REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES EDICT OF GOVERNMENT In order to promote public education and public safety, equal justice for all, a better informed citizenry, the rule of law, world trade and world peace, this legal document is hereby made available on a noncommercial basis, as it is the right of all humans to know and speak the laws that govern them. PNS/PAES FIRE (2008) (English): Philippine Fire Code TABLE OF CONTENTS RULE 1. INTERPRETATION ................................................................... 1  RULE 2. COVERAGE .......................................................................... 1  RULE 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS .......................................................... 2  RULE 4. AUTHORITY OF THE CHIEF, BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION....................................................................... 21  SECTION 4.0.0.1  GENERAL AUTHORITY TO ADMINISTER AND ENFORCE RA 9514 AND ITS IRR .................................... 21  SECTION 4.0.0.2  AUTHORITY OF THE CHIEF, BFP SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OF SILG ......................................................... 21  SECTION 4.0.0.3  SPECIFIC AUTHORITY OF CHIEF, BFP .............................. 22  RULE 5. BFP REORGANIZATION AND PROFESSIONALIZATION ...... 23  DIVISION 1. REORGANIZATION ......................................................................... 23  SECTION 5.0.1.1   AUTHORITY OF THE CHIEF, BFP TO REORGANIZE ......... 23  DIVISION 2. TECHNICAL STAFF .......................................................................... 24  SECTION 5.0.2.1   CONSTITUTION AND QUALIFICATIONS .......................... 24  SECTION 5.0.2.2   SOURCES .......................................................................... 24  SECTION 5.0.2.3   DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS ................................................. 24  SECTION 5.0.2.4   REMUNERATION ............................................................... 24  RULE 6. FIRE BRIGADES, FIRE VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS AND FIRE SAFETY PRACTITIONERS ..................................... 25  DIVISION 1. SCOPE ............................................................................................. 25  DIVISION 2. ORGANIZATION OF FIRE BRIGADES ............................................ 25  SECTION 6.0.2.1   REQUIREMENTS ................................................................. 25  SECTION 6.0.2.2   COMPOSITION ................................................................. 25  SECTION 6.0.2.3   COMPONENTS ................................................................. 26  SECTION 6.0.2.4  DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A FIRE BRIGADE CHIEF ................................................................................. 26  SECTION 6.0.2.5   QUALIFICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE COMPANY FIRE BRIGADE .............................................. 26  SECTION 6.0.2.6   AVAILABILITY OF PERSONNEL ......................................... 27  DIVISION 3. TRAINING OF FIRE BRIGADES, FIRE SAFETY PRACTITIONERS AND FIRE VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS .................................... 27  SECTION 6.0.3.1   CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY ..................................... 27  SECTION 6.0.3.2   TRAINING DESIGN ............................................................ 27  SECTION 6.0.3.3  SCOPE OF TRAINING ....................................................... 27  i SECTION 6.0.3.4  ASSISTANCE IN TRAINING PROGRAMS ......................... 28  SECTION 6.0.3.5   IDENTIFICATION ................................................................ 28  DIVISION 4. COMMAND, EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE AND FIRE DRILLS .............................................................................................. 28  SECTION 6.0.4.1  PRACTICE DRILLS ............................................................. 28  SECTION 6.0.4.2  OPERATION OF EQUIPMENT ........................................... 28  SECTION 6.0.4.3  REACTIVATION OF EQUIPMENT...................................... 28  SECTION 6.0.4.4  INSPECTION AND SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE WORK ................................................................................ 28  SECTION 6.0.4.5  COMMAND AT FIRE SCENE ............................................ 28  RULE 7. ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT TO THE BFP ............................. 29  DIVISION 1. POLICE AND OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT SUPPORT ................ 