. Conduits installed in floors shall have a slope of at least 1:1000 towards floor
mounted pool box or cable duct.

10.16 Conductor and Cables

10.16.1 For new construction, the advice of the cable manufacturer with regard to installation, jointing and sealing
shall be followed.
10.16.2 The HV cables shall either be laid on cable racks or in built‐up concrete trenches / tunnel / basement or
directly buried in the ground. Standard cable laying techniques shall be used.
10.16.3 Methods of installation of cables and conductors in common use as specified in relevant national or
international codes shall be followed.

10.17 Lighting Fittings

10.17.1 Lighting fittings shall be supported by suitable pipe/conduits, brackets fabricated from steel, steel chains or
similar materials depending upon the type and weight of the fittings.
10.17.2 No flammable material shall form part of lighting fittings.
10.17.3 Lighting systems shall not be installed in a manner where the light fixture is supported by the False / Lay‐in
Ceiling Grid system. Light Fixtures shall be independently supported from the structure and ‘seismic
bracing’ shall be installed as required.
10.18 Layout and Installation Drawings
10.18.1 The following list of drawings shall be provided for each building. Where these drawings do not exist or
require updating to reflect the current installed equipment this shall be carried out by the factory.
• Electrical legend – with the standard electrical symbols and abbreviations.
• Distribution / containment drawings with size and type (where appropriate)
• Lighting layouts
• Fire detection and alarm layouts
• Small power layouts
• Lightning Protection layouts
• Fire alarm cause and effect matrix
• Set of relevant electrical schematics (where appropriate):
• Low voltage
• Earthing
• Distribution board schematic
10.18.2 For new construction, an electrical layout drawing shall be prepared after proper locations of all outlets for
lamps, fans, fixed and transportable appliances, motors etc. have been selected.
10.18.3 For new and existing buildings, a Single Line Diagram (SLD) shall be maintained and continuously updated
to reflect as built conditions. The SLD shall show a correct power distribution path from the incoming
power source to switchgear, switchboards, panelboards, MCCs, fuses, circuit breakers, automatic transfer
switches, and continuous current ratings.
10.18.4 Where terminals or other fixed live parts between which a voltage exceeding 240V exists are housed in
separate enclosures or items of apparatus which although separated are within reach of each other a
notice shall be placed in such a position that anyone gaining access to live parts is warned of the
magnitude of the voltage that exists between them.

10.19 Service Entry

10.19.1 Overhead service connection to a building shall be achieved with covered conductor. The overhead service
connection shall be led into buildings via roof poles or service masts made of GI pipe having a goose neck
bend at the top and installed on the outer wall.
10.19.2 Power and telecommunication or antenna cables shall be led separately from each other.

10.20 Electrical Service Shaft

10.20.1 Service Shaft
10.20.1.1 For new construction, vertical services other than electrical cables shall be placed at a sufficient distance
from the nearest electrical cable. A vertical separating brick wall between electrical and non electrical
services wall is preferable.
10.20.1.2 For new construction, vertical service shaft for electrical risers must not be placed adjacent to the sanitary
shafts. They should be placed at significant separation in order to ensure that the vertical service shaft for
electrical risers remains absolutely dry.
10.20.2 Sealing of Shaft
10.20.2.1 Where a wiring system passes through elements of building construction such as floors, walls, roofs,
ceilings, partitions or cavity barriers, the openings remaining after passage of the wiring system shall be
sealed according to the degree of fire resistance prescribed for the respective element of building
construction before penetration.
10.21 Rotating Machines
10.21.1 All equipment including cables of every circuit carrying the starting and load currents of motors shall be
suitable for a current at least equal to the full load current rating of the motor. When the motor is
intended for intermittent duty and frequent stopping and starting, account shall be taken of any
cumulative effects of the starting periods upon the temperature rise of the equipment of the circuit.
10.21.2 The rating of circuit supplying the rotors through slip ring or commutator of induction motors shall be
suitable for both the starting and loaded conditions. Every electric motor having a rating exceeding 0.376
kW shall be provided with control equipment incorporating means of protection against overcurrent.
10.21.3 Every motor shall be provided with means to prevent automatic restarting after a stoppage due to drop in
voltage or failure. This requirement does not apply to any special cases where the failure of the motor to
start after a brief interruption of the supply would be likely to cause greater danger. It also does not
preclude arrangements for starting a motor at intervals by an automatic control device where other
adequate precautions are taken against danger from unexpected restarting.
10.21.4 The frame of every motor shall be connected to earth.

