IS 12456 (2004): Fire Protection of Electronic Data ...

Disclosure to Promote the Right To Information

Whereas the Parliament of India has set out to provide a practical regime of right to information for citizens to secure access to information under the control of public authorities, in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority, and whereas the attached publication of the Bureau of Indian Standards is of particular interest to the public, particularly disadvantaged communities and those engaged in the pursuit of education and knowledge, the attached public safety standard is made available to promote the timely dissemination of this information in an accurate manner to the public.

इंटरनेट मानक

“!ान $ एक न' भारत का +नम-ण”Satyanarayan Gangaram Pitroda

“Invent a New India Using Knowledge”

“प0रा1 को छोड न' 5 तरफ”Jawaharlal Nehru

“Step Out From the Old to the New”

“जान1 का अ+धकार, जी1 का अ+धकार”Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan

“The Right to Information, The Right to Live”

“!ान एक ऐसा खजाना > जो कभी च0राया नहB जा सकता है”Bhartṛhari—Nītiśatakam

“Knowledge is such a treasure which cannot be stolen”

“Invent a New India Using Knowledge”

है”ह”ह

IS 12456 (2004): Fire Protection of Electronic DataProcessing Installation - Code of Practice [CED 36: FireSafety]

IS 12456:2004

(&n?JJ%P7)

Indian Standard

FIRE PROTECTION OF ELECTRONIC DATAPROCESSING INSTALLATION — CODE OF PRACTICE

(’FirstRevision)

[CS 13220 20; 35.020

0 BIS 2004

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDSMANAK BHAVAN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARC

NEW DELHI 110002

September 2004 Price Group 6

Fire Safety Sectional Committee, CED 36

FOREWORD

This Indian Standard (First Revision) was adopted by the Bureau of Indian Standards, after the draft finalized bythe Fire Safety Sectional Committee had been approved by the Civil Engineering Division Council.

Electronic data processing (EDP) equipment is a machine or a group of machines that uses electronic circuitry toperform arithmetic or logical operations automatically by means of an internally or externally stored programmeof machine. The development and the use of EDP system is a direct result of the technological breakthrough.With increased complexity of modem industry, business and research work, it has become a vital tool in recentyears and obviously warrants proper protection. As the equipment is used for processing large amount of statistical,problematical and experimental information, its malfunctioning can put the whole programming operation injeopardy. This speaks for the importance of its safeguarding against any fire hazard since a rise in temperature ofthe surroundings of the system exceeding 45°C will cause its maltimctioning and a sustained ambient temperatureabove 50”C may cause irreversible failures.

The electronic data processing area should be deemed to include the following areas:

a) Centralprocessing area — Where the central processing unit and its associated equipment are installed.

b) Data handling area — Where the data is processed through the computer media, for example, punchedcards, punched paper tape, magnetic tape or disk, etc.

c) Media stores — Ready use paper store and magnetic media library.

d) Output printing area — Where the printing of output data is carried out.

e) Communication area — Where the EDP telecommunication system is installed.

The tackling of fire with speed and effectiveness assumes great importance. The security staff and other staffshould be trained in the use of fire fighting equipment.

The purpose of this standard is to set forth the minimum requirements for the protection of electronic computer/data processing equipment and associated areas from damage by not only tire but also its associated effects thatis smoke, corrosion and water. This standard was first published in 1988 and with the experience gained andtechnological advancement in the field and in view of halon phase out, the technical committee has now revisedthis standard.

For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this standard is complied with, the finalvalue, observed or calculated, expressing the result of a test or analysis, shall be rounded off in accordance withIS 2:1960 ‘Rules for rounding off numerical values (revised’. The number of significant places retained in therounded off value should be the same as that of the specified value in this standard.

1’

IS 12456:2004

Indian Standard

FIRE PROTECTION OF ELECTRONIC DATAPROCESSING INSTALLATION — CODE OF PRACTICE

(First Revision)

1 SCOPE

This standard lays down the minimum requirementsfor the protection of electronic computer/dataprocessing equipment fi-om damage by fire coveringthe structural environment and its protection.

NOTES

1 The requirements contained in this standard are applicableto installations for commercial electronic data processing (EDP)and industrial process control where substantial materialdamage and/or business interruption losses could occur. Theyare not intended to cover tabletop or desk type computers orremote terminals or micro-processors (having limited valueconcentration) although they may be used as a guide for theprotection of this type of equipment. This document may alsobe useful where a small group of desk type computers areinstalled in a certain location.

2 Software installations situated in electronic and industrialparks may also use this standard as a guide for protection oftheir equipment.

2 REFERENCES

The standards given in Annex A contain provisionswhich through reference in this text, constituteprovisions of this standard. At the time of publication,the editions indicated were valid. All standards aresubject to revision, and parties to agreements basedon this standard are encouraged to investigate thepossibility of applying the most recent editions of thestandards indicated at Annex A.

3 GENERAL

3.1 The application of this standard shall be based onthe risk considerations as stated in 3.2. The merepresence of the electronic computer/data processingequipment does not constitute the need to invoke therequirements of this standard.

3.2 Following factors shall be considered whendetermining the need for protecting the environment,equipment, function, programming, records, andsupplies:

a)

b)

Fire threat of the installation to occupantsor exposed property particularly for thetelecommunication installations,

Economic loss from loss of function or lossor records, and

1

c) Economic loss from value of equipment.

