1. Mandatory Fire Safety Approvals
Industrial plots must obtain a Fire Safety No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the State Fire Department before operationalizing any facility. This requires:
- Submission of building plans, layout drawings, and fire-fighting system designs
- Compliance with standards set by the National Building Code (NBC)
- On-site inspection and verification by fire safety officials
This NOC is essential for obtaining occupancy certificates and factory licenses.
2. Access and Circulation Requirements
To ensure fire-fighting access, industrial plots must incorporate:
- Minimum road widths (typically 12–18 meters) around buildings for fire tender movement
- Turning radii and open space setbacks for emergency access
- Unobstructed entry and exit gates for vehicle clearance
Access roads must be capable of bearing the weight of fire engines and equipment.
3. Installation of Fire-Fighting Equipment
Depending on the risk classification and size of the industry, the following equipment must be installed:
- Fire extinguishers of appropriate type (CO₂, foam, dry powder)
- Hydrant systems with hoses and risers connected to a water source
- Automatic sprinkler systems in high-risk or enclosed areas
- Fire alarm and smoke detection systems with emergency power backup
Larger units must include water storage tanks and booster pumps as part of the fire-fighting infrastructure.
4. Building Design and Compartmentation
Factory and warehouse structures must be designed to:
- Use fire-resistant materials in walls, doors, and roofing
- Include compartmentation to contain fire spread within specific zones
- Provide ventilation openings, smoke vents, or exhaust systems for heat release
These measures help delay fire spread and facilitate evacuation.
5. Escape Routes and Emergency Exits
All industrial buildings must provide:
- Multiple escape routes clearly marked and unobstructed
- Emergency exit doors that open outward and are accessible from all working areas
- Illuminated signage for fire exits and evacuation paths
- Staircases and refuge areas in multi-level buildings
Escape plans must be visible on-site, and evacuation drills are encouraged regularly.
6. Electrical Safety and Hazard Control
To prevent fire hazards, electrical systems must:
- Be installed with circuit breakers, earthing, and load balancing
- Include flameproof fittings in hazardous or flammable areas
- Avoid loose wiring, overheating, or overloading of equipment
Hazardous materials must be stored in designated, ventilated enclosures, with appropriate fire suppression systems.
7. On-Site Fire Control Team and Training
Industries are required to:
- Appoint and train fire wardens or emergency response teams
- Maintain logbooks and service records of fire-fighting systems
- Conduct regular fire drills and awareness programs for staff
A well-trained team ensures prompt response before external help arrives.
8. Compliance with Risk Category Norms
Fire safety provisions vary based on the risk category of the industry, such as:
- Low-risk: Small-scale assembly or non-hazardous production
- Moderate-risk: General manufacturing with moderate fire load
- High-risk: Chemical, fuel-based, or explosive industries
Each category requires specific equipment and structural safeguards defined under the National Building Code and state fire regulations.
