Fire Code of the Philippines

Republic Act No. 9514

Republic Act No. 6541 National Building Code of the

Philippines
International Building Code/International Fire Code
Contents of the Report
General Requirements
Fire Standards: Resistive Time Period
Design Modifications for Structure: Designs and
Systems for Fire Safety
Technical Drawings Associated with Fire Safety
General Notes, Drawing Symbols and Material
Specifications
Fire Safety in Buildings, Structures and
Facilities (Rule 10. Fire Safety; Chapter 2)
Division 2. General Requirements
A. Every building or structure, new or old, designed for
human occupancy shall be provided with exits
sufficient to permit the fast and safe escape of
occupants in case of fire or other emergency. The
design of exits and other fire safety construction shall
be such that reliance to safety to life in case of fire or
other emergency will not depend solely on any single
fire safety construction. Additional safeguards shall be
provided for life safety in case any single safeguard is
ineffective due to some human or mechanical failure.
Fire Safety in Buildings, Structures and
Facilities (Rule 10. Fire Safety; Chapter 2)
B. Every building or structure shall be designed, constructed,
equipped, maintained and operated to avoid danger to lives
and ensure safety of its occupants from fire, smoke and
fumes, during the period of escape from the building or
structure.
C. Every building or structure shall be provided with exits of
kind, number, location and capacity appropriate to the
individual building or structure, with due regard to the
character of the occupancy, the number of persons
exposed, the fire protection available and the height and
type of construction of the building or structure, to afford
all occupants convenient facilities for escape.
Fire Safety in Buildings, Structures and
Facilities (Rule 10. Fire Safety; Chapter 2)
D. Every exit of buildings or structures shall be arranged and
maintained to provide free and unobstructed egress from all
parts thereof at all times. No lock or fastening device that
would prevent escape from the inside of any building shall
be installed except in mental, penal, or correctional
institutions where personnel are continually on duty and
effective provisions are made to evacuate occupants in case
of fire or other emergencies.
E. Every exit shall be clearly visible. The route to the exit shall
be conspicuously marked in such a manner that every
occupant of a building or structure will readily know the
direction of escape. Each route of escape, in its entirety,
Fire Safety in Buildings, Structures and
Facilities (Rule 10. Fire Safety; Chapter 2)
shall be so arranged or marked that the way to a place of
safety outside is unmistakable. Any doorway not
constituting an exit shall be marked to minimize
confusion as an exit. Likewise, passage constituting a way
to reach an exit shall be marked to minimize confusion.
F. All means of egress shall be provided with adequate and
reliable illumination.
G. Fire alarm systems or devices shall be provided in every
building or structure of such size, arrangement, or
occupancy, to provide adequate warning to occupants.
Fire Safety in Buildings, Structures and
Facilities (Rule 10. Fire Safety; Chapter 2)
H. Every building, structure, section, or area thereof of such
size, occupancy and arrangement such that the reasonable
safety of a number of occupants may be endangered by the
blocking of any single means to egress due to fire or smoke,
shall have at least two means of egress remote from each
other, so arranged as to minimize any possibility that both
may be blocked by any one fire or other emergency
conditions.