3.3 Nothing in this standard is intended to prevent useof systems, methods or devices of superior quality,strength, fire resistance, etc, provided technicaldocumentation is submitted to the authoritiesconcerned to demonstrate the superiority.

4 TERMINOLOGY

4.1 Approved — Acceptable to the authoritiesconcerned.

4.2 Authority Concerned — The authority concernedis the organization, office or individual responsible for“approving” equipment and/or an installation or aprocedure.

4.3 Automated Information Storage System(AISS) — An enclosed storage and retrieval systemthat moves recorded media between storage andelectronic computer systems.

4.4 Aspiring (Smoke Sampling) System — A firedetection system that monitors a protected space forthe presence of smoke by drawing an air sample fromthe protected space, through pipework, to a centraldetection point. The air sample is tested for the quantityof smoke present and an alarm condition is signalledat a pre-determined response level.

4.5 Business Interruption — The effect on businessoperations from the time that equipment was initiallylost or damaged until it has been restored to the formerlevel of operation.

4.6 Central Processing Area — The room orenclosure in which the central processing unit and itsassociated equipment are installed.

4.7 Coincidence Connection —A facility incorporatedinto a fire detection and alarm system, whereby thedetection of the products of combustion (for examplesmoke from afire) by at least NO separately identifiabledetection sources (that is detection and confirmation ofthe existence of fire) generates a suitable output fortriggering, for example, the release of a gaseous totalflooding extinguishing system.

4.8 Communications Area — The room or enclosurein which the EDP telecommunications are installed.

1S 12456:2004

4.9 Computer Area — An area of a building wherethe computer room is located including support roomsserved by the same special air conditioning/air handlingequipment as the computer room.

4.10 Computer Room — A room within the computerarea that contains the electronic computer/dataprocessing equipment.

4.11 Console — A unit containing main operativecontrols of the system.

4.12 Data Handling Area — The room or enclosurein which data is received and transferred to computerinput media such as magnetic tape or disc, includingdirect heading equipment.

4.13 Easily Accessible — When the covers, panels,doors, or other enclosures for the electronic componentswithin the equipment or the flooring can be removed oropened by quick, simple operations to expose any areathat might be involved in fire and permit the applicationof an extinguishing medium.

4.14 EDP Installations — A fixed installation of asystem of electronic data processing equipment orindustrial process control.

4.15 Electronic Computer System — Any electronicdigital or analog computer, along with all peripheral,support, memory, programming or other directlyassociated equipment, records, storage, and activities.

4.16 Electronic Data Processing Area (EDPArea) — The room or enclosure in which themachinery and electronic equipment necessary toreceive or transmit data, to process it and either torecord or print the output results, or to feed the outputdirectly to controlled process are situated. The EDParea may comprise the central processing area, datahandling area, media stores, output area,communications area and other areas served by thesame air conditioning system. Other areas such asclean rooms and industrial processing may bedetermined to constitute part of the EDP area.

4.17 Electronically Interconnected — Units that mustbe connected by a signal channel to complete a systemor perform an operation.

4.18 Fire Resistance — The period for which anelement of structure satisfies the relevant requirementsof the test for fire resistance specified in 1S3809.

4.19 Fire-Resistant Rated Construction —Construction in which the structural members,including walls, partitions, columns, floors, and roofconstruction, have fire resistance ratings of timeduration not less than that specified in this standard.

4.20 Heat Detector— A device that detects abnormallyhigh temperature or rate-of-temperature rise.

4.21 Interconnecting Cables — Signal and powercables for operation and control of system.

4.22 Labelled — Equipment or materials to which hasbeen attached label, symbol or other identifying markof an organization acceptable to the authorityconcerned and concerned with product evaluation, thatmaintains periodic inspection of production of label ledequipment or materials and by whose labelling themanufacturer indicates compliance with appropriatestandards or performance in a specified manner.

4.23 Listed — Equipment or materials included in alist published by an organization acceptable to the“authority concerned” and concerned with productevaluation, that maintains periodic inspection ofproduction of listed equipment or materials and whoselisting states either that the equipment or material meetsappropriate standards or has been tested and foundsuitable for use in a specified manner.

NOTE — The means for identifying listed equipment may varyfor each organization concerned with product evaluation, someof which do not recognize equipment as listed unless it is alsoIabelled. The concerned authority should utilize the systememployed by the listing organization to identify a listedproduct.

4.24 Master Record — A record of information on amedium that can be referred to whenever there is aneed to rebuild a database.

4.25 Media Stores — The ready-use paper store andmagnetic media library.

4.26 Non-combustible — The property of a material,which satisfies the requirements for non-combustibilitywhen tested in accordance with IS 3808.

4.27 Operations Room — A room in which thegeneral running of the EDP operations is managed.This room may be remote from the EDP installation.

4.28 Output Printing Area — The room or enclosurein which the printing of output data is carried out.

4.29 Program — Instructions to direct systemoperation. #4.30 Protected Enclosure — An enclosed volumeprotected by a fire detection and/or extinguishingsystem in which the EDP installation and other relatedequipment is installed.