10.22 Supplies to Life Safety Services

10.22.1 General
10.22.1.1 Life Safety services can be defined as;
• Sprinkler System and pumps
• Hose Reel System (∅25 mm hose)
• Emergency (escape) lighting
• Fire rescues services lift
• Evacuation systems
• Smoke extract systems
• Industrial safety systems
• Fire services communications systems
• CO detection and alarm
• Fire detection and alarm
• This list is not exhaustive and consideration of other systems should be given and their impact on
occupants’ safety.
10.22.1.2 Life safety systems shall be supplied from both a primary source (generally the building’s main transformer
or incoming utility supply) and a safety source as defined below.
10.22.1.3 A safety source is defined as;
1. storage batteries,
2. primary cells,
3. generator sets independent of the normal supply.
10.22.1.4 A safety source may, in addition, be used for purposes other than safety services, provided the availability
for safety services is not thereby impaired. A fault occurring in a circuit for purposes other than safety
services shall not cause the interruption of any circuit for safety services
10.22.1.5 Where more than one source is available, the sources are permitted to supply other loads provided that, in
the event of failure of one source:
1. automatic changeover with a suitable alarm is available, and
2. the energy from the remaining source will be sufficient for starting and operating all safety services.
 3. This shall be proven by way of a load estimate.
10.22.1.6 Where buildings contain a passenger and/or goods lift(s) consideration should be given to providing back
up power to enable evacuation in the event of primary power failure to the lift.
10.22.2 Generator Selection
10.22.2.1 When selecting a generator for Emergency Standby Power (ESP) the rated power shall be the maximum
power which the generator is capable of delivering continuously while supplying a variable electrical load
when operating for up to 200 hours per year with no overload power rating.
10.22.2.2 Where two or more lifts are controlled by a common operating system, all lifts may be transferred to
standby power after failure of normal power, or if the stand by power source is of insufficient capacity to
operate all lifts at the same time, all lifts shall be transferred to standby power in sequence, shall return to
designated landing and discharge their load.
10.22.2.3 Response time and rated operating time of the safety shall comply with the following table (Table 11
below);

Table 12 Guidance for safety equipment

10.22.3 Wiring to Safety Service

10.22.3.1 One or more of the following wiring systems shall be utilized for safety services required to operate in fire
conditions:
• Mineral insulated cable systems complying with IEC 60332-1-2
• Fire-resistant cables complying with IEC 60332-1-2
• Wiring system utilized for safety services required to operate in fire conditions shall comply with
Section 10 “Permitted type of wiring method” of IS 1646 CODE OF PRACTICE FOR FIRE SAFETY OF
BUILDINGS (GENERAL): ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS
10.22.4 Generator Earthing
10.22.4.1 The generator frame shall be earthed by two separate and distinct connections to earth.
10.23 Protection of Circuits
10.23.1 General
10.23.1.1 Appropriate protection shall be provided at switchboards and distribution boards for all circuits and sub‐
circuits against short circuit and overcurrent and the protective apparatus shall be capable of interrupting
any short circuit current that may occur without danger.
10.23.1.2 Where circuit breakers are used for protection of main circuit and the sub‐circuits derived therefrom,
discrimination in operation shall be achieved by adjusting the protective devices of the sub‐circuit breakers
to operate at lower current settings and shorter time‐lag than the main circuit breaker.
10.23.1.3 A fuse carrier shall not be fitted with a fuse element larger than that for which the carrier is designed. The
current rating of fuses shall not exceed the current rating of the smallest cable in the circuit protected by
the fuse.
10.23.2 Additional Protection: Residual Current Devices (RCDs)
10.23.2.1 RCDs with a rated residual operating current (IΔn) not exceeding 30mA and operating time not exceeding
40ms at a residual current of 5 times IΔn shall be provided for
• Socket-outlets with a rated current not exceeding 20A, and
• Mobile equipment with a current rating not exceeding 32A for use outdoors.
10.23.2.2 An exception is permitted for specific labelled or otherwise suitably identified socket-outlet provided for
connection of a particular item of equipment.
10.23.3 Protection against Overload Current
10.23.3.1 Protective devices shall be provided to break any overload current flowing in the circuit conductors before
such a current could cause a temperature rise detrimental to insulation, joints, terminations or
surroundings of the conductors.
10.23.3.2 The omission of devices for protection against overload is recommended for circuits supplying current‐
using equipment where unexpected opening of the circuit could cause danger, for example fire pump
circuit.
10.23.4 Protection against Short‐Circuit Currents
10.23.4.1 Protective devices shall be provided to break any short‐circuit current flowing in the circuit conductors
before such a current could cause danger due to thermal and mechanical effects produced in conductors
and connections.
10.23.5 Protection against Undervoltage
10.23.5.1 Where a voltage drop, or a loss and subsequent restoration of voltage could imply dangerous situations for
persons and property, suitable precautions shall be taken.
10.23.5.2 An undervoltage protective device is not required if damage to the installation is considered to be an
acceptable risk, provided that no danger is caused to persons.
10.23.5.3 Maximum Voltage Drop (Section 5.6 “ Voltage and Freq of Supply” talks about Voltage drops to be kept
below 6% to ensure proper functioning of all electrical appliances)
10.23.5.4 Maximum allowable voltage-drop limits for LV installations are given below in table according to IEC
60364-1;
 Table 13 Maximum allowable voltage-drop limits for LV installations