I. Every vertical way of exit and other vertical openings
between floors of a building shall be suitably closed or
protected to afford reasonable safety of occupants while
using exits and to prevent spread of fire, smoke,
Fire Safety in Buildings, Structures and
Facilities (Rule 10. Fire Safety; Chapter 2)
or fumes through vertical openings from floor to floor before
occupants have entered exits.
J. Required Fire Safety Programs/Measures
1. In addition to the requirements, lessees or occupants of
buildings, structures or facilities shall observe all pertinent
fire safety measures;
2. All occupants or lessees of buildings, structures or facilities
shall organize themselves and develop and implement fire
safety programs to include among others, fire prevention in
the premises, notification of the BFP on the existence of a
fire, evacuation of persons and initial fire fighting.
Fire Safety in Buildings, Structures and
Facilities (Rule 10. Fire Safety; Chapter 2)
The building owner shall take the initiative of
formulating the fire safety program for his building and
of organizing the occupants to implement the programs.
3. In buildings, leased to and used by one or several
companies or persons, the management of each company
or each person shall be responsible for fire safety
measures within the leased or occupied areas. The
building owner shall be responsible for the common
areas in the building such as the means of egress,
utilities, and building service equipment or systems.
Fire Safety in Buildings, Structures and
Facilities (Rule 10. Fire Safety; Chapter 2)
4. In building, structures or facilities, such as
condominiums and the like, where some units of the
building are not yet sold, the provisions of paragraph J
sub-para 3 above shall apply. When all condominium
units have been sold, responsibility for fire safety measures
in the common areas such as the means of egress, utilities,
building equipment/system and the building as a whole,
shall devolve jointly upon all individual unit owners or
occupants.
K. Compliance with this Chapter shall not be construed as
eliminating or reducing the necessity from complying with
the other provisions for safety of persons using a structure
Fire Safety in Buildings, Structures and
Facilities (Rule 10. Fire Safety; Chapter 2)
under normal occupancy conditions. Also, no provision
of the Fire Code of the Philippines and this IRR shall be
construed as requiring or permitting any condition that
might be hazardous under normal occupancy
conditions.
L. Construction and Repair Operations
1. New Construction
a. No building or structure under construction shall be
occupied in whole or in part until all required means of
egress required for the part to be occupied are
completed, inspected and approved for occupancy.
Fire Safety in Buildings, Structures and
Facilities (Rule 10. Fire Safety; Chapter 2)
b. Adequate escape facilities shall be maintained at all
times in buildings under construction for the use of
construction workers. These facilities shall consist of
doors, walkways, stairs, ramps, fire escapes, or other
arrangements in accordance with the general
guidelines of the Fire Code of the Philippines and its
IRR in so far as they can reasonably be applied to
buildings under construction.
2. Repairs or Alterations
a. Existing buildings may be occupied during repairs or
alterations provided that all existing fire
Fire Safety in Buildings, Structures and
Facilities (Rule 10. Fire Safety; Chapter 2)
protection systems/devices are continuously
maintained or, in lieu thereof, other measures are
taken to provide equivalent safety.
Fire-resistive Requirements and Standards
For Fire Protection