4.31 Protected Space — The area or volume protectedby a fire detection and/or extinguishing systems inwhich the EDP and other equipment are installed.

4.32 Raised Floor — A platform with removablepanels on which equipment is installed, with theintervening space between it and the main buildingfloor used to house the interconnecting cables and attimes as a means for supplying conditioned air to the

2

IS 12456:2004

data processing equipment and the room (Sometimesreferred to as a false floor or secondary floor).

4.33 Records (Important) — Records of which areproduction could be obtained only at considerableexpense and labour only after considerable delay.

4.34 Records (Vital) — Records that are irreplaceable,such as records of which a reproduction does not havethe same value as an original; records needed to sustainthe business promptly or to recover monies with whichto replace buildings’ equipment, raw materials, finishedgoods, and work under progress; and records neededto avoid delay in restoration of production, sales, andservice.

4.35 Separate Fire Division —A portion of abuildirtgcut off from all other portions of the building byfirewalls, fire doors, and other approved meansadequate to prevent any fire that may occur in one tiredivision from extending to another fire division.

4.36 Smoke Detector — A device that detects thevisible or invisible particles of combustion.

4.37 Supervision — Continuous surveillance of asystem or operation by special supervisory equipmentor personnel to alert those responsible that failure hasoccurred or that a hazardous condition is beingapproached.

5 LOCATION AND CONSTRUCTION

5.1 Location

a) EDP areas should preferably be housed ina separate building of non-combustibleconstruction (including linings) having afireresistance of at least 1 h, reserved solely forthe purpose of carrying out all processesassociated with that function.

b) Where the EDP area is bounded partly orwholly by external walls, which may besubjected to exposure from an external tire,all window openings therein shall be protectedby 6 mm thick-wired glasses in metal frameshaving afire resistance of at least 60 min. Nodoor openings shall be permitted on theexposed side unless protected by fire checkdoors having 60 min fire rating, conformingto IS 3614 (Part 1).

c) The EDP area should be so located that it isnot exposed to tire, water, corrosive fumesand smoke from adjoining areas directly orindirectly.

5.2 Where the EDP area forms a part of larger premises,that is, it is in communication with the adjoiningoccupancies in the same building, it should be separatedfrom those occupancies by non-combustible walls/

floors having a minimum period of fire resistance asgiven in Table 1.

5.3 Openings in the fire rated walls between the EDPand adjoining areas shall be protected by fire checkdoors on either side having a combined fire ratingequivalent to that of the walls. The fire check doorsshall be fabricated and erected in accordance withIS3614 (Part 1)and the same can be-of either manuallyor automatically operated type. No window openingsshall be allowed in separating walls.

Table 1 Fire Resistance for Walls and Floors

(Clause 5.2)

SI Fire Nature of AdjoiningNo. separation Occupancies

minutes

‘Walls Flood

(1) (2) (3) (4)

i) 120 120 Houses, oftice premises, banks and thelike

ii) 120 120 Shops, canteens, risk having low firehazard [see Nationsd Building Code(Part IV)] and the like

iii) 240 240 Moderate and high hazard risks [seeNational Building Code (Part IV)],Storage warehouses and the like

5.4 Consideration should also be given to the use ofsmoke check doors for the separation narrated in 5.3.

5.5 The data handling area and output printing area,and other areas where large quantities of paper arehandled, should preferably be separated from thecentral processing area by wall or partitions of non-combustible construction having at least 1 h fireresistance extending from the main floor to structuralceiling. Self-closing fire check doors of at least 1 hfire resistance should protect every opening therein.Paper and other combustible materials should be keptin totally closed metal cabinets or similar receptacles.

5.6 Walls (both external and internal), wall linings, orceiling materials/lining and any suspended ceilingshould be built from non-combustible materials.

“

5.7 Where raised (platform) floors are built aboveexisting main floors, they should be of a adequatestrength, non-combustible and should not incorporatematerials having a melting point lower than 600”C.The design of a raised floor should be such that it retainsits integrity and provides adequate thermal insulationin the event of a tire developing in the void beneath.Wherever combustible materials are used, the raisedfloor should be faced on the underside with non-combustible material.

5.8 The false floor material should be anti-static.Provision of facing on underside of panels with GIsheethon-combustible material is preferable.

3

IS 12456:2004

5.9 In order toavoid therisk ofwater damage fromexternal sources inthecomputer area, the main floorlevel should be raised and sills (with or without ramps)fitted at all door openings. Particular care should betaken to avoid flooding of cable voids formed bycutting ducts in main floors. The main ceiling and themain floor of the EDP area should be made water-resistant and dust proof, by suitable means to ensurelong-term protection.

5.10 Service pipes carrying water (for example, centralheating), other than pipes for sprinkler protection ofthe EDP area shall not be brought into the EDP areaunless a water supply is essential for the efficientoperation of the installation. In such cases provisionshould be made for cutting off any water supplies otherthan those to sprinkler systems in an emergency.Bunding of pipes and the use of leakage detectionsystems should also be considered.

5.11 All ventilation or service or air conditioning ductsserving other parts of the building shall not passthrough EDP area. Where this is impracticable, thismay be allowed subject to the condition that theventilation and service ducts pass through fire resistantshafts having rating according to that of walls andfloors of the EDP area (see 6.1).

