(4)The basement shall have the following requirements, namely:-(a)Every basement shall be in every part at least 2.4 metres in height from the floor to the underside of the roof slab or ceiling;(b)adequate ventilation shall be provided for the basement. The ventilation requirements shall be the same as required by the particular occupancy according to these rules. Any deficiency may be met by providing adequate mechanical ventilation in the form of blowers, exhaust fans, air conditioning systems, or the like;(c)the minimum height of the ceiling of any basement shall be 0.9 metre and maximum of 1.2 metres above the average surrounding ground level;(d)adequate arrangements shall be made such that surface drainage does not enter the basement;(e)the walls and floors of the basement shall be watertight and be so designed that the effect of the surrounding soil and moisture, if any, are taken into account in design and adequate damp proofing treatment is given; and(f)the access to the basement shall be separate from the main and alternate staircase providing access and exit from higher floors. Where the staircase is continuous in case of building served by more than one staircase the same shall be of enclosed type serving as a fire separation from the basement floor and higher floors. Open ramps shall be permitted if they are constructed within the building line subject to the provision of clause (d).