29  SECTION 7.0.1.1   FROM PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE ............................ 29  SECTION 7.0.1.2  FROM LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS .............................. 29  SECTION 7.0.1.3   FROM OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ............ 30  DIVISION 2. OTHER AGENCIES’ SUPPORT ........................................................ 30  SECTION 7.0.2.1   COORDINATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES .................... 30  RULE 8. FIRE SAFETY ENFORCERS .................................................... 31  CHAPTER 1. QUALIFICATIONS OF FIRE SAFETY ENFORCERS ..................................... 31  DIVISION 1. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ............................................................ 31  SECTION 8.1.1.1  FIRE SAFETY INSPECTORS ................................................ 31  SECTION 8.1.1.2  PLAN EVALUATORS .......................................................... 32  CHAPTER 2. FUNCTIONS OF FIRE SAFETY ENFORCERS .............................................. 32  DIVISION 1. RESPONSIBILITIES OF DESIGNATED FIRE SAFETY ENFORCERS .................................................................................... 32  SECTION 8.2.1.1   FIRE SAFETY INSPECTORS ................................................ 32  SECTION 8.2.1.2   PLAN EVALUATORS .......................................................... 33  RULE 9. ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF FIRE SAFETY MEASURES .......................................................................... 33  DIVISION 1. GENERAL ........................................................................................ 33  DIVISION 2. FIRE SAFETY EVALUATION AND INSPECTION ............................. 34  SECTION 9.0.2.1  BUILDING PLAN REVIEW .................................................. 34  SECTION 9.0.2.2   INSPECTION DURING CONSTRUCTION ......................... 34  SECTION 9.0.2.3   INSPECTION AFTER COMPLETION OF CONSTRUCTION ............................................................... 35  SECTION 9.0.2.4  BUSINESS AND ROUTINE INSPECTION ............................ 36  ii DIVISION 3. FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY ASSESSMENT REPORT .............................. 37  SECTION 9.0.3.1   APPLICABILITY .................................................................. 37  SECTION 9.0.3.2   PROCEDURES ................................................................... 37  SECTION 9.0.3.3   FORMAT OF PREPARATION ............................................ 37  DIVISION 4. FIRE SAFETY INSPECTION CERTIFICATE ........................................ 42  SECTION 9.0.4.1 FSIC AS A PRE-REQUISITE FOR ISSUANCE OF PERMIT/LICENSE ............................................................... 42  SECTION 9.0.4.2   DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS ................................... 42  DIVISION 5. FIRE SAFETY CLEARANCE ............................................................. 42  DIVISION 6. FIRE INSURANCE DATA REQUIRED .............................................. 43  RULE 10. FIRE SAFETY MEASURES ...................................................... 43  CHAPTER 1. COVERAGE ............................................................................................. 43  CHAPTER 2. FIRE SAFETY IN BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES & FACILITIES .......................... 43  DIVISION 1. SCOPE ....................................................................................... 43  DIVISION 2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................................ 43  DIVISION 3. CLASSIFICATION OF OCCUPANCY ............................................ 46  DIVISION 4. HAZARD OF BUILDINGS ................................................................ 50  SECTION 10.2.4.1  GENERAL .......................................................................... 50  SECTION 10.2.4.2 CLASSIFICATION OF HAZARD OF CONTENTS ............... 50  DIVISION 5. MEANS OF EGRESS ........................................................................ 51  SECTION 10.2.5.1 APPLICATION ................................................................... 51  SECTION 10.2.5.2  GENERAL PROVISIONS .................................................... 51  SECTION 10.2.5.3 DOORS .............................................................................. 58  SECTION 10.2.5.4 STAIRS ................................................................................ 63  SECTION 10.2.5.5 OUTSIDE STAIRS ................................................................ 