5.12 EDP areas should not be located in basementswhere this is absolutely impracticable; precautionsshould be taken to prevent flooding and there shouldbe adequate access for fire fighting personnel.

5.13 Where large discharges or deposits of water mayoccur (for example from the operation of sprinklers orleakage of water services), adequate facilities shouldbe available to enable removal of the water.

5.14 Small workshops required for the maintenance ofEDP installations, supervisor’s room and the likeoccupancies may form part of the EDP area only, if theyare adequately sepa~ted from critical areas by fireresistant compatientation of at least 1h fire resistance.

6 UTILITIES AND SERVICES

6.1 As far as possible dedicated air conditioning plantshould be considered for the EDP area and the plantroom should be separated from the EDP area by wallshaving tire resistance of at least one hour. The accessto the plant room should be from outside and notthrough the EDP area (see 5.11).

6.2 All air conditioning ducts, including insulation and

lining, should be constructed of non-combustible

materials. In large EDP areas, consideration should begiven to air conditioning systems independent fromthe rest of the building and to the type of system used.All air ducts should include automatic dampers(see 6.8) having a rating of at least one hour.

4

6.3 Any filter media should also be non-combustibleand regularly cleaned or replaced to removeaccumulations of combustible materials.

6.4 Good fire (and fire spread) prevention measures,manually operatqd and suitably labelled EmergencyOverride switches that can shut down the airconditioning system should be provided in addition tothe automatic control facilities. The switches shouldbe located near the main exit door with controlledaccess, Manual controls for discomecting the electricalpower supplies to the EDP installation (but not toessential services such as emergency lighting) shouldbe located near the main exit door and the operator’sconsoles.

6.5 The air conditioning duct on the delivery side ofthe fan should be protected by smoke detectors as partof the detection system described in 8.1.

6.6 Only indirectly heated air should be used in the airconditioning system.

6.7 Special arrangements should be made to preventthe accumulation of heat and smoke in the EDP areaby the use of extract systems.

6.8 To ensure control of fire spread and tightness ofspace in the event of extinguishant discharge, the airconditioning system (including dampers) should beinterfaced with the fire protection system (see 8).

6.9 Facilities should be provided for the extraction ofextinguishant after a discharge.

6.10 Lighting systems should be providedin compliance with various requirements of theNational Electrical Code. The illumination level shallnot be less than 500 lUX.

6.11 The building housing the EDP area should beequipped with an efllcient lightning protection systemin accordance with National Electrical Code and alsoIS 1646. Consideration should also be given toproviding voltage transient protection on power andtelecommunication lines and to electrical bonding ofequipment.

6.12 All new electrical installations should also meetwith the requirements in the applicable sections of theNational Electrical Code.

a)

b)

c)

Cables should be installed in conduit ortrunking, or clipped to the slab or perimeteror on a tray, Loose bundles of cables are notacceptable.

Power, lighting and communication cablesshould be segregated.

In ceiling and floor voids used as air handling iplenums, PVC data cables clipped to a tray

are acceptable only if they are separatedfrom power cables and smoke detection isprovided. Mineral insulated cable may beinstalled unenclosed.

It is recommended that flame retardant, non-corrosiveand low smoke producing cables, as specified in IS1554 (Part 1), be used where appropriate.

6.13 All services, cable ducts, etc, should be fire stoppedto ensure the required integrity of the construction.

6.14 The number of junction boxes in under floor areasshould be kept to a minimum. If they are required tobe used, they should be of metal, completely enclosed,easily accessible, properly grounded and in accordancewith the requirements of the SP 30. No connectionshould be made in the underfloor area except withinjunction boxes, approved type receptacles, theconnector.

6.15 Cable openings or other penetrations through fire-rated walls and/or floors or other fire rated partitions/assemblies within the EDP area and also between theEDP area and the adjoining occupancies shall be firestopped with a properly installed listed fire stoppingmaterial (passive equipment) that has a fire resistancerating of at least equivalent to the fire resistance ratingof the penetrated building components as stated above.

6.16 All the passive equipments, such as fire doors,dampers, fire stops, etc, shall have a fire rating of atleastequivalent to the fire resistance rating of the buildingcomponents in which they are installed.

7 MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT WITHIN EDPAREA

7.1 General

7.1.1 Only computer equipment and support equipmentshall be permitted in EDP area.

NOTES

1 Small supervisory offices and similar light hazardoccupancies directly related to the electronic equipmentoperations may be permitted within the EDP area.

2 Records shall be permitted in the EDP area but the amountof records within the EDP area shall be kept to the absoluteminimum required for its essential and efficient operation. Onlyrecords that are essential to the computer operations should beallowed to be kept in the EDP area.

7.1.2 Office furniture in the EDP area shall be of metalconstruct ion.

NOTES

I Metal frame chairs with integral upholstery shall bepermitted.

2 Insulated or controlled conductive coverings shall bepermitted on surfaces of chairs, tables, desks etc.

7.1.3 Interconnecting cables and wiring between units,

IS 12456:2004

power cords, plugs, and connectors shall be of a listedtype. They shall be considered as part of the computersystem and suitable for installation on the floor or undera raised floor.

7.1.4 Cords

Approved flexible cord and plug assemblies used forconnecting computer equipment to the branch circuit(to facilitate interchange) shall not exceed 4.5 m inlength.

