CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Fire inspection is conducted by the Bureau of Fire Protection to assess the

potential fire safety hazards in a building. Its type and frequency varies from one

to another, depending on the location of the building or installation, relevant laws,

local and special regulations applicable for the type of building occupancy. The

building under inspection should meet a set of standard codes related to fire

safety in connection with but not limited to fire detection and alarm systems,

types of operational state of fire extinguishers, fire hydrants and pumps and

means of egress and emergency signage.

Fire inspections are conducted yearly or unnoticed at any time. There are

a few base codes, which are the guiding principles for conducting the inspection

for the safety of the occupants and users of the building and the installation.

These inspections are very useful for the users, owners and occupants to comply

with the law and construction standards to update with the present safety

requirements, to point out the faults and take appropriate remedial actions and for

overall satisfaction.

Fire safety is the set of practices intended to reduce the destruction cause

by fire. Fire safety measures include those are intended to prevent ignition of an

uncontrolled fire and those that are used to limit the development and effects of

fire after it starts. 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 commonly referred to as fire hazards. A fire

hazard may include a situation that increases the likelihood of a fire or may
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impede escape in the event of 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 Safety Inspectors.

Fire safety policies apply at the construction of a building and throughout

its operating life. Building codes are enacted by national government to ensure

such features as adequate fire exits, signage and construction details such as fire

stops and fire-rated doors, windows and walls. Fire safety is also an objective of

electrical codes to prevent overheating of wiring equipment and to protect from

ignition by electrical faults. Fire codes regulate such requirements as the

maximum occupancy for buildings such as theatres or restaurants, for example.

Fire codes may require portable fire extinguishers within a building or may require

permanently installed fire detection and suppression equipment such as fire

sprinkler system and fire alarm system.

The Bureau of Fire Protection, which is in charge with fire safety and

prevention, conducts regular inspections such items as usable fire exits and

proper exit signage, functional fire extinguishers of the correct type in accessible

places and proper storage and handling of flammable materials. Depending on

recommendations by the fire safety inspectors and approval of the Fire Marshal,

a fire safety inspection may result in an issuance and service of Notice to Comply

or an issuance and service of Closure Order until it can be put into compliance

with fire code requirements.

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Owners and managers of a building must implement additional fire

policies. For example, an industrial site may designate and train particular

employees as a fire brigade. Managers and owners must ensure that buildings

comply with evacuation and that building features such as fire exits. Fire policies

may be in place to dictate training and awareness of occupants and users of the

building. Institutions such as schools should conduct fire drills at regular intervals

throughout the year.

Annual inspection by the Fire department is performed to assess and

mitigate potential fire and life safety hazards in buildings. Most fire departments

provide written report of any corrections that are necessary. These inspections

vary in type and frequency, depending on the jurisdiction, city, and province. How

the fire inspectors perform these inspections also vary dramatically from area to

area. The type of inspection performed is related to several issues. It is important

to understand the codes, standards and ordinances in the jurisdiction and how

they may affect inspection. Codes tell us what requirements need to be met and

what features of fire protection (e.g. fire sprinkler system, fire alarm system, etc.)

need to be installed.

Generally, the Fire Code is promulgated by consensus groups made up of

industry representatives such as code officials, manufacturers, system installers,

special experts, etc. Standards tell us how to properly install equipment or

systems required in the code. Training and experiences of the inspector also

impact the inspection process and can negatively or positively influence the

inspection. Different types of occupancies may have different requirements. The

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processes or products used in a building may also require different systems or

protections. If the building is a special use, such as high-rise, there are additional

code requirement. Inspections benefit the building and business owners, as well

as those who use the building by offering a safer working or living environment

for employees and residents.

The goal of the Fire Safety Inspection is to assist organizations in making

their business a safe place for customers and employees. Fire safety inspectors

work to ensure that, if a fire were to occur, damage is limited as much as possible

and firefighters can operate efficiently and safely. Buildings are inspected

depending on the type of business operating in the building as staffing allows. A

list of the most common hazards to assist in preparing business for fire safety

inspection is also provided.

In this study, the researchers opted to compare the general procedures of

inspection in Valenzuela City Fire Station in comparative to Taipei City Fire

Department (Taiwan). Valenzuela City is one of the highly urbanized cities in the

Philippines and there was this tragedy at Kentex Manufacturing that created an

impact to the Bureau which until in the present date, some issues were not yet

solved. The issues like who are to be liable or if there were mistakes done by Fire

Safety Inspectors who conducted the fire safety inspection. On the other hand,

Taipei City Fire Department is within a highly urbanized city in Taiwan, which the

researchers can learn and study their techniques in conducting fire safety

inspection that hopefully can be applied in the Philippines.

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Background of the Study

Valenzuela City Fire Station

The Valenzuela City Fire Station is one of the most advanced fire stations

in Metro Manila and in the whole country. The fire station is manned with 184

personnel, broken as 10 commissioned officers and 174 non-commissioned

officers. The fire station has a total of 18 firetrucks. From the 17,362 total of

business renewals, the Valenzuela City Fire Station has already inspected a total

of 11,300 establishments including high rise buildings as of June 30, 2018 and

issued at least 9,000 Fire Safety Inspection Certificates. Annually, the Valenzuela

City Fire Station inspects all establishments with 100 percent compliance.

Because of the dedication and commitment of the personnel, the

Valenzuela City Fire Station was adjudged as the Best Fire City Station in the

country in 2017 and included as one of the safest cities in Asia.

At present, the Valenzuela City Fire Station is headed by a City Fire

marshal with a rank of a Fire Superintendent. It has several divisions to achieve

the mandates of the fire station.

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Figure 1. Organizational Structure of Valenzuela City Fire Station

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Figure 2 below shows the flowchart on the conduct of fire safety inspection

by the Valenzuela City Fire Station.

Figure 2. Fire Safety Inspection Flowchart of Valenzuela City Fire Station

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Taipei City Fire Department

Taipei City Fire Department was upgraded from “Fire and Police District

Headquarter” under Taipei City Police Department on July 10, 1995, and became

the country’s first level-1 fire authority established by a local government. The

department initially had 1,638 employees who belonged to five divisions (Fire

Safety Control, Disaster Prevention, Disaster & Rescue, Fire Investigation, and

Logistics), two centers (Training and Emergency Dispatch), four offices

(Administrative Services, Personnel, Accounting, and Government Ethics), and

three district headquarters that oversaw five fire battalions and 41 fire stations.

Afterward, the department had reorganized twice to tackle the transformation and

reforms of fire safety policy.