Type of installations Lighting Other uses

(heating and power)
A low-voltage service connection from a LT public power 3% 5%
distribution network
Consumers HT/LT substation supplied for a public distribution HT 6% 8%
system
10.23.5.5 Calculation of voltage drop is recommended for new and existing circuits were problems with voltage
drops were observed for normal services.
10.23.5.6 Calculation of voltage drop shall be obligatory for safety services supply circuits like sprinkler pumps, fire
alarm central, etc.) and shall comply with the limits set out above.
10.24 Earthing
10.24.1 General
10.24.1.1 In general all parts of equipment and installation other than live parts shall be earth potential, thus
ensuring that persons coming in contact with these parts shall also be at earth potential at all times.
10.24.2 Circuit and System Earthing
10.24.2.1 Circuit and system earthing shall limit excessive voltage from line surges from cross‐overs with higher
voltage lines or turn lighting and keep non‐current carrying enclosures and equipment at zero potential
with respect to earth.
10.24.2.2 The value of the earthing resistance shall be in accordance with the protective and functional
requirements of the installation and be continuously effective.
10.24.2.3 Where a number of installations have separate earthing arrangements, protective conductors running
between any two of the separate installations shall either be capable of carrying the maximum fault
current likely to flow through them or be earthed within one installation only and insulated from the
earthing arrangements of any other installation. In the latter circumstances, if the protective conductor
forms part of cables the protective conductor shall be earthed only in the installation containing the
associated protective device.
10.25 Methods of Earthing
10.25.1 General
10.25.1.1 The three main elements required for an earthing system are earth conductors, earthing lead and earth
electrodes.
10.25.2 Earth Conductors
10.25.2.1 Earth conductors are the part of the earthing system which joins all the metal parts of an installation.
10.25.2.2 In all eases the grounding conductor shall be made of copper or galvanized steel or other metals or
combination of metals which will not corrode excessively and, if practical, shall be without joints or splice.
If joints are unavoidable, they shall be made and maintained so as not to materially increase the resistance
of the earthing conductor and shall have appropriate mechanical and corrosion resistant characteristics.
10.25.2.3 Aluminum or copper clad aluminum conductors shall not be used for final connections to earth electrodes.
10.25.2.4 The earth conductor shall have a short time capacity adequate for the fault current which can flow in the
grounding conductor or conductors for the operating time of the system protective device. In case of
copper wire being used as earth conductors, the size of the wire shall not be less than half the area of the
largest current carrying conductor supplying the circuit.
10.25.2.5 IIS 3043 “Code of practice of Earthing” gives the minimum sizes of copper earth conductors corresponding
to the sizes of associated copper circuit conductors.

Table 14 IS 3043 Section 12.2.2.2 Table-7. Minimum Cross‐sectional Area of Copper Earth Conductors in
Relation to the Area of Associated Phase Conductors

Cross Section of Protective Conductor If the protective conductor is of the same material as the
line conductor

(mm2) (mm2)

