What is the minimum distance required between a pandal and the nearest building?

A minimum of 4.5 metres must be maintained between the pandal and any building or boundary line (Clause 4.1).

Can cooking be done inside a pandal?

No, kitchens must be in a separate enclosure at least 9 metres away from the main pandal and enclosed with non-combustible materials (Clause 8.1).

What are the basic exit requirements for a pandal?

Every pandal must have at least two exits, placed as far apart as possible. Each exit should have a minimum width of 1.5 metres (Clause 5.1).

How many fire extinguishers are required for a 600 sq.m pandal?

A minimum of 6 extinguishers are required (one per 100 sq.m of floor area), kept in unlocked boxes or on stands for easy access (Clause 7.1.1).

IS 8758

: 1993

Recommendations for fire precautionary measures in the construction of temporary structures and pandals

CurrentSpecializedGuidelinesBIMFire Safety · Fire Safety

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This standard provides recommendations for fire safety measures for temporary structures like pandals, tents, and exhibition stalls. It outlines requirements for materials, separation distances, exit paths, electrical safety, and first-aid fire fighting equipment to prevent fire incidents in temporary public assemblies.

Recommendations for fire precautionary measures in the construction of temporary structures and pandals

Quick Reference Values

Minimum separation distance between pandals3 m (for areas up to 1500 sq.m)

Minimum separation from any permanent building4.5 m

Maximum travel distance to an exit22.5 m

Minimum number of exits for any pandal2

Minimum width of any single exit1.5 m

Fire extinguisher provision rate1 extinguisher per 100 sq.m of floor area

Minimum distance of kitchen from main pandal9 m

Minimum headroom in passages/stairways2.4 m

Practical Notes

This code is essential for obtaining a 'No Objection Certificate' (NOC) from local fire departments for festivals, exhibitions, and public events.

Special emphasis should be placed on using flame-retardant treated fabrics for decoration (Clause 3.2), as this is a common source of rapid fire spread.

Ensure all electrical wiring is properly insulated, secured overhead, and managed by a licensed electrician to prevent short circuits, a primary cause of fires in such structures.