Recall: Five Types of Construction

Type I Fire Resistive
Type II Noncombustible
Type III Ordinary
Type IV Heavy Timber
Type V Wood Frame
Fire-resistive Requirements and Standards
For Fire Protection
R.A. 6541 Chapter 2.o2
Section 2.02.01: Fire Resistive Requirements
a. Exterior bearing and non-bearing walls of Types II and III
construction shall have one-hour fire-resistive rating; while
those of Types IV and V shall have four-hour fire-resistive
rating.
b. Interior bearing walls, permanent partitions, floors and
roofs of Type II to IV construction shall have one-hour fire-
resistive rating; while those of Type V shall have three-hour
fire-resistive rating for walls, one-hour fire-resistive rating for
partitions, and two-hour fire-resistive rating for vertical
openings, floors and roofs.
Fire-resistive Requirements and Standards
For Fire Protection
c. Structural frames of Types II and III constructions shall have
one-hour fire-resistive rating; those of Type IV shall have two-
hour fire-resistive rating; and those of Type V shall have three-
hour fire-resistive rating.
d. Exterior doors and windows shall have three-fourths-hour
fire-resistive rating for all types of construction.

Section 2.02.02: Fire-Resistive Standards

a. General Materials and systems of fire-resistive purposes shall
be classified according to their fire-resistive ratings as
determined by internationally accepted testing methods,
subject to the provisions of this section.
Fire-resistive Requirements and Standards
For Fire Protection
b. One-Hour Fire-Resistive Time Period Rating
1. The following walls and partitions shall have a one-hour fire-resistive
rating: Solid masonry, 10 centimeters (4 inches) thick; hollow unit
masonry, 15 centimeters (6 inches) thick; solid concrete, 10 centimeters (4
inches) thick; stud walls covered on each side with 1.9 centimeters (3/4
inch) lath and plaster, 1.6 centimeters (5/8 inch) of vermiculite gypsum
board, or 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) of gypsum board; and 5 centimeters (2
inches) nominal thickness tongue and groove wood, or two layers of 1.9
centimeters (3/4 inch) tongue and groove wood separated by sheet metal
or asbestos paper and treated on each side with a fire-retardant coating
having a flame-spread rating of 50 or less. Square-edged boards may be
used is the layers are laid at right angles with each other.
Fire-resistive Requirements and Standards
For Fire Protection
2. The following floors shall have a one-hour fire-resistive rating:
masonry or concrete, 10 centimeters (4 inches) thick; wood joists
having two layers of flooring above and a plaster or gypsum board
ceiling, 1.9 centimeters (3/4 inch) in thickness - the two layers of
flooring shall be separated by sheet metal or asbestos building paper;
6.3 centimeters (2-1/2 inches) net thickness tongue and grooved
wood floors covered with 1.9 centimeters (3/4 inch) wood flooring
laid at right angles thereto. The supporting beams for such floors
shall be not less than 15 centimeters (6 inches) in minimum
dimension.
3. The following protections for metal structural members shall have
one-hour fire-resistive rating: 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) of concrete;
3.8 centimeters (1-1/2 inches) of masonry; and metal lath and 2.5
centimeters (1 inch) of plaster.
Fire-resistive Requirements and Standards
For Fire Protection
4. The following shall also have a one-hour fire-resistive rating;
wood columns, 20 centimeters (8 inches) or more in least
dimension; and wood beams, 15 centimeters (6 inches) or more in
least dimension.

c. Two-Hour Fire-Resistive Time Period Rating

1. The following partitions, walls, and floors shall have a two-hour
fire-resistive rating: solid masonry, 15 centimeters (6 inches) thick;
hollow unit masonry, 20 centimeters (8 inches) thick; and solid
concrete, 127 centimeters (5 inches) thick.
2. The following protections for metal structural members shall
have a two-hour fire-resistive rating. 3.8 centimeters (1-1/2 inches)
of concrete; 5 centimeters (2 inches) of masonry;
Fire-resistive Requirements and Standards
For Fire Protection
and two layers of metal lath and plaster with 1.9 centimeters
(3/4 inch) air space between and having a total thickness of 6.3
centimeters (2-1/2 inches).

d. Three-Hour Fire-Resistive Time Period Rating

1. The following partitions, walls, and floors shall have a three-
hour fire-resistive rating: solid masonry, 17.8 centimeters (7
inches) thick; hollow unit masonry, 25.4 centimeters (10 inches)
thick; and solid concrete, 15 centimeters (6 inches) thick.
2. The following protection for metal structural members shall
have a three-hour fire resistive rating: centimeters (2 inches) of
concrete; 7.6 centimeters (3 inches) of masonry.
Fire-resistive Requirements and Standards
For Fire Protection
e. Four-Hour Fire-Resistive Time Rating
1. The following partitions, walls, and floors shall have a four-hour
fire resistive rating: solid masonry walls, 20 centimeters (8 inches)
thick; hollow unit masonry, 30 centimeters (12 inches) thick; and
solid concrete, 17.8 centimeters (7 inches) thick.

f. Steel Joists. Steel joist floors shall have from one to four-hour fire-
resistive rating based on internationally accepted standards of
engineering.