73  SECTION 10.2.5.6 HORIZONTAL EXITS ........................................................... 73  SECTION 10.2.5.7 RAMPS ............................................................................... 77  SECTION 10.2.5.8 EXIT PASSAGEWAYS ........................................................ 78  SECTION 10.2.5.9  ESCALATORS AND MOVING WALKS ............................. 79  SECTION 10.2.5.10 FIRE ESCAPE STAIRS, LADDERS AND SLIDE ESCAPES ........................................................................... 79  SECTION 10.2.5.11 ILLUMINATION OF MEANS OF EGRESS .......................... 85  SECTION 10.2.5.12 EXIT MARKING .................................................................. 86  SECTION 10.2.5.13 EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN ................................. 88  DIVISION 6. FEATURES OF FIRE PROTECTION .................................................. 88  SECTION 10.2.6.1  CONSTRUCTION AND COMPARTMENTATION ............. 88  iii SECTION 10.2.6.2   PROTECTION OF VERTICAL OPENING AND COMBUSTIBLE CONCEALED SPACES ............................ 88  SECTION 10.2.6.3   INTERIOR FINISH ................................................................ 93  SECTION 10.2.6.4   FIRE DETECTION, ALARM, AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS ............................................................................ 95  SECTION 10.2.6.5   AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS AND OTHER EXTINGUISHING EQUIPMENT ........................................... 99  SECTION 10.2.6.6  STANDPIPES .................................................................... 100  SECTION 10.2.6.7   PORTABLE AND WHEELED FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ......... 109  SECTION 10.2.6.8   SEGREGATION AND PROTECTION OF HAZARDS ....... 117  SECTION 10.2.6.9  SMOKE PARTITIONS ........................................................ 117  SECTION 10.2.6.10 FIRE DOORS .................................................................... 118  DIVISION 7. BUILDING SERVICE EQUIPMENT ................................................. 118  SECTION 10.2.7.1   UTILITIES ........................................................................... 118  SECTION 10.2.7.2  HEATING, VENTILATING AND AIRCONDITIONING ..... 119  SECTION 10.2.7.3  SMOKE VENTING ............................................................ 119  SECTION 10.2.7.4 RUBBISH CHUTES, LAUNDRY CHUTES, AND FLUE-FED INCINERATORS .............................................. 119  SECTION 10.2.7.5 ELEVATORS AND ESCALATORS .................................... 120  SECTION 10.2.7.6 INSTALLATION CLEARANCE .......................................... 120  DIVISION 8. PLACES OF ASSEMBLY ................................................................ 120  SECTION 10.2.8.1   OCCUPANT LOAD ......................................................... 120  SECTION 10.2.8.2  EXIT DETAILS .................................................................... 121  SECTION 10.2.8.3   STAGE AND ENCLOSED PLATFORM ............................ 125  SECTION 10.2.8.4 PROJECTION BOOTH ..................................................... 127  SECTION 10.2.8.5   DECORATIVE MATERIAL ................................................ 128  SECTION 10.2.8.6   PYROXYLIN COATED FABRIC ....................................... 128  SECTION 10.2.8.7   MOTION PICTURE SCREENS, STAGE CURTAINS AND DRAPES ........................................................................... 128  SECTION 10.2.8.8  PROTECTION .................................................................. 128  SECTION 10.2.8.9   BUILDING SERVICE EQUIPMENT ................................... 130  SECTION 10.2.8.10 PLAN OF EXIT WAYS AISLES ........................................... 130  SECTION 10.2.8.11 OVERCROWDING ......................................................... 131  SECTION 10.2.8.12   STANDBY FIREMEN ......................................................... 131  SECTION 10.2.8.13   OUTDOOR ASSEMBLY.................................................... 131  SECTION 10.2.8.14   UNDERGROUND STRUCTURE AND WINDOWLESS BUILDINGS ....................................................................... 131  SECTION 10.2.8.15   SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR EXHIBITIONS HALLS .......... 132  SECTION 10.2.8.16   EXISTING PLACES OF ASSEMBLY .................................. 132  iv SECTION 10.2.8.17   PROJECTION ROOMS FOR SAFETY FILM ..................... 132  SECTION 10.2.8.18   OPEN FLAME .................................................................. 134  DIVISION 9. EDUCATIONAL OCCUPANCIES ................................................. 