7.1.5 Filters

Air filters for use in the cooling systems of individualunits shall be of a listed type. They shall be arrangedin such a way that they can be readily removed,inspected, cleaned or replaced when necessary.

7.1.6 Liqui&

If the design of the unit is such that oil or equivalentliquid is required for lubrication, cooling or hydraulicpurposes, it shall have a closed-cup flash point of150°C or higher, and the container shall be of a sealedconstruction, incorporating automatic pressure reliefdevices.

7.1.7 Acoustical Materials

All sound-deadening tnaterial used inside computerequipment shall be of such material or so arranged thatit does not increase the potential of fire damage to theunit or the potential or fire propagation from the unit.

7.2 General Storage

7.2.1 Paper stock, inks, unused recording media, andother combustibles within the EDP area shall berestricted to the absolute minimum necessary forefficient operation. Any such materials in the EDP areashall be kept in totally enclosed metal file cases orcabinets. If it is provided for individual machine design,shall be limited to the quantity prescribed and locatedin the area designated by the equipment manufacturer. .

7.2.2 Reserve stocks of paper, inks, unused recordingmedia and other combustibles shall be stored in one ormore rooms outside of the EDP area (see 5.5).

7.2.3 The space beneath the raised floor shall not beused for storage purposes.

7.2.4 Abandoned cables shall not be allowed toaccumulate. Cables not identified for future use shallbe removed.

8 FIRE PROTECTION, DETECTION ANDEXTINCTION EQUIPMENT

8.1 Automatic Fire Detection System

a) The EDP and all associated areas (including

5

IS 12456:2004

b)

c)

d)

e)

floor and ceiling voids) which containcomponents critical to their functioningshould be protected by an approved automaticfire alarm system installed in accordance withthis Standard as well as IS 2189. Whererequirements in both the standards differ, thisStandard shall take precedence. Adjoiningareas communicating with EDP area shouldalso be protected by an approved automaticfire alarm system as stated above unlessseparated as stated in 5.2.

All fme detectors should be sited in the mostadvantageous position to detect the anticipatedphenomenon (theory of detection).

Where problems exist that may prevent therapid detection of a fire (such as fast aircurrents caused by air conditioning) theadditional or alternative measures should betaken as given in Table 2. This table is mainlyconcerned with conventional point detectionbut specialized detection operating onother principles, such as aspirating system[see 8.1 (f)] may also be appropriate.

The operation of the fire alarm systemcovering the protected space shouldautomatically initiate emergency shutdownprocedures for all electrical power suppliesin the EDP area and shut down any airconditioning system serving the protectedspace [see 6.4 and 8.1(a)]. The only, exceptionto the above is where an automatic shutdownof equipment controlled from a continuouslymanned EDP area would result in extensivebusiness interruption. Installation should becapable of being shutdown manually in apredetermined manner on the indication of theoperation of the tire alarm system.

Coincidence connection — If it is intendedthat gaseous extinguishing systems are to beactuated by the operation of a tire detectionsystem, then every care should be taken toavoid unwanted discharge. This could becaused by false alarms in the detection system.A method of minimizing the possibility offalse alarm leading to unwanted discharge isby using coincidence connection of smokedetectors. The following recommendationsshould be adopted when using coincidenceconnection:

1) All smoke detectors used should conformto IS 11360.

2) Operation of the first detector shouldresult in an indication of fire at the firealarm control and indicating equipment.

3) If the control and indicating equipment

f)

a

can uniquely identify the status of eachdetector on a circuit (that is addressablesystem),then the detector and confirmationdetector(s) may be connected on the samedetection circuit. For non-addressablesystems, coincidence detectors need to beinstalled on separate detection circuits.

4) Due to the principles of operation ofcoincidence connection (for exampleLoss of up to 50 percent of point detectorswithin a protected space, after the firstdetector operation) it is recommendedthat the density of detectors is increasedto 15 m2 per detector for all protectedspaces, or greater as given in Table 2.

5) Where the fire hazard requires the use ofboth photo-optical and ionization chamberpoint smoke detectors, a minimum of twoof each type should be provided in theprotected space, with at least one of eachtype per circuit (for non-addressablesystems). The two types of detector shouldbe evenly distributed over the protectedspace and over any sub-division of theprotected space (for example a ceilingvoid). At least two of each type of detectorshould be provided in each protected spaceor sub-division (cross-zoning principle).

Aspiring systems may be used as additionalprotection to the ore conventional pointsmoke detection. If such systems are used, thefollowing points should be considered:

--i

1)

2)

3)

4)

The system should be approved by theauthorities concerned or have approvalfrom the country where it originated.

If the level of response to smoke isadjustable, then qualified personnelshould make all adjustments. Theadjustments should ensure the optimumresponse to smoke without undulyincreasing4he risk of false alarm.

The sitting and spacing for all parts ofthe system should be in accordance withmanufacturer’s instructions and whereappropriate in accordance with IS 2189.

The system should not be used to directlyinitiate extinguishant discharge, unlessprior agreement exists between the userand the authorities concerned.

An indicator panel associated with theautomatic fmealarm system should be installedin a readily visible position adjacent to the EDParea. Panels used for the indication of the statusof the extinguishing system should be located

6

h)

-i)

outside the EDP area at all entrances. Allmanual controls for the extinguishing systemshould be readily accessible.

