Fire Compartmentation Survey

Fire Compartmentation Survey 

Passive Fire Protection refers to the built-in safety measures designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke without requiring any action or trigger to operate. These systems are always on, quietly embedded into the structure of buildings, vehicles, and industrial equipment.

Passive fire protection is essential for building and managing different structures as part of fire safety. In environments where machinery are often used for long periods, electrical panels stay hot, and combustible materials are never far off. This makes electrical hazards like overloaded circuits or faulty wiring pose a significant ignition risk. In these settings, the real question isn’t if a fire will occur, but when—and when it does, seconds matter. For industries like construction, mining, logistics, and manufacturing, passive fire protection systems are often the first and only line of defense between a manageable incident and a full-blown shutdown.

Implementing passive fire protection methods help do the following:               

·        Contain the blaze at its source

·        Maintain safe evacuation paths

·        Preserve structural integrity during extreme heat

·        Protect critical infrastructure like server rooms or control panels

·        Give emergency responders valuable time to intervene

Across global markets, there are clear frameworks outlining fire-resistant design and maintenance standards. Some of which are the following:

·        NFPA 221 – US standard for High Challenge Fire Walls

• The Factories Act, 1948
• State Fire Safety Regulations (issued by State Fire Services)

·        BS EN 1366 – UK and EU guideline for Fire Resistance Tests for Building Services

·        AS 1530 – Australian methods for Fire Tests on Building Materials

·        ISO 834 – International Standard Fire Resistance Tests

·        The Fire Safety Order 2005 – UK law mandating fire risk assessment and mitigation

Fire Safety Laws in India Mandate Comprehensive Prevention Measures Across Sectors with Strict Compliance Requirements

Yes, compartmentation is a legal requirement in India to prevent the spread of fire, as mandated by the National Building Code (NBC), which specifies adherence to compartmentalization technology in building design for enhanced fire safety. Building codes, such as those found in Part 4 (Fire Safety) of the NBC, require the use of fire-resistant materials and construction techniques to divide buildings into compartments that can contain a fire.

Here are the four principles associated with implementing and ensuring effective passive fire protection:

1.   Containment: Fires grow by finding fuel and oxygen. Containment limits their reach by cutting off those resources using fire-rated barriers that resist penetration.

2.   Compartmentalization: Buildings and facilities are divided into zones, separated by fire-resistant materials. If one compartment catches fire, others remain protected for a designated time (e.g., 60 or 120 minutes).

3.   Structural Fire Resistance: Passive systems protect critical supports like steel beams or cable trays from rapid failure, allowing structures to stay upright longer under intense heat.

4.   Smoke and Toxic Gas Control: Passive fire protection doesn’t just focus on flames, as smoke, especially in enclosed or underground areas, is often the deadliest threat. Seals, dampers, and airtight closures prevent toxic fumes from traveling quickly through buildings.

The objective of fire compartmentation is to prevent the spread of smoke, gases, and flames. By subdividing the building with fire resisting construction, escape routes and high-risk or high-value areas are protected to ensure the safety of occupants and prevent extensive losses. 

Our teams will visually inspect all areas of the identified compartment lines within your building to assess their likely performance in the event of a fire. Defects in compartmentation lines can take numerous forms and require expert identification.

A suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment will typically involve a review of existing fire compartmentation measures through a sampling approach (walls, floors, voids, and shafts predominantly). 

Sampling can indicate the presence of significant issues, such as locating or confirming the presence of fire dampers, or establishing if existing measures meet the requirements of current guidance or other specific business resilience objectives.

Common defects include: simple penetrations, such as pipework entering or exiting a compartment with gaps, or inappropriate firestopping, allowing smoke or fire to potentially pass from one compartment to another. Other defects include: cabling, voids, ducts or linear gaps where compartment lines do not fully encapsulate the compartment. These defects are either latent, from the original build, or imposed from subsequent works (such as M&E events). Both are reiterating the need for regular inspection.

SSA INTEGRATE offer four distinct survey types

Indicative

SSA INTEGRATE will undertake all elements of the "standard" compartmentation survey, but only to selected floors or areas of a building. This will give you the same detail of electronic reporting within your chosen areas, from which our specialists will extrapolate results to enable indicative results to be presented for review.

