Fire and Smoke Dampers

At the start of the century free projection systems consisted of fire bells and buckers of replaced by conical shaped wall mounted fire extinguishers. As we approach the new millenium we have available fire and smoke control systems capable of being integrated with computerized Building Management Systems. Unfortunately for our architects and engineers, there is no comprehensive standard Safety Code for the country as a whole or individual state or major city to guide them in the minimum design requirements of a new building other than the National Building Code of India which is quite elementary. See pages for an extract. The local city Fire Officer's word is the only enforced guideline and this too depends on the whims of the concerned officer and the importance of the building. This article has been written in an effort to compile information from different sources so that the work of HVAC engineers and professionals can be simplified and efforts can be made by Fire Developments in major cities to introduce comprehensive Safety Standards in printed form at the earliest.