In some circumstances, in addition to thegeneral protection, specialized in-cabinetdetection devices may be required. Ifsuch devices are used, they should, whereapplicable, conform to an appropriatestandard and be installed by qualifiedpersonnel to the manufacturer’s instructions.There should be remote indication of anyconcealed detectors.

Where interlock and shutdown devices areprovided, the electrical power thereto shall besupervised by the fire alarm panel(s).

Table 2 Siting of Detectors

[Clause 8. l(c) and(e)]

S1 Description of RiskNo.

(1) (2)

i) General EDP area

ii) Paper storage(Brdk and Roll)

iii) Ceiling and floorvoids

iv) Equipment cabinetsin EDP area

v) Air conditioninginstallation andventilation ducts andplenums

Spacing/Siting of Detectors

(3)

25 mz per detector

100 mz per detector

15 mzper detector for velocities upto 4 M/s

10 mz per detector for velocitiesbeyond 4 m/s

To be sited in agreement betweenthe manufacturer and the user

Sited at all inlets and outlets wherethe dilution factor is low andwithin ducts, where practical

Specialized duct mountingdetectors should be sited inagreement between manufacturerand user

8.2 Fixed Automatic Extinguishing Systems

a) EDP and adjacent areas (including associatedfloor and ceiling voids) should be protectedby one of the following fixed automaticextinguishing systems:

1) A sprinkler installation in accordancewith IS 15105 for automatic sprinklerinstallations.

NOTE — Sprinkler systems is unsuitable for floor

void protection (see Table 3).

2) Clean agent total flooding system inaccordance with IS 15493.

NOTE — There are restrictions on the use ofHaIons are identified by the Country Strategyprepared by the HaIon Alternative OptionsCommittee in consultation with Ozone-cell.

3) A carbon dioxide total flooding systemin accordance with IS 15528.

7

b)

c)

d)

e)

f)

4)

5)

IS 12456:2004

A High expansion foam system(Recommended for use in floor voidsonly).

System selection depends largely on thespecific hazards presented by the risk tobe protected. In general, however, theapplications recommended in Table 3should be used.

Procedures for ventilating the protectedenclosure after discharge of the extinguishingagent should be established. Where foam isused, special facilities may be required for itsremoval, after discharge (see 6.9).

In order to minimize the period duringwhich protection is not provided followingdischarge, procedures for the replacement ofextinguishing agent supplies should beestablished. Where appropriate, the provisionof standby supplies should be considered,especially for critical installations whereminimal disruption is required.

The operation of the gaseous total floodingsystems, should comply with the healthand safety requirements contained in therespective Indian Standards. The requirementsfor operation of each type of system are setout below. Persons must not be present in theprotected space during the discharge of

1)

2)

Any carbon dioxide total floodingsystems.

Clean agent total flooding systems wherethe designed concentration exceedsthe limits by volume at the maximumanticipated temperature set in therespective Indian Standards.

Carbon dioxide — When the protectedenclosure is normally unoccupied, operationof the automatic fire detection system shouldautomatically actuate the extinguishingsystem. When it is occupied, carbon dioxidetotal flooding systems should be in the manualonly operating mode with the controls locatedoutside the computer area or near the mainexit door. Entry to the computer area shouldbe possible only when the system is undermanual control.

Clean agents — When the protected enclosureis unoccupied, operation of the automatic tiredetection system should automatically actuatethe extinguishing system.

The following precautions, are relevant toautomatically operated clean agent totalflooding systems in areas which may beoccupied:

.

IS 12456:2004

Table 3 Selection of Extinguishing Method

[Clause 8.2 (a)]

s]No.

(1)

O

ii)

iii)

iv)

v)

vi)

vii)

Risk Type Extinguishing System Sprinkler HighExDansion Foam

(2)

Computer rooms, EDPinstallations and associatedelectronic equipment

Equipment, cabinets in aboveareas which do not have cleanagent total flooding system

Bulk paper storage and/orhandling areas or other riskspresenting deep-seatedcarbonaceous fire haxards

Plant areas housing equipmentsuch as generators, air handlingunits, etc.

Floor voids where separateflooding is required

Ceiling voids

Godown and Warehouse

1) Manually operated SYSM’15 only.

~/ Clean Agent CO* Y

P-----JTotal flood

(3) (4)

d

4

4

4

1)

2)

3)

To allow the protected areas to beevacuated prior to extinguishing agentdischarge, a time delay may beincorporated in the automatic system.The delay period will depend uponpotential speed of fire spread and themeans of escape from the protected area,but it should not normally exceed 30s.

Where a time delay facility is providedthe system may also be equipped with asingle action biased switch (hold switch)located within the protected space whichcan stop the countdown to discharge fromcontinuing whilst being held. Uponrelease of the switch, and provided thesystem remains in ‘alarm’, the timershould restart from the beginning.

An audible warning that the hold switchis being operated Should be provided,which may be the same as the time delaysignal. The design and location of thehold switch and circuit should be suchthat the possibility of accidental operationby falling objects or Stacking ofequipment against it is prevented..