Standard

Our standard survey is classed as "invasive". This means we will review all areas of the building, along with inspecting some harder to reach areas, such as roof voids, above suspended ceilings, and through inspection hatches in solid ceilings.

Enhanced

This option provides all the benefits of the "standard" survey, but includes additional indicative destructive works, including a percentage of identified areas for further investigation. In most cases, this will include 10% of soil vent pipes and 5% of behind architraves. Our teams will make good on all works, with follow-up attention by your chosen decorator.

Destructive

All elements of the "non-intrusive" survey, together with a pre-defined scope of intrusive works that are defined as a greater requirement than the enhanced survey option. The Fire Compartmentation Inspection Report Electronically recording all deficiencies. along with photographic evidence, the report will highlight the following:

A unique identifying number for each defect

Location

Room type

Required fire rating

Penetrating service type

Seal type required

Date and surveyor details

Due to full Compartmentation Surveys only being required for large, complex buildings, a Compartmentation Sample Survey could be more suitable for your organisation.  

·        Based on a minimum of 10 buildings. 

·        Surveys sample areas of each building (including samples of doors), to provide a general overview of compartment defects that are representative of all buildings.

·        Includes recommended actions.

·        Provides a risk rating for the buildings based on survey findings.

·        Significantly quicker and more cost-effective than a full Compartmentation Survey. 

FAQ:

What is a Fire Compartmentation Survey?  

Fire Compartmentation involves dividing a room, space, or storey of a building into fire-resistant compartments. This is achieved through the implementation and maintenance of fire-resisting floors and walls. Any openings or penetrations in the floors or walls, such as doors, windows, or service penetrations, must be installed and maintained to ensure the wall or floor remains fully sealed. A Compartmentation Survey assesses the condition of these elements of construction in providing fire-resisting compartmentation and identifies any subsequent defects.

When is a Fire Compartmentation Survey needed?  

Currently, there is no legal requirement specifying how often a Fire Compartmentation Survey should be conducted. Compartmentation should be reviewed as part of a regular Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) review process. If issues with compartmentation are raised in the FRA, particularly in hard-to-access areas, then a Compartmentation Survey is crucial to provide a comprehensive assessment. Compartmentation Surveys are also essential when serious defects are identified in either the common parts or inside the flats, as these cannot be accurately investigated during the FRA. 

What does a Fire Compartmentation Survey involve?  

Our Compartmentation Survey options are based on your needs and tailored to each of your buildings. As we don’t undertake remedial works following the Compartmentation Survey, you can be confident that our advice is impartial and reliable to avoid any unnecessary costs. Each survey is meticulously designed to assess various aspects, helping you select the most suitable choice for your organisation.

About Author:

Dr. Arindam Bhadra is a Fire safety consultant  & ISO Auditor based in Kolkata, India, with over 20 years of experience in Fire safety systems. He’s currently founding director of the Sprinkler Fire Safety Awareness and Welfare Foundation & SSA Integrate. He working on Fire Safety awareness, training, consultancy & Audit in same field. Dr. Arindam Bhadra is popularly known as "Fire ka Doctor" because of his expertise in fire safety, prevention, and awareness, helping people and organizations stay safe from fire hazards. He is Member of FSAI, NFPA, Conformity Assessment Society (CAS) etc. He is certified fire Inspector and certified Fire Protection professional.

Upcoming changes in NBC 2016 Part 4 ANNEX E (Clauses 5.1.4 & 6) E-4

Upcoming changes in NBC 2016 Part 4 ANNEX E (Clauses 5.1.4 & 6) E-4 

As on date 16-09-2025, latest version of NBC 2025 still not released. This post is tentative / draft only. Latest version of NBC 2025 is applicable for existing buildings when they are altered (see clause 5.1.4 and 6) or in the opinion of the authority constitute a hazard to the safety of the adjacent property or to the occupants of the building itself or are unsafe. Below Writeups is proposed only.

