FIRE SAFETY PROJECTS

1. INTRODUCTION:-

A continuous supply of electric power is of primary importance of almost all human

activities, particularly in the industrial sector. Outbreak of fire or an explosion in a
power station may completely curtail supply of electrical power for considerable
time in addition to causing extensive damage to the building and equipment.

Importance of fire safety, for electrical generating and distributing stations has
been increasingly recognized, due to occurrence of several devastating fires in
such locations in the recent past. Therefore, considering the fact that any fire in
such installations may completely disrupt the life of the community, several
industries served by them, and may also involve replacement of highly valuable
equipment, it is necessary that every attempt should be made to prevent or atleast
minimize, the occurrence of fires in these installations. Installation of equipment
having built-in safety measures in the premises and judicial suppression or
isolation of fire risks will therefore reduce both frequency of outbreaks of the fire as
well as contain the possibility of its spreading to other areas. Further, with the
adoption of suitable fire
safety norms with regard to design, layout and construction of buildings and other
structures, choice of materials for construction, etc., the premises can be rendered
safer from the point of view of fire risk.

The important fire safety and fire protection requirements for a power plant which
should receive due attention are given in the standard. Where necessary,
references to relevant Indian standards have also been made. Any fire safety
measures other than those covered in this standard, if prescribed in the relevant
statutory rules and regulations, should also be adhered to.

2. SCOPE:-

This part lays down the fire safety requirements in river valley projects covering the
following components & aspects:-

Main components such as storage dams, canals, tunnels, penstocks, valve

houses, distribution stations, transformer yards.
Buildings both permanent & temporary.
Forest- where most of the river valley projects are located either in hills or foot of
hills.

This standard is intended to be of use both during the construction, operation as

well as maintenance periods, for the fire safety of river valley projects. Utmost care
should be taken in fire precautions during the construction time of the project as it
is the busiest period for various activities and on account of large deployment of
men & material.
 The Indian standards listed are necessary adjuncts to this standard.

3.GENERAL:-

A fire out break in any part of a river valley project assumes the greatest
importance because of the following factors:-

i) Except for large network of canals and tunnels, other components such as
storage dams, power house, transformer yard, storage yard and residential camps
are mostly located relatively closer to one another.

ii) Generally, the peak period of activity in a project starts after one year of the
beginning of the project and ends one year ahead of completion of the project. a
number of temporary structures, both residential and non-residential exist in the
forest area with a large number of human beings occupying them. hence, there is
a great possibility of outbreak of fire with the chances of its spreading being
greater. Other components of the project are generally constructed with
concrete/masonry and steel duly following the precautionary measures of fire
safety as per standards. hence, the possibility of out-break of fire in these
structures are comparatively rare but cannot be ruled out completely.

The main fire risk areas in a hydro power station are:

Turbo generators including lubricating and oil systems; supporting structures and
floor areas around the turbine.

Oil fueled generator, station, unit and auxillary transformers including associated
coolers & conservator tanks.

Diesel driven pumps/engine units and their fuel and storage tanks.

The distribution stations such as load dispatch centres and sub-stations also
present fire hazards arising from oil fuel transformers, switch gear, cable
galleries/Tunnels etc.

The fire protection coverage for power plants should be comprehensive in catering
to all the fire hazards as mentioned above. the planning for the fire protection
schemes should start right from the design stage of the plant, thereby ensuring that
adequate and suitable fire protection measures, both active and passive are
incorporated not only while finalizing the plant design itself, but also right up to the
completion stage.

In the fire protection system for the power plant, due consideration should be given
to the danger of smoke logging in all locations in addition to safeguarding against
other likely gaseous and toxic products. the provision of adequate means of
escape could also be given due consideration in the interest of safety to life.
4.COMMUNICATIONS:-

Reliable communication system for various components of the river valley project
among themselves and with fire fighting stations etc. are vital as fire fighting
personnel have to get mobilized and move into action within the shortest possible
time, before the situation worsens.

Communications systems should be reliable and will have to be maintained

perfectly in view of the fact that the components of the river valley projects are
located mostly in remote & isolated areas.

Fire alarms (automatic) and sirens should be installed at suitable important

locations for local alerts.

5.FIRES IN FORESTS:-

When a forest fire starts, it is quite small in extent and not noticed till it develops
Significantly and becomes wide spread. a fully developed fire is difficult to
extinguish or control. hence, precautions shall be taken, not only for preventing
start of fire but also for extinguishing them, so that the components of the
structures in hydro projects are not affected in a big way.

6.PREVENTION:-

Trespassers and people, who visit forests on picnics, must be warned about the
danger of creating fires by careless and indiscriminate action. suitable warning
boards shall be exhibited at number of places.

