What is the maximum allowed height for a timber stack in an open yard?

4.5 metres. A minimum separation of 6 metres must be maintained between stacks. (Clause 4.3.1.2)

How should sawdust and wood waste be handled?

They should be collected frequently and stored in a detached building at least 6m away, or in enclosed metal bins with close-fitting lids before disposal. (Clause 6.2)

What kind of fire extinguishers are required?

At least two 9-litre water or foam type extinguishers are required for every 500 sq.m of floor area. Additional CO2 or dry powder extinguishers should be provided near electrical equipment. (Table 2)

Are automatic sprinklers mandatory for a sawmill?

Automatic sprinkler or drencher systems are recommended, particularly for high-hazard areas, multi-storey buildings, and large timber yards. (Clause 5.3)

IS 6329

: 2000

Code of Practice for Fire Safety of Industrial Buildings - Saw Mills and Wood Works

CurrentSpecializedCode of PracticeFire Safety · Fire Safety

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This standard outlines the code of practice for fire safety specifically for industrial buildings used as sawmills and for woodworking. It covers requirements for building construction, storage of timber and waste, process hazards, electrical installations, and fire protection and fighting systems to minimize fire risk.

Code of Practice for Fire Safety of Industrial Buildings - Saw Mills and Wood Works

Quick Reference Values

Maximum height of timber stack in open4.5 m

Minimum separation between timber stacks6 m

Minimum distance of timber stack from any building15 m

Number of 9-litre water/foam extinguishers per 500 sqm floor area2

Minimum clearance around electrical motors1 m

Separation distance for sawdust storage building6 m

Practical Notes

Meticulous housekeeping is critical. The regular and systematic removal of sawdust and wood shavings from floors, machinery, and structural members is the single most important factor in preventing large-scale fires.

Ensure all electrical equipment, including motors and lighting fixtures, is of a dust-tight enclosure type to prevent ignition of airborne wood dust.

Strictly enforce the separation distances for timber stacks and from buildings to create effective fire breaks and prevent fire from spreading across the site.