ANNEX E indicate ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR HIGH RISE BUILDINGS

E-1 GENERAL (No Changes in upcoming NBC 2025)

E-2 EGRESS AND EVACUATION STRATEGY (No Changes in upcoming NBC 2025)

E-3 FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR LIFTS (No Changes in upcoming NBC 2025)

E-4 HORIZONTAL EXITS AND REFUGE AREA (Changes in upcoming NBC 2025)

E-5 ELECTRICAL SERVICES (No Changes in upcoming NBC 2025)

E-6 FIRE PROTECTION (Changes in upcoming NBC 2025)

E-7 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY AUDIT (Changes in upcoming NBC 2025)

E-8 HELIPAD (No Changes in upcoming NBC 2025)

High rise buildings (15 m and above in height) shall receive special attention with respect to fire and life safety particularly with regard to planning, design, execution, maintenance and training so that the intended provisions of this Code are well implemented.

Horizontal Exit

Horizontal exits are a type of exit that protect occupants from the effects of fire without requiring vertical travel, such as within a stairwell. In some cases, they don’t even require occupants to exit a building.

So, its A way of passage from one building to an area of refuge in another building on approximately the same level, or a way of passage through or around a fire barrier to an area of refuge on approximately the same level in the same building that affords safety from fire and smoke originating from the area of incidence and areas communicating therewith.

Looking more closely at above definition, it is clear that there are two different types of horizontal exits. The first provides safety in another adjacent (often attached) building, while the second type provides safety in the same building, on the same level, using a fire barrier. So there is minimal elevation change and a fire barrier provides the separation between the area where the fire is and the area of safety. The construction of the horizontal exit must meet fairly specific design criteria.

Typically, horizontal exits are permitted provided other types of exits are also available. For compartments utilizing horizontal exits, at least half of the number of exits and half of the egress capacity required from that compartment must be provided by other types of exits. In the example below, two exits are required from each area and the horizontal exit and exit stairs are sized to accommodate the same number of people.

Areas A and C meet the requirement for at least half the required exits to be a component other than a horizontal exit. They each have a stair. Additionally, since they are sized the same, at least half the capacity also comes from a component other than a horizontal exit. Area B, on the other hand, does not meet that requirement, since the only exits available are the door in horizontal exit 1 and the door in horizontal exit 2. Therefore, a stair would need to be added so that occupants in area B have access to at least one exit that is not a horizontal exit. Then, the requirement for at least half the required number of exits and egress capacity would come from an exit other than a horizontal exit. The second horizontal exit would be permitted to remain, since it isn’t required—it would be seen more as a convenience door.

In order for a horizontal exit to be credited as an exit, there must be a path continuously available that leads from each side of the exit to stairways or other means of egress that lead outside of the building. If either side of the horizontal exit is occupied, the door leaves used in connection with the horizontal exit must be unlocked from the egress side.

Where a horizontal exit is used, the floor area on either side of the horizontal exit must be sufficient to hold the occupants of both floor areas. There must be at least 3 ft² (0.28 m²) clear floor area per person. In the example below, the horizontal exit is in the middle of the floor. Each side has 67 occupants. This results in a total occupant load of 134. This means that each side of the horizontal exit must have 402 ft² (122.5 m²) of clear floor area for the accumulation of occupants.

67 occupants + 67 occupants = 134 occupants
134 occupants x 3 ft²  = 402 ft²
134 occupants x 0.28 m² = 37.52 m²

The horizontal exit is required to be a fire barrier with a minimum 2-hour fire resistance rating, unless otherwise permitted for bridges serving as horizontal exits. The barrier must be continuous to the finished ground level. The image below shows this concept. 

The barrier does not need to extend below the lowest level that provides discharge to the exterior if the stories below do not have a horizontal exit and are separated from the level above by a minimum 2-hour fire resistance–rated construction. The image below details this concept. The basement level is separated from the remainder of the building by 2-hour fire resistance–rated construction and does not have a horizontal exit.

Similarly, the fire barrier serving as a horizontal exit is not required on other stories provided 1) the stories not containing the fire barrier are separated from the story with the horizontal exit by construction having a minimum fire resistance rating at least equal to that of the horizontal exit fire barrier; 2) vertical openings between the story with the horizontal exit and the open fire area story are enclosed with construction having a fire resistance rating at least equal to that of the horizontal exit fire barrier; and 3) all required exits other than horizontal exits discharge directly to the outside unless the building is protected throughout by an automatic sprinkler system. 
The image below shows this concept. The 2-hour fire resistance–rated fire barrier serving as a horizontal exit is only provided on the top floor. The level of exit discharge and the top floor are separated by 2-hour fire resistance–rated construction. Additionally, the exit stair enclosures are enclosed with 2-hour fire resistance–rated construction even though they only connect three stories.

