What is the required fire resistance for a high-hazard chemical plant building?

4 hours for main structural elements like columns, beams, and trusses (Table 1).

How are hazards classified in this code?

Hazards are classified as Low, Moderate, or High based on the nature and quantity of materials handled (Table 3).

IS 11457

: 2000

Code of practice for fire safety of chemical industries, Part 1: Rubber and plastic

CurrentSpecializedCode of PracticeBIMFire Safety · Fire Safety

This standard provides comprehensive guidelines for fire safety in chemical industries, covering hazard identification, site selection, building design, fire prevention, and fire protection systems. It aims to minimize risks associated with handling flammable and hazardous materials in industrial settings.

Code of practice for fire safety of chemical industries, Part 1: Rubber and plastic

Quick Reference Values

Fire resistance for high hazard building main structural members4 hours

Maximum travel distance to exit in a high hazard area22.5 m

Separation distance between process unit and large flammable liquid storage (>500 kl)60 m

Minimum clear width of any exit100 cm

Maximum spacing between fire hydrants30 m

Practical Notes

This code must be used in conjunction with the National Building Code (NBC) of India, particularly Part 4 on Fire and Life Safety.

The hazard classification (Low, Moderate, High) as per Table 3 is the first and most critical step in applying the code's requirements.

Separation distances in Table 2 are crucial for plant layout design and regulatory approval, as retrofitting is extremely difficult and expensive.