S<16 S

16<S<35 16

S>35 See 12.2.2.1 of IS 3043

10.25.2.6 The values in Table 8 are valid only if the protective conductor is made of the same metal as the phase
conductors. If this is not so, the cross¬ sectional area of the protective conductor is to be determined in a
manner which produces a conductance equivalent to that which results from the application of Table 7
10.25.3 Earth Lead
10.25.3.1 The earth conductor shall be brought to one or more connecting points according to size of installation;
the copper wire earthing leads shall run from there to the electrodes.
10.25.3.2 Earthing lead can either be of copper wire or of copper strands.
10.25.3.3 Earthing leads shall be run in duplicate down to the earth electrode so as to increase the safety factor of
the installation.
10.25.4 Earth Electrodes
10.25.4.1 The earth electrode shall as far as practicable penetrate into permanently moist soil preferably below
ground water table. The resistance of the electrodes shall not be more than one ohm.
10.25.4.2 The following types earth electrodes are recognized: Copper rods, copper plates, galvanized iron pipes.
10.25.4.3 The following is a guideline for electrode size: Copper rods shall have a minimum diameter of
10.25.4.4 12.7 mm, GI pipes shall have a minimum diameter of 50 mm, copper plates shall not be less than 600 mm
x 600 mm in size, with 6mm thickness.
10.26 Lightning Protection System (LPS)
10.26.1 General
10.26.1.1 Lightning Protection shall be provided for in accordance with the following:
10.26.1.2 Protection shall be provided against lightning depending on the probability of a strike and acceptable risk
levels. Steps shall be taken for an objective assessment of the risk and of the magnitude of the
consequences of lightning strikes following the general principles of IS 62305.
10.26.1.3 A complete lightning protection system shall consist of air termination network, down conductors and
earth termination.
10.26.2 Air Termination Network
10.26.2.1 The air termination network is that part which is intended to intercept lightning discharges. It consists of
vertical and horizontal conductors arranged to cover and protect the required area according to the LPL
previously calculated.
10.26.3 Down Conductor
10.26.3.1 The down conductor is the conductor which runs from the air termination to the earth termination. The
spacing of down conductors will be determined by a previously calculated class of the LPS.
Lightning protection calculations shall be carried out in accordance with Section 11 Lightning Protection of
Buildings of NBC of India.
10.26.3.2 Natural components as building metallic column components might be used instead of separate down
conductors depending on how the building is built and providing continuity to earth is guaranteed.
10.26.3.3 The material used for lightning conductors must be aluminum or copper. The criterion for design is to keep
the resistance from air termination to earth to a minimum.
10.26.4 Earth Termination
10.26.4.1 The earth termination is that part which discharges the current into the general mass of the earth. The
total resistance of an electrode for a lightning protection system must not exceed 10 Ohms.
10.26.4.2 The lightning protection system ground terminals shall be bonded to the building or structure grounding
electrode system.
10.26.4.3 Recommended dimensions for various components of lightning arrester shall be provided as each service
and Lightning Protection Zone (LPZ) as defined by the designer and IEC 62305.
10.27 Electrical Inspection and Testing
10.27.1 General
10.27.1.1 Every electrical installation shall, on completion and before being energized, be inspected and tested. The
methods of test shall be such that no danger to persons or property or damage to equipment occurs even
if the circuit tested is defective.
10.27.2 Periodic Inspection and Testing
10.27.2.1 Periodic inspection and testing shall be carried out in order to maintain the installation in a sound
condition after putting it into service. Where an addition is to be made to the fixed wiring of an existing
installation, the latter shall be examined for compliance with the recommendations of this Standard.
10.27.2.2 The periodic inspection and testing program shall generally comply with the requirements of NFPA 110,
IEC 60034 and Sec-9 “Inspection, testing and Verification of Installation” of NBC-20165 Vol-2 Part 8
10.27.2.3 For existing construction, thermographic inspection of electrical equipment shall be provided on a tri‐
annual basis. The survey shall be used to highlight potential over heating of components. Testing shall
comply with ANSI/NETA MTS Standard for Maintenance Testing Specifications for Electrical Power
Equipment and Systems or similar testing standard.
10.27.3 Insulation Tests
10.27.3.1 Dielectric test shall be carried out to verify the dielectric properties of electrical equipment. The test
requirements shall be in accordance with IEC 60439-1:2009 & IS 10810 for Cables and IS 60470 for High
Voltage switchgear.
10.27.3.2 For new installations, insulation resistance test shall be made on all electrical equipment, using a self‐
contained instrument such as the direct indicating Ohm‐meter of the generator type. DC potential shall be
used in these tests and shall be as follows or an appropriate Meggar:
1. Circuits below 230 volts 500 volts Meggar
 2. Circuits between 230 volts to 400 volts 1000 volts Meggar
10.27.3.3 The minimum acceptable insulation resistance value is 5 Mega Ohms for LV cables. Before making
connections at the ends of each cable run, the insulation resistance measurement test of each cable shall
be made. Each conductor of a multi‐core cable shall be tested individually to all other conductors of the
group and also to earth. If insulation resistance test readings are found to be less than the specified
minimum in any conductor, the entire cable shall be replaced.
10.27.3.4 All transformers, switchgears etc. shall be subject to an insulation resistance measurement test to ground
after installation but before any wiring is connected. Insulation tests shall be made between open contacts
of circuit breakers, switches etc. and between each phase and earth.
10.27.3.5 For existing construction, insulation resistance test shall be made on all electrical equipment as prescribed
above on a 5 year cycle. If the insulation resistance test was not completed at the time of installation, the
testing shall be completed at this time.
10.27.4 Earth Resistance Test
10.27.4.1 Earth resistance tests shall be made on the system, separating and reconnecting each earth connection
using earth resistance meter.
10.27.4.2 The electrical resistance of the earth continuity conductor together with the resistance of the earthing
lead measured from the connection with the earth electrode to any other position in the completed
installation shall not exceed 1 Ohm.
10.27.4.3 Where more than one earthing sets are installed, the earth resistance between two sets shall be measured
by means of resistance bridge instrument. The earth resistance between two sets shall not exceed 1 Ohm.
10.27.4.4 For existing construction, earth resistance test shall be made on the system as on a 5 year cycle. If the
earth resistance test was not completed at the time of installation, the testing shall be completed at this
time.
10.27.5 Operation Tests
10.27.5.1 Current load measurement shall be made on equipment and on all power and lighting feeders. The current
reading shall be taken in each phase wire and in each neutral wire while the circuit or equipment is
operating under actual load conditions. Clamp on ammeters may be used to take current readings without
interrupting a circuit. All light fittings shall be tested electrically and mechanically to check whether they
comply with the standard specifications. Fluorescent light fittings shall be tested so that when functioning
no flickering or choke singing is felt.
10.27.6 Inspection of the Installation
10.27.6.1 On completion of wiring a general inspection shall be carried out by competent personnel in order to
verify that the provisions of relevant national and LABS standards are incorporated.
All transformers, switchgears etc. shall be subject to an insulation resistance measurement test to ground
after installation but before any wiring is connected and when in use. Test shall be made on the system as
on a 5 year cycle. If the insulation resistance test was not completed at the time of installation, the testing
shall be completed at this time.
11 Part 11 Alterations / Change of Use
11.1 Alterations
11.1.1 General
11.1.1.1 The provisions of this part are intended to maintain or increase the current degree of public safety as well
as health and general welfare in existing buildings while permitting alteration, addition to or change of
use. See the National Building Code of India 2016, Volumes 1 & 2 for fire and life safety issues related to
the design of expansions and alterations of existing factories.