Typically, doors in the horizontal exit must be swinging type doors that have a minimum 90-minute fire protection rating. In some situations, horizontal sliding doors may be permitted. Fire door assemblies in horizontal exits must be self-closing or automatic closing. For other than approved existing door assemblies, cross-corridor door assemblies in horizontal exits must be automatic-closing doors. Self-closing doors are not an option, which prevents the dangerous, but common, practice of wedging doors open.

The door leaf must swing in the direction of egress travel. For other than sleeping room areas in detention and correctional occupancies, where the horizontal exit serves as an exit for areas on either side of the fire barrier, and the opening is protected by a pair of swinging door leaves, the door leaves must open in opposite directions. There must be an exit sign on either side of the horizontal barrier identifying which door leaf swings in the direction of egress travel from that side. Instead of providing door leaves that swing in the opposite direction, door assemblies may be of any other approved arrangement, provided that the door leaves always swing with any possible egress travel.

A minimum 2-hour fire resistance–rated barrier is still required for bridges that serve as horizontal exits between buildings. The barrier must extend vertically from the ground to a point 10 ft (3,050 mm) above the bridge or to the roofline, whichever is lower. It also must extend horizontally at least 10 ft (3,050 mm) beyond either side of the bridge. For other than approved existing bridges, all openings in the fire barrier must be protected either with fire door assemblies or by a fixed fire window assembly that has a ¾-hour fire protection rating. This helps limit the risk of the bridge being exposed to fire conditions occurring inside the building. 

Bridges must be at least as wide as the door opening to which it leads, and new bridges must be a minimum of 44 in. (1,120 mm) wide.

Upcoming draft NBC part 4 annex E-4 HORIZONTAL EXITS says

E-4.1 Horizontal Exit

A horizontal exit shall be through a fire door of 120min rating in a fire resistant wall. Horizontal exit require separation with the adjoining compartment through 120min fire barrier. The adjoining compartment of the horizontal exit should allow unlocked and ease of egress and exits for the occupants using defend in place strategy.

Requirements of horizontal exits are as under:

a) Width of horizontal exit doorway shall be suitable to meet the occupant load factor for egress.

b) Doors in horizontal exits shall be openable at all times from both sides.

c) All doors shall swing in the direction of exit travel. For horizontal exits, if a double leaf door is used, the right hand door leaf shall swing in the direction of exit travel.

REFUGE AREA

The capacity, in inches, of means of egress stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such stairways by a means of egress capacity factor of 0.3 inch (7.6 mm) per occupant. Where stairways serve more than one story, only the occupant load of each story considered individually shall be used in calculating the required capacity of the stairways serving that story.

An area of refuge is defined as “either (1) a story in a building where the building is protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system and has not less than two accessible rooms or spaces separated from each other by smoke-resisting partitions; or (2) a space located in a path of travel leading to a public way that is protected from the effects of fire, either by means of separation from other spaces in the same building or by virtue of location, thereby permitting a delay in egress travel from any level.”

Purpose and Function

·        Temporary Shelter:

Provides a safe haven for people to wait for help when they cannot use elevators or stairwells during an emergency. 

·        Life Safety:

Helps prevent loss of life by providing a secure area away from immediate danger, such as smoke and flames. 

·        Crowd Control:

Prevents overcrowding in escape routes like stairwells, ensuring their functionality for emergency services. 

·        Ventilation and Smoke Control:

Designed to allow airflow, preventing smoke from accumulating and keeping the air breathable. 

Key Characteristics

·        Location: Typically found in high-rise buildings, often at intervals of every 7 floors or 24 meters of height. 

·        Accessibility: Easily accessible from the floors they serve via an accessible means of egress. 

·        Construction: Built with fire-resistant materials. 

·        Ventilation: Open to the outside air on at least one side, often protected by railings, and not locked windows. 

·        Non-Commercial Use: Prohibited from any commercial or residential activity. 

·        Communication: May include communication systems like intercoms or emergency call buttons.