134  SECTION 10.2.9.1   OCCUPANCY AND OCCUPANT LOAD ...................... 134  SECTION 10.2.9.2 EXIT DETAILS .................................................................... 135  SECTION 10.2.9.3 LIGHTING AND SIGNS .................................................... 137  SECTION 10.2.9.4 WINDOWS FOR RESCUE AND VENTILATION ............... 138  SECTION 10.2.9.5 PROTECTION .................................................................. 138  SECTION 10.2.9.6 BUILDING SERVICE EQUIPMENT ................................... 139  SECTION 10.2.9.7 SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR FLEXIBLE PLAN AND OPEN PLAN BUILDINGS ................................................. 140  SECTION 10.2.9.8   SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR PRE-SCHOOLS .................. 143  SECTION 10.2.9.9   UNDERGROUND AND WINDOWLESS EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS ....................................................................... 143  SECTION 10.2.9.10 SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR COMBINED OCCUPANCIES .............................................................. 144  SECTION 10.2.9.11   EXISTING EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS ........................... 144  SECTION 10.2.9.12  CHILD DAY CARE CENTERS .......................................... 145  DIVISION 10. HEALTH CARE OCCUPANCIES .................................................. 150  SECTION 10.2.10.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................. 150  SECTION 10.2.10.2 EXIT DETAILS .................................................................... 153  SECTION 10.2.10.3 PROTECTION .................................................................. 156  SECTION 10.2.10.4 BUILDING SERVICE EQUIPMENT ................................... 160  DIVISION 11. DETENTION AND CORRECTIONAL OCCUPANCIES ................ 161  SECTION 10.2.11.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................. 161  SECTION 10.2.11.2 EXIT DETAILS .................................................................... 163  SECTION 10.2.11.3 PROTECTION .................................................................. 165  SECTION 10.2.11.4 BUILDING SERVICE EQUIPMENT ................................... 169  DIVISION 12. RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES ..................................................... 169  SECTION 10.2.12.1   CLASSIFICATION ............................................................ 169  SECTION 10.2.12.2  REQUIREMENTS ............................................................... 170  SECTION 10.2.12.3   HOTELS AND DORMITORIES .......................................... 171  SECTION 10.2.12.4  APARTMENT BUILDINGS ................................................ 177  SECTION 10.2.12.5  LODGING OR ROOMING HOUSES .............................. 181  SECTION 10.2.12.6 SINGLE AND TWO FAMILY DWELLINGS ....................... 182  DIVISION 13. MERCANTILE OCCUPANClES .................................................... 183  SECTION 10.2.13.1   GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................. 183  SECTION 10.2.13.2   EXIT DETAILS .................................................................... 186  SECTION 10.2.13.3 PROTECTION .................................................................. 189  v SECTION 10.2.13.4 BUILDING SERVICE EQUIPMENT ................................... 191  SECTION 10.2.13.5 SPECIAL PROVISIONS .................................................... 191  DIVISION 14. BUSINESS OCCUPANCIES ........................................................... 193  SECTION 10.2.14.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................. 193  SECTION 10.2.14.2   EXIT DETAILS .................................................................... 194  SECTION 10.2.14.3 PROTECTION .................................................................. 198  SECTION 10.2.14.4 BUILDING SERVICE UTILITIES .......................................... 201  SECTION 10.2.14.5 COMBINED BUSINESS AND MERCANTILE OCCUPANCY ................................................................ 202  SECTION 10.2.14.6 HIGH RISE BUILDINGS .................................................... 202  DIVISION 15. INDUSTRIAL OCCUPANCIES ....................................................... 202  SECTION 10.2.15.1   REQUIREMENTS ............................................................... 202  SECTION 10.2.15.2   EXIT DETAILS .................................................................... 203  SECTION 10.2.15.3  PROTECTION .................................................................. 