11.2 Change in Use

11.2.1 General
11.2.1.1 No change in use of any existing Compliant factory without prior notification to the LABS India.
11.2.1.2 Where an existing building is changed to a new use group classification, the provisions for the new use
group in National Building Code of India 2016, Volumes 1 & 2 and NFPA 5000 shall be used to determine
compliance.

11.3 Change in Occupancy Classification

11.3.1 General
11.3.1.1 No change in use of any part of any existing Compliant factory without prior notification to LABS India.
11.4 Additions
11.4.1.1 No addition to any existing buildings shall be made without permission from the permitting authority.
11.4.1.2 Additions to existing buildings shall comply with all the requirements of National Building Code of India
2016, Volumes 1 & 2 and NFPA for new constructions.
11.4.1.3 An existing building or portion thereof which does not comply with the requirements of National Building
Code of India 2016, Volumes 1 & 2 and NFPA for new construction shall not be altered in such a manner
that results in the building being less safe or sanitary than such building is at present.
11.4.1.4 Any construction within the site which does not have approval of the appropriate authority must be
removed before any new addition, alteration or change of use is carried out.
11.4.2 Investigation and Evaluation
11.4.2.1 For the proposed works relating to alteration, addition to and change of use, the owner of the building
shall cause the existing buildings to be investigated and evaluated by competent professionals in
accordance with the provisions of this Standard. For structural changes in use, the competent professional
shall be a LABS‐qualified Structural Engineer.
11.4.3 Structural Analysis
11.4.3.1 The owner shall have a structural analysis of the existing building carried out by a LABS‐qualified structural
engineer to determine the adequacy of all structural systems for the proposed alteration, addition or
change of use.
11.4.3.2 The owner shall make any proposed factory modifications available for visual or analytical assessment by a
third party.
11.4.3.3 Additions or alterations to an existing building or structure are not to be made if such additions or
alterations cause the building or structure to be unsafe or more hazardous based on fire safety, life and
structural safety or environmental degradation.
12 Part 12 Operations and Maintenance
12.1 Fire Safety Director
12.1.1 Duties
12.1.1.1 The duties of the Fire Safety Director shall include the following:
1. Establish internal and external rally points and communicate to all employees in the building.
2. Fire department pre‐planning.
3. Conduct safety inspections as outlined in 12.9.
4. Ensure all testing of fire protection equipment is conducted in accordance with 12.10.