Observation towers are erected in forests by the forest department for carious
purposes. the spacing of such observation towers shall be made closer in forests
consisting of components of hydro projects. there should be good liason between
the authorities of the hydro projects and the forest department in the exchange of
information about fire for their mutual safety.

In many projects, it is now mandatory to provide for compensatory afforestation.

such compensatory afforestation shall not be made in close proximity of the
various components of the hydro projects. generally, extensive cultivation,
plantation or compensatory afforestation should not be allowed within a distance of
30 mtrs. from the components of hydro projects.

7.FIRE EXTINGUISHING:-

If the fires are observed during early stages, they can be extinguished by
beweating. A number of personnel in the hydro projects should be trained for
 undertaking the beating operation in a systematic way, such personnel may be
trained by the staff of the forest department.
Fire barriers may be created at close intervals so as to contain in a limited area
and concentrate on the efforts for extinguishing the fire.

Proper use of water can extinguish many fires effectively & also contain their
spread. facility for adequate supply of water should be created in the fringe areas
of the components of hydro projects, adjoining the forest areas. the personnel in
hydro projects should be trained in the use of water for extinguishing and
preventing the spread of fires.

When a fire is noticed in the forest, the nearby fire station shall be immediately
altered by instantaneously communicating with them as it is advisable to get
trained fire personnel and fire fighting equipment to the danger area at the earliest.

8.BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND RELATED REQUIREMENTS:-

The structural elements of all buildings of an electrical generating/distributing

station shall be type 1 construction, complying with the requirements of
IS16402:1989.

9.SMOKE VENTILATION:-

Provision for smoke ventilation, preferably of automatic type, shall be made over
the generator & turbine floor to permit escape of heat and the large volume of
smoke, likely to be generated. the requirements of fire venting should conform to
the provisions contained in relevant Indian standard.

For turbine halls of large area a normal ventilation rate of minimum 2 cycles per
hour should be maintained. for extraction of smoke from fire, a volume change rate
of 12 per hour should be obtained depending on fire load, room height, size etc. in
case the start of smoke extraction is delayed, the volume change rate may have to
be increased even up to 50 changes. smoke vents of approved design should be
incorporated in cable tunnels/galleries plant rooms, switch board rooms, etc., and
provision made for the attachment of portable extraction units, if not already served
by a fixed smoke extraction installation.

To achieve compartmentalization, the plant should be subdivided into individual

fire areas to the maximum feasible extent, so as to reduce the spread of fire
between such areas and the consequential damage, and also to achieve easy
control and extinguishing of the fire. such sub division by fire barriers, or
separation walls of minimum 2 hour fire resistance, shall be provided in the
following cases:
 Where a turbine hall houses more than one unit, a fire barrier/separation wall
should be provided for each unit beneath the operating floor in the turbine and
electrical bays.
Between turbine generator hall and control room/computer room/Instrument room.

Between turbine generator hall and electrical switch gear room (unit wise barriers
needed).

Between turbine generator hall and electrical switch gear room 9unitwise barriers
needed)

Between staircases and lift shafts and the rest of the building.

Between storage areas of flammable liquids and rest of the building.

Between transformer yard/ Outdoor transformers and any other nearby building, in
case a clear distance of 6m is not available.

Between individual oil-filled transformers containing oil in excess of 500 litres, in

case clear distances as specified in IS 1646:1960 are not maintained.

Between battery rooms and other adjoining areas; &

Between cable galleries of each unit.

The doors provided in the separation walls between these fire areas should be
self-closing, fire-check doors of fire rating equal to that of the fire wall.

Windows/Ventilators in fire separation walls(for example for control rooms or

computer rooms) should be preferably provided with clear fire resisting glass of
minimum 45 min fire resistance or with automatic fire resistance/ shutters or an
automatic water curtain.

Cellular or foamed plastic materials (Such as expanded polystyrene, polyurethane

foam, etc.) should not be used as interior finish or insulation in any part of the
building. Where interior finishes (Wall, linings, false ceilings etc.) are unavoidable.
they should be non-combustible of class1 flame spread.

Air conditioning for the control room should provide a pressurized environment to
preclude the entry of smoke in the event of a fire outside the control room.

Plastic ducts, including ‘fire retardant’ types, should not be used for ventilating
systems.
Provision should be made in all fire areas of the plant for removal of all liquids,
including fire fighting water, directly to safe areas. the drainage facilities should be
adequate to cater to all of the power emergencies:
 i) The spill of the largest single container of any flammable or combustible liquids
in the area; and
ii) A minimum flow of 3600 lpm for fire fighting operations for atleast 20 min. and
iii) The maximum design discharge of fixed fire suppression systems operating for
a minimum of 20 min.

