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FIRECODE

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129 views4 pages

FIRECODE

Uploaded by

Zenitsu Chan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Fire Code of the Philippines:

The Fire Code of the Philippines, or Republic Act No. 9514, is legislation specifically focused on
fire prevention, suppression, and safety measures within buildings and structures. It was enacted
in 2008 as a response to the need for a comprehensive fire code that addresses the growing
urbanization and fire hazards in the country.
The Fire Code aims to safeguard life, property, and the environment from the destructive effects
of fire. It establishes guidelines for fire prevention, fire safety inspections, fire protection
systems, fire drills, emergency preparedness, and the training of personnel involved in fire
safety.
The code covers a broad range of topics related to fire safety, including building construction and
design requirements, fire detection and alarm systems, automatic sprinkler systems, fire
extinguishing systems, means of egress in case of fire, fire hydrant and hose systems, and fire
safety plans. It also provides guidelines for fire prevention measures, such as regulations on
hazardous materials, electrical installations, and smoking areas within buildings.
Conclusion:
The National Building Code of the Philippines and the Fire Code of the Philippines are essential
legislative frameworks that ensure the safety, functionality, and fire protection of buildings in the
country. As an architecture student, understanding the meaning and contents of these codes is
crucial for designing and constructing buildings that comply with the highest standards of safety,
accessibility, and sustainability. By adhering to these codes, architects, engineers, and builders

1. Fire Code of the Philippines

The Fire Code of the Philippines focuses specifically on fire safety measures, prevention,
and emergency response procedures for buildings. It is enforced by the Bureau of Fire
Protection (BFP) and covers areas such as fire prevention, fire protection systems,
evacuation planning, fire safety inspections, and training. Here are some advantages and
disadvantages of the Fire Code:

Advantages:
- Fire safety: The Fire Code emphasizes the importance of fire prevention and response,
ensuring that buildings are equipped with appropriate fire safety measures, such as fire
alarms, extinguishers, sprinkler systems, and clear evacuation routes.
- Life safety: The code prioritizes the safety of occupants during fire incidents, aiming to
minimize casualties and injuries.
- Specialized focus: By concentrating on fire safety, the Fire Code provides detailed and
specific guidelines that address the unique challenges and risks associated with fires.
Disadvantages:
- Potential conflicts with other codes: The Fire Code may have requirements that differ
from or conflict with other codes, such as the National Building Code, leading to
discrepancies or confusion during implementation.
- Compliance challenges: Ensuring compliance with the Fire Code can be complex and
costly, particularly for existing buildings that may require retrofitting or modifications to
meet fire safety standards.
- Limited scope: While fire safety is crucial, the Fire Code's focus on this aspect may
result in relatively less attention given to other aspects of building design and
construction.

It's important to note that the advantages and disadvantages mentioned above are general
in nature and may vary depending on specific contexts, interpretations, and updates to the
codes. Consulting the latest versions of the National Building Code and the Fire Code, as
well as seeking guidance from professionals and relevant authorities, is essential for
accurate and up-to-date information.

FIRE EXIT ON NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES


SECTION 8.01.07: Stairs, Exits,

(a) General. The construction of stairs exits, and occupant loads shall conform to requirements
for occupants of buildings, reviewing stands, bleachers, and grandstands.

Exit Requirements. Exit requirements of a building or portion thereof used for different purposes
shall be determined by the occupant load which gives the largest number of persons. No
obstruction shall be placed at the required width of an exit except projections permitted by this
code.

Arrangement of Exits. If only two exits are required they shall be placed a distance apart equal
to not less than one-fifth of the perimeter of the area served measured in a straight line between
exits. Where three or more exits are required they shall be arranged a reasonable distance apart
so that if one becomes blocked others will be available.

Distance to Exits. No point in an unsprinkled building shall be more than 45.00 meters (150
feet) from an exterior exit door, a horizontal exit, an exit passageway, or an enclosed stairway,
measured along the line of travel. A In building equipped with a complete automatic fire-
extinguishing system the distance from exits may be increased to 60.00 meters (200 feet).