8.3 Portable Fire Extinguishing Appliances

a) Fire extinguisher of carbon dioxide type in

8

b)

accordance with IS 2878 shall be availablenear EDP and similar equipment. Staff shouldbe trained to ensure that ready and safeinjection of extinguishant into the CPU andassociated equipment is achieved.

In addition to the portable fire fightingappliances referred to in 8.3(a), suitableportable gas pressure type water fireextinguishers should be provided inaccordance with IS 940 in the EDP area andnear any equipment handling large quantitiesof paper. There should be adequate access tohose reels at any part of the EDP area.

9 COMMISSIONING’ OF FIRE PROTECTIONSYSTEMS

9.1 In order to confirm that fire protection systems arefully functioning and adequate for their purpose.commissioning testi should always be undertaken aspart of the standard acceptance procedures.

9.2 All fire detection systems should be checked forcorrect operation, such as simulating a fme conditionas described in 9.3. All functions and indicators shouldbe checked including the operation of coincidenceconnection of smoke detectors (where included).Where detection systems are used to initiateextinguishant discharge, the systems should be checked

..

IS 12456:2004

for operation from detector through to all actuatingmechanisms. Simulators may be used where one-shotdevices are incorporated as actuators.

9.3 Due to the prevailing air movement conditionsthat may exist in the protected area, placing a smokesource close to a detector is not considered to be arealistic simulation of a fire condition. It is thereforerecommended that a series of fire/smoke tests arecarried out within the protected area as stated in items(a), (b) and (c). The appropriate series depends on thesensitivity required of the tire detection system andthe materials existing in the protected area. Thedetection system should respond within 2 min fromthe start of each test, with the air conditioning systemboth on and off.

a) Series 1— High sensitivity (for example, formonitoring cable and electronic componentsin equipment for overheating).

b) Series 2 — Standard sensitivity (for exampleto provide room space protection).

c) Series 3 — Special risks.

In addition to the tests above, where special hazardsmay exist, for example, in process control room firetest using samples of resident hazardous materialsshould be undertaken.

9.4 Where the fire detection system is designed toactuate a total flooding extinguishing system, it isrecommended that the commissioning test is in theform ofi

a) Checking the electrical operation of thesystems (see 9.2).

b) Where required, testing the integrity ofthe enclosure. One method of testing theenclosure is by using ‘door fan’ apparatus.

c) Ensuring that the fweextinguishing equipmentis satisfactorily connected and fit for thepurpose. This may be checked by passingpressurized air through the pipework andnozzles. (It should be noted that pressurizedair does not simulate the characteristics ofCO, or clean agents.)

9.5 Details of commissioning/acceptance testing ofspecific extinguishing systems are contained in therespective clean agent standard.

9.6 A full site clean agent discharge test should not becarried out unless it can be shown that no other

Icommissioning method can be used. If a discharge testis to be used then it should be undertaken in accordance

1’ with the respective Indian Standard for each cleanagent.

10 MAINTENANCE OF FIRE PROTECTIONSYSTEMS

10.1 In order for the reliable and continued operationof the fire protection systems, a maintenance planshould be drawn up which should include details ofroutine tests.

10.2 The fire detection system should be maintainedin accordance with IS 2189 and any additionalmaintenance required peculiar to the equipment asdefined by the manufacturer.

10.3 Carbon dioxide and clean agent total flooding fireextinguishing systems should be maintained inaccordance with the requirements stipulated in therespective Indian Standards for these agents.

10.4 Automatic sprinkler installations should bemaintained in accordance with the requirementsspecified in IS 15105.

10.5 Portable fire extinguishers should be maintainedin accordance with IS 2190.

10.6 Alterations to the EDP area or equipment layoutare very likely to affect the performance of theprotection system. Particular attention should be madewith regard to fire stopping and room integrity.

11 PROTECTION OF RECORDS

11.1 The amount of record media (paper, magnetictapes, memory drums, etc) within the computer areashould be kept to a minimum.

11.2 All record media on which data is recorded andwhich are essential to the completion of an operationshould, while not in use, be stored outside the computerarea in a fire resisting room or fire resisting storagecabinet. Such rooms or storage cabinets should bespecifically designed (according to the record mediato be stored) to give protection against the effects ofheat and moisture in the event of fire. Records ofprimary importance should be designed as vital recordsand may require additional protection measures, suchas sub-division and st6rage in a number of smaller,protected, fire resisting cabinets; located separately.

11.3 Rooms used for the storage of records should beequipped with suitable fire protection system(s) andportable extinguishers.

11.4 Where it is necessary to keep records referred toin 11.2 in the EDP area for short periods they shouldbe stored in a cabinet as described in 11.2.

11.5 Duplicates of records such as program tapes, discpacks, etc, which may be used unchanged from timeto time should be made unless, for example, the datacan be reconstructed at reasonable cost. These shouldnot be stored in the same location as those referred to

9

IS 12456:2004

in 11.2, but in another building adequately separatedfrom that housing the computer area. This is especiallyimportant for vital records. It is also advisable that alloperating manuals are duplicated.

11.6 Records should be protected against electrostaticdischarge and electromagnetic field influences.

11.7 Multiple generations of records should be kept(if other records of equal value are not available) andshould be stored as described in 11.5, if possibledifferent generations being stored separately.