Floor draining from areas containing flammable or combustible liquids should

incorporate suitable flame traps or flame arrestors, conforming to IS11006:1984.

Switch gear oil-circuit breakers and transformers should be preferably housed in

detached single storey buildings of type I construction.

The building used for storage purposes should conform to the requirements.
The safety distance separating various buildings and the exit requirements should
conform to IS.
Distances separating fuel oil storage tanks. open storage oil drums, etc. should be
in accordance with the relevant statutory requirements.
The power station buildings and switch yards should be provided with lightning
protection conforming to IS.

10.POWER STATION FACILITIES:-

10.1GENERATOR UNITS:-

Major fire risks in turbo generators arise from the leakage or escape, of
combustible lubricating and hydraulic fluids contained in the lubricating or governor
seals, and jacking oil systems. the risk normally extends to the floor areas which
house the lubricating systems and within the radius of an oil spray pattern
cascading from a failure of bearings in the oil supply headers.

A bund wall should surround and contain the main lubricating oil, jacking oil and
flushing oil package unit area, to prevent spread of oil to surrounding floor areas.

Concrete or concrete protected steel should be used for the supporting structure of
turbine generator units. exposed steel construction is acceptable if protected by an
automatic deluge sprinkler system.

10.2OIL RISK:-

The risks arise from an escape of combustible lubricants and hydraulic fluids
contained in the system, which can be considerably reduced by using completely
separate circuits for the lubricating system and the control system.

The seal oil and the jacking oil systems are also subject to the same risk.
there should be arrangement for collecting leakages of lubricating oil from the
distribution pipes by adopting any one of the following methods:
 i) By running the oil lines in concrete lined tunnels, or steel-lined troughs. specially
provided for the purpose or,

ii) By employing the double pipe system that is running the pressurized water
supply pipe inside a concentric larger pipe acting as a leakage collector, which
should also act as a return pipe.

11.ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS AND EQUIPMENT:-

11.1GENERAL REQUIREMENT:

The electrical installations and equipment of the power station should conform in
all respects to the relevant guidelines given in IS: 1648:1982.
Gasoline, benzene, ether, alcohol and similar flammable cleaning fluids shall not
be used on energized electrical apparatus.
The use of such flammable cleaning fluids on de-energized apparatus may,
however, be permitted provided the apparatus is not energized within half an hour
of such use.
None of the flammable solvents mentioned should be used in the vicinity of
electrical equipment from which sparks may be received.
All electrical equipment shall be kept absolutely free of deposits of oil, grease,
carbon dust, etc.
All electrical equipment shall be effectively earthed to avoid any flash/spark.

11.2CABLES AND CABLE GALLERIES:-

The fire protection requirements for cable galleries, cable runs etc., should conform
to the provisions contained in IS 12459:1988 including the fire protection
requirements such as segregation of cable runs to compartments, use of fire
resistant cables in critical areas and groups of cables and sealing of penetrations
in the walls & floors.

In addition to the usual cable clamps above floor level, cables should be clamped
immediately below floor level. each cable or group should, where possible, be
protected by a pipe or cover of the heat resisting material rising to a height of at
least 45 cm above floor level, or terminating just below the cable gland, sealed at
the bottom and filled with sand or small pebbles.

Whenever possible, all jute shavings shall be removed from cables in switch
rooms, basements and tunnels.

Where cables rest on the floor of tunnel or basements, they shall be separated into
groups by vertical barriers of tile, brick or concrete and the trenches so formed
shall be filled with small pebbles. alternatively, the cables may be separately
 clamped and each cable run shall be separated by a minimum clear space of 75
mm.

The cables should not be routed near hot steam pipes, turbines, and pulverized
coal pipes and near hot gas ducts. wherever this is unavoidable fire-proof cables
should be used.

Power cables and control cables should run in separate trenches wherever
possible.

11.3TRANSFORMERS:-

All transformer installations should comply with the provisions of IS 1646:1982 in

addition to the following:-

a) As a protection against excessive damage due to occurrence of faults,

transformers fitted with conservators shall be protected by bucholz relay.

b) All other transformers shall be equipped with oil temperature alarms or excess
current relay protection.

c) The bushings, insulators, and contacts of tap changing gears should be kept
scrupulously clean at all times.

d) The level and dielectric strength of the transformer oil shall be checked at
periodic intervals and in the event of presence of large quantity of sludge, the oil
shall be renewed.

11.4 BATTERY ROOM:-

Motor generator sets and/ or convertor or rectifiers together with necessary

switches and control gear shall be mounted separately (preferably in separate
rooms as far as possible) and away from the batteries.

