Is this standard still active?

No, IS 10381:1982 has been withdrawn. Its provisions are now covered in the National Building Code (NBC), Part 7.

Who is responsible for safety on a construction site according to this code?

Both the employer (for providing a safe environment, equipment, and training) and the employee (for using safety equipment and following procedures) have defined responsibilities (Clause 4).

What is the minimum lighting level for general construction work?

The code specifies a general illumination of at least 100 lux for general construction areas (Clause 6.1).

What is the requirement for placing fire extinguishers?

At least one 9-litre water/soda-acid type extinguisher (or equivalent) should be provided for every 100 m² of floor area, with a maximum travel distance of 15 m to reach one (Clause 11.4).

IS 10381

: 1982

Code of practice for safety in construction - General requirements

CurrentSpecializedCode of PracticeBIMGeneral · Construction Safety and Practices

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This code of practice outlines the general safety requirements applicable to construction sites. It covers essential aspects like housekeeping, lighting, fire prevention, and defines the responsibilities of both employers and employees to ensure a safe working environment.

Lays down general safety principles and requirements applicable to all construction activities.

Quick Reference Values

Minimum general illumination for construction areas100 lux

Minimum illumination for fine work/painting300 lux

Fire extinguisher provision per floor area1 for every 100 m²

Maximum travel distance to a fire extinguisher15 m

Practical Notes

This standard has been officially 'WITHDRAWN' by BIS. Its principles and requirements are now incorporated into the National Building Code (NBC) of India, particularly Part 7.

While withdrawn, its clauses provide a good foundational checklist for developing a basic site safety plan, especially for smaller projects.

The code emphasizes creating a safety culture by assigning responsibilities, which is a key principle of modern construction safety management.