12 HOUSEKEEPING PROCEDURES ANDGENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

12.1 Any flammable materials (for example flammablecleaning fluids) used for computer maintenance, shouldbe stored outside the EDP area.

12.2 Smoking, eating and drinking should beprohibited within the EDP Area.

12.3 Waste paper should not be allowed to accumulatein the computer area. Metal bins with self-closing lidsshould be provided and emptied as necessary,

12.4 Voids should be maintained clean and free fromlitter, by adopting a regular cleaning policy.

12.5 When the computer is in use, it should be mannedby personnel trained in the operation of the fireprotection equipment at all times. Cleaners or otherpersonnel having access to the EDP areas should besupervised.

12.6 An effective cable management plan should bemaintained to avoid unnecessary or badly installedcables, especially under floor voids.

12.7 The electrical wiring and equipment, associatedwith the computer should be regularly inspected, testedand maintained as required by the IEE WiringRegulations and manufacturer’s instructions.

12.8 Consideration should be given to the selection offurniture with minimum content of combustiblematerials.

12.9 Floor tile removers should be readily availableand located with the portable fire extinguishingappliances.

12,10 Action to be taken in the event of and followinga fire, or the operation of an automatic extinguishingsystem, should be prominently displayed. Measures

or means should be available to ascertain when an areais safe to enter following a discharge. All personnel,including visiting workers, should be familiarized withthe procedures.

13 CONTINGENCY MEASURES

13.1 A list of contingency measures and plans of actionshould be drawn up to cater for the following:

a)

b)

c)

Loss of equipment or records due to fire orother hazard,

Loss of equipment or records due to faults ormajor failures, and

Re-sitting or alteration of equipment oriecords.

The plan should include detailed procedures that wouldenable full recovery from back-up tapes/media. Theplan procedures together with the back-ups should becontrolled and guarded as vital records. No plan iseffective unless it is tested. There are three levels oftesting to check procedures, vital records and vitalbusiness processes:

a) Paper exercise,

b) Recovery exercise, and

c) Recovery and production run and servicerestoration from recorded system.

The frequency of testing should depend on thecriticality of the risk.

13.2 The measures should ensure that where lossesoccur, experts in the salvage and reclamation of dataprocessing equipments are available as soon aspossible.

13.3 In order to minimize interruption of computertime, consideration should be given to obtaining undercontract either an immediate computer back-up serviceoperation by a specialist computer company or deliveryof portable computer recovery centres to the site. Thedisaster plan should describe the procedure to obtain acold restart in the shortest possible time.

In some cases, duplicate (back-to-back) computersystems may be justified to minimize disruption stillfurther. Alternatively, companies operating inproximity to one another having the same computerfacilities or divisions of the same company, may adopta mutual aid arrangement.

10

IS 12456:2004

IS No.

940:2003

1554(Part 1): 1988

1646:1997

2175:1988

2189:1999

2190:1992

2878: ]986

ANNEX A

(Clause 2)

LIST OF REFERRED INDIAN STANDARDS

Title

Specification for portable fireextinguisher, water type (gascartridge) (fu@ revision)PVC insulated (heavy duty) electriccables : Part 1 For working voltageup to and including 1 100 VCode of practice for fire safetyof buildings (general) — ElectricalinstallationsSpecification for heat sensitive firedetectors for use in automatic firealarm systemCode of practice for selection,installation and maintenance ofportable first-aid fire extinguishersCode of practice for selection,installation and maintenance ofportable first-aid fire extinguishers(third revision)Specification for fire extinguisher,carbon dioxide type (portable andtrolley mounted)

IS No.

3614(Part 1): 1966

3808:1979

3809:197911360:1985

15105:2002

SP 30:1985IS 15493:2004

IS 15528:2004

Title

Specification for fire check doors:Part 1Plate metal covered and rollingtypeMethod of test for non-combustibilityof building materialsFire resistance test for structuresSpecification for smoke detectors foruse in automatic electrical fire alarmsystemDesign and installation of fixedautomatic sprinkler fire extinguishingsystemNational Electrical CodeGaseous fire extinguishing systems— General requirementsGaseous fire extinguishingsystems — Carbon dioxide, totalflooding and local applicationincluding incabinet subfloorssystems

11

Bureau of tndian Standards

BIS is a statutory institution established under the Bureau oflndian Standards Act, 1986 to promoteharmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goodsand attending to connected matters in the country.

Copyright

BIS has the copyright of all its publications. No part of these publications may be reproduced in any formwithout the prior permission in writing of BIS. This does not preclude the free use, in the course ofimplementing the standard, of necessary details, such as symbols and sizes, type or grade designations.Enquiries relating to copyright be addressed to the Director (Publications), BIS.

Review of Indian Standards

Amendments are issued to standards as the need arises on the basis of comments. Standards are also reviewedperiodically; a standard along with ametidments is reaffirmed when such review indicates that no changes areneeded; if the review indicates that changes are needed, it is taken up for revision. Users of Indian Standardsshould ascertain that they are in possession of the latest amendments or edition by referring to the latest issue of‘BIS Catalogue’ and ‘Standards: Monthly Additions’.

This Indian Standard has been developed from Doc : No. CED 36 (7094).

Amendments Issued Since Publication

Amend No. Date of Issue Text Affected

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS

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