The storage batteries and all attendant equipment, except compact metal clad
units, should be mounted away from all other apparatus, in a location free from
dust, and shall be slatted and treated with anti-sulphuric enamel.

The batteries shall be so arranged on the bench that a potential difference

exceeding 12V shall not exist between adjoining cells. batteries exceeding 20 V
shall not be bunched together or arranged in a circular formation.

All combustible materials within a distance of 60 cm measured horizontally, or

within 2.0 m measured vertically, from any battery, should be protected with hard
asbestos sheets.
 The charging circuit shall be provided with double or triple pole switches and fuses,
where a motor generator is employed. the motor shall be provided with double or
triple pole switches and fuses and an automatic battery and cut-out shall be
placed in the generator circuit. any sub circuit shall be provided with a fuse rated
not more than 7 amps in each live conductor.

The charging control panels shall be of durable, non- ignitable non-absorbent, non-
conducting material and together with rectifiers, transformers and supports for the
resistance of lamps, shall be on a bench which shall be kept dry and insulated from
earth. if constructed of wood, it shall be slatted and treated with anti-sulphric
enamel.
If batteries are charged through resistance or lamps, unless these are enclosed in
metallic enclosures, they should be atleast 60 cm away from the nearest battery.
All permanent wiring shall be securely run and protected against mechanical injury.
Efficient terminals or connections shall be supplied from which connections to
batteries can be made. rubber insulated wiring or any other type of combustible
insulated wiring, if on insulators, shall not be run in such a position that a fire
arising at any battery could reach it. all conductors connecting the supply terminals
to batteries shall have either rubber, or tough compound, insulation without tape or
braid.
If the source of supply in the mains has one conductor earthed, the lamps or other
resistances shall be connected on an earthed and the batteries connected direct to
earth conductors.
No celluloid cased storage batteries should be used.
All china clay or other insulators should be kept free dust, and all casing,
conduits, wood or metal work likely to be affected by acid spray or fumes should be
protected by acid resisting paint, varnish or compound. all exposed current
carrying metal and terminals shall be coated with petroleums.If possible, suitable
exhaust fans shall be provided for the removal of gas from the battery room.

11.5 ILLUMINATION:-

For effective fire fighting purposes, the minimum illumination required for all
working places, such as turbine house etc. is 100 lux and for control rooms, 150
lux.

Storage go downs and warehouses shall be illuminated as per provisions of IS

3594:1967.

12.FIRE PROTECTION MEASURES:-

12.1GENERAL:

Generating stations may vary in size from small municipal stations to large multi
unit power stations including super power stations. Electrical generating and
 distribution stations can come under the occupancy classification of industrial
buildings.

The extend & nature of fire protection measures as well as exit facilities to be
provided will depend on various factors like size and location of the station, risks
involved, availability of outside help for major fire fighting,etc. However, all the
power stations, irrespective of their size, shall provide for adequate fire protection
/Fire fighting arrangements and exit facilities.

Most of the hydro power stations are located in relatively remote areas with hardly
any other assisting fire service within a reasonable distance. Such isolated
locations make it all the more necessary for power stations to have an
independent, full fledged and well maintained fire fighting service of their own.
Further, in order to enable quick response to any fire outbreak and to limit the
response time to accepted standards, that break and to limit the response time to
accepted standards, that is, within 5 minutes, it is necessary that a well trained &
adequate fire fighting service is available within the premises.

12.2TURBO GENERATORS AND SUPPORTING STRUCTURS:-

The fixed water type protection system should be used for controlling a fire
involving large quantities of lubricating oil on turbine generators. this should consist
of two systems of water protection, one for areas below the operating floor of the
turbine generator and designed to extinguish pool fires & also provide protection
against heat generated by three-dimensional or spray fires, the other is a water
spray system for oil fires at and around the bearing housings. fixed carbon dioxide
or dry chemical extinguishing systems have been found to be inadequate for basic
protection of turbine generators because of the likelihood of re-ignition and, further,
these extinguishing media may not be sufficient to cope with a long duration fire.
however, in some cases fixed dry chemical or carbon dioxide systems backed by
water spray systems are provided.

Fixed high velocity water spray systems, designed to discharge a flow 10 lpm
should completely cover all oil systems, oil piping, pumps, coolers and all similar
associated equipment including adjacent floor areas. the water spray systems
should be divided into convenient zones, and each zone should have sufficient
number of projectors to cover the zone adequately. the number & groups of
protection zones are related to the size of the turbo generator unit, its lubricating
plant and auxiliaries. typical zone arrangements should cover the areas of seal oil
systems, coolers and pipe work, governor gear, exciter, main lubricating tank
&Pumps, lubricating oil pipe work stem end, turbo generator and steel foundation,
support legs. fire detectors for the zones should be of the quartzoid glass bulb type
of combined fixed temperature and rate of heat rise heat detectors as per
2175:1988.
 The heat detectors should be provided at strategic points and arranged to give
early warning of any unusual high temperature conditions in the area.