Additionally, two-way communication ( standalone Fire Telephone System to communicate emergency command centre) systems are required in areas of refuge. The exact location of the systems will depend on what is being used as an area of refuge. The system itself, though, needs to allow for communication between the elevator landing and either the fire command center or a central control point that has been approved by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). Directions outlining how to use it, how to request help using the system, and written identification of the location all need to be posted next to the two-way communication system. One key component of determining what can be considered an area of refuge is whether or not the building is protected throughout with an automatic, supervised sprinkler system.

Upcoming draft NBC part 4 annex E-4 REFUGE AREA says

E-4.2 Refuge Space/Area

a) Refuge spaces and areas are provided for occupants staging requirements and also enabling assisted evacuation.

The aspect of staging and refuge requirements shall be planned in the building for people with disabilities and ailments, including specific assistance required for certain section of occupants based on their age and other challenges for self-evacuation.

b) Refuge area shall be achieved by adequate planning and consideration of space provided in the lift lobby of fire fighting shaft, enabling the staging for such occupants and further assisted evacuation through fireman lift in the fire fighting shaft. This shall enable these occupants to be assisted evacuated by the lift and further to be brought to exit discharge through the well-planned evacuation strategy through exit passageway on the ground or level of exit discharge. Provision for such staging of the occupants shall be minimum 12m² or 5% of calculated occupants of the floor (served by that firefighting shaft) with a refuge area space of 0.45m² per person in the fire fighting shaft Lift lobby, whichever is higher.

c) Alternatively, refuge area shall be provided in buildings of height more than 24 m. Refuge area provided shall be planned to accommodate the occupants of two consecutive floors (this shall consider occupants of the floor where refuge is provided and occupants of floor above) by considering area of 0.3m² per person for the calculated number of occupants and shall include additionally to accommodate one wheelchair space of an area of 0.9 m2 for every 200 occupants, portion thereof, based on the occupant load served by the area of refuge or a minimum of 15m², whichever is higher, shall be provided as under:

1) The refuge area shall be provided on the periphery of the floor and open to air at least on one side protected with suitable railings.

2) Refuge area(s) shall be provided at/or immediately above 24m and thereafter at every 15m or so. The above refuge area requirement for D-6 occupancy requirement shall however be in accordance with 6.4.2.2.

3) A prominent sign bearing the words 'REFUGE AREA' shall be installed at the entry of the refuge area, having height of letters of minimum 75mm, and also containing information about the location of refuge areas on the floors above and below this floor. The same signage shall also be conspicuously located within the refuge area.

4) Each refuge area shall be ventilated and provided with first aid box, fire extinguishers, public address speaker, fire man talk back, and adequate emergency lighting as well as drinking water facility.

5) Refuge areas shall be approachable from the space they serve by an accessible means of egress.

6) Refuge areas shall connect to firefighting shaft (comprising fireman's lift, lobby and staircase) without having the occupants requiring to return to the building spaces through which travel to the area of refuge occurred.

7) The refuge area shall always be kept clear. No storage of combustible products and materials, electrical and mechanical equipment, etc shall be allowed in such areas.

8) Refuge area shall be provided with adequate drainage facility to maintain efficient storm water disposal.

9) Entire refuge area shall be provided with sprinklers.

10) Where there is a difference in level between connected areas for horizontal exits, ramps of slope not steeper than 1 in 12 shall be provided (and steps should be avoided).

NOTE — Refuge area provided in excess of the requirements shall be counted towards FAR

High rise apartment buildings with apartments having balcony, need not be provided with refuge area; however, apartment buildings without balcony shall provide refuge spaces or area as given above. When refuge areas are preferred over refuge spaces in apartment buildings of height above 60m while having balconies shall be provided at 60m and thereafter at every 30m. The refuge area shall be an area equivalent to 0.3m² per person for accommodating occupants of two consecutive floors, where occupant load shall be derived on basis of 12.5m² of gross floor area and additionally 0.9m² for accommodating wheel chair requirement or shall be 15m², whichever is higher.

Any doors providing access to the area of refuge must have a sign. The area of refuge sign must read “AREA OF REFUGE,” display the international symbol of accessibility, have a nonglare finish, and have letters that contrast with the background. The sign(s) must be illuminated. Tactile signage is also required at each location. Additional signs are required wherever necessary to clearly indicate the direction of travel to an area refuge and at every exit not providing an accessible means of egress. The image below is an example of an area of refuge sign; however, tactile signage would also be required.

