What is a high-rise building according to this code?

Any building having a height of 15 meters or more above the average surrounding ground level (Clause 3.10).

How many staircases are needed for a high-rise building?

A minimum of two physically separated staircases are required (Clause 6.4.1).

Are automatic sprinklers always required in high-rise buildings?

They are mandatory in buildings exceeding 30m in height. For buildings between 15m and 30m, other systems like wet risers are specified (Table 1).

What is the minimum width for an escape staircase in a residential high-rise?

The minimum width is 1.0 meter (Clause 6.4.2 a).

IS 15322

: 2003

Code of Practice for Fire Safety in High Rise Buildings

SupersededEssentialCode of PracticeBIMFire Safety · Fire Safety

Superseded by NBC 2016 Part 4

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This code of practice outlines the essential requirements for fire prevention, life safety, and fire protection in high-rise buildings, defined as those 15 meters or taller. It specifies standards for escape routes, fire detection and alarm systems, active firefighting installations like sprinklers and hydrants, and smoke management systems.

Outlined fire safety provisions for the design and construction of high-rise buildings (superseded by NBC 2016 Part 4).

Quick Reference Values

Definition of High Rise Building> 15 m in height

Minimum number of staircases required2

Minimum staircase width (Residential)1.0 m

Minimum staircase width (Commercial)1.5 m

Maximum travel distance to exit (typical)30 m

Mandatory Sprinkler System Height Threshold30 m

Practical Notes

This standard has been formally withdrawn. Its provisions, with updates, are now integrated into the National Building Code of India (NBC) 2016, Part 4. Always refer to the latest version of NBC Part 4 for statutory compliance.

The 15m height threshold is a critical trigger; once a building crosses this height, a significantly more stringent set of fire safety measures becomes mandatory.

Coordination between the architect, MEP consultant, and fire consultant is crucial to correctly implement the requirements of this code (or its successor, NBC Part 4).