The first reorganization took place in 2004, according to the amended

Disaster Prevention and Protection Act and the Organization Act of National Fire

Agency, and the aim to improve efficiency and to specify the distinction of

responsibilities, the Disaster Prevention Division and Safety Management

Division were renamed as “Fire Prevention Division” and “Disaster Management

Division” respectively. Besides, the city government established the Emergency

Medical Services (Ambulance) Division, the Inspector's Office, the 4th District

HQ, and one additional battalion for each of the City’s 12 administrative districts,

bringing the number of department employees to 1,761.

Then in 2011, in line with the amended Self-government Ordinance of Taipei

Municipal Government, Taipei City’s Emergency Operation Center (EOC) merged

with the fire department, and three divisions: Disaster Prevention and Planning,

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Resources and Response, and Information Systems were added to tackle the

affairs in EOC, while the Disaster Management Division was removed and the

Logistics Division was renamed as “Comprehensive Planning Division”, the

accountabilities and responsibilities were adjusted accordingly. After the

reorganization, the fire department consisted of eight divisions, five offices, two

centers, four district headquarters, 12 battalions, 45 stations, with a total of 2,063

personnel.

On top of the three major missions stipulated in the Fire Services Act: fire

prevention, disaster relief, and emergency rescue, the fire department provides

citizen-friendly services such as taking care of bee and snake attacks. Since the

Disaster Prevention and Protection Act was promulgated in 2000, the department

has served as an advisor to the city government for disaster-related issues. With

extensive experience in disaster prevention and rescue, the department is

committed to creating a safe, disaster-proof Taipei City with integrated resources

and year-round protection.

Present Organizational Structure

The department is managed by: Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner,

Chief Secretary and Senior Executive Officer and Senior Technical Specialist. It

is divided into the following divisions for tackling various affairs: Comprehensive

Planning Division, Disaster Prevention and Planning Division, Preparedness and

Response Division, Information Operation Division, Fire Prevention Division,

Disaster & Rescue Division, Fire Investigation Division, Emergency Medical

Services (Ambulance) Division, Inspector’s Office, Administrative Service Office,

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Training Center, Emergency Dispatch Center, Accounting Office, Personnel

Office and Government Ethics Office. And the Fire Safety Museum, established

due to popular demand. Field works falls on 4 district headquarters, which are

consisting of 12 battalions and a total of 44 fire stations.

The 1st District HQ includes 3 battalions: Zhongzheng, Wanhua and

Wenshan. There are 5 stations under the Zhongzheng Battalion: Huashan,

Zhongxiao, Quanzhou, Guting and Chengzhong; 2 stations under the Wanhua

Battalion: Shuangyuan and Longshan; and 4 stations under the Wenshan

Battalion: Wanfang, Jingmei, Muzha and Baoqiao.

The 2nd District HQ includes 3 battalions: Daan, Xinyi and Nangang.

There are 3 stations under the Daan Battalion: Jinhua, Anhe and Fuxing; 3

stations under the Xinyi Battalion: Xinyi, Yongji and Zhuangjing; and 3 stations

under the Nangang Battalion: Nangang, Jiuzhuang and Chengde.

The 3rd District HQ includes 3 battalions: Zhongshan, Songshan and

Neihu. There are 4 stations under the Zhongshan Battalion: Dazhi, Songjiang,

Yuanshan and Jianguo; 2 stations under the Songshan Battalion: Bade and

Zhonglun; and 4 stations under the Neihu Battalion: Dahu, Neihu, Donghu and

Minquan.

The 4th District HQ includes 3 battalions: Datong, Shilin and Beitou. There

are 3 stations under the Datong Battalion: Jiancheng, Yanping and Datong; 7

stations under the Shilin Battalion: Shuangxi, Shanzihou, Tianmu, Fuan, Zhezi,

Jiantan and Hougang; and 5 stations under the Beitou Battalion: Yangmingshan,

Guangming, Guandu, Shipai and Xiushan.

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Research Questions

This study aims to assess the work process on the issuance of Fire Safety

Inspection Certificate (FSIC) for Business Permit conducted by Valenzuela City

Fire Station in comparison with Taipei City Fire Department.

Specifically, the study will seek to answer the following question:

1. What are the existing general procedures on fire safety inspection on

issuance of Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) for business

permit in Valenzuela City Fire station (Philippines) and Taipei Fire

Department (Taiwan)?

2. How does Fire Safety Inspection procedure on the issuance of Fire

Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) for Business Permit in Valenzuela

City Fire Station as compared with Taipei City Fire Department?

Research Objectives

1. Determine the general procedures on the issuance of Fire Safety

Inspection Certificate (FSIC) for Business Permit at Valenzuela City

Fire Station and Taipei City Fire Department.

2. Assess the general procedures on the issuance of Fire Safety

Inspection Certificate (FSIC) for Business Permit at Valenzuela City

Fire Station and Taipei City Fire Department.

Significance of the Study

The relevance of the study is to contribute to the improvement of the

quality of fire safety inspection to eliminate and or reduce the danger of

disastrous fire to human life and property. As fire safety officers, the researchers’

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goal is to provide solutions and improvement of the present lapses on the fire

safety prevention with regards to fire safety inspection, which is one of the

primary mandates of the Bureau of Fire Protection. The researchers may

contribute ideas and points to consider in doing such duties in order to make their

operations efficient and effective. Particularly, the results of the study would

contribute to the following:

Bureau of Fire Protection. The findings of the study will provide useful

and empirical data on the problems being encountered by the fire safety

inspectors that will serve as benchmark for the review and the further formulation

of appropriate strategies in the implementation for the fire safety prevention.

Policy Makers of the Bureau of Fire Protection. The research results

will guide the policy makers of the Bureau of Fire Protection in crafting and

formulating policies and guidelines towards the improvement of fire safety

inspection on different building occupancies. The research will help find more

appropriate solutions that will help the public safety officers improve their

operations by means of considering the factors that hinder their operations during

fire safety inspection.

Implementers:

Fire Commissioned Officers. The Fire Commissioned Officers will be the

primary responsible for providing recommendations regarding fire safety

inspection conducted by the Bureau of Fire Protection. It also discloses the

different factors that come out from the problems occurred during fire safety

enforcement in relation to safety inspection. However, it will be significant for

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them to understand and realized the factors affecting on it and the lapses, which

the fire officers made. As the leaders or the head of the stations in the

municipalities and cities, they should be the one who knows to provide the basic

solution in handling problems involving fire inspections towards reduction of

disastrous fire to human life and property.