Another key aspect of an area of refuge is the presence of wheelchair spaces. Each area of refuge needs to have one wheelchair space that measures 30 inches x 48 inches (760 mm x 1220 mm) for every 200 occupants the area of refuge serves. The wheelchair spaces are not permitted to infringe on the required width of the means of egress for the occupant load served and must never reduce the width to less than 36 inches (915 mm). Each wheelchair space must be accessible without having to pass through more than one adjacent wheelchair space.

Reference:-
CED 46(26992) WC - Draft Code for Comments Only.
NBC 2016 Part 4.
NFPA 101 2024 clause 7.2.4 for more information

About Author:

Dr. Arindam Bhadra is a Fire safety consultant  & ISO Auditor based in Kolkata, India, with over 20 years of experience in Fire safety systems. He’s currently founding director of the Sprinkler Fire Safety Awareness and Welfare Foundation & SSA Integrate. He working on Fire Safety awareness, training, consultancy & Audit in same field. Dr. Arindam Bhadra is popularly known as "Fire ka Doctor" because of his expertise in fire safety, prevention, and awareness, helping people and organizations stay safe from fire hazards. He is Member of FSAI, NFPA, Conformity Assessment Society (CAS) etc. He is certified fire Inspector and certified Fire Protection professional.

Fire audit of Cinema halls & Multiplexes

Fire audit of Cinema halls & Multiplexes 

Fire Safety audit is a systematic and independent evaluation of the fire risks present in the premises and involve recommendations about appropriate measures to control and mitigate the effects of fires. Applicable Standards is National Building Code 2016, IS Standards in Fire Safety and NFPA 72.

Methodology of conducting the Fire Safety Audits involves the following:

·        A walkthrough the concerned premises.

·        Review of the layout and drawings.

·        Review of the existing firefighting systems in the premises.

·        Review of the training and awareness regarding availability and operations of the firefighting systems in and across the organization.

Fire Safety audits enable the organizations to address the issues by identifying the following:

·        Identifying all significant fire hazards.

·        Evaluation of the existing control measures.

·        Determining the additional control measures required.

·        Evaluation of the current fire detection and firefighting facilities.

·        Testing of all fire safety equipment and precautions.

·        Training and instruction to all occupants of premises about fire safety.

Recommendations for corrective and preventive actions include:

·        Updation of the fire safety risk management data base

·        Preparation of additional reports or relevant paperwork on the hazards detected

The Gurugram fire department will conduct an audit of all cinema halls and multiplexes in the city to check whether these commercial establishments are complying with the fire safety norms, said officials.

During a review meeting held by the Haryana government on fire safety audit in Chandigarh on Tuesday, state chief secretary Sanjeev Kaushal directed the officials concerned to conduct the “special audit” for fire safety at all cinema halls and multiplexes across the state.

Gulshan Kalra, deputy director (technical) of Haryana Fire and Emergency Services (HFES), who also heads the Gurugram fire department, on Wednesday issued a letter to all the fire departments across Haryana to start the audit on an immediate basis, and complete it within the next 15 days.

“A letter was issued to all the fire departments in Haryana today for conducting a special audit of all cinema halls and multiplexes in their respective districts. Each of them has been asked to submit a report on their findings within the next three weeks, and required action will be taken at the earliest. The directions have been issued to complete implementation of all measures within a stipulated time period, in a bid to avoid loss of lives and property,” said Kalra, adding that an audit of all state universities and buildings under the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board will also be conducted soon.

According to fire department officials, there are at least 20 multiplexes and cinema halls in Gurugram. The move came, keeping in mind the 25th anniversary of the Uphaar Cinema tragedy, which happened on June 13, 1997, said a senior HFES official, who asked not to be named. A total of 59 people had died after the cinema hall at Delhi’s Green Park caught fire.

A senior official of the Gurugram fire department, meanwhile, said that the “audit of all cinema halls and multiplexes in Gurugram was unlikely to yield major deficiencies or shortcomings, as the department inspects all such commercial establishments every six months”.

“In 2019, the district administration directed the Gurugram fire department to conduct an audit of all places which records a high footfall, including cinema halls and multiplexes on a biannual basis, as a precautionary measure. It has continued to do so since then… So, cinema halls and multiplexes are likely to comply with the fire safety norms,” said the official, requesting anonymity.

