What is the minimum number of exits required from any floor?

A minimum of two exits are required. They should be remote from each other and provide two separate escape routes (Clause 6.3).

What is the maximum permissible travel distance to an exit?

For educational buildings, the travel distance to at least one exit shall not exceed 22.5 meters (Clause 6.5).

What is the minimum width for a staircase in a school building?

The minimum clear width for staircases in educational buildings shall be 1.5 meters (Clause 6.4.1 c).

Are basements allowed in school buildings?

Yes, but they must have at least two separate staircases and be protected by an automatic sprinkler system if the area exceeds 200 sq.m (Clause 5.7).

IS 14435

: 1997

Code of practice for fire safety in educational institutions

CurrentFrequently UsedCode of PracticeBIMFire Safety · Fire Safety

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This code provides guidelines for fire prevention, life safety, and fire protection specifically for educational institutions. It covers requirements for means of egress, fire detection and alarm systems, firefighting arrangements, and specific safety measures for areas like laboratories, libraries, and auditoriums.

Code of practice for fire safety in educational institutions

Quick Reference Values

Minimum number of exits for most floors2

Minimum clear width of staircases1.5 m

Minimum clear width of corridors and passageways2.0 m

Maximum travel distance to an exit22.5 m

Occupant load factor for classrooms1.8 sq.m / person

Minimum height for school buildings without lifts9 m

Practical Notes

While this standard is still cited, many of its provisions have been updated and are more comprehensively covered in the National Building Code (NBC) of India 2016, Part 4 - Fire and Life Safety. Always cross-reference with the latest NBC.

Compliance is crucial for obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local fire department for school and college buildings.

Pay close attention to Clause 6 on 'Means of Egress'. Inadequate staircase/corridor widths and excessive travel distances are common reasons for non-compliance during fire safety audits.