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IS 8758 : 1993Recommendations for fire precautionary measures in the construction of temporary structures and pandals

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NFPA 102 · ICC IFC 2021 · BS EN 13782
CurrentSpecializedGuidelinesBIMFire Safety · Fire Safety
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OverviewValues8InternationalTablesFAQ4Related

IS 8758:1993 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for recommendations for fire precautionary measures in the construction of temporary structures and pandals. 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

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Fire Safety — Fire Safety
Type
Guidelines
Earlier editions
IS 8758:2013IS 8758:2000
International equivalents
NFPA 102-2021 · National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), USAICC IFC 2021 · International Code Council (ICC), USABS EN 13782:2015 · British Standards Institution (BSI), UK / European Committee for Standardization (CEN)The Purple Guide · Events Industry Forum, UK
Typically used with
IS 1646IS 2190
Also on InfraLens for IS 8758
8Key values2Tables4FAQs

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

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.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 3Materials of ConstructionCl. 4SpacingCl. 5ExitsCl. 6Electrical InstallationsCl. 7Fire Fighting ArrangementsCl. 8Kitchens
Pulled from IS 8758:1993. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
bamboowoodfabriccanvaselectrical wiring

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
NFPA 102-2021National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), USA
HighCurrent
Standard for Grandstands, Folding and Telescopic Seating, Tents, and Membrane Structures
Directly addresses fire safety, means of egress, and construction for temporary tents and membrane structures.
ICC IFC 2021International Code Council (ICC), USA
HighCurrent
International Fire Code
Chapter 31 ('Tents and Other Membrane Structures') provides specific requirements for fire safety in these structures.
BS EN 13782:2015British Standards Institution (BSI), UK / European Committee for Standardization (CEN)
MediumCurrent
Temporary structures. Tents. Safety
Covers general safety for temporary tents, including fire safety, structural stability, and design.
The Purple GuideEvents Industry Forum, UK
MediumCurrent
The Guide to Health, Safety and Welfare at Music and Other Events
A comprehensive industry guide covering all aspects of event safety, including extensive guidance on temporary structures.
Key Differences
≠IS 8758 is highly prescriptive, providing fixed dimensions (e.g., 1.5 m exit width). International codes like NFPA 102 are more performance-based, often calculating requirements like exit width based on occupant load.
≠The flame retardancy test in IS 8758 (Appendix A) is a simple field test. International standards mandate rigorous laboratory testing according to specific standards, such as NFPA 701, which has more detailed procedures and pass/fail criteria.
≠IS 8758 has a regional context, specifically mentioning 'pandals' and requiring signage in local languages. International codes use generic terminology like 'tents', 'canopies', and 'membrane structures'.
≠While IS 8758 provides basic electrical safety guidelines, international codes (like the IFC or NFPA 102) reference comprehensive, standalone electrical codes (e.g., NFPA 70, National Electrical Code) for detailed requirements.
≠The maximum permitted travel distance to an exit in IS 8758 is 15 meters, whereas in NFPA 102, it is significantly longer at 100 feet (approx. 30.5 meters) for unsprinklered tents.
Key Similarities
≈All standards fundamentally require that the fabric, coverings, and decorative materials used in temporary structures be certified as flame-retardant or treated to be so.
≈A core principle across all codes is the requirement for a sufficient number of clearly marked, unobstructed exits and access ways (gangways/aisles) to facilitate rapid evacuation.
≈All standards strictly regulate or prohibit potential ignition sources, such as open flames, smoking, unapproved heating equipment, and fireworks, within and near the structures.
≈The provision of portable fire extinguishers at readily accessible and strategic locations is a universal requirement in IS 8758 and its international counterparts.
≈All codes mandate a minimum separation distance between the temporary structure and other buildings, vehicles, or combustible materials to prevent fire spread.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Minimum separation distance from other structures/buildings3 meters20 feet (approx. 6.1 meters)ICC IFC 3103.8.2
Minimum width of any exit1.5 metersCalculated based on occupant load, with minimum component widths (e.g., 36 inches or 0.91 m). Not a fixed minimum for all exits.NFPA 102 (Ch. 7)
Maximum travel distance to an exit15 meters100 feet (approx. 30.5 meters)NFPA 102, 11.2.6.1.3
Minimum width of gangways between seat rows1 meter48 inches (approx. 1.22 meters) for aisles with seating on both sidesNFPA 102, 8.2.5.5.2
Maximum travel distance to a fire extinguisher15 meters75 feet (approx. 23 meters) for Class A hazardsNFPA 10 (referenced by IFC/NFPA 102)
Flame Retardancy Test StandardField test described in IS 8758, Appendix ALaboratory test as per NFPA 701NFPA 102 / ICC IFC
Smoking regulationProhibited. 'No Smoking' signs in local languages to be posted.Prohibited. 'No Smoking' signs shall be conspicuously posted.ICC IFC 3104.6
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values8

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

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Minimum Distance Between Temporary Structures/Pandals and Between Temporary Structures/Pandals and Other Permanent Buildings
Table 2 - Minimum Aggregate Width of Exits for Pandals and Temporary Structures
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - Materials of Construction
Clause 4 - Spacing
Clause 5 - Exits
Clause 6 - Electrical Installations
Clause 7 - Fire Fighting Arrangements
Clause 8 - Kitchens

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 1646:1997Code of Practice for Fire Safety of Buildings...
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IS 2190:2010Selection, Installation and maintenance of fi...
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Frequently Asked Questions4

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).

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