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IS 949 : 2012Emergency (Rescue) Tender - Functional Requirements

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NFPA 1900 · EN 1846-2 · BS EN 1846-2
CurrentSpecializedSpecificationFire Safety · Fire Fighting
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Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
OverviewValues4InternationalTablesFAQ3Related

IS 949:2012 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for emergency (rescue) tender - functional requirements. This standard specifies the functional requirements for the materials, design, construction, and equipment of an emergency (rescue) tender. Engineers, fire departments, and automotive manufacturers use this code to design and procure specialized emergency vehicles equipped for non-fire rescue operations like vehicle extrication, structural collapses, and natural disasters.

Emergency (Rescue) Tender - Functional Requirements

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Fire Safety — Fire Fighting
Type
Specification
International equivalents
NFPA 1900:2024 · National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), USAEN 1846-2:2009+A1:2013 · European Committee for Standardization (CEN), EuropeBS EN 1846-2:2009+A1:2013 · British Standards Institution (BSI), UK
Typically used with
IS 2190IS 636IS 2696
Also on InfraLens for IS 949
4Key values1Tables3FAQs
Practical Notes
! Pay special attention to the payload calculation; the chassis Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) must safely accommodate all heavy rescue tools, the generator, winch, and crew without exceeding axle limits.
! Ensure the Power Take-Off (PTO) unit and electrical alternator match the simultaneous power demands of the hydraulic pumps, light mast, and electrical rescue gear.
! Stowage compartments must be weatherproof and ergonomically designed so heavy extraction tools can be rapidly deployed by a single person.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 4ChassisCl. 8Body Work and StowageCl. 9Electrical System and Lighting MastCl. 10Winch
Pulled from IS 949:2012. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
steelaluminumautomotive components

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
NFPA 1900:2024National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), USA
HighCurrent
Standard for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicles, Automotive Fire Apparatus, Wildland Fire Apparatus, and Automotive Ambulances
Specifies requirements for new automotive fire apparatus, including Chapter 10 for Special Service Fire Apparatus (Rescue Vehicles).
EN 1846-2:2009+A1:2013European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Europe
HighCurrent
Firefighting and rescue service vehicles - Part 2: Common requirements - Safety and performance
Defines common safety and performance requirements for firefighting and rescue vehicles, including technical rescue vehicles.
BS EN 1846-2:2009+A1:2013British Standards Institution (BSI), UK
HighCurrent
Firefighting and rescue service vehicles - Common requirements - Safety and performance
The UK's adoption of the EN standard, covering safety and performance for various apparatus including technical rescue.
Key Differences
≠IS 949 specifies prescriptive chassis requirements like minimum GVW (16,000 kg) and engine power (134 kW), whereas NFPA 1900 focuses on performance-based outcomes like acceleration (0-55 km/h in 25s) and top speed, allowing more flexibility in chassis choice.
≠NFPA 1900 contains highly detailed requirements for the vehicle's electrical system, including load management, circuit protection, and specific placement zones for warning lights, which are more comprehensive than the general electrical system guidance in IS 949.
≠EN 1846-2 classifies rescue vehicles by mass (Light, Medium, Super) and terrain capability (Urban, Rural, All-terrain), each with different performance criteria. IS 949 defines two types (A and B) based primarily on the presence of a water tank, without this detailed classification system.
≠IS 949 defines two vehicle types: Type A (pure rescue) and Type B (rescue with a 2250L water tank and pump), making it a multi-purpose standard. NFPA and EN standards treat pumpers and rescue vehicles as distinct apparatus types with separate requirements.
Key Similarities
≈All standards define a vehicle whose primary function is to transport specialized equipment and personnel for technical rescue operations, rather than large-scale fire suppression.
≈The fundamental list of equipment carried is conceptually similar across standards, including hydraulic rescue tools (cutters/spreaders), lifting bags, stabilization struts, generators, and scene lighting.
≈All standards mandate the provision of a robust, weatherproof body with enclosed compartments, typically using aluminum or GRP construction with roll-up doors for safe and organized equipment stowage.
≈All require comprehensive audible (siren) and visual (flashing lights/beacons) warning systems to ensure the vehicle can proceed safely and quickly to an emergency.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Minimum Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)16,000 kgNo minimum specified; based on equipment and component ratings.NFPA 1900
Crew CapacitySeating for 6 to 8 persons including driverNo specific number mandated; requires a designated, belted seat for each assigned member within an enclosed cab.NFPA 1900
Acceleration Performance0 to 60 km/h in 45 seconds (max)0 to 35 mph (~56 km/h) in 25 seconds (max)NFPA 1900
Water Tank (Pure Rescue Type)Type A: NilNot required. If equipped with a small pump, a tank is sized accordingly (e.g., min 200 gal for a pump <750 gpm).NFPA 1900
Equipment Payload AllowanceNot specified as a weight; requires stowage for a defined list of equipment.Minimum 2000 lb (907 kg) for equipment.NFPA 1900
Vehicle Classification SystemType A (no water) and Type B (with water tank/pump).Classification by Mass (L, M, S) and Category (1-Urban, 2-Rural, 3-All-terrain).EN 1846-2
Generator Capacity5 kVA portable or 10 kVA vehicle-mounted (PTO).No minimum rating; sized based on the total connected load as specified by the purchaser.NFPA 1900
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values4

Quick Reference Values
Winch pulling capacity50 kN (minimum)
Built-in generator capacity10 kVA (minimum)
Telescopic light mast extended height8 m (minimum)
Minimum road clearance260 mm

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Schedule of Equipment to be Supplied with Emergency (Rescue) Tender
Key Clauses
Clause 4 - Chassis
Clause 8 - Body Work and Stowage
Clause 9 - Electrical System and Lighting Mast
Clause 10 - Winch

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 2190:2010Selection, Installation and maintenance of fi...
→
IS 636:1988Non-Ferrous Metals and Alloy Ingots for Sand ...
→
IS 2696:1974Functional Requirements for 1 125-1/min Light...
→

Frequently Asked Questions3

What is the primary difference between a rescue tender and a standard fire engine?+
A rescue tender carries specialized extraction and heavy rescue tools (hydraulic cutters, spreaders, pneumatic lifting bags, winches) rather than large water tanks and firefighting pumps.
Is a built-in generator mandatory according to IS 949?+
Yes, a built-in generator of adequate capacity (typically minimum 10 kVA) is required to operate the onboard telescopic lighting mast and electrical rescue tools.
What are the functional requirements for the vehicle's winch?+
The rescue tender must be equipped with a front-mounted electrically or hydraulically operated winch with a minimum pulling capacity of 50 kN (approx. 5 tonnes).

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