Automatic control of the extinguishing systems in this area is more effective than
the manual control. However, manual over-ride should also be provided. zone
control deluge should be carefully sited so as to be operable without fire or smoke
hazard to the operator, during a fire. this may be achieved by careful location of the
valve assemblies away from protection zones, or by enclosing the valves in
protective cubicles, at the same time affording the operator a good view of the
protected zones. access routes to control valves should not involve exposure
hazards to the operators.

The water spray systems should incorporate isolation facilities so as to enable

periodic testing, maintenance etc.

Normally all cut off valves should be locked in open positions.

A selected number of internal hydrants (landing valves) should be provided,

connected to the fixed high pressure fire protection system. these hydrants should
be strategically positioned to cover the turbine operating floor as well as the
basement areas.

The high pressure fire protection system should have sufficient pressure to allow
the generation of low expansion foam fighting static/running oil fires.

12.3FEED PUMPS:-

The fixed high velocity water spray system should cover completely all the
systems, oil pipe to the pumps coolers and other similar associated equipment
including adjacent floor areas as for the main turbine. the fire detection system as
well as the water spray system should be the same as for the turbo generator.

To enable fire fighting to be successfully carried out, facilities must exist for easy
smoke dispersal, by provision of sufficient and controllable, top and bottom
ventilation.In event of a fire involving, or close to, a turbine generator or its
auxiliaries. It may be safer to shut down the unit so as to limit the damage only to
that directly resulting from the fire.

12.4TRANSFORMERS:-

No fixed fire protection equipment (such as high velocity water spray) is required
on transformers below 1000 KVA or in the case of oil filled transformers, with oil
capacity of 2000 litres and below. for all other transformers high velocity water
spray system should be provided. this system should be separately mounted and
designed to take into account the possibility of a transformer explosion. the water
spray deluge valve house should be located outside the transformer fire zones and
 protected from radiant heat and other fire effects. the actuation of this system
should be automatic but manual operating valves should also be provided.

Fire barrier walls should be provided between transformers where they are less
than 15m apart or where the oil capacity exceeds 500 litres.

The transformer should be so designed as to permit the safe testing of the fire
protection system, with distance of water, while on load.

There should be arrangements for containment of the spilled oil. for generator
transformers and other large transformers the drainage system as well as the
storage pit should be sufficiently large, to accommodate at least the total volume of
the oil & an allowable volume of fire fighting water. the drain pipes should be
provided with standard type of flame arrestors.

The fire protection systems covering the generator transformers, associated oil
conservator tank and cooler batteries shall be designed to meet the single risk
concept, so that simultaneous deluge over all the three risk zones is possible.

12.5SWITCH GEAR:-

Gas filled circuit breakers and vacuum breakers (such as sulphur-hexa-flouride)

are the least fire hazardous as compared to oil breakers or air-blast breakers.
hydrant protection should be in close proximity to these risks.

For an enclosed switch gear room, automatic halon or carbon dioxide total flooding
extinguishing system is considered preferable to water spray. switch rooms should
be provided with controllable ventilators.

For an enclosed switch gear room, automatic halon or carbon dioxide total flooding
extinguishing system is considered preferable to water spry. switch rooms should
be provided with controllable ventilators.

All cable entries in the switch gear room should be effective sealed by use of fire
stops.

All switch gear rooms should be kept clear and free from any accumulated debris
or flammable material.
The following switch boards may preferably housed in separate room:-

a) 6.6 KV unit switch boards (with separate room for boards of each unit).
b) 6.6 KV station switch boards.
c) 415 V station switch boards; and
d) 415 V unit switch boards.
 Switchgear rooms should be pressurised by the ventilation system to prevent
ingress of dust. suitable inter locks should be provided to switch off the pressurised
ventilation system before the centralized extinguishing gas system is put into
operation.
Smoke detectors of the ionizing and optical type should be employed in the switch
gear rooms the on cross-zoning principle, with suitable time delay devices
incorporated.

Centralised carbon dioxide/ halon system will be ideal for extinguishing fires in
switch gear systems.

12.6Control room:-

All cable entries/opening in the control room should be effectively sealed.

The room should be kept clear and free of any waste material.

The air conditioning system should be automatically switched off before the
extinguishing system is put into operation.

