CHECK LIST FOR SELF-APPRAISAL OF FIRE SAFETY IN CINEMA THEATRES

(AS PER IS 4878 1986, NBC and other IS standards and codes )
A. Name & address of OWNER
______________________________________________________
B. Location and Address of Building :
C. License No. and date of issue (Issued by Licensing Authority under AP Cinema Rules) :
D. Date, when commenced operation as cinema
E. Building Plans ,Permit No. and date(Issued by Local./Licensing Authority (IS 4878 3.5/7)
i: Give copy of approved building plans
ii. Mark present open spaces around the building in the above drawings
(IS 4878 4.1.4/5, 6 ,NBC Part- iii 4.6,8.3.1.C and NBC IV 7.4), AND/OR
show present open spaces around the building as per Annexure-A.
F. Give copy of Auditorium Drawing showing i) Aisles Widths ii). No of Seats between Aisles
iii). No of Seating rows between cross aisles and iv) No and width of exit doors ( Show present
status by marking originally approved plan or mark as per Annexure B(IS 4878 3.7.2.3.3 NBC
Part- ii 12.2.5 and NBC Part- IV 12.3)
G. No. of Fixed Seats provided and licensed capacity (IS 4878 10.3.1.1 and AP Cinema Rules)
S.No.
Fire safety measure
Yes No NA
1*
Whether the construction is of type 1, including for balconies, Yes No
Type of
galleries, tiers, lobby corridors(IS 4878 cl 15.1;NBC Part- IV Clause
Construction
l5)
2*
Whether specifications for all fire safety items like fire resistant doors Yes No
used as fire-breaks or for stairs/lifts are followed(IS 4878 cl15.5,15.6
&NBC Part- IV cl 7.6.1/3,7.8,,8.27)
3*
Whether ceiling material is fire resistant as per is 476, VQ acoustic Yes No
Ceotex etc(IS 4878 cl 15.7 &NBC Part- IV cl.7.15, A.P. Cinemas
(Regulation) Rules11.2
4*
Whether width of abutting road is minimum 12 Metres wide and not
Yes No
Access/Open
dead ended(IS4878 cl 4.1.1/3 & NBC Part- IVcl 7.4)
places
5*
6*
7*

8*

Whether entrance gate width& head room are 4.5metres and 5mtrs
Yes
respectively (IS 4.1..1/3, NBC Part- IV 7.4 &NBC Part- iii cl4.6
Whether open space front & other three sides is Min.12mtrs & 6 mtrs. Yes
for buildings below 15mtrs height. if building height exceeds refer to
MSBR1981 8.c (IS4878 cl.6.1, NBC Part- iii cl8.2.3.1.c)
a)Whether approach to building and open spaces on all sides up to
Yes
6mtrs width is hard faced for 18 ton fire vehicle and is motor able&
b)whether this open space is maintained free of parking, and kept free
of any obstructions, structures or fixtures up to a ht. of 4.5mtrs above
which 0.9mtr balconies allowed(IS 4878 cl2.39,4.1.4/7,6.1/2,8.1
appdx. Land MSBR1981 8.c,10)
Whether no cinema house is on top of other occupancy (IS 4878 cl 5.2) Yes

No
No
No

No
..2..

S.No.
9.*
10.*
General Exit
Requirements
11.*

12.*

13.*
14.*

15.*

16.*

17.*

18.