Fire Non-Commissioned Officers. The Non-Commissioned Officers will

be provided by this study the way or the comparative procedure on fire safety

inspection. The FNCOs are the one’s needed to be knowledgeable about the

process of fire safety inspection being enforced by the Fire Code of the

Philippines.

Valenzuela City Fire Station. The Valenzuela City Fire Station will be

provided with the solutions to problems encountered during the course of fire

safety inspection, which help them in acquiring high quality of techniques in

conducting fire safety inspection. It will also help to the efficiency and

effectiveness of fire safety inspection conducted by fire safety inspectors.

Fire Safety Inspectors. The Fire Safety Inspectors will be given an

opportunity to study the factors affecting the fire safety inspection in the

enforcement of the Fire code of the Philippines and to convey their

recommendations toward the possible solutions of their problems with regards to

their research. The Fire Safety Inspectors’ abilities to study and analyze problems

will be enhanced and be recognized as to formulating and crafting possible

solutions to their chosen topic to discuss and study.

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Future Researchers. The findings of the study will provide ideas and

knowledge that may serve as reference materials for their future researches on

similar areas of investigation. The researchers study will be a great help for

dissecting further information regarding the studies related to the topic of the

research.

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CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Republic 9514 or The Revised Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008

Section 2 of this Act says that 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.

Section 7. Inspections, Safety Measures, Fire Safety, Constructions, and

Protective and/or Warning Systems. - As may be defined and provided in the

Rules and Regulations, owners, administrators or occupants of buildings,

structures and their premises or facilities and other responsible persons shall be

required to comply with the following, as may be appropriate:

a. Inspection Requirement - A fire safety inspection shall be conducted by

the Chief, BFP or his duly authorized representative as prerequisite to the

grants of permits and/or licenses by local governments and other

government agencies concerned, for the:

(1) Use or occupancy of buildings, structures, facilities or their

premises including the installation or fire protection and fire safety

equipment, and electrical system in any building structure or facility;

and

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(2) Storage, handling and/or use of explosives or of combustible,

flammable, toxic and other hazardous materials;

b. Safety Measures for Hazardous Materials - Fire safety measures shall

be required for the manufacture, storage, handling and/or use of

hazardous materials involving:

(1) cellulose nitrate plastic of any kind;

(2) combustible fibers;

(3) cellular materials such as foam, rubber, sponge rubber and

plastic foam;

(4) flammable and combustible liquids or gases of any

classification;

(5) flammable paints, varnishes, stains and organic coatings;

(6) high-piled or widely spread combustible stock;

(7) metallic magnesium in any form;

(8) corrosive liquids, oxidizing materials, organic peroxide,

nitromethane, ammonium nitrate, or any amount of highly toxic,

pyrophoric, hypergolic, or cryogenic materials or poisonous gases

as well as material compounds which when exposed to heat or

flame become a fire conductor, or generate excessive smoke or

toxic gases;

(9) blasting agents, explosives and special industrial explosive

materials, blasting caps, black powder, liquid nitro-glycerine,

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dynamite, nitro cellulose, fulminates of any kind, and plastic

explosives containing ammonium salt or chlorate;

(10) fireworks materials of any kind or form;

(11) matches in commercial quantities;

(12) hot ashes, live coals and embers;

(13) mineral, vegetable or animal oils and other derivatives/by

products;

(14) combustible waste materials for recycling or resale;

(15) explosive dusts and vapors; and

(16) agriculture, forest, marine or mineral products which may

undergo spontaneous combustion.

(17) any other substance with potential to cause harm to persons,

property or the environment because of one or more of the

following: a) The chemical properties of the substance; b) The

physical properties of the substance; c) The biological properties of

the substance. Without limiting the definition of hazardous material,

all dangerous goods, combustible liquids and chemicals are

hazardous materials.

c. Safety Measures for Hazardous Operation/Processes - Fire Safety

measures shall be required for the following hazardous

operation/processes:

(1) welding or soldering;

(2) industrial baking and drying;

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(3) waste disposal;

(4) pressurized/forced-draft burning equipment;

(5) smelting and forging;

(6) motion picture projection using electrical arc lamps;

(7) refining, distillation and solvent extraction; and

(8) such other operations or processes as may hereafter be

prescribed in the Rules and Regulations.

d. Provision on Fire Safety Construction, Protective and Warning System -

Owners, occupants or administrator or buildings, structures and their

premises or facilities, except such other buildings or structures as may be

exempted in the rules and regulations to be promulgated under Section 5

hereof, shall incorporate and provide therein fire safety construction,

protective and warning system, and shall develop and implement fire

safety programs, to wit:

(1) Fire protection features such as sprinkler systems, hose boxes,

hose reels or standpipe systems and other fire fighting equipment;

(2) Fire Alarm systems;

(3) Fire walls to separate adjoining buildings, or warehouses and

storage areas from other occupancies in the same building;

(4) Provisions for confining the fire at its source such as fire

resistive floors and walls extending up to the next floor slab or roof,

curtain boards and other fire containing or stopping components;

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(5) Termination of all exits in an area affording safe passage to a

public way or safe dispersal area;

(6) Stairway, vertical shafts, horizontal exits and other means of

egress sealed from smoke and heat;

(7) A fire exit plan for each floor of the building showing the routes

from each other room to appropriate exits, displayed prominently on

the door of such room;

(8) Self-closing fire resistive doors leading to corridors;

(9) Fire dampers in centralized airconditioning ducts;

(10) Roof vents for use by fire fighters; and

(11) Properly marked and lighted exits with provision for emergency

lights to adequately illuminate exit ways in case of power failure.

Fire Safety and Prevention Mechanism of Taipei City

The Construction and Planning Agency of the Ministry of the Interior

(hereinafter referred to as the CPA) promulgated the “Building Techniques

Regulations” in 1947 in an attempt to regulate the compulsory fire safety

equipment and facilities for buildings. Moreover, due to the 18 consecutive

restaurant fire in 1990 that led to 142 deaths and 192 injuries, the “Maintenance

of Public Safety Programs” was promulgated and the National Fire Agency,

Ministry of the Interior (hereinafter referred to as the NFA) was established with

promulgation on “Fire service Act” and “Guidelines for Inspection Attestation and

Declaration on Public Safety of Buildings” and “Guidelines for Fire Safety

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Equipment Inspection and Declaration” to regulate the non-residential

occupancies owners of the buildings with periodic inspection while maintaining

the safety performance of original architecture design. This is the first layer of fire

safety control. Such regulatory instrument is formulated by the central competent

agency (NFA and CPA) with fire safety regulations, followed by empowering the

local construction and fire management agencies with fire safety and prevention

for building management, in addition to requiring local governments with

establishing “Joint Committee of Public Safety” to manage and coordinate fire

safety maintenance for non-residential occupancies (ShenWen, YingYueh,

ChingYuan, TzuSheng, & PoTa, 2013).

