Fire code

"Revised Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008".

It is the policy of the State to ensure public safety and promote economic development through the prevention and suppression of all kinds of

destructive fires and promote the professionalization of the fire service as a profession. Towards this end, the State shall enforce all laws, rules and regulations to ensure adherence to standard fire prevention and safety measures, and promote accountability for fire safety in the fire protection service and prevention service.

ISAT TESDA

QA SYSTEM

PRACTICE OCCUPATIONAL

HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURE

Date Developed:

07/28/2011 Developed by:

Bhelynda A.

Gonzales

Document No.

Revision No.

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of _____

Fire safety

Fire safety refers to precautions that are taken to prevent or reduce the likelihood of a fire that may result in death, injury, or property damage, alert those in a structure to the presence of a fire in the event one occurs, better enable those threatened by a fire to survive, or to reduce the damage caused by a fire. Fire safety measures include those that are planned during the construction of a building or implemented in structures that are already standing, and those that are taught to occupants of the building.

Threats to fire safety are referred to as fire hazards. A fire hazard may include a situation that increases the likelihood a fire may start or may impede escape in the event a fire occurs.

Fire safety is often a component of building safety. Those who inspect buildings for violations of the Fire Code and go into schools to educate children on Fire Safety topics are fire department members known as fire prevention officers. The Chief Fire Prevention Officer or Chief of Fire Prevention will normally train newcomers to the Fire Prevention Division and may also conduct inspections or make presentations.

ISAT sometimes be used by occupants to mitigate fires while the fire department is responding.

Key elements of a fire safety policy

 Building a facility in accordance with the version of the local building code

 Maintaining a facility and conducting yourself in accordance with the provisions of the fire code. This is based on the occupants and operators of the building being aware of the applicable regulations and advice.

Examples of these include:

 Not exceeding the maximum occupancy within any part of the building.

 Maintaining proper fire exits and proper exit signage (e.g., exit signs pointing to them that can function in a power failure)

 Placing and maintaining fire extinguishers in easily accessible places.

 Properly storing/using, hazardous materials that may be needed inside the building for storage or operational requirements (such as solvents in spray booths).

 Prohibiting flammable materials in certain areas of the facility.

 Periodically inspecting buildings for violations, issuing Orders To Comply and, potentially, prosecuting or closing buildings that are not in compliance, until the deficiencies are corrected or condemning it in extreme cases.

 Maintaining fire alarm systems for detection and warning of fire.

 Obtaining and maintaining a complete inventory of firestops.

 Ensuring that spray fireproofing remains undamaged.

 Maintaining a high level of training and awareness of occupants and users of the building to avoid obvious mistakes, such as the propping open of fire doors.

 Conduct fire drills at regular intervals throughout the year.

ISAT TESDA

QA SYSTEM

PRACTICE OCCUPATIONAL

HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURE

Date Developed:

07/28/2011 Developed by:

Bhelynda A.

Gonzales

Document No.

Revision No.

Page ___

of _____

Common fire hazards

Improper use and maintenance of gas stoves often create fire hazards.

Some common fire hazards are:

 Electrical systems that are overloaded, resulting in hot wiring or connections, or failed components

 Combustible storage areas with insufficient protection

 Combustibles near equipment that generates heat, flame, or sparks

 Candles

 Smoking (Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, lighters, etc.)

 Equipment that generates heat and utilizes combustible materials

 Flammable liquids

 Fireplace chimneys not properly or regularly cleaned

 Cooking appliances - stoves, ovens

 Heating appliances - wood burning stoves, furnaces, boilers, portable heaters

 Electrical wiring in poor condition

 Batteries

 Personal ignition sources - matches, lighters

 Electronic and electrical equipment

 Exterior cooking equipment - BBQ

 Campfires

ISAT

List of some typical fire and explosion issues in a fire code

 fireworks, explosives, mortars and cannons, model rockets (licenses for manufacture, storage, transportation, sale, use)

 certification for servicing, placement, and inspecting fire extinguishing equipment

 general storage and handling of flammable liquids, solids, gases (tanks, personnel training, markings, equipment)

 limitations on locations and quantities of flammables (e.g., 10 liters of gasoline inside a residential dwelling)

 specific uses and specific flammables (e.g., dry cleaning, gasoline distribution, explosive dusts, pesticides, space heaters, plastics manufacturing)

 permits and limitations in various building occupancies (assembly hall, hospital, school, theater, elderly care, child care, prs that require a smoke detector, sprinkler system, fire extinguisher, or other specific equipment or procedures

 removal of interior and exterior obstructions to emergency exits or firefighters and removal of hazardous materials

 permits and limitations in special outdoor applications (tents, asphalt kettles, bonfires, etc.)

 other hazards (flammable decorations, welding, smoking, bulk matches, tire yards)

 Electrical safety code

 Fuel gas code

Enforcement of the Fire Code of the Philippines

 Processing and review of building plans

 Fire safety inspection of buildings, establishments and other structures or facilities covered by its implementing law

ISAT TESDA

QA SYSTEM

PRACTICE OCCUPATIONAL

HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURE

Date Developed:

07/28/2011 Developed by:

Bhelynda A.

Gonzales

Document No.

Revision No.

Page ___

of _____

Protecting Your Life and property: Fire-proofing yourself

1. Eliminate fire hazards through good housekeeping. Regularly dispose of waste papers, rubbish, and other flammable materials.

2. Keep matches out of children’s reach.

3. Oil, gas, lamps, and candles should be placed away from curtains. Put out the flame before going to bed.

4. Do not keep flammable materials like gasoline, alcohol, and paint inside the house.

5. Regularly check electrical installations, and have all frayed wirings and electrical fixtures changed or repaired by a licensed electrician.

ISAT TESDA

QA SYSTEM

PRACTICE OCCUPATIONAL

HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURE

Date Developed:

07/28/2011 Developed by:

Bhelynda A.

Gonzales

Document No.

Revision No.

Page ___

of _____

6. Do not overload electrical circuits by plugging additional lights and electrical appliances.

7. Blown fuses should not be replaced with wires or any metal.

8. Never leave a lighted cigarette/ cigar/ pipe unattended that may fall on flammable materials and start a fire.

9. Always turn off and unplug all electrical appliances.

10. Never leave the gas stove while cooking.

11. Always have a handy first-aid kit in the house.

In document CBLM OHS.docx (Page 64-70)