19.*

20.*

21*

:2:
Fire safety measure
Whether separation walls of 4hrs. fire resistance in Mixed
Occupancy are provided (IS 4878 c15.2)
Whether every public place including tier balcony etc., have
safe exit without passing through another occupied unit
(IS4878 10.2.1/14 and NBC Part- IV 8.2.1/9)
Whether all escape Exit routes are clearly visible &
illuminated signs with battery backed emergency alternate
power supply(IS4878 cl. 10.2.5 & NBC PartIVcl8.2.5,8.15.3/4/10, Appendix D 14.b)
Whether there are Fire Check doors for fire resistance of one
hour to prevent spread of smoke, in escape routes, Particularly
entrance to lifts and stairs which are prone to funnel/flue
effect(IS4878 10.2.9&NBC Part- 8.2.7)
Whether persons admitted/waiting seating do not encroach
exits(NBC Part- IV12.4.6)
Whether exits suffice simultaneously for cinemas and other
occupancy, if any, unless Fire Department determines that
conditions are such that simultaneous occupancy does not
occur(IS 4878cl10.2.11/12,NBC Part- IV cl.12.4.8/9 )
if no. of seats are exceeding 1000, whether half the exits lead
directly outdoors, completely separate from exits serving other
Part-s of the building (IS4878cl.10.2.15)
Whether occupant load is based on ACTUALS, but not less
than that given in is 4878cl10.3.1 and NBC Part- IV cl 8.3(if
seats are fixed, they determine the no. of occupants
i.e.(0.6&0.3 sq.mtrs per person for auditorium and waiting
spaces respectively)
Whether capacity of aggregate width of exits is based on
occupant load and occupants that can be safely evacuated per
50cms of exit, which is 40,50&60 for stairs, ramp and doors,
respectively (IS 4878 cl 10.3.2 and NBC Part- IV cl 8.3/4/5/6)
Whether there are sufficient number of stair cases so that the
travel distance doesnt exceed 30mtrs(15metres in basements)
and they provide exits in different directions(IS 4878 cl.
10.3.3&NBC Part- IVcl. 8.5)
Whether there are at least 4, 3, 2 exits of 2mtrs width opening
outwards for 1000,or 600 to1000 or 600 seats respectively. if
less give actual No and width (IS4878 cl.10.4 and NBC PartIV cl. 8.6 &12.4.1)
Whether doorways are minimum 2mtrs wide and open into
corridors or through landings into enclosed staircases for
continuous protected egress (IS4878 cl.10.5.1/4&NBCPart-IV
cl .8.7)
Whether exit doors are open able from served side without
keys 9is4878 cl. 10.5.5 and NBC Part- IV8.7.5)

Yes
Yes

No NA
No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No NA

Yes

No

Yes

No

YES No
..3.

S.No.
22.*
Corridors and
passage ways
23*

24.*
internal
Staircases
25*
25 .a*

25. b.
26*
27*
28*
29
30*
External Stairs
31*
32*
33*
34*
35*

:3:
Fire safety measure
Whether the width of the exits is not less than the aggregate
required width of exit doors leading in the direction of the egress
(IS4878 cl.10.6 &NBC Part- IV 8.8.1)
Whether the corridors and passageways and stairs lifts have
fire/smoke resistant doors, and adequate ventilation and
illumination required to ensure safe travel (NBC Part- IV 8.2.7,
8.8.3, 8.15.4)
Whether the internal staircase width is minimum 2mtrs. And width
of the tread 30cms and riser height 15cms &not more than 15 steps
per flight(IS4878 9.10 &NBC Part- IV8.9.6c/7/8)
Whether construction of internal staircase is with non-combustible
materials(IS4878 10.7.1& NBC Part- IV 9.1)
Whether the internal Staircase is self contained with at least one
external wall and whether it is completely enclosed (IS 4878
10.7.2 & NBC IV 8.9.2)
Note: internal staircase should not be around lift unless the
staircase is totally enclosed by material of fire resistance rating as
that of Type-I construction
Whether the internal staircase is terminating at ground floor level
and access to basement is through separate stairs to prevent smoke
if any escaping to upper levels (NBC Part- IV 8.9.10.m)
Whether the hand rails of staircase are minimum 100 cms height
(IS4878 10.7.6 & NBC Part- IV 8.9.9)
Whether staircases are designed such that the number of people in
between floor landings in staircase is not less than those on each
floor (IS 4878 10.7.7 & NBC Part- IV 8.9.10)
Whether staircases contain no electrical shafts / AC ducts or gas
pipes (IS 4878 10.7.5 & NBC Part- IV 9.4/10f)
Whether no winders are there in case of stairs turning at an angle
(IS 4878 10.7.8)
Whether external stairs are directly connected to ground (IS 4878
10.8.2 & NBC Part- IV 8.11.2)
Whether entrance to the external stairs is separate and remote from
internal stairs (IS 4878 10.8.3 &NBC Part- IV 8.11.3)
Whether no wall / window opening is closed to external stair case
(IS 4878 10.8.4 &NBC Part- IV 8.11.4)
Whether open able vents / ducts to outer air are provided at
landings to facilitate venting of smoke, if any, and rescue / fire
fighting (NBC Part- IV 7.12.3 D 1.4 )
Whether route to the external stairs always free of any obstructions
or doors needing keys for egress ((IS 4878 10.8.5/10.5.5 & NBC
Part- IV 8.11.5 / 8.7.5)
Whether external stairs are constructed by non combustible
materials and doors leading to it have required fire resistance ((IS
4878 10.8.6 &NBC Part- IV 8.11.6)

Yes
Yes

No NA
No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No NA

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No NA

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No
..4..

