This code provides guidelines for the fire safety of hospitals, focusing on life safety, fire protection, exit requirements, and firefighting provisions. It covers both passive measures like fire-resistant construction and active measures like extinguishers and alarm systems to ensure the safety of patients and staff, many of whom may be non-ambulatory.
Specifies fire safety requirements for the design, construction, and operation of hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Quick Reference Values
Minimum width of hospital corridors2.4 m
Maximum travel distance to an exit (non-sprinklered)22.5 m
Minimum fire resistance of staircase enclosure2 hours
Minimum number of exits per floor2
Maximum area of a fire compartment2000 sq. m
Door opening directionShall open in the direction of exit
Practical Notes
This standard is outdated and has been superseded by the National Building Code (NBC) of India, Part 4. Always consult the latest NBC for current requirements.
The principles of compartmentalization and protected escape routes outlined are fundamental but are detailed more stringently in the current NBC.
Special emphasis is placed on protecting areas with immobile patients, such as ICUs and operating theatres, which remains a critical design consideration.