g. Flame-Proof Materials. Materials required to be flame-proofed

shall be treated with a flame-retardant having flame-spread rating of
50 less as determined by the "Tunnel Test".
Fire-resistive Requirements and Standards
For Fire Protection
Section 2.02.03 Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish
a. General. Finishes for interior walls and ceilings of any
building shall be classified according to their flame-spread
characteristics using the internationally accepted "Tunnel
Test" or other equivalent test for fire protection. The class of
materials according to flame-spread characteristics shall be
determined for each occupancy group. The smoke density
shall not be greater than that obtain from the burning of
untreated wood under similar conditions when tested in
accordance with the "Tunnel Test" in the way intended for
use. The products of combustion shall be no more toxic than
the burning of untreated wood under similar conditions.
Fire-resistive Requirements and Standards
For Fire Protection
b. Interior Finish Materials. Interior walls and ceiling
finish shall mean interior wainscoting, panelling, or other
finish applied structurally or for decoration, acoustical
correction, surface insulation or similar purposes.
Requirements for finishes shall not apply to trim, doors,
and windows or their frames, nor to materials which are
less than one millimeter (0.039 inch) in thickness
cemented to an incombustible backing. Interior finish
materials applied to walls and ceilings shall be tested as
specified herein and regulated for purposes of limiting
flame-spread.
Fire-resistive Requirements and Standards
For Fire Protection
Section 2.02.04 Promulgation of Fire-Resistive Regulations

a. The Secretary shall promulgate appropriate standards and

regulations on the testing of materials for flame-spread
characteristics; application of controlled interior finish; finishes
based on occupancy; materials and tests on fire dampers, fire tests of
building construction and materials, fire tests of door assemblies,
tin-clad fire doors, fire test of window assemblies, installation of fire
door and fire windows, and smoke and fire detectors for fire
protective signalling systems; fire-resistive protection of structural
members; fire-resistive walls and partitions; fire-resistive floor-
ceilings or roof-ceilings; fire-resistive assemblies for protection of
openings; and fire-retardant roof coverings.
Design Modifications for Structures:
Design and Systems for Fire Safety
A. Automatic Sprinkler System
An automatic sprinkler system, for fire protection
purposes, is an integrated system of underground and
overhead piping designed in accordance with fire
protection engineering standards. The system includes
suitable water supply. The portion of the system above the
ground is a network of specially sized or hydraulically
designed piping installed in a structure or area, generally
overhead, and to which automatic sprinklers are connected
in a systematic pattern. The system is usually activated by
heat from a fire and discharges water over the fire area.
Design Modifications for Structures:
Design and Systems for Fire Safety
A. Automatic Sprinkler System
Design Modifications for Structures:
Design and Systems for Fire Safety
B. Stand-Pipe Systems
A rigid water piping system, built vertically extending
from a water supply, to which hoses can be connected
allowing manual application of water to fire.
There are 3 classes of stand-pipe systems:
a. Class I system A system providing 64 mm hose
connections to supply water for use by fire
departments and those trained in handling heavy fire
streams.
Design Modifications for Structures:
Design and Systems for Fire Safety
b. Class II system A system providing 38 mm hose
stations to supply water for use primarily by the
building occupants or by the fire department during
initial response.
c. Class III system A system providing 38 mm hose
stations to supply water for use by building occupants
and 64 mm hose connections to supply a larger volume
of water for use by the fire departments and those
trained in handling heavy fire streams.
Design Modifications for Structures:
Design and Systems for Fire Safety
B. Stand-Pipe Systems
Design Modifications for Structures:
Design and Systems for Fire Safety
C. Portable Fire Extinguishers
An agent that prevents chemical reactions between the elements
of the fire triangle (oxygen, heat, and fuel) to stop or eliminate
combustion.

There are different types of fire extinguishers used on every class

of fire.

Classes of Fire
Class A involves solid materials such as wood, paper or textile
Class B involves flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel or oils
Design Modifications for Structures:
Design and Systems for Fire Safety
Class C involves gases
Class D involves metals
Class E involves live electrical apparatus
Class F involves cooking oils such as deep-fat fryers