Nonetheless, fire safety is highly related to human life safety and social

stability, which also has major impact on the urban development. Hence, Taipei

City Government promulgated the “Guidelines for the Establishment of the Joint

Committee of Public Safety Maintenance by Taipei City Government” and

approved the “Operating Model for Taipei City Government Public Safety Repair”.

The Joint Committee of Public Safety will inspect and track the effectiveness of

fire safety on a regular basis.

Fire Safety and Management Mechanism of Taipei City

A. Fire Safety and Management Mechanism for City Government Level

Taipei City Government has served as the senior government role to

establish the Joint Committee of Public Safety led by the mayor since 2007, to

supervise the management agencies through three-stage inspection, and to warn

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building users with strict prohibition on dynamic violations (such as egress

system obstruction). Moreover, Taipei City Government steers on the

Construction Management Office and the Fire Department with effective

organization of the “Inspection Attestation and Declaration on Public Safety of

Buildings” and “Fire Safety Equipment Repair Declaration” to assure the

reduction of failure rate for public safety inspection at various non-residential

occupancies so that the citizens will be assured of public safety in Taipei City.

The operating model of Joint Committee of Public Safety is described below:

1. The 1st Layer-Self Management: Management agencies such as the

Fire Department, Construction Management Office must conduct full inspection

on all non-residential occupancies in accordance with competent responsibilities.

2. The 2nd Layer-Joint Inspection Mechanism: The Deputy-Commissioner

of Fire Department and the Construction Management Office will take turn to

serve as the steering commander and form a joint audit group (joint the Office of

Commerce and Department of Education).

3. The 3rd Layer-Government Level Review Mechanism: The City

Government shall assign the Deputy Secretary-General to lead the group and

implement random re-inspection on all non-residential occupancies with

qualification or failure upon inspections without prior warning.

4. Reporting Results: The Fire Department shall summarize the results for

submission to meeting report on the following day of the inspection and re-

inspection. The results will be reported to the Joint Committee of Public Safety.

B. Control of Construction and Fire Control Mechanism

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The technical check is carried out by assigning technicians with

performance inspection on the fire equipment and facilities of the building, in

accordance with the law, followed by submitting inspection report to the

aforementioned two agencies. The check will be organized by the Construction

and Fire Management Agency based on the aforementioned report, thereby to

implement the quality control process.

The Construction Management Office applies 3-stage management

operations upon organization of fire safety control, using the stage 1 and stage 2

for technical check, as described below:

1. The 1st Stage-Self inspection and report for public premise: The building

managers or users will commission on professional institution or personnel with

the organization of “attestation and declaration on the public safety inspection of

buildings.”

2. The 2nd Stage- Submission for attestation on quality re-inspection: The

construction agency will commission on the Architects Association with the

sampling of re-inspection from the previous stage.

3. The 3rd Stage- Dynamic safety inspection on key occupancies: Execute

dynamic inspection in 4 quarters on specific nonresidential occupancies

(according to the peak season of high-risks).

The 1st quarter season: Department stores, supermarkets, warehouse, wedding

restaurant, cinema, and karaoke.

The 2nd quarter season: Hotels, hospitals, cram schools.

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The 3rd quarter season: Assembly occupancies where young people often stay

during the summer vacation

The 4th quarter season: Department stores, shopping mall.

The Fire Department will apply the four-stage management on

“Precautions for Implementation of Fire Safety Inspection by Fire Agencies” at the

organization of fire safety regulations.

1. The 1st Stage-occupancy self-inspection and report: The building managers or

owners shall commission professional fire technicians with “declaration on fire

safety facility inspection” for self -inspection report.

2. The 2nd Stage- The regional teams of Fire Department will carry out 100% re-

inspection on declared cases and will issue limited-time abatement for failed

projects.

3. The 3rd Stage- is divided into two parts, whereas the first part is the weekly

sampling inspection conducted by the regional squadron/battalion and the

second part is the weekly sampling inspection by the Fire Department.

4. The 4th Stage-Inspection carried out in coordination of major disaster

incidents.

Total Fire Safety Advocacy at Non-Residential Occupancies

Taipei City Government offers non-residential occupancies with direction

for maintaining fire safety of buildings through a three-stage construction and a

four-stage fire safety management approach. However, due to the different

people and operating characteristics of the non-residential occupancies, more

management approaches must be applied to reduce the incidence of fire.

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Particularly, the fire incidents at non-residential occupancies are showing

an upward climbing trend in recent two years. Under the non-residential

occupancies of existing legal building specifically with the user behaviors in small

hotels, pubs and restaurants, the government agencies are responsible for

enhancing the self-safety awareness and responsibility of the owners in non-

residential occupancies. Interview with experts and scholars were conducted in

this study to help explore the fire safety issues with major fire incidents in recent

years. The results show that the fire safety management implemented by Taipei

City Government at non-residential occupancies require further enhancement in

the management in users and operating characteristics (ShenWen, YingYueh,

ChingYuan, TzuSheng, & PoTa, 2013).

Issues on Major Fire Incidents at Non-Residential Occupancies

In the case of ALA Pub fire in Taichung City on March 6th, 2011, the issue

on integrity of public safety inspection system was derived on the aggressive

management approaches taken by the government agencies through the

exploration on the issue on fire safety in existing legal occupancies in this

incidence case.

1. Background description on ALA pub construction

The floor area of the building only occupied 51.73 m 2, thus, the interior

space was narrow and crowded. At the time of incidence, there were a great

number of occupants inside, when the performer use LED acrylic rod in a

mezzanine, the sparks in the tube on the tip of the LED acrylic rod were ignited

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and the sparks thrown out accidentally lit up the soundproof foam on top of the

mezzanine. The fire quickly spread but it was difficult for the occupants to

evacuate due to the closed exit. This led to 9 deaths and 12 people in minor or serious

injuries.

2. Cause of public safety issues

(1) Flame resistance issue with finish materials

(2) Only one egress way

(3) Unidentified (unclear) instructions for means of egress: Although an

outdoor escape sling and iron ladder was installed at the corner of the stairway to

mezzanine the occupants could not detect and use the equipment at the time of

fire. The warning sound was too low to initiate the escape time with further delay.