12.2 Fire Drills

12.2.1 Fire drills shall be conducted on a regular basis as outlined in the National Building Code of India 2016,
Volume 1 Part 4 clause 4.11 and Annex D. Fire drills shall be held with sufficient frequency to familiarize
occupants with the drill procedure and to establish conduct of the drill as a matter of routine. Drills shall include
suitable procedures to ensure that all individuals subject to the drill participate.
12.2.2 Fire drills shall be conducted under the direction of a Fire Safety Director.
12.2.3 All other requirements for fire drills shall be conducted in accordance with NFPA 101 (2015) Section 4.7.

12.3 Evacuation Plan

12.3.1 The Fire Service Director shall develop a fire evacuation plan for each building.
12.3.2 Fire evacuation maps shall be posted at the entrance to each exit stair.
12.3.3 The evacuation plan shall include provisions to assist physically disabled persons. A list of all employees with
physical disabilities shall be kept by the Fire Service Director.

12.4 Hot Work Permit

12.4.1 A hot work permit system program shall be enacted for all RMG facilities in accordance with NFPA 51B.

12.5 Smoking
12.5.1 Smoking shall be prohibited in any garment factory building or separate storage building.
12.5.2 Signs shall be posted in English, Hindi and vernacular language at all building entrances.
12.5.3 If an Owner creates a designated smoking area outside the buildings, information on the location of these
designated areas shall be posted on the signs required in 12.5.2.
12.6 Housekeeping
12.6.1 Policy
12.6.1.1 Establish written corporate and plant policies on housekeeping to ensure scheduled cleaning for floor, wall,
ceiling, supply and return air ventilation systems. Promptly reschedule skipped cleanings. Provide a
documented line of authority for authorizing a cleaning delay and rescheduling. As a general rule the
maximum tolerable deposit thickness for loose fluffy lint is 13 mm (½ in.) over a maximum of 46.5 m2 (500
ft2). Limit dense deposits to 6 mm (¼ in.) and oil saturated deposits to 3.2 mm (⅛ in.).
12.6.1.2 Maintain electrical systems in good working order and keep free of lint buildup to reduce the potential for
ignition. This includes cleaning inside junction boxes, buses, trays, tunnels, etc.

12.7 Storage Practices

12.7.1 Management of Operating Loads
12.7.1.1 Factory Owners shall ensure that at least one trained professional individual is assigned to each factory
facility as Factory Load Manager in accordance with 8.2 of this Standard.
12.7.2 Cutting tables
12.7.2.1 Storage underneath the cutting tables shall be kept clear of combustibles at all time, except as provided for
miscellaneous storage in accordance with 3.14.11 or where automatic sprinkler protection is installed.
Where an automatic sprinkler system is installed sprinklers are required to be installed beneath cutting
tables greater than 4 ft in width that are used for storage of combustibles.
12.7.3 Egress
12.7.3.1 All means of egress shall be kept free and clear at all times.
12.7.4 Safety Inspections
12.7.4.1 A safety inspection program shall be initiated and conducted on a quarterly basis. This program shall be
conducted under the direction of the Fire Safety Director. These inspections shall look for egress
maintenance, condition of fire doors and opening mechanisms, storage in aisle ways, excess storage,
smoking, hot work and other fire‐safety related items. Records of these inspections shall be kept for LABS
inspection review.
12.7.5 Construction inspections
12.7.5.1 An additional safety inspection program shall be initiated under the direction of the Fire Safety Director for
any construction that occurs in an occupied facility (see Section 9.2).
12.7.6 Doors tested
12.7.6.1 Fire doors shall be tested on a quarterly basis to ensure that they are properly closing and latching. They
shall also be checked for the proper label and verification that the door has not been damaged in any way.

