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IS 11457:2000 (Part 1) is the Indian Standard (BIS) for fire safety of chemical industries, part 1: rubber and plastic. 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
NFPA 230 (2024)National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), USA
HighCurrent
Standard for the Fire Protection of Storage
Overlaps on requirements for storage arrangements and fire protection of plastics and rubber products.
FM Global Data Sheet 8-9 (2024)FM Global, USA
HighCurrent
Storage of Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and Plastic Commodities
Provides detailed, risk-based fire protection schemes for stored plastics, directly related to IS 11457's storage section.
NFPA 30 (2024)National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), USA
MediumCurrent
Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code
Covers handling and storage of flammable liquid raw materials (e.g., solvents) used in the industry, a key hazard addressed by IS 11457.
International Building Code (IBC) 2021International Code Council (ICC), International
MediumCurrent
International Building Code
Addresses building construction, occupancy classification (Group H, S), and egress systems, similar to the general building safety sections in IS 11457.
Key Differences
≠IS 11457 is a comprehensive but general code for the entire industry, while the international approach (e.g., NFPA) uses a family of highly specialized, interlinked standards (e.g., one for sprinklers, one for liquids, one for storage).
≠International standards like NFPA and FM Global have highly detailed material classification systems (e.g., Class 1-4, Plastics Group A/B/C) that directly dictate sprinkler design. IS 11457's classification is broader and less granular.
≠NFPA standards are typically updated on a 3-year cycle, incorporating new technologies like ESFR sprinklers in detail. IS 11457:2000 is less frequently updated, and thus may not fully address modern fire protection technologies and strategies.
≠International codes often provide performance-based design options, allowing for engineered solutions. IS 11457 is largely prescriptive, mandating specific distances, types, and quantities.
Key Similarities
≈All standards are built on the fundamental fire safety principles of hazard identification, separation of risks, containment, and providing layered fire suppression systems.
≈Both IS 11457 and its international counterparts emphasize the critical importance of site layout, mandating separation distances between hazardous units, storage areas, and site boundaries to prevent fire propagation.
≈The requirement for a comprehensive set of fire protection installations is common, including portable extinguishers, fire hydrant systems, and automatic detection/suppression systems for high-risk areas.
≈Strong emphasis is placed on operational controls and human elements, such as good housekeeping, control of ignition sources, worker training, and establishing an organized emergency response plan with regular drills.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Dyke capacity for a single tank
100% of the capacity of the largest tank in the dyke.
Not less than the volume of the largest tank.
NFPA 30
Minimum main aisle width in storage areas
2.4 m
8 ft (2.44 m)
NFPA 230
Maximum travel distance to exit (High Hazard Occupancy)
22.5 m (as per referenced National Building Code of India)
75 ft (23 m) for unsprinklered areas
NFPA 101
Storage height limitation (general purpose)
Prescribes fixed limits (e.g., 3 m for rubber bales).
Not a fixed limit; height is a variable used to engineer the required sprinkler system (e.g., using ESFR or in-rack sprinklers for high storage).
FM Global Data Sheet 8-9
Hydrant spacing
Approximately 45 m apart (as per referenced IS 3844).
Positioned so that all parts of the building are within reach; typically results in spacing of 45-60 m.
NFPA 14
Sprinkler design density for high-challenge plastic storage
Typically 'Extra High Hazard' (e.g., 12.5 mm/min) based on IS 15105/LPC rules.
Significantly higher; can be >25 mm/min for ceiling-only protection, depending on commodity, height, and sprinkler type.
FM Global Data Sheet 8-9
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values5
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
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Minimum Fire Resistance Rating of Structural Elements in Hours
Table 2 - Minimum Separation Distances Between Various Facilities