Smoke detectors of the ionizing and optical type should be provided in the control
room on cross-zoning principle with suitable time delay devices incorporated.

Either halon or carbon dioxide extinguishing system can be provided for the control
room. However, the halon system is preferable.

12.7CABLE GALLERIES:-

The experience of power station cable fires has been that in many cases. Several
units, if not the whole station, had got seriously affected by a single fire. PVC is not
easily flammable but burns freely in fairly high temperature conditions producing
copious quantities of dangerous fumes and gases including hydrogen chloride.
these gases are toxic and highly corrosive. the cable galleries, separating rooms
etc., should be provided with the facilities for ventilation together with means of
controlling it from the outside. apart from the need to clear smoke and toxic gases
in the event of a fire, ventilation may also be necessary for temperature control of
the galleries or areas.

To limit the spread of fires along the cable ways, fire barriers should be installed as
mentioned IS12459:1988.

Access and exit ways, large enough to allow a man wearing breathing apparatus &
carrying other fire fighting equipment to pass through, should be provided. the
distance between such exit ways should not exit 30 m in the cable runs. the cable
galleries should be provided with automatic fixed fire fighting installations using
water, carbon dioxide, halon or high expansion foam. however, water sprinkler
 system is generally preferred. the design of sprinklers and projectors must ensure
that no rack of cables is left unprotected. ionization smoke detectors used for the
automatic fire alarm system should be as per IS 11360:1985.

Where high expansion foam or gas extinguishing systems are used the system
should actuate only after all persons have been evacuated.

Self- contained sets should be available for ready use, by trained personnel, on
strategic points near the entry to the cable galleries.

All cable tunnels, galleries, runs etc. must be kept clean and free from all
extraneous combustible material.

The means of escape should be clearly indicated and all exit ways must be kept
clear. a complete access procedure should be enforced for cable galleries, tunnels
etc, for employees on regular work or inspection duties.

12.8WATER SUPPLIES FOR FIRE FIGHTING(EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL

HYDRANT SYSTEMS):-

The water supplies for fire fighting for power stations should, by and large, conform
to the provisions contained in IS 9668:1990. those for internal hydrant system to IS
3844:1989 and for external hydrant system to IS 9668:1990. In addition, the
requirements given in should also be taken into account.

The water supplies should be planned on the basis of requirements of the largest
fixed fire extinguishing system plus the maximum demand from the hydrant mains
of not less than 3600 lit. per min. for a minimum of 4 hrs. Duration, for power
stations falling under the category of classes I & II and for a minimum of 2 hrs.
duration for the lower categories.

The fire fighting pumps should be automatic starting with manual stopping and in
conformity with IS 12469:1988.

The main reservoir should have replenishment arrangement for complete re-filling
of the reservoir with in an 8 hour period. the re-filling operation should preferably
be accomplished automatically.

The water mains should be looped around the main power block and the pipe sizes
should be designed to cater to future expansion needs.

The interior fire protection mains/risers should be considered as an extension of

the yard main and should be provided with at least two valve connections with
sectional control valves.
 For the entire power station area universal branch pipes, conforming to IS
2871:1983 should be provided in the hose cabinets as spray nozzles having shut-
off capability will be ideal for use on electrical equipment.

12.9MANUAL FIRE ALARM SYSTEM:-

The entire plant area, including administrative and other building should be
provided with manual fire alarm system with call boxes deployed at various
strategic locations. the system should conform to the requirements given in IS
2189:1988. the control panels of the fire alarm system should be located both in
the control room as well as in the fire station control room.

12.10LIGHTNING PROTECTION:-

Lightning protection for the power station buildings and out-door building storage
areas, should be provided in accordance with IS 4850:1968.

12.11EMERGENCY POWER:-

All generator units require emergency power for operation of the turning gear,
bearing oil pumps, seal oil pumps and control units, besides meeting the
requirements of emergency services like emergency lighting of all vital areas,
means of escape, fire fighting pumps etc. a set of station batteries is a reliable
supply for each load. Separate battery banks should be provided for each unit and
control centre. in addition, emergency stand by power is necessary in the form of
diesel generators; these units will provide backup power to the station battery
system and should be designed to have capability of sufficient power for automatic
& dead start. in addition emergency lamps with adequate illumination should be
provided at strategic locations which should operate automatically on the failure of
the main supply.

12.12ADDITIONAL FIRE PROTECTION MEASURES:-

Some of the special fire protection measures which need consideration for hydro
electric power stations are mentioned below:-
For oil storage rooms automatic sprinkler/high velocity water spray systems or gas
extinguishers system using foam, halon or carbon dioxide should be installed. the
low expansion foam extinguishing system should conform to IS 12835(Part 1):
1989.
water turbines should have all essential safety devices including a fail-safe
governor drive mechanism, means to stop the flow of water to the penstock and
turbine in the event of failure of the turbine, automatic shut-down of the turbine on
development of abnormal Conditions, temperatures, etc.
 air cooled generators of capacity 100MW and larger, should also be protected
suitably.