According to the 2022 Haryana Fire Safety Act, which was amended in April, all commercial establishments should renew their fire NOC (no objection certificate) every three years. It also allows fire officials to conduct surprise inspections on commercial buildings at any point during the three years. Prior to this, such establishments had to renew their fire NOCs annually.

FIRE SAFETY AUDIT CHECKLIST - Cinema halls & Multiplexes

Name of organisation
Address of premises with multiplex name
Identification of area within the premises
Date of audit (DD-MM-YYYY)
Audit undertaken by (print name)
Fire Safety Management
		Yes	No	N/A	Comments
Has the fire risk assessment been carried out?
Is the fire risk assessment record available?
Have the identified means to reduce or remove the significant hazards been carried out?
Have the means to control the risk and protection of people in the event of fire been carried out?
Have staff been suitably trained for these measures?
Is there suitable monitoring of fire safety measures in place?
Can it be demonstrated that monitoring is regularly carried out?
Is the risk assessment properly reviewed, particularly if the premises or its use significantly changed?
Fire Prevention — General
		Yes	No	N/A	Comments
Is there an effective system for ensuring that the quantities and storage of all types of flammable materials are reasonable and properly controlled?
Are all areas clean and tidy with no inappropriate storage and all combustible waste properly placed in designated containers?

Is all waste regularly collected and placed in a safe place ready for collection?
Are smoking areas properly marked and used?
Are all employees in high risk areas properly informed of the particular risks and the means to control these risks?
Prior to leaving the premises, are all areas inspected for potential fire and unnecessary equipment turned off?
Are there suitable means to control the risk of arson?
Have all staff received basic fire prevention instruction?
Do staff understand the need to report any potential fire hazards?
Do staff understand the role of self-closing and other fire-resisting doors — the need to keep them closed and free of obstruction to ensure that they will control the spread of fire and smoke?
Are all fire-resisting and smoke-stop doors, especially those on hold-open devices, closed at night?
If any permit-to-work systems are in place, are they operated correctly at all times ?
Fire Prevention — Electrical Safety
	Yes	No	N/A	Comments
Is the entire electrical installation in order ?
Have all electrical systems and equipment been tested in accordance with the provisions of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989?
Has all remedial work been carried out or the items withdrawn?
Are records regarding regular testing of installation, equipment and portable appliances up to date?
Is the use of flexible electrical cable and extension leads kept to a minimum and only short lengths used?

Are the electrical circuits free of any evidence of overloading?
Is electrical equipment (eg light bulbs/fittings and any electrical heating appliances) kept well away from combustible materials?
Are staff aware that only trained personnel authorised by management can make repairs or alterations to electrical systems and equipment?
Fire Prevention — Heating and Cooking Appliances
	Yes	No	N/A	Comments
Are all heating appliances securely fixed in position, suitably guarded and with an adequate clear space free of storage of any kind?
Is the entire heating installation in good order?
Are all cooking appliances securely fixed in position, properly maintained and used only for their originally intended purpose?
Are arrangements for liquid or gaseous fuel supplies for heating and cooking equipment easily accessible with well marked shut-off valves?
Are appropriately qualified and registered contractors used to carry out all installation and maintenance of liquid or gaseous fuel supply equipment?
Are staff aware that only trained personnel authorised by management can make repairs or alterations to liquid or gaseous fuel-fired equipment and fuel supply systems?
Fire Prevention — Buildings, Plant and Machinery
	Yes	No	N/A	Comments
Are all fire or smoke barriers in good condition with any openings for pipes ducts, etc properly protected by provision of fire-resisting materials or fire dampers?
Are fire dampers tested regularly for correct operation and results recorded?