:4:
36*
37*

38
39*
Horizontal
exits
40*
41

42 Ramps
43

44 Aisle*
45*

46*

if spiral stair case are provided whether the height of the building
not exceeding 9 meters (NBC Part- IV 8.11.10)
Whether width of external staircase is not less than 100 cms and
tread and riser dimensions and risers per flight same as per internal
stairs? if different indicate actual status
Note : Fire tower is the preferred escape route which is enclosed
stair case , approached from floors through landings separated from
floors and stairs by fire resistant doors (NBC Part- IV 3 & 8.13)
Whether roofs of buildings above three storey have direct access to
street and if used for habitable purpose to have stairs extended to
provide them exit facility ((IS 4878 10.9)
Whether horizontal exits have width of minimum 200 cms with at
least one fire door of self closing type ((IS 4878 10.10.1 /2 &NBC
Part- IV 8.12.1 /2)
Whether doors are open able at all times from both sides (IS 4878
10.10.5 &NBC Part- I
IV 8.12.5)
If building height is above 15 meters whether refuge area of 15
sq.metres is provided on external walls (NBC Part- IV 8.12.3 , D.
1.11)
Note : For 24 to 30 meters , served area to be two consecutive floors
and the refuge area is to be on the periphery (NBC Part- IV 8.12.3)
Floor area on opposite / refuge side , to be not less than 0.3 sq. mts
for every occupant on served side and to have adequate exits for
these occupants.(IS 4878 10.10.3 NBC IV 8.4.3 and 8.12.3)
Whether the gradient of Ramps is not more than 1 in 10 and never
steeper than 1 in 8 and surface skid proof (NBC Part- IV 8.14)
Whether no ramp is abutting the street without level space to ensure
traffic safety (IS 4878 4.1.6 )
Note : in plots over 2000 sq. metres ramp shall be within building
line for safety reasons (GO 423 MA & UD dated 31.7.98)
Whether clear 1.2 metres aisles at right angles to line of seating are
provided such that no seat is more than seven seats away from the
aisle((IS 4878 10.12.1 &NBC Part- IV 12.4.2)
Whether one meter width cross aisles are provided for every 10 rows
(IS 4878 10.12.1 &NBC Part- IV 12.4.2)
Note : While ramps are preferred in aisles , steps if any should not
be less than 3 numbers (IS 4878 10.12.3)
Whether druggist matting and floor covering if any are flame
retardant and well fastened to the floor (IS 4878 10.12.5 &NBC
Part- IV 12.6.1)

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No NA

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No NA

Yes

No NA

Yes

No NA

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No
..5..

:5:
47*
Electrical
Safety
48*
49*

50*

51. *
52. *
53*
54*
55*
56*
57*

58 Fire
protection
59

Whether electrical safety complies with Indian Electrical Rules , including

related electrical standards / codes stipulated therein i.e., 29/45/46 etc.,
(NBC Part- I 7.7& NEC iii 3 and is 4878 14 & is 1646 , 10028 & 732)
Whether all electrical materials comply with applicable Indian standards
(IER 29 , is 732 3.4.1 &NBC viii 2-2.9.1.4)
Whether all electrical installations are done by licensed electrical contractor
and supervised by holder of competency certificate / permit issued by state
government (IER 29/45 , is 4878 14.1 / 2/ 4 is 732 3.5 NBC Part- viii-2
9.3.2.6 & Apdx C)
Note : Completion drawings showing all circuits to enable functional
checks to verify compliance with applicable rules related to fire safety (IER
45, IS 732 3.1/9 NBC VIII -2, 9.1.5 and 9.2)
Whether emergency and escape lighting is powered by source a)
independent of normal power for stairs / exit roads and fire alarm b) with
1.5 hours and 4 hours respectIVely of battery backup (IS 4878 10.2.5 :
14.5 NBC Part- IV-8.15, D , 1.14)
a)&b)
Whether alternate/emergency generator fed Direct power circuits for fire
pumps, lifts, smoke exhausters, fire alarm, P.A./audio-visual
systems(IS4878 14.1 NBC IVD1.5.p,1.6.4.3;1.12/14/15)
Whether transformers if in basement, have enclosure of 4hrs rating auto
high velocity spray/emulsifying systems . (IS4878 15.10.3,15.14.2 NBC
IVD1.16.b/c)
Whether transformers room/enclosure, location and ventilation/exhaust are
such that no smoke or fumes their from can ingress into exit/escape roots or
other Part-s of the building (IS4878 15.14.2 NBC IV12.6.2)
Whether transformer plinth is at least 15 cms above grade and if oil filled
should have curbs to prevent egress of leaking oil into any parking area (
NBC Viii-2-4.2.2.c/g)
Whether periodical verification of proper functioning and efficacy of
emergency/alternate power supplies and related user equipment related to
fire safety is taken care of ( IER 46 :is 4878 3.9.4 & Is 1646-3.6&15.1)
Whether indoor transformers have auto high velocity water spray or
emulsifying systems(IS 4878- 15.10.3 )
Whether strict compliance with I.E.R 29/45/46 and is- 732 and NBC Viii
for electrical safety to prevent short circuit is taken care of
Note: Lightning protection should be installed as per Is 4878-15.12,
Is2309&NBCViiii2-11)
if in mixed occupancy whether the requirements of most hazardous ones are
complied with unless separated by 4 hrs fire resistant wall (IS4878 15..2
NBC IV7.5.)
Whether fire resistant doors 1 hrs rated in escape routes, Part-icularly at
entrances to lifts, staircases, etc are provided (IS4878 10..2.9,15.6 NBC
IV8.2.7 & is 3614.)

