Understanding Fire Safety Requirements in Factories: How Many Extinguishers Do We Need?

Hi seniors, I need your help. Can somebody explain the provision of fire under the Factories Act or a relevant act? Is there any provision for fitting the number of fire extinguishers per square meter or based on the number of people? Or can I simply extend the pipeline?

I am eagerly waiting for a reply.

Thanks and regards,
Shashi S. Jha
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]

I hope you are from Andhra Pradesh. In AP, the AP Fire Services Act of 1999 clearly defines the required firefighting equipment in any factory or building. This requirement depends on factors such as the area, height, and hazard frequency (high/mid/low). The Act closely follows the guidelines set by the National Building Code (NBC), with different tables available in the NBC Guidelines.

Regards,
Nagaraj
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Further to the advice by Sri Nagaraj and Sri Varghese, one has to consult the insurance company about the fire-fighting equipment (be it fire hydrants, extinguishers, etc.). Depending on the adequacy or inadequacy of the number, the insurer will fix the premium to cover any fire accident-related issues. Higher management needs to make a decision balancing the incidence of the premium and the expenditure on the fire-fighting equipment.

You referred to section 38 of The Factories Act and related State Factories Rules. I am attaching the TAC guidelines and also the Fire Load calculation information.

Thanks and Regards,
Deepak B Dorik
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Different provisions would apply to different factories depending on the nature of manufacture, business, etc. If you provide your particulars, appropriate stipulations could be provided.

Regards,
Kumar S.

Thanks, Mr. Kumar. This is for the rubber industry and is located in West Bengal. Can you please refer me to some sections of relevant acts?

Thanks and regards,
Shashi S. Jha

Hello,

This is a common topic of debate with our clients. Section 38 of the Factories Act contains the relevant sections for fire safety. More details can be found in the state rules. Although our act and rules are old and outdated, we still need to adhere to them.

There is a specified requirement for the number of fire buckets (filled with fine dry sand and others filled with water) that must be kept. The number of fire buckets per 100 sq m of the factory building is specified. Additionally, some states have included provisions for fire extinguishers in addition to or in place of fire buckets.

There is no provision in the rules for water sprinklers. However, the rules do allow for exemptions or waivers from the factory inspector. By following the more stringent rules laid down under ISP norms, you can seek approval from the factory inspector.

Please let me know if you need any further assistance.

Thank you.

Fire Safety Requirements Under the Factories Act, Maharashtra Rules

1) For every 100 square meter area, there should be 2 fire buckets of a minimum 9-litre capacity (Water/Dry Sand depending on fire type).

2) Additionally, for every 500 square meter area, there should be 1 portable fire extinguisher and 1 fire bucket of 9-litre capacity.

Hope this information helps.

Regards

Dear readers,

I suggest following the below standards to obtain more details:

- IS 1642:1989
- IS 2189:2008
- NBC Part 4
- IS 13432.1:1992

Thank you.