(4) Un-implemented control of occupants: the room occupant-capacity was

exceeded with 70 people.

(5) Uncontrolled management of indoor fire use

3. Issues on government agency management:

(1) The existing buildings should be enhancement and improvement the

fire safety plan.

(2) Fire management agencies shall provide professional assistance to the

non-residential occupancies based on social responsibilities.

(3) Strengthening Joint Committee of Public Safety:

The committee should regulate special projects based on the routine audit

results by coordinating the information on various management agencies and

reviewing on improvement.

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For Construction Management Office and Fire Department failing to follow

point 1, the business occupancy license for abolishment should be proposed

during the meeting.

(4) Integration of resources from construction office and fire department:

Under the premise of providing convenience services with efficient public servant

manpower and process timeliness, it is necessary to separate technology and

administration.

4. Fire safety and management issues on existing legal occupancies

(1) Land-use legitimacy and safety: Regardless of the legitimacy for land

use by users, the safety of actual user behavior still requires inspection and

declaration according to the current situations.

(2) Legitimate use (legal declaration) of the non-residential occupancies

does not imply safety:

The Taipei City hospital and hotel fires in 2008 and 2009 as well as the

ALA Pub fire in Taichung City in 2011, highlighted that qualified declaration does

not imply safety.

The public safety inspection and declaration can merely be used to reduce

the potential risks of buildings at nonresidential occupancies. The potential risk to

users still requires current use to evaluate the risks that led to fire incidents in

order to reduce fire risks. In this case, user behaviors of Pub such as dim lighting

and loud music added with spark performance have all contributed to great area

of impact from the fire incidence.

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The reduction of fire risks does not merely rely on autonomy inspection

and joint inspection. The facts discovered from fire incidents include the

followings: the use of existing personnel will face with different degree of fire risks

under the different type of occupancies. Hence, the competent authorities must

strengthen the inspection with quality audit and steering on the Joint Committee

of Public Safety when applying fire safety regulations at non-residential

occupancies but also strengthen the autonomy inspection capability of non-

residential occupancy users as well as the increase of awareness for overall fire

risk. The agencies shall determine risk factors through professional and

experienced technician with assistance in space characteristics, hence it is

necessary to offer training for fire risks in specific space (ShenWen, YingYueh,

ChingYuan, TzuSheng, & PoTa, 2013).

Related Studies

In a study entitled, “Upgrading fire safety strategies for the existing non-

residential occupancies in Taipei City”, it states that Taipei City Government

takes into consideration of the influence of urban environmental safety on tourism

and government stability through the implementation of check mechanism to

control the building safety. Additionally, the mayor carries out joint checking at

nonresidential occupancies by forming the Joint Committee of Public Safety in an

attempt to warn building users about strict prohibition of illegal behaviors. Despite

these efforts, the City Government still detects the need on the regulatory

instruments due to the review on fire incidents taken place at non-residential

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occupancies over the last three years as well as the “fire risks of existing legal

buildings under human behaviors on specific time and in specific space.”

This paper explores into the fire safety management mechanism for

government agencies at all levels and discovers that the assessment on the “total

fire safety” can in fact reduce fire risks. Hence the concept of total fire safety

should be carried out through different measures of fact-oriented thinking. The

Joint Committee of Public Safety serves as the highest management agency for

coordinating the fire safety within the city and actively carrying out fire safety work

using the concept of “total fire safety” to help bring the fire safety methods for

non-residential occupancies into full play (ShenWen, YingYueh, ChingYuan,

TzuSheng, & PoTa, 2013).

Another study entitled, “Factor analysis of high-rise building fires reasons

and fire protection measures”, it highlights that high-rise building fires have many

characteristics, such as the diversity of blazing, factors, various ways of fires

spreading, the difficulty of evacuation and saving activities etc. Thus in order to

attain a partial event tree whose top event is the direct fire hazard loss, the

comprehensive analysis of the factors that can cause high-rise building fires is

needed. Establishing high-rise building fire safety system and countermeasure

begins from "man-machine-environment" , that is to say technology (hardware)

and management (software) which highlight the effect of guiding and coordination

of management to technology, with management as outlines and technology as

method: establishing and improving the save system, strengthening "Three

Simultaneous”, enhancing safety management of the related personnel and

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cultivating the sense of safety, sounding the fire precautionary emergency

program. The study aims at solving fire protection of high-rise building and

providing some practical value to the design of high-rise building, assessment of

fire safety and establishment of precautionary emergency program (Liu, Zhang, &

Zhu, 2012).

A study entitled, “Fire safety assessment of super tall buildings: A case

study on Shanghai Tower”, stresses that Shanghai Tower is an existing super

high-rise building composed of mega frame-core- outrigger lateral resisting

systems. Its structural safety in fire has been given great attention. This paper

presents an independent review of the performance of Shanghai Tower in case of

fire. Two fire scenarios: standard fires and parametric fires have been

considered. The fire resistance of key component, including the concrete core,

mega columns, the composite floor, outrigger trusses and belt trusses were

examined first. Their real fire resistance periods proved to be far beyond the

design fire resistance. The components with weak fire resistance such as

peripheral steel columns and web members of belt trusses were then removed to

study the resistance of the residual structure against progressive collapse. The

results show that Shanghai Tower has a minimum of 3 h fire resistance against

fire-induced progressive collapse. The concrete components have smaller

residual displacements compared to the steel components. It is recommended,

for the design of other similar structures, that effective fire protection should be

provided for the outrigger trusses to guarantee the connection between the core

and mega columns (Jian, Lingzhu, Shouchao, Guo-Qiang, & Asif, 2015).

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A study entitled, “Fire safety design for tall buildings”, it says that in any

subject area related to the provision of safety, failure is typically the most

effective mechanism for evoking rapid reform and an introspective assessment of

the accepted operating methods and standards within a professional body. In the

realm of tall buildings the most notable failures in history, those of the WTC

towers, widely accepted as fire induced failures, have not to any significant extent

affected the way they are designed with respect to fire safety. This is clearly

reflected in the surge in numbers of Tall Buildings being constructed since 2001.