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No NA

Yes

No NA
..6..

:6:
60
Whether doorway or opening in separating walls/floors limit spread
fire, smoke by use of 2 hrs rated fire resistant doors/ steel rolling
shutters (IS4878 15..3/4 NBC IV7.6 &7.61&7.8 & is 12458.)
61
`Whether opening in walls/floors for cables, plumbing etc are in
ducts/shafts enclosure of 2 hrs fire resistant and 1hr fire rated
inspection doors (NBC IV7.6, 7.6.3,D 1.9.)
62
Whether seal space between cables etc and shaft is sealed with fillers
to stop fire at every floor level (NBC IV7.6.3 ,D 1.9.)
63
Whether surface finishes on walls/ceilings/faade minimize spread of
fire or toxic fumes (IS4878 15..7 NBC IV7.15.1 Is12777 Class I
Material)
64
Whether use of class 1 flame spread surfacing material and fabric
materials used for dcor, carpets , curtains, etc comply with is12777 ,
NBC IV7.15.2,12.6.1&D1 .2
65
Whether walls, Partitions or floors lined with combustible material
have surface flame spread confirming to is 1642, to prevent rapid fire
spread , hampering escape of occupants NBC IV 7.15.5
66
Whether open able windows on external walls or on fully glazed
facades have locks which can be opened with fire-mans axe to enable
quick access for rescue of inmates and for fire fighting NBC IV 7.16,
D1.7
67. *
Whether automatic fire alarm system is installed in auditoria,
corridors, canteen storages as per is 2189(IS4878-15.10.11 &NBCIV7.9&D.5
68.
Whether air-condition system is designed to minimize spreading of
Air
fire, smoke& fumes from one fire area/floor to another or to
conditioning escape/exit path, staircases etc.,(IS4878-15.8.1&NBCIVVentilation
7.11&D1.17&NBCviii 1/3)
69.
if A.C./Ventilation system serves more than one floor area, whether
automatic dampers are provided to close in case of fire, or smoke at
A.Cs outlet to stop spreading of smoke, to other floors/areas(IS4878
15.8.2&NBC IV-7.11.2
70.
in cinemas with capacity more than 1000, whether fire dampers are so
arranged that they actuate automatically in case of fire to prevent
smoke circulation with the help of photo-electric or smoke
devices(IS4878-15.8..3& NBCIV-7.9,7.11.3&is2189/is11360/is2175)
71. *
Whether natural draft smoke vents with area minimum 3.3% of
Smoke
auditorium/balconies floor area, whose auto-closing is actuated by
Venting
smoke detectors, are installed.(IS4878-15.14.7&NBCIV7.12.2/4,12.6.11)
72.
Whether smoke venting facilities required for safe exit in windowless
buildings operates automatically and also manually(NBCIV7.12.1)
73.
Whether basements are separately ventilated with grills etc., having
2.5%area of floor and provided alternately with air inlet and smoke
outlet ducts at floor& ceiling level respectively(NBCIV-D1.6.4)

Yes

No NA

Yes

No NA

Yes

No NA

Yes

No NA

Yes

No NA

Yes

No NA

Yes

No NA

Yes

No

Yes

No NA

Yes

No NA

Yes

No NA

Yes

No

Yes

No NA

Yes

No NA
..7..