205  DIVISION 16. STORAGE OCCUPANCIES .......................................................... 207  SECTION 10.2.16.1   GENERAL STORAGE OCCUPANCIES........................... 207  SECTION 10.2.16.2 PROTECTION .................................................................. 208  SECTION 10.2.16.3 SPECIAL PROVISION FOR PARKING STRUCTURES ...... 209  SECTION 10.2.16.4 SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR AIRCRAFT HANGARS ....... 210  SECTION 10.2.16.5 SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR GRAIN ELEVATORS .......... 211  DIVISION 17. MISCELLANEOUS STRUCTURES ................................................... 211  SECTION 10.2.17.1   TOWERS ........................................................................... 211  SECTION 10.2.17.2   PIERS AND WATER-SURROUNDED STRUCTURE ........... 212  SECTION 10.2.17.3 IMMOBILIZED VEHICLE AND VESSELS ........................... 213  SECTION 10.2.17.4   UNDERGROUND STRUCTURES AND WINDOWLESS BUILDINGS ....................................................................... 213  DIVISION 18. OPERATING FEATURES ................................................................ 214  SECTION 10.2.18.1  GENERAL ........................................................................ 214  SECTION 10.2.18.2 PLACES OF ASSEMBLY ................................................... 216  SECTION 10.2.18.3 EDUCATIONAL OCCUPANCIES ................................... 218  SECTION 10.2.18.4 HEALTH CARE OCCUPANCIES ..................................... 219  SECTION 10.2.18.5 RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES ........................................ 220  SECTION 10.2.18.6 MERCANTILE, BUSINESS, AND INDUSTRIAL OCCUPANCIES .............................................................. 220  DIVISION 19. SPECIAL PROVISION FOR HIGH RISE BUILDINGS ..................... 220  SECTION 10.2.19.1   SCOPE ............................................................................. 220  SECTION 10.2.19.2  DEFINITION ...................................................................... 220  SECTION 10.2.19.3   SMOKE CONTROL .......................................................... 221  vi SECTION 10.2.19.4  SPRINKLER SYSTEMS PROTECTION ................................ 221  SECTION 10.2.19.5   FIRE COMMAND CENTER ............................................. 221  SECTION 10.2.19.6   STAIRWELLS ..................................................................... 222  SECTION 10.2.19.7   FIRST-AID PROTECTION .................................................. 223  SECTION 10.2.19.8  APPLICABILITY OF ALL OTHER PROVISIONS OF THIS CODE ...................................................................... 223  DIVISION 20. AERODROME FACILITIES ............................................................. 223  SECTION 10.2.20.1  GENERAL FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS ........................ 223  SECTION 10.2.20.2 REFUELLER UNITS ............................................................ 226  SECTION 10.2.20.3 HELISTOPS ....................................................................... 229  CHAPTER 3. FIRE SAFETY FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ......................................... 230  DIVISION 1. SCOPE ........................................................................................... 230  SECTION 10.3.1.1  APPLICABILITY ................................................................ 230  SECTION 10.3.1.2 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND CHEMICALS ............... 230  DIVISION 2. FIRE CLEARANCE ......................................................................... 230  DIVISION 3. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS .......................................................... 231  DIVISION 4. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS ............................................................ 232  SECTION 10.3.4.1   SOLID ............................................................................... 232  SECTION 10.3.4.1.1 CELLULOSE NITRATE PLASTIC (PYROXYLIN) ................ 232  SECTION 10.3.4.1.2 COMBUSTIBLE FIBERS ..................................................... 234  SECTION 10.3.4.1.3  COMBUSTIBLE COMMODITIES ...................................... 236  SECTION 10.3.4.1.4  MATCHES ........................................................................ 245  SECTION 10.3.4.1.5  MAGNESIUM .................................................................. 246  SECTION 10.3.4.2   LIQUID ............................................................................. 251  SECTION 10.3.4.2. FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS .................. 