12.13FIRE PROTECTION FOR POWER PLANTS DURING CONSTRUCTION:-

The potential fire hazards during construction of power stations are considerable,
and call for observance of stringent fire precautions. an above average level of fire
protection is necessary during this phase due to consideration of life safety the
large on on-site personnel, high value of materials and long duration of the
construction period. the availability of essential fire protection equipment and
minimization of fire risks during construction activities are particularly important.

Construction schedules should be coordinated so that planned permanent fire

protection systems are installed and placed into service as soon as possible, at
least prior to the introduction of any major fire hazards. minimum fire detection and
fire extinguishing measures will have to be provided for all locations where fire
hazards are present, like storage of construction materials, storage of flammable
materials, fire safety of welding and cutting and other building operations. a fire
trained supervisor should be available at the construction site to ensure that all
essential fire safety precautions are observed. where practical, the permanent fire
hydrant system for the plant should be installed well ahead of the completion of the
project so that fire fighting water supplies will be available even during construction
period. where this is not practicable, a minimum number of water tanks not less
than 1.25 lakh litres capacity with replenishing arrangements should be available at
strategic locations in the plant area which can be utilized as an emergency water
supply for fire fighting even after commissioning of the plant. a minimum of 2 hours
duration water supply for fire fighting should be available at the construction site.
In addition to the fixed water extinguishing systems, sufficient number of first aid
fire fighting equipment like different types of fire extinguishers should be available
for deployment at various risk areas, as per IS 2190:1991.

12.14REQUIREMENTS OF MAJOR FIRE FIGHTING APPLIANCES/EQUIPMENT

AND MANPOWER:-

On account of the reason that power stations are generally located in relatively
remote areas with hardly any other assisting fire service within reasonable
distance, it is necessary for the power stations to be provided with an independent
full-fledged and well maintained fire service of their own. quick response to a fire
outbreak by fire fighting service is vital as it makes a difference between a small
fire or a major fire with catastrophic loss. In other words, power station fire
brigades should be in a position to tackle a fire, control and extinguish it before any
damage is done.
12.15REQUIREMENTS OF MAJOR FIRE FIGHTING/APPLIANCES/EQUIPMENT:-

Scales of major appliances/equipment for power stations. Installed capacity less

than 50 MW (Class IV Power Stations). there may not be any need for any major
fire-fighting appliances for generating stations of this category, provided the station
is located within 8 Km from the nearest municipal fire brigade possessing adequate
fire fighting appliances. in case it is located at a further distance, or if the municipal
fire appliances are not available, a trailer fire pump conforming to IS 944:1979, or

A higher capacity portable pump conforming to IS 12717:1989, should be provided

with a skeleton fire staff. the power stations should have a hydrant system, and
also at least three static water tanks of minimum 1.25 lakh litres capacity deployed
at strategic locations.

The under mentioned equipment should also be provided:

1) A minimum of 25 lengths of 63 mm dia fire fighting hose of 20 m length each

(15 length of type ‘A’ of IS 636: 1988, & 10 lengths conforming to IS
4927:1968).
2) Universal branch pipes conforming to IS 2871:1983-4 Nos.
3) Foam-making branches FB 5X.
4) Foam-making branches FB 10X.
5) Mechanical foam compound: 200L.
6) BA sets (Positive pressure type) -4 Nos.
7) Blower and exhauster for fire-fighting as per IS 941:1985-2 Nos.
8) Water jet blankets (Fire blankets) 7´× 5´– 2 Nos.
9) Water jet blankets (For burns) 3´ ×2´- 4 Nos.
10) Water jet container-1 no.

The above equipment should be equally applicable to load dispatch centres in

major distribution stations. (220 KV Sub-stations and above).

For generating stations of installed capacity from 50 MW TO 199 MW (Class-III):-

Type of Appliances No. Manning Pattern

1. Foam & carbon dioxide 1 Round the clock

C/T as per IS 951:1977.
2. Water tender type ‘B’ 1 Reserve
As per IS 950:1980.
3. Large capacity portable 1 Reserve
Pump as per IS 12717:1989.
4. Portable water/foam monitors. 2 No Separate Manpower
Reqd.
5. B.A. Sets (Positive pressure 8 Sets
 type)
6. High pressure charging set 1No. (At HQ)
(For B.A. Sets)
7. Blower and exhauster for fire 2 Nos.
Fighting, as per IS 941:1985.
8. Water jel blankets-7´×5´ 4 Nos.
9. Water jel blankets-3´×2´ 8 Nos.
10.Water jel container 2 Nos.