Types of Fire Extinguishers

a. Water and Foam Fire Extinguishers extinguishes fire by
taking away the heat. Foam agents separate the oxygen
element from the other elements. This can only be used for
Class A fires only.
Design Modifications for Structures:
Design and Systems for Fire Safety
b. Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers takes away the
oxygen element and also removes the heat with a very cold
discharge. This type is commonly used on Classes B and C.
c. Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers extinguishes fire by
interrupting the chemical reaction between the elements of
fire triangle. This type is effective for Class A, B, and C fires.
d. Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers removes the heat
element and prevents re-ignition by creating a barrier
between the oxygen and fuel elements. This is used mostly
on Class F fires, but can also be used for Class A fires in
commercial kitchens.
Design Modifications for Structures:
Design and Systems for Fire Safety
e. Clean Agent Extinguisher also known as
Halogenated extinguisher, contains halon agents as
well as the less ozone depleting halocarbon agents,
extinguishes fire by interrupting the chemical reaction
between the elements. Primarily used for Class B and
C fires, sometimes for Class A.
f. Dry Powder Extinguisher extinguishes fire by
separating the fuel from the oxygen element or by
removing the heat element of the fire triangle. This
type can only be used for Class D fires and is ineffective
to all other classes.
Design Modifications for Structures:
Design and Systems for Fire Safety
g. Water Mist Extinguishers extinguish fire by taking
away the heat element of the fire triangle. An
alternative for clean agent extinguisher where
contamination is a concern. This is used primarily for
Class A fires, though it is safe to use for Class C fires as
well.
h. Cartridge Operated Dry Chemical Extinguisher
extinguishes fire primarily by interrupting chemical
reaction. Also works by creating a barrier between the
oxygen and fuel elements. This is effective for Class A,
B and C fires.
Design Modifications for Structures:
Design and Systems for Fire Safety
Types of Fire Extinguishers
Design Modifications for Structures:
Design and Systems for Fire Safety
D. Fire Alarm and Detection Systems
A system or a portion of a combination of systems
consisting of components and circuits arranged to
monitor and annunciate the status of fire alarm or
supervisory signal-initiating devices and to initiate the
appropriate response to the signals.
Design Modifications for Structures:
Design and Systems for Fire Safety
D. Fire Alarm and Detection Systems
Design Modifications for Structures:
Design and Systems for Fire Safety
E. Emergency Alarm Systems
A system to provide indication and warning of
emergency situations involving hazardous materials.
This is usually used in workplaces as protection for
people from dangerous substances in case danger is
detected.
Design Modifications for Structures:
Design and Systems for Fire Safety
E. Emergency Alarm System
Design Modifications for Structures:
Design and Systems for Fire Safety
F. Smoke Control System
A single- or multi-station alarm system responsive to
the detection of smoke. It consists of a detector, the
control equipment and the alarm sounding device.
Design Modifications for Structures:
Design and Systems for Fire Safety
F. Smoke Control System
Design Modifications for Structures:
Design and Systems for Fire Safety
G. Smoke and Heat Vents
Vents that are installed to a building as an active fire
protection measure. They are openings on roofs which
are intended to vent the heat and smoke developed by
a fire inside the building by the action of buoyancy,
such that they are known as gravity vents.
Design Modifications for Structures:
Design and Systems for Fire Safety
G. Smoke and Heat Vents
Design Modifications for Structures:
Design and Systems for Fire Safety
H. Explosion Control
A system designed for the prevention, suppression and
control of explosions in enclosures that contain
flammable concentrations of gases, vapors, mists,
dusts, or hybrid mixtures.
Design Modifications for Structures:
Design and Systems for Fire Safety
H. Explosion Control
Design Modifications for Structures:
Design and Systems for Fire Safety
I. Fire Department Connections
A connection through which the fire department can
pump supplemental water into the sprinkler system,
standpipe, or other systems, furnishing water for fire
extinguishment to supplement existing water supplies.
Design Modifications for Structures:
Design and Systems for Fire Safety
I. Fire Department Connections
Design Modifications for Structures:
Design and Systems for Fire Safety
J. Fire Pumps
A part of a fire sprinkler systems water supply and
powered by electricity, diesel or steam. The pump
intake is either connected to the public underground
water supply piping, or a static water source (tanks,
reservoirs, lakes, etc.). The pump provides water flow
at a higher pressure to the sprinkler system risers and
hose standpipes.
Design Modifications for Structures:
Design and Systems for Fire Safety
J. Fire Pumps
Technical Drawings associated with Fire
Safety