Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
IS 6924:1973 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for the construction of refuse chutes in multi storeyed buildings. This standard provides guidelines for the design and construction of refuse chutes in multi-storey buildings to facilitate a hygienic and efficient method of refuse collection. It covers aspects like materials, dimensions, design of chutes, hoppers, ventilation, and collection chambers.
Code of Practice for the Construction of Refuse Chutes in Multi storeyed Buildings
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Acoustic insulation is critical as noise from falling refuse can be a major issue for adjacent apartments or rooms. The chute should not be placed next to bedroom walls.
! Proper fire separation is crucial. Hopper doors must be self-closing and fire-rated. Sprinklers are recommended at the top and bottom of the chute.
! Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to prevent blockages, odours, and pest infestation. A water connection at the top for flushing is highly recommended as per the code.
NFPA 82, 2024 EditionNational Fire Protection Association (NFPA), USA
HighCurrent
Standard on Incinerators and Waste and Linen Handling Systems and Equipment
Covers design, installation, and operation of waste chutes with a primary focus on fire protection.
BS 5906:2022British Standards Institution (BSI), UK
HighCurrent
Waste management in buildings. Code of practice
Provides comprehensive recommendations for waste management systems, including chute design, hygiene, and fire safety.
CAN/ULC-S136:2018ULC Standards, Canada
LowCurrent
Standard Test Method for Fire Growth of Waste and Linen Chute Systems
Focuses specifically on the fire testing methodology for chute systems, not the overall design code of practice.
Key Differences
≠IS 6924:1973 permits materials like asbestos cement, which is now prohibited globally for health reasons. Modern standards like NFPA 82 and BS 5906 mandate fire-resistant metals such as stainless steel or galvanized steel.
≠The fire protection requirements in IS 6924 are minimal (one sprinkler at top, 30-min doors). NFPA 82 mandates a far more robust system, including sprinklers at multiple levels (top, alternate floors, and termination room) and higher-rated fire-resistant shafts (2-hour rating) and doors (1-1.5 hour rating).
≠Modern standards like BS 5906 incorporate advanced concepts absent in the 1973 Indian code, such as automated cleaning/disinfection systems, acoustic insulation for noise reduction, and systems for waste segregation (multi-sort chutes).
≠NFPA 82 and BS 5906 recommend or require electrical interlocking systems on hopper doors to ensure only one door can be opened at a time. This significantly enhances fire containment and user safety, a feature not mentioned in IS 6924.
Key Similarities
≈All standards mandate that the chute must be vented, with the vent extending above the roofline to safely exhaust odours and potential combustion gases.
≈All codes require a dedicated, enclosed collection room at the base of the chute, constructed of fire-resistant materials and fitted with a fire-rated access door.
≈The fundamental design requirement for smooth-interior, obstruction-free vertical passage of waste is common across all standards.
≈All standards specify that the intake hopper doors must be self-closing and fire-rated to prevent the spread of fire from the chute into occupied floors, though the specific fire rating varies.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Minimum Chute Diameter
450 mm
Typically 610 mm (24 inches), but based on waste stream analysis.
NFPA 82 / BS 5906
Chute Enclosure Fire Rating
Not explicitly specified as a rated shaft, relies on chute wall thickness.
2-hour fire-rated shaft for chutes penetrating more than 3 floors.
NFPA 82
Hopper Door Fire Rating
30 minutes minimum.
1-hour rating for use in a 2-hour rated shaft.
NFPA 82
Automatic Sprinkler Locations
One head at the top of the chute.
At top of chute, on alternate floors below the top, and in the termination room.