12.16 For major power stations having installed capacity over 200 MW upto
999 MW (Class-II):-

Type of Applications No. Manning Pattern

1. Foam & carbon dioxide C/T 1 Round the clock

2. Dry chemical tender 200 Kg 1 Round the clock
(As per IS 10999:1984)
3. Water tender type ‘B’ 1 Reserve
4. High capacity Portable pump 1 Reserve
5. Portable water/Foam monitors 2 No separate
manpower
reqd.
6. 13.5 Light alloy extension ladder with
rope (IS 4571: 1977) 18 sets
7. P.A. sets (Positive pressure type) 1
8. High pressure charging 1
9. Lighting van 1
10. Jeep 4 ×4 1
11. Blower and exhauster 4

12.17For Major Power Stations having installed capacity over 1000 MW(Class-I):-

Type of Appliances No. Manning Pattern

1. Foam & carbon dioxide C/T 1 Round the clock.

2. Water tender type ‘B’ 1 Round the clock.
3. Dry chemical tender 2000 Kg
(As Per IS 10993:1984) 1 Round the clock.
4. Emergency tender as per
(IS 949: 1967) 1 As reserve.
5. Hydraulic platform 22m
(Indigenously Fabricated) 1 - do-
6. Portable water/Foam monitors 4 Reserve
7. 13.5 Light alloy extension ladder
with rope (IS 4571:1977) 2 -
8. Lighting Van 1 -
 9. Jeep 4 ×4 1 -
10. B.A. Sets (Positive Pressure type) 24 Sets -
11. High Pressure Charging Set. 1 Set -
12. Blower and Exhauster 4 Nos. -
(IS 941: 1985)
13. Water jel blankets 16 Nos. -
(Fire blankets)
14. Water jel blankets 32 -
(For burns)
15. Water jel container 8 Nos.

12.17.1NOTE:-

Considering the large area of the super hydel stations as well as for facilitating
quick turn outs, it may be necessary to deploy the operational equipment at two fire
stations, a main fire station, both having up to date communication arrangements.

12.18REQUIREMENTS OF MANPOWER FOR MANNING FIRE FIGHTING

APPLIANCES:-

The manpower requirements has to be based on the number of fire fighting

appliances to be kept manned round the clock (day & night). the scales of
manpower required for each type of appliance should be as per the norms
prescribed by the standing fire advisory council of the Government of India, and
also as per guidelines given in IS:6070-1983. the fire crew, computed as per the
scales prescribed above, should work in three shifts. A reserve of 331/3% of the
total strength required for shift duties should also be provided, to cater for leave,
absence training requirements, etc. it has to be ensured that the designated
strength of crew for each shift is available for speedy turn-out at all times for quick
response to fire calls.
For generating stations of installed capacity less than 50 MW the following
minimum manpower should be maintained:
Assistant Station Officer: 1 no.
Leading Firemen : 1 no.(Per Shift).
The same norms should apply for manpower requirements for load dispatch
centres and also for major substations also.
In addition to the full time fire fighting staff, selected members of the security plant
staff have also to be imparted basic training in fire fighting/fire prevention duties,
who can be utilized for fire fighting duties in emergency.
For class III, Class II & Class I category power stations the manpower
requirements should be computed as per norms laid down IS 6070:1983.
In addition to the above, one fire station/officer/Snr. fire station officer will also be
necessary for each power station, depending upon the category, as over-all in
charge of the power station fire brigade for ensuring proper training, control and
 supervision of the entire fire fighting staff. he will also be responsible for all the fire
protection arrangements in the power station.

12.19FIRE STATIONS:-

Power stations authorized for full time fire brigades with major fire fighting
appliances should have well designed fire stations for housing the appliances and
fire fighting staff. they should be so located that the response time for fire
appliances are kept to a minimum not to exceed 5 mins. the design of the fire
stations should conform to the standard fire station requirements as prescribed by
the standing fire advisory council.

12.20FIRST AID FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT:-

In the entire power station area, first aid fire fighting equipments like fire
extinguishers should be deployed as per the scales prescribed in IS 2190:1991. it
is essential that these extinguishers are periodically inspected and maintained in
accordance with the provisions contained in IS 2190:1991.

The fire emergency orders should also contain a mutual aid scheme for mobilizing
assistance by way of equipment and trained manpower from neighboring units, if
available.

Periodical mock fire drills should be conducted so as to check the alertness and
efficiency of plant staff as well as fire fighting staff, and records maintained.