What type of fire extinguishers are recommended for these factories?

Water-type extinguishers for cotton material fires, and dry powder or CO2 extinguishers for electrical installations.

Why is spatial separation so heavily emphasized in this code?

Because cotton fires spread extremely rapidly through lint and airborne dust, making physical separation of storage and processing blocks the most effective containment strategy.

Are automatic sprinkler systems required?

Yes, they are highly recommended in ginning and pressing areas due to the flash-fire nature of loose cotton.

IS 2726

: 1988

Code of practice for fire safety of industrial buildings: Cotton ginning and pressing (including cotton seed delivering)factories

CurrentSpecializedCode of PracticeFire Safety · Fire Safety

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This code lays down the essential requirements for the fire safety of industrial buildings specifically used for cotton ginning, pressing, and cotton seed delivery. It covers site location, building construction, electrical installations, and fire extinguishing equipment to mitigate the high fire risks associated with highly combustible cotton dust and lint.

Code of practice for fire safety of industrial buildings: Cotton ginning and pressing (including cotton seed delivering)factories

Quick Reference Values

Minimum clearance between cotton storage and other processing buildings15 m

Minimum width of access roads for fire appliances6 m

Maximum travel distance to a fire extinguisher15 m

Practical Notes

Strictly segregate raw cotton storage, ginning processes, and finished bale storage to prevent rapid fire spread.

Electrical equipment and lighting fixtures must be dust-proof and properly enclosed to avoid sparking in lint-heavy environments.

Regular and rigorous housekeeping is critical; lint and cotton dust accumulation on beams, pipes, and machinery is the primary accelerator of fire.