251  SECTION 10.3.4.3   GAS ................................................................................. 289  SECTION 10.3.4.3.1 CRYOGENIC FLUIDS ...................................................... 289  SECTION 10.3.4.3.2 MEDICAL AND RELATED COMPRESSED GASES ......... 299  SECTION 10.3.4.3.3  LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES ..................................... 307  SECTION 10.3.5.3.4 COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS AS VEHICLE FUEL ........ 313  SECTION 10.3.4.4   OTHER HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND CHEMICALS ... 332  SECTION 10.3.4.4.1   SCOPE ............................................................................. 332  SECTION 10.3.4.4.2 OXIDIZING MATERIALS ................................................... 332  SECTION 10.3.4.4.3  RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS ............................................. 332  SECTION 10.3.4.4.4   POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE CHEMICALS ......................... 333  SECTION 10.3.4.4.5  ORGANIC PEROXIDES ................................................... 333  SECTION 10.3.4.4.6 NITROMETHANE .............................................................. 334  vii SECTION 10.3.4.4.7 AMMONIUM NITRATE .................................................... 334  SECTION 10.3.4.4.8 HIGHLY TOXIC MATERIALS ............................................ 335  SECTION 10.3.4.4.9  POISONOUS GASES ....................................................... 336  SECTION 10.3.4.4.10 CORROSIVE LIQUIDS ..................................................... 336  SECTION 10.3.4.4.11 STORAGE CABINETS FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ...................................................................... 336  SECTION 10.3.4.4.12  DESIGNATION OF CARGO ........................................... 336  SECTION 10.3.4.4.13  HAZARDOUS INSULATOR/CUSHIONING MATERIALS ...................................................................... 336  SECTION 10.3.4.4.14 FIRE PROTECTION ........................................................... 337  CHAPTER 4. FIRE SAFETY FOR HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS ...................................... 337  DIVISION 1. SCOPE ........................................................................................... 337  DIVISION 2. SALVAGE YARDS ......................................................................... 338  SECTION 10.4.2.1   GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................. 338  SECTION 10.4.2.2   FIRE SAFETY CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR HOTWORK OPERATIONS ............................................... 338  SECTION 10.4.2.3  CONSTRUCTION ............................................................. 338  SECTION 10.4.2.4  OPERATION .................................................................... 339  SECTION 10.4.2.5   PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE .............................. 339  DIVISION 3. BOWLING ALLEYS RESURFACING AND REFINISHING ............. 339  SECTION 10.4.3.1  GENERAL ........................................................................ 339  SECTION 10.4.3.2  FIRE CLEARANCE REQUIRED ........................................ 339  SECTION 10.4.3.3  CONSTRUCTION ............................................................. 339  SECTION 10.4.3.4   OPERATION .................................................................... 339  SECTION 10.4.3.5  PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE .............................. 340  DIVISION 4. DUST PRODUCING MACHINES .................................................. 340  SECTION 10.4.4.1  FIRE CLEARANCE REQUIRED ........................................ 340  SECTION 10.4.4.2  CONSTRUCTION ............................................................. 340  SECTION 10.4.4.3  OPERATION .................................................................... 340  SECTION 10.4.4.4  PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE .............................. 341  DIVISION 5. EXPLOSIVES, AMMUNITION AND BLASTING AGENTS ............. 341  SECTION 10.4.5.1  APPLICATION ................................................................. 341  SECTION 10.4.5.2  FIRE SAFETY INSPECTION CERTIFICATE (FSIC) REQUIRED ....................................................................... 341  SECTION 10.4.5.3  STORAGE ....................................................................... 342  SECTION 10.4.5.4  USE AND HANDLING ..................................................... 343  SECTION 10.4.5.5   TRANSPORTATION .......................................................... 344  viii