🛡️
Lesson 2
Fire Prevention
In This Lesson
1. Fire Code of the Philippines (RA 9514)
Republic Act 9514, also known as the Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008, is the primary law governing fire safety in the country.
Key Provisions
- •BFP Authority: Primary agency responsible for fire prevention and suppression
- •Fire Safety Inspection: Mandatory for all buildings and structures
- •FSIC Requirement: Certificate required before occupancy permit is issued
- •Fire Drills: Required at least once per semester for schools
- •Fire Safety Practitioners: Must be duly accredited by BFP
Implementing Rules & Regulations (IRR)
- Rule 1: Administration and Enforcement
- Rule 2: Definition of Terms
- Rule 3: General Fire Safety Requirements
- Rule 4: Fire Safety Measures for Buildings and Structures
- Rule 5: Fire Safety Requirements for Hazardous Operations and Processes
- Rule 6: Fire Safety in Transportation
- Rule 7: Fire Safety During Construction
- Rule 8: Fire Safety Requirements for High-Rise Buildings
- Rule 9: Fire Safety Requirements for Assembly Occupancies
- Rule 10: Penal Provisions and Abatement of Fire Hazards
Penalties Under RA 9514
- Administrative Fine: ₱10,000 - ₱50,000 for violations
- Imprisonment: 6 months - 6 years for willful violations
- Revocation: Permits and licenses may be revoked
- Civil Liability: Damages from fire caused by negligence
2. BFP Organization & Functions
The Bureau of Fire Protection is the primary agency responsible for fire prevention and suppression in the Philippines.
BFP Functions
- 1. Enforce all fire safety laws and regulations
- 2. Investigate causes of fires and recommend corrective measures
- 3. Enforce Fire Code and approve building plans
- 4. Suppress destructive fires and assist in rescue operations
- 5. Conduct fire safety inspections
- 6. Issue Fire Safety Inspection Certificates
- 7. Provide fire safety education and training
BFP Structure
National Level
- • Chief, BFP
- • Deputy Chief for Administration
- • Deputy Chief for Operations
- • Directorial Staff
Regional/District
- • Regional Director
- • Provincial Fire Marshal
- • City/Municipal Fire Marshal
- • Fire Stations
3. Active Fire Protection Systems
Active systems require some action or mechanical operation to function in a fire emergency.
Fire Extinguishers
Placement Requirements:
- • Maximum travel distance: 75 ft
- • Height: 3.5 - 5 ft from floor
- • Visible and accessible
- • Near exit paths
Maintenance:
- • Monthly visual inspection
- • Annual maintenance
- • Hydrostatic test every 5-12 years
Automatic Sprinkler Systems
Water-based fire suppression that activates automatically when heat is detected.
Types:
- • Wet pipe (most common)
- • Dry pipe (freezing areas)
- • Pre-action
- • Deluge
Required In:
- • High-rise buildings
- • Assembly occupancies
- • Large commercial buildings
- • Storage facilities
Fire Alarm Systems
Detection Devices:
- • Smoke detectors (ionization, photoelectric)
- • Heat detectors (fixed temp, rate-of-rise)
- • Flame detectors
- • Manual pull stations
Notification Devices:
- • Bells and horns
- • Sirens
- • Strobe lights
- • Voice evacuation
Standpipe Systems
Fixed piping with hose connections for firefighting.
- Class I: 2½" connections for fire department use
- Class II: 1½" connections for building occupant use
- Class III: Both 2½" and 1½" connections (combination)
4. Passive Fire Protection Systems
Passive systems are built into the structure and work without mechanical action or human intervention.
Fire-Rated Construction
- Fire-rated walls: Prevent horizontal fire spread
- Fire-rated floors: Prevent vertical fire spread
- Ratings: 1-hour, 2-hour, 3-hour, 4-hour
- Materials: Concrete, gypsum board, masonry
Fire Doors
- • Self-closing mechanism
- • Proper fire rating
- • Must not be blocked or propped open
- • Labeled and approved
Means of Egress
- Exit access: Path to reach exit
- Exit: Protected path (stairwell)
- Exit discharge: Public way
- • Minimum 2 exits required
Compartmentalization
- • Divide building into fire areas
- • Limit fire spread
- • Smoke barriers
- • Draft stopping
5. Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC)
The FSIC is issued by the BFP after a building has complied with fire safety requirements.
When FSIC is Required
- • Before issuance of building permit (new construction)
- • Before issuance of occupancy permit
- • Before issuance of business permit
- • Annual renewal for business establishments
- • Before alteration or renovation permits
FSIC Application Process
- Submit application with required documents
- Pay inspection fee
- Fire Safety Inspector conducts inspection
- Comply with any deficiencies noted
- Re-inspection if needed
- FSIC issued upon compliance
Fire Safety Inspection Checklist
- ✓ Fire extinguishers (proper type, location)
- ✓ Fire alarm system (functional)
- ✓ Emergency lights
- ✓ Exit signs (illuminated)
- ✓ Means of egress (clear, unobstructed)
- ✓ Fire doors (self-closing)
- ✓ Electrical safety
- ✓ Storage of flammables
- ✓ Fire drill records
- ✓ Sprinkler system (if required)
BFP Fire Prevention Tips
- ✓Know RA 9514 - the Fire Code is heavily tested in BFP exams.
- ✓Understand FSIC - know when it's required and the process.
- ✓Learn fire protection systems - both active and passive systems.
- ✓Study BFP structure - know the organizational hierarchy.