The combination of the magnitude and time-scale of the WTC investigation

coupled with the absence of meaningful guidance resulting from it strongly hints

at the outdatedness of current fire engineering practice as a discipline in the

context of such advanced infrastructure. This is further reflected in the continual

shift from prescriptive to performance based design in many parts of the world

demonstrating an ever growing acceptance that these buildings are beyond the

realm of applicability of prescriptive guidance. In order for true performance

based engineering to occur however, specific performance goals need to be

established for these structures. This work seeks to highlight the critical elements

of a fire safety strategy for tall buildings and thus attempt to highlight some

specific global performance objectives. A survey of tall building fire investigations

is conducted in order to assess the effectiveness of current designs in meeting

these objectives, and the current state-of-the-art of fire safety design guidance for

tall structures is also analyzed on these terms. The correct definition of the

design fire for open plan compartments is identified as the critical knowledge gap

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that must be addressed in order to achieve tall building performance objectives

and to provide truly innovative, robust fire safety for these unique structures

(Cowlarda, Bitterna, Abecassis-Empisa, & Toreroa, 2013).

In a study entitled, “Fire Safety Management Strategy of Complex

Developments”, it states that a comprehensive fire safety management strategy

has been presented to demonstrate how the best practices in fire safety

management can be implemented in complex developments. A holistic fire safety

management approach with the consideration of fire management team plan, fire

emergency procedures and maintenance plan in the fire management plan has

been discussed in detail. A large scale development has been used as an

example on how the fire safety management plan is being setup and

implemented in the management hierarchy. Interface with the authorities is also

one of the key items in effective fire safety management and has also been

considered in this paper. This paper can be act as a guideline for the further

development of fire safety management plan for individual building (Wonga &

Xieb, 2014).

Finally, in a study entitled, “A review on research of fire dynamics in high-

rise buildings”, it mentions that since serious fire occurred frequently in recent

years, fire safety of high-rise building has attracted extensive attention. A

National Basic Research Program (973 program) of China has been set up by

Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) of China in 2012 to meet the

research requirements of fire safety in high-rise buildings. This paper reviews the

current state of art of research on fire dynamics of high-rise buildings, including

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the up-to-date progress of this project. The following three subjects on fire

dynamics of high-rise buildings are addressed in this review: the ejected flame

and fire plume behavior over facade out of the compartment window, the flame

spread behavior over facade thermal insulation materials, and the buoyancy-

driven smoke transportation characteristics along long vertical channels in high-

rise buildings (Sun, Hu, & Zhang, 2013).

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CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH FRAMEWORK, DESIGN, AND METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the research design, locale of the study, unit of the

study, data collection procedures, and tools of analysis.

Research Design

This study will use qualitative research design to determine, describe, and

identify the comparison between Taipei City Fire Department and Valenzuela City

Fire Station on the work process assessment on issuance of Fire Safety

Inspection Permit (FSIC) for business permit.

Creswell (2007) defines qualitative research as “… an inquiry process of

understanding based on distinct methodological tradition of inquiry that explore

social or human problem.”

Since this is a qualitative research design, the bases for analysis were

taken from the interview and document analysis. The processes of capturing all

significant experiences, opinions or perspectives were also conducted.

Locale of the Study

The areas of the study are both at the Taipei City Fire Department in

Taiwan and at the Valenzuela City Fire Station in the Philippines. Both fire

departments are recognized for their use of advanced fire technologies including

their excellent systems and procedures.

Unit of the Study

The researchers opted to study a total of four respondents using purposive

sampling strategy, two representatives from both fire stations. These respondents

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had experienced the challenges in the implementation of the issuance of Fire

Safety Inspection Permit (FSIC) for business permit both at Taipei City Fire

Department and Valenzuela City Fire Station.

Using purposive sampling strategy, the researchers intentionally selected

individuals and sites for the study because they are the service frontline

personnel and they have direct participation and knowledge, their awareness on

the work process assessment.

Data Collection Procedures

Prior to data collection procedures, letters of request will be sent to the

heads of offices. After its approval, the researchers personally conducted the

interview to the intended respondents.

The researchers also requested for a courtesy call to the two heads of

offices for the conduct of the interview. After their approval, the interviews were

successfully conducted. Data were collated and tabulated in a format designed to

analyze their responses.

Tools of Analysis

The researchers used primary and secondary materials to determine the

comparison between Taipei City Fire Department and Valenzuela City Fire

Station on the work process assessment on issuance of Fire Safety Inspection

Permit (FSIC) for business permit.

Primary data were gathered through the use of interview from both fire

departments. As a tool, the researchers, in consultation with some

knowledgeable in the field of research, formulated the interview guide questions.

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All questions raised are intended to determine the comparison between Taipei

City Fire Department and Valenzuela City Fire Station on the work process

assessment on issuance of Fire Safety Inspection Permit (FSIC) for business

permit.

Secondary materials were taken from the Fire Code of the Philippines (RA

9514), Bureau of Fire Protection Operational Procedures Manual 2015, 40-Hour

Training Guide for Fire Safety Inspector and Safety Practitioner, including books

publications, news reports, journals, unpublished thesis and the personal

knowledge of the researchers.

This particular study employed the use of interview and document analysis

in the collection of data. The interview refers to the collection of data through the

use of interview guide questions. To supplement the responses from the

interview, document analysis was done.

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CHAPTER 4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This chapter presents the general procedures on the issuance of Fire

Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) for Business Permit at Valenzuela City Fire

Station and Taipei City Fire Department.

In the Philippines particularly at the Valenzuela City Fire Station, it strictly

observes the issuance of FSIC for business permit as required in the

BFP Operational Procedures of 2015.

Under Sections 5 and 7 of RA 9514 mandate that no occupancy permit,

business or permit to operate shall be issued without securing a Fire Safety

Inspection Certificate (FSIC) from the Chief, BFP or his duly authorized

representative.

The purpose is to ensure that business establishments are fully compliant

with the Fire Code before issuance of FSIC for Business Permit (New) within the

prescribed period in the BFP Citizen’s Charter. FSIC for Business Permit should

be issued within five (5) working days from filing/acceptance of FSIC application.

This covers the procedure in the conduct of fire safety inspection

necessary in the issuance of Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) as a pre-

requisite for the issuance of Business or Mayor’s Permit, Permit to Operate,

PHILHEALTH Accreditation for Hospitals, DOH License to Operate, and other

Permits and licenses being issued by other government agencies valid for one (1)

year from the date of issuance unless revoked / cancelled.

The responsibilities include the following:

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1. The Customer Relations Officer (CRO) – receives application.

2. Assessor – assesses the required fire code fees.

3. Collecting Officer – receives payment and issues Official Receipts (OR).

4. Chief, Fire Safety Enforcement Section (FSES) – assigns Fire

5. Safety Inspector (FSI), reviews and evaluates After Inspection Report

(AIR), and recommends findings to the City / Municipal Fire Marshal.