12.8 Maintenance of Fire Protection Equipment

12.8.1 Automatic Suppression Systems
12.8.1.1 Inspection, testing and maintenance in accordance with NFPA 25 shall be conducted on all water‐based fire
protection systems.
12.8.2 Fire alarm and detections systems
12.8.2.1 Inspection, testing and maintenance in accordance with IS 2189:2008 and NFPA 72 shall be conducted on all
fire alarm systems.
12.8.3 Fire extinguishers
12.8.3.1 Fire extinguishers shall be inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with IS 2190:2010 and NFPA 10.
12.9 Equipment
12.9.1.1 Establish a maintenance, cleaning and lubrication schedule for all equipment. The maintenance and
cleaning schedule will vary with type of fiber processed and the equipment used. Lubricate equipment in
accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations. Review plant fire loss records to determine whether
cleaning or equipment maintenance was a factor, and increase frequency as needed.

12.10 Electrical Maintenance

12.10.1 Testing of emergency lighting
12.10.1.1 Emergency lighting provided by battery backup shall be tested on a monthly basis.
12.10.2 Generators
12.10.2.1 Generators used for emergency or standby requirements of this Standard shall be inspected, tested, and
maintained in accordance with NFPA 110.
Appendix A: Scope of Works for Detailed Engineering Assessment (DEA)
In developing the DEA report, the Qualified Structural Engineering Consultant (QSEC) will:
• Engage on a regular basis with the Factory and the LABS Initiative during the development of the DEA
report
• Develop the DEA report such that it takes note of, builds on and provides continuity with the work done
during the initial Preliminary Structural Safety Assessment phase of the RMG programme.
The DEA will comprise of work in four stages:
1. Acquiring accurate as-built information of the structure to use as input data for an analysis.
2. Analysis of the performance of the existing structure under the specified loading conditions.
3. Recommendations as to any retrofit works required to achieve adequate performance of the structure,
with remedial work options if appropriate.
4. Description and design of the remedial works for the option agreed with factory and LABS Initiative.
This includes the design of any propping or temporary works required.
The work required to carry out the four stages mentioned above should be documented following the
format given under the ‘DEA Report Contents’ outlined in the ‘Deliverables’ section below (items 1 to 4).
The following is a non-exhaustive list of the tasks that may be necessary to complete each of the four stages
mentioned above:
1. Accurate as-built information for input data for the analysis
Architectural drawings
• Develop a full set of architectural as-built drawings (plans, elevations and sections) that accurately
reflect the layout and uses of the building at each floor. These drawings must include all partitions and
facades
• The structural documentation of the building
• Verification of any existing drawings that are made available. This includes site surveys to verify the
data on the existing drawings or identify discrepancies
• Documentation of building surveys carried out to verify accuracy of existing drawings and/or to
produce new as-built drawings
• Develop a full set of new structural as-built drawings (plans and sections) that accurately reflect the
structural system and all structural elements for the building(s) under consideration. This includes all
floor levels, including foundations, grade beams, ground floor, upper floor(s), roof and any partially
completed floors above roof level or extensions to the existing building
• Documentation of the procedure followed for determining the real or assumed reinforcement details
for all main structural elements.
• Existing load plans giving actual dead and live loading and minimum design live loading on the existing
structure
• All floor uses and live load must be indicated on the architectural floor layouts
• The ‘Load plan’ layouts should include all dead loads (floor finishes, partitions, floor build-up in toilets
or other areas, façades, machine loads, etc.), the magnitude and extent of dead loads
• Observed live loads must be indicated on layouts for all areas of the floors.
• Material properties for all structural materials
• Procedures adopted to determine the actual concrete strength. Where cores are taken then give
details of number of cores, diameters and location on layouts referencing the core locations
• Details of the analysis of concrete cores to derive the concrete design strength to be used in the
analysis of the actual structure
• Procedures for determining the steel type and strength of reinforcement bars and structural steel
sections
• Document how existing reinforcement drawings were verified and/or ferroscaning was used in deriving
the amount of steel reinforcement assumed for the analysis of the structure
• Determination of strength for other structural materials.
• Foundation assessment
• Analysis, testing or design necessary for the foundations (further analytical work, further visual or
intrusive investigations, or other)
• As-built drawings giving foundation details assumed or verified as required for the structural analysis
stage.
Analysis of the Structure
• Loading on the structure
• Reference to load plans used to derive the loading on the structure. This should include layouts for
actual dead loads and live loads, taking into consideration minimum live loads specified by the relevant
guidance documents
• Details and magnitude of the wind loads and seismic loading to be adopted for the analysis.
• Analysis of the structure
• Identify all load cases to be analysed in determining the performance of the structure. Include
combination for seismic load case
• Identify software to be used for the analysis of the structure
• Document assumptions made in determining the input data for the analysis; identify parameters for
which standard default values are used and where actual data used.
• Analysis results
• Based on analysis results describe overall performance of the structure and indicate which elements, if
any, fail to satisfy the requirements
• Consider if any load reductions can be applied to remove some of the dead or superimposed dead
loads
• Indicate what type of strengthening measures could be applied to elements with insufficient capacity.
• Re-run analysis with previously under-capacity elements enhanced by strengthening measures to
demonstrate overall performance of the structure
• Repeat process until satisfactory performance of all structural elements has been demonstrated.
Recommendations for Retrofit Works
• Elements that need strengthening
• Identify elements that need strengthening and group according to type of strengthening
• Where possible indicate different options for combinations of remedial measures that could be used to
achieve satisfactory performance of the structure.
• Prepare cost estimates and outline construction sequence to demonstrate how the proposed works will
impact the factory operations
• Agree remedial works option
• In consultation with the factory and LABS Initiative, evaluate the impact of the proposed remedial
works on the operation of the factory
• Identify and agree a combination of measures that provides the best outcome in terms of structural
performance, cost-effectiveness and factory operations
Design for Retrofit Works
• Elements that need strengthening
• Document structural remediation measures, using standard typical details wherever possible and
include material quantities, construction time and costs.
• Any propping requirements also need to be fully identified, designed and documented by the
Consultant.
• Safe Load Plans
• Interim Safe Load Plans must be produced for each floor indicating the maximum permissible live
loading that the structure can safely support before remediation works are complete. These are only
required where remediation works are to be carried out
• Safe Load Plans must be produced for each floor after the completion of the DEA and remediation
process, to indicate the maximum permissible live loading that the structure can safely support once
remediation works have been implemented.