FIRE EXIT ON FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES


SECTION 10.2.10.3 EXIT DETAILS
A. Capacity of Exits. Capacity of means of egress shall be in accordance with Section
10.2.5.2 para “C” of this RIRR.
B. Minimum Number of Exits
1. Every room or space with a capacity of fifty (50) or more persons or over
ninety-three square meters (93 m2 ) in area shall have at least two (2) doorways as remote
from each other as practicable. Such doorways shall provide access to separate exits; but
where egress is through corridors, they shall open upon a common corridor leading to
separate exits in opposite directions.
2. Not less than two (2) separate exits shall be provided on every storey and
accessible from every part of every storey and mezzanine.
C. Travel Distance to Exits
Travel distance to an exit from any point in a building without an approved, supervised
automatic sprinkler system shall not exceed forty-six meters (46 m), and shall not exceed sixty-
one meters (61 m) in any building protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic
sprinkler system.
CONCLUSION
It is essential to understand the fire exit requirements outlined in both the National
Building Code of the Philippines and the Fire Code of the Philippines. These codes provide
guidelines for the design and placement of fire exits to ensure the safety of building occupants in
the event of an emergency.
According to the National Building Code, the construction of stairs, exits, and occupant
loads must adhere to the requirements specified for various types of buildings. The occupant
load, which refers to the number of people in a building, determines the exit requirements. The
width of exits should not be obstructed, except for projections allowed by the code. When there
are only two exits required, they should be positioned a distance apart equal to at least one-fifth
of the perimeter of the area served. If three or more exits are needed, they should be arranged
reasonably apart to ensure availability if one becomes blocked. Additionally, the distance from
any point within an unsprinkled building to an exterior exit door, horizontal exit, exit
passageway, or enclosed stairway should not exceed 45.00 meters (150 feet). However, in
buildings equipped with a complete automatic fire-extinguishing system, this distance can be
increased to 60.00 meters (200 feet).
Moving on to the Fire Code of the Philippines, it emphasizes the capacity and number of
exits required for different spaces within a building. Rooms or spaces accommodating 50 or
more people or exceeding 93 square meters (93 m2) in area should have a minimum of two
doorways. These doorways should be placed as far apart as possible and lead to separate exits. In
cases where egress is through corridors, the doorways should open onto a common corridor,
which leads to separate exits in opposite directions. Furthermore, each floor must have at least
two separate exits accessible from every part of the floor and mezzanine.
In terms of travel distance to exits, the Fire Code states that in buildings without an
approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system, the travel distance should not exceed 46 meters
(46 m) from any point within the building to an exit. However, if the building is protected
throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system, the travel distance can be
extended to a maximum of 61 meters (61 m).
Understanding and complying with these fire exit regulations are crucial for architects
and designers when planning the layout and evacuation strategies of buildings. By adhering to
these guidelines, architects can ensure the safety of building occupants during emergencies and
contribute to the overall fire safety of the built environment.
We have examined the fire exit requirements specified in both the National Building
Code of the Philippines (NBCP) and the Fire Code of the Philippines. While there are similarities
between the two codes, there are slight differences when it comes to the travel time to exits.
According to the NBCP, the distance from any point in an unsprinkled building to an
exterior exit door, a horizontal exit, an exit passageway, or an enclosed stairway should not
exceed 45.00 meters (150 feet) along the line of travel. However, if the building is equipped with
a complete automatic fire-extinguishing system, this distance may be increased to 60.00 meters
(200 feet).
On the other hand, the Fire Code of the Philippines specifies that the travel distance to an
exit from any point in a building without an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system
should not exceed 46 meters (151 feet). In buildings protected throughout by an approved,
supervised automatic sprinkler system, this travel distance can be extended to 61 meters (200
feet).
In both codes, the aim is to ensure that occupants can reach a place of safety within a
reasonable distance in case of a fire or emergency. However, the NBCP allows for slightly
longer travel distances in buildings equipped with automatic fire-extinguishing systems.
It is important for architects to be aware of these variations and ensure compliance with
the specific code applicable to their projects. Proper consideration of travel distance to exits is
crucial for the safety and well-being of building occupants during emergency situations.

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