Are there proper systems and procedures in place to control work on new buildings and/or alterations, repairs and decoration of premises, such that no fire hazards are introduced?
Are regular checks undertaken and recorded of the condition of all fire safety measures within the premises?
Fire Prevention — Means of Escape
	Yes	No	N/A	Comments
Are fire exits of a sufficient number and of sufficient width to enable the people present in any and all areas to evacuate safely?
Do all final exits lead to a place of total safety?
Are all fire exits readily available?
Are all final exits and intermediate doors easily operable from the inside without the use of a key?
Are all corridors, gangways and stairways forming part of escape routes free from obstruction and not used for storage?
Are floor and stairway surfaces in good condition and free from tripping and slipping hazards, particularly including any external stairs and paths?
Are fire-resisting and smoke-stop doors in good condition, with fully operating self-closing devices and the doors closing fully onto rebates?
Do all doors on escape routes open in the direction of travel?
Are all escape routes clearly and properly signed throughout their lengths, with internal doors not forming part of a route clearly labelled as such?
Are all escape routes provided with adequate lighting at all times of the day and night?
Is adequate emergency lighting provided and is it fully serviceable?
Have appropriate provisions been made for the safety of persons with special needs, such as the young, old or disabled?
Fire Prevention — Actions in the Event of Fire
	Yes	No	N/A	Comments
Are there clearly defined written fire action and emergency evacuation procedures, including provision for ensuring that everyone is out of the building?
Are all employees fully aware of these procedures and their own particular duties and responsibilities in the event of an evacuation?
Are suitable "Fire Action" notices prominently displayed around the premises?
Have appropriate staff been appointed to take control in the event of a fire (Fire Marshal) and to summon the fire brigade for all fires, no matter how small?
Are there sufficient fire wardens available to provide for all working hours (including lunch and tea breaks), taking into account holidays and sick leave?
Have appropriate arrangements been made for dealing with those who are not normally on the premises such as members of the public, visitors and contractors?
Are the fire evacuation assembly areas in safe locations, clear of the building and away from fire brigade vehicle access and parking?
Are there alternative evacuation areas available in the event that the nominated ones are not available?
Are emergency evacuation routes and procedures checked by carrying out drills at least once per year?
Fire Prevention — Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
	Yes	No	N/A	Comments
Can a fire alarm be raised without placing anyone in danger?
Is the fire alarm system in full working order?
Are there sufficient fire alarm call points and notification appliance located near to every exit from each floor and from each building?

Are all alarm call points and notification appliance unobstructed and clearly visible?
Are the audible signals from the fire alarm operated weekly and clearly audible throughout the premises?
Fire Prevention — Portable Fire-fighting Equipment
	Yes	No	N/A	Comments
Is there adequate provision of portable fire extinguishers which are suitable types for the fire risks where they are positioned?
Are all portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets suitably located, positioned on brackets securely fixed to the wall and available for immediate use — not obstructed or hidden?
Are the locations of all portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets clearly identifiable even without the provision of appropriate signs?
Fire Prevention — Notices and Fire Safety Signs
	Yes	No	N/A	Comments
Are sufficient appropriate fire safety notices and signs used throughout the premises?
Are all fire safety signs throughout the premises present, undamaged and clearly visible?
Do all "panic bar" fire exit doors have suitably positioned "Push Bar to Open" signs?
Fire Prevention — Fire Service Facilities and Liaison
	Yes	No	N/A	Comments
Is there adequate access to the site and all buildings to enable fire brigade vehicles to get close enough for fire-fighting and rescue purposes?
Are all fire hydrants in the vicinity clearly indicated and accessible?
Is the fire brigade familiar with the premises and any particular special hazards relating to the premises or the activities within it?

Fire Prevention — Testing, Maintenance and Records
	Yes	No	N/A	Comments
Are the fire detection and alarm system tests carried out and recorded?
Are the emergency escape lighting systems properly tested, maintained and these recorded?
Are the portable fire extinguishers and fire hoses properly tested, maintained and these recorded?
Is the automatic sprinkler system properly tested, maintained and these recorded?
Are any other fixed fire suppression systems properly tested, maintained and these recorded?
Are any smoke or heat control systems properly tested, maintained and these recorded?
Are all automatically closing doors or shutters and similar properly tested, maintained and these recorded?
Are any emergency generators properly tested, maintained and these recorded?
Are any evacuation or fire-fighting lifts properly tested, maintained and these recorded?
Are their suitable records of the regular fire safety maintenance tests?
Are there suitable records of fire evacuation drills?
Audit Results
If all answers to the questions above are "yes" or "n/a", your fire safety procedures are currently adequate. No further action is required at this time. Simply sign and date the form in the spaces provided below.
If one or more answers to the questions above are "no", your fire safety procedures are currently inadequate. Sign and date the form in the spaces provided below, and record deficiencies and remedial actions in the “Action required following fire safety audit” form.
Audit undertaken by (print name)
Audit undertaken by (print name)