The work required in carrying out the four stages mentioned above should be documented following the
format given below
The Consultant shall also provide site supervision during the construction phase to ensure the construction
works are implemented in accordance with the approved design and certify the works on completion.
Deliverables
The contents and layout of the DEA report should be as given below. Not all the DEA reports will need to
cover all the topics mentioned in depth, but all topics should either be addressed or a brief statement
provided as to why no further work required in that area.

DEA Report Contents List

Executive Summary

Summary of work carried out and key findings

1 Introduction
1.1 Brief Overview of Buildings
1.2 Requirement for DEA Report

2 Methodology for Initial Assessment Work

2.1 Existing Data Collection
2.2 Visual Inspection
2.3 As –Built Surveys
2.4 Assessment of In-Situ Material Properties

3 Detailed Description of Buildings Subject to DEA

3.1 Phases and years of construction
3.2 Structural Systems & Construction Methods
3.3 Existing Buildings Records

4 Ground Conditions
4.1 Existing Soils Data Verification
4.2 Foundation Assessment for DEA
4.3 Soil Characteristics Assumed for DEA Analysis

5 Foundations
5.1 Foundation Design Drawings
5.2 Verification of Existing Foundations

6 Structural and Architectural Drawings

6.1 Verification of Accuracy of Provided Drawings
6.2 Preparation of As-Built Architectural Drawings
6.3 Preparation of As-Built Structural Drawings
6.4 Determining Reinforcement Details

7 Material Properties
7.1 Determining Actual Concrete Strength
7.2 Determining Reinforcement Strength
7.3 Material Properties for Other Materials

8 Loading on Structure
8.1 Existing Loads on Structure
8.2 Loading Assumed for Structural Analysis

9 Analysis of Structural Performance

9.1 Analysis Tools
9.2 Input Data Used in the Analysis
9.3 Analysis Results and Conclusions of Initial Analysis
9.4 Seismic Analysis Results and Commentary
9.5 Updated Analysis Including Proposed Strengthening

10 Proposed Strengthening Measures

10.1 Strengthening Options and Recommendations
10.2 Design of Strengthening Measures

11 Preparation of Safe Load Plans

11.1 Interim Safe Load Plans
11.2 Final Safe Load Plans
12 Conclusions and Recommendations

Appendices

Appendix A
Preliminary Structural Safety Assessment Report
Appendix B
Soils Report
Appendix C
As-Built Architectural Drawings
Appendix D
As-Built Structural Drawings
Appendix E
Ferroscan Report
Appendix F
Core Testing Results and Concrete Strength Calculation
Appendix G
Steel Reinforcement Testing
Appendix H
Other Materials Testing
Appendix I
Existing Loading Plans
Appendix J
Analysis Results
Appendix K
Strengthening Design and Drawings
Appendix L
Factory Safe Load Plans