:7:
74.
75.

76. *
Special Fire
Hazards

77. *
Fixed fire
fighting
installations

Whether sufficient precautions are taken so that smoke from

basements shall in no case ingress into any exit path/stairs serving
upper floors(NBCIV-D1.6.2)
Whether use of LPG/Pressure stoves is not resorted to in
basements(NBCiii-12.9, NBCIV12.3/D1.6.5)
Note: This may be allowed in upper floors if 4hrs fire resistant
enclosures are provided / sprinklered.
Whether Projection Room is meeting following criteria?
a)Has no direct access to auditorium, be self contained, and house
only cinematograph apparatus& fire appliances(IS487815.14.8.1)
b) has one entrance and alternate exit to open air, with self-closing
fire resistant doors
c)All opening/joints be such that no smoke can escape into
auditorium(IS487815.14.8.2)
d)Enclosure ventilation must not enable communication with any
public place in the building(IS487815.14.8.4)
e)All electrical wiring must comply with is 1646-13.7)
Refer NBC Part- II 3.8 Is 4878 15.10.13.1 and relevant Is codes ,
NBC Part- IV 7.10.2
Whether the following fixed fire fighting systems are installed?
a)Hose-reel (IS 884 &is 3844&NBCIV-7.10.2.table20)
b)Wet riser (for 2 storey and above NBC IV-7.10.2.table20)
c)Down comer if seating capacity exceeds 1000(NBC IV7.10.2.table20)
d)Yard Hydrant(NBC IV-7.10.2.table20 and Is 3844)
e)Automatic sprinkler system (if seating capacity exceeds 1000 or
covered area exceeds 1500sq,mtrs or basement over
200sq.mtrs(IS4878-15.10.2 & 15.10.13.1& NBC IV7.10.2.table20)
f)Manually operated electrical alarm system(IS4878-15.10.13.1&
NBC IV-7.10.2.table20)
g)Automatic detection and alarm system(IS4878-15.10.11 & Is
2189& NBC IV-7.9)
h)Underground water tank of 1.00lakh litres if building height is
more than 15mtrs, and 50000 if building ht. Is less than
15mtrs(NBCIV 7.10.2 table 20)
i)Terrace tank of10000 lits. (NBCIV 7.10.2 table 20
j)Fire pumps at Underground tank; one jockey pump 180lpm, one
electric and one diesel pump of 1620/2850 for bldg ht. Less than 15
M and more than 15 M respectively(NBCIV 7.10.2 table 20)
k)Fire pump at terrace(required if building height is less than
15mtrs) of 450/900/1620, in case of hose reel, down comer, or
sprinkler respectively.

Yes

No NA

Yes

No NA

Yes

No

Yes

No

..8..

:8:
78. *
Portable fire
extinguishers

79. *
Fire training
&Fire drill
80. *
81. *

Whether the following portable fire extinguishers are provided

as below(IS4878-15.10.15, NBCIV7.10.4/8/9&is2190/934/940
a)Water expelling type@ one per 100 seats reachable within
15mtrs travel distance
b)two 9 litres water expelling type (Co2) per 600 sq.mtrs with
minimum 4 per comPart-ment/floor if seats are in between 300
to 1000
c) Travel distance to extinguishers not to exceed 15mtrs.
d) Additional to b, one 50litressoda acid/ water expelling
chemical engine for every 100 sq.mtrs of floor area, if seats
exceed 1000 and travel distance not to exceed 25mtrs.(Is
5506& Is 2190 B2)
e)For Projector room 2 co2 extinguishers of 4.5kg plus two
buckets water, one bucket sand and one blanket just outside
the room.
f)For transformers, rewinding room etc. DCP Extinguishers &
foam trolleys
g)Periodical maintenance to be recorded
h)usage instructions to be painted on the extinguishers
Whether adequate staff training and drill(at least once in a
month) on installed fire fighting equipment, evacuation drills
is ensured and record there of is maintained (IS4878 15.10.7)
Whether clear instructions to be followed in case of fire are
posted at conspicuous places(IS4878 15.10.9 NBC Part- IV D
8.1 & Appendix-F)
Whether identified person trained in operation of fire
extinguishers/evacuation is present while the show is on
(IS487815.10.8)

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Signature of the owner/manager

Seal/Date
NOTE: The fire safety measures with star (*) mark are mandatory