6. Fire Safety Inspector (FSI) – conducts ocular fire safety inspection.

7. City/Municipal Fire Marshal (C/MFM) - issues Fire Safety Inspection

Certificate (FSIC) for Occupancy/ Notice to Comply (NTC).

The following are the general procedures:

1. The applicant secures and accomplishes the application form and submits the

same to the Customer Relations Officer (CRO) together with the following

documentary requirements:

a. Photocopy of Application for Business Permit

b. Tax Bill/Assessment

c. FSIC for Occupancy (if required)

d. Fire insurance policy, if any.

2. The Customer Relations Officer (CRO) checks the completeness of the

abovementioned documentary requirements and forwards the same to the

assessor for the assessment of the applicable fire code fees.

3. The assessor then issues the Order of Payment Slip (OPS) to the applicant.

4. The applicant pays the required Fire Code Fee to the BFP Collecting Officer.

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5. The Collecting Officer issues the corresponding Official Receipt (OR) to the

applicant.

6. The applicant presents the OR to the CRO for issuance of claim stub.

7. The CRO endorses to the Chief, FSES the application form together with all

the submitted documents.

8. The Chief, FSES assigns a Fire Safety Inspector and immediately prepares an

Inspection Order (IO) and countersigns the same.

9. The prepared IO together with all the supporting documents is forwarded to the

Office of the City / Municipal Fire Marshal for its approval and signature.

10. The FSI proceeds to the establishment and requests acknowledgment of the

IO from any responsible person in the building, structure or facility.

11. The FSI conducts the fire safety inspection and immediately prepares an

After Inspection Report (AIR), a copy of which is given to the establishment /

building owner, occupant, or any duly authorized representative before leaving

the premises.

12. The FSI submits a copy of the AIR to the Chief, FSES within three (3) days

upon receipt of the IO.

13. The Chief, FSES evaluates the submitted AIR and prepares either the FSIC

or Notice to Comply (NTC) or recommendation for declaration as public nuisance,

as the case maybe.

14. The Chief, FSES signs the AIR and the FSIC or NTC or recommendation for

declaration as public nuisance, as the case maybe, and forwards the same to the

C/MFM for proper disposition.

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15. The C/MFM signs the AIR and FSIC or NTC or recommendation for

declaration as public nuisance, as the case maybe and forwards the same to the

CRO or releasing clerk, for release or submission to higher offices thru channel.

16. The CRO or releasing clerk records the FSIC Control Number and its date of

issuance and releases the same to the applicant upon presentation of the claim

stub. In case of notice to comply, a copy of the notice is furnished to the Office of

the Business Permits and License Office.

In terms of the issuance of FSIC for renewal of business permit,

the following should also be followed strictly:

Under Sections 5 and 7 of RA 9514 mandate that no occupancy permit,

business or permit to operate shall be issued without securing a Fire Safety

Inspection Certificate (FSIC) from the Chief, BFP or his duly authorized

representative.

The purpose is to ensure that all business establishments are fully

compliant with the Fire Code before issuance of FSIC for Business Permit

(Renewal) within the prescribed period in the BFP Citizen’s Charter.

The FSIC for Business Permit should be issued within five (5) working

days from filing/acceptance of FSIC application.

This covers the procedure in the conduct of fire safety inspection

necessary in the renewal of Business Permits for the issuance of Fire Safety

Inspection Certificate (FSIC) as a pre-requisite for the issuance of Business or

Mayor’s Permit, Permit to Operate, PHILHEALTH Accreditation for Hospitals,

DOH License to Operate, and other Permits and licenses being issued by other

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government agencies valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance unless

revoked / cancelled.

The following are the responsibilities:

1. The Customer Relations Officer (CRO) – receives application.

2. Assessor – assesses the required fire code fees.

3. Collecting Officer – receives payment and issues Official Receipts (OR).

4. Chief, FSES (Fire Safety Enforcement Section) – assigns Fire

5. Safety Inspector (FSI), reviews and evaluates After Inspection Report

(AIR), and recommends findings to the City Fire Marshal.

6. Fire Safety Inspector (FSI) – conducts ocular fire safety inspection.

7. City/Municipal Fire Marshal (C/MFM) – issues Fire Safety Inspection

Certificate (FSIC) for Occupancy / Notice to Comply (NTC) / Notice to

Correct Violations (NTCV).

The following are the general procedures for the issuance of FSIC for

renewal of business permit:

1. The applicant secures, accomplishes the application form, and submits the

same to the Customer Relations Officer (CRO) together with the following

documentary requirements:

a. Photocopy of Business Permit (previous year)

b. Tax Bill/Assessment

c. Latest FSIC, if any.

d. Fire insurance policy, if any.

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2. The Customer Relations Officer (CRO) checks the completeness of the

abovementioned documentary requirements and forwards the same to the

assessor for the assessment of the fire safety inspection fee and other applicable

fire code fees.

3. The assessor then issues the Order of Payment Slip (OPS) to the applicant.

4. The applicant pays the required Fire Code Fee to the BFP Collecting Officer

(Applicant is no longer required to pay the Fire Code Fees if already paid during

the Business One Stop Shop (BOSS)).

5. The Collecting Officer then issues the corresponding Official Receipt (OR) to

the applicant.

6. The applicant presents the OR to the CRO for issuance of claim stub.

7. The CRO endorses to the Chief, FSES the application form together with all

the submitted documents.

8. The Chief, FSES assigns a Fire Safety Inspector, immediately prepares an

Inspection Order (IO), and countersigns the same.

9. The prepared IO together with all the supporting documents is forwarded to the

City / Municipal Fire Marshal for his / her approval and signature.

10. The FSI proceeds to the establishment and requests acknowledgment of the

IO from any responsible person in the building, structure or facility.

11. The FSI conducts the fire safety inspection and immediately prepares an

After Inspection Report (AIR), a copy of which is given to the establishment /

building owner, occupant, or any duly authorized representative before leaving

the premises.

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12. The FSI submits a copy of the AIR to the Chief, FSES within three (3) days

upon receipt of the IO.

13. The Chief, FSES evaluates the submitted AIR and prepares either the FSIC

or Notice to Comply or recommendation for declaration as public nuisance, as the

case maybe.

14. The Chief, FSES signs the AIR and the FSIC or NTC or recommendation for

declaration as public nuisance, as the case maybe, and forwards the same to the

C/MFM for proper disposition.

15. The C/MFM signs the AIR and FSIC or NTC or recommendation for

declaration as public nuisance, as the case maybe and forwards the same to the

CRO or releasing clerk, for release or submission to higher offices thru channel.

16. The CRO or releasing clerk records the FSIC Control Number and its date of

issuance and releases the same to the applicant upon presentation of the claim

stub. In case of notice to comply, a copy of the notice shall be furnished to the

Office of the Business Permits and License Office.

In Taiwan, the Ministry of Interior implements Building Act No. 2011-01-05.

This maintains public security to improve the appearance of cities.

Chapter 6 Usage Management discusses the procedures on fire safety

inspection in general including the process of applying for permit, among others.

Under Article 70, it states that after a construction project is finished, the

proprietor shall apply for usage license jointly with the constructor and the

supervisor. The municipal or county (city) (bureau) competent authority of

construction shall send persons to perform inspection within 10 days

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commencing from receipt of the application. Where the main structure, indoor

partitions, and the main building equipments are in conformity with the design

drawings, the usage license and copies shall be granted. In case of unconformity,

the applicants will be notified to make modification and then apply for inspection

again. However, the time limit for inspection of the buildings used for the public

may be extended to 20 days.

Where there is no constructor or supervisor of a building, or the

constructor and supervisor, without due reasons, refuse to or fail to jointly submit

application after it is reviewed by the Construction Disputes Review Committee,

the proprietor may singly apply for the license.

Appraisal of the main equipments referred to the first paragraph shall be

prescribed in the regulations on construction management.

Under Article 70-1, it states that where a part of building can be used

independently after completion of construction, a partial usage license may be

granted. Provisions on the validity, applicable scope, application procedure, and

inspection provisions shall be prescribed by the central competent authority of

construction.

Under Article 71, it states that to apply for a usage license, the following

documents shall be enclosed in the letter of application:

1. The original construction license or miscellaneous license.

2. As-built plan and elevation views of the building.

Where the building is completely the same as described in the approved working

drawings, the as-built plan and elevation views are not required.

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Under Article 72, it states that where application is submitted to apply for

usage license for a building used for the public according to Article 70, the

municipal or county (city) (bureau) competent authority of construction shall

jointly with the competent authority of fire safety to check the fire fighting

equipment, and shall grant the usage license where the equipment are qualified.

Under Article 73, it states that without a usage license, the building is

prohibited from access to and usage of water and power. But where it is deemed

by the municipal or county (city) government as any of the following occasions,

regulations on usage of water and power may be otherwise prescribed:

1. Buildings in remote areas where urban plan is not implemented.

2. Buildings demolished due to construction of public facilities, which are

necessary to be reconstructed, and will not encumber the development of the

urban plan.

3. Buildings damaged by natural disaster, and need to settle and repair.

4. Other buildings urgently required for the people’s living.

Buildings shall be used according to the approved usage classification. In

case of alteration of usage class, or main structure, fire-protection segment, fire-

protection refuge facilities, fire-fighting equipment and parking spaces other than

prescribed in Article 9, or other alteration to the originally approved usage, usage

alteration license shall be applied for, unless the building is under a certain scale.

Exemption from usage alteration license for buildings under the above-mentioned

certain scale will be prescribed by the municipal and county (city) competent

authorities of construction.

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The usage classification as well as conditions and procedure for alteration

of usage shall be prescribed by the central competent authority of construction.

Under Article 74, it states that to apply for a usage alteration license, the

following documents shall be enclosed in the letter of application:

1. Original or copy of the usage license of the building.

2. Description of the altered purposes.

3. Structural computation statement, and illustrations of indoor decoration and

equipment (for alteration to be used by the pubic)

Under Article 75, it states that the municipal or county (city) (bureau)

competent authority of construction shall handle the examination and grant the

license for alteration of usage in accordance with Article 70.

Under Article 76, it states that where a building not used for the public is

changed as used for the public, or changed to another purpose for the public, the

municipal or county (city) (bureau) competent authority of construction shall

inspect the structure, equipment and indoor decorations, and shall inspect the fire

safety equipment jointly with the competent authority of fire safety.

Under Article 77, it states that the ownership holder and the user of a

building shall maintain the legal usage as well as the structure and equipment

safety of the building.

The municipal or county (city) (bureau) competent authorities of construction may

send persons to check the building structure and equipment related to public

safety and public health at any time.

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Ownership holders and users of the buildings used for the public shall

entrust professional institutions or persons recognized by the central competent

authority of construction to perform inspection and attestation periodically, and

the inspection and attestation results shall be reported to the local competent

authority of construction. It is also applicable to the buildings not used for the

public where deemed as necessary by the Ministry of the Interior.

The competent authority of construction may send persons at any time or

periodically cooperate with the related departments to reexamine the above-

mentioned inspection and attestation results.

The items, term, reporting method and implementation date of the

inspection and attestation mentioned in the third paragraph shall be prescribed by

the Ministry of the Interior.

Under Article 77-1, it states that to protect the public safety, where the fire-

prevention refuge facilities and fire-fighting equipment of legal buildings used for

the public or not used for the public but deemed as necessary by the central

competent authority of construction do not meet the current provisions, the

competent authorities shall require the ownership holder or user to make

improvement or use the building for another purpose. The procedure for applying

for improvement as well as items, contents, and method of improvement shall be

determined by the central competent authority of construction.

Under Article 77-2, it states that the following provisions shall govern the

indoor decoration of buildings:

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1. To perform indoor decoration of the buildings used for the public, examination

and permission shall be applied for. This is also applicable to buildings not used

for the public where deemed as necessary by the Ministry of the Interior. The

central competent authority may authorize the architect association or other

related professional technical organizations to perform examination.

2. The decoration materials shall meet the provisions of the construction technical

regulations.

3. The fire-prevention refuge facilities, fire-fighting equipment, fire-prevention

segmentation, and the main structure may not be damaged.

4. Facilities used to protect the people’s privacy right shall not be encumbered or

damaged.

The above-mentioned indoor decoration shall be performed by the indoor

decoration practitioners registered at and permitted by the Ministry of the Interior.

Indoor decoration practitioners shall be registered at and permitted by the

Ministry of the Interior, and do business within the business scope and

responsibilities.

The procedure for examination and approval of application for indoor

decoration, qualifications of indoor decoration practitioner, procedure of

application for registration and permit, and business scope and responsibilities

referred to in the above three paragraphs shall be prescribed by the Ministry of

the Interior.

Under Article 77-3, it states that mechanical amusement facilities require

miscellaneous licenses, and shall be constructed by the constructors with the

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qