In the Know: Fire Code
A fire safety inspection certificate from the Bureau of Fire Protection is required before business permits are issued for building structures.
Under the rules of the Revised Fire Code, the city or municipal fire marshal, or the designated head of the city or municipal fire station, is tasked to conduct fire safety inspections of all buildings, structures, facilities and premises, storage facilities and transportation vehicles of hazardous materials and determine compliance with the law.
The fire safety inspector shall inspect every building within his area at least once a year and every time the owner or occupant renews his business permit to operate, according to the fire code.
The fire safety inspection includes a review of the building plan and an inspection by the fire marshal during and after construction or renovation before a fire safety inspection certificate is issued.
The law states that fire safety measures are required for the manufacture, storage, handling and use of hazardous materials, such as cellulose nitrate plastic of any kind, combustible fibers, cellular materials, such as foam, rubber, sponge and plastic foam, combustible liquids or gases, flammable paints, varnishes, stains and organic coatings, and metallic magnesium in any form, among others.
Safety measures are required for hazardous operations, such as welding or soldering, industrial baking and drying, waste disposal, smelting and forging, and motion picture projection using electrical arc lamps, among others.
The fire bureau, which is responsible for enforcing the fire code, is an agency of the interior department.–Compiled by Ana Roa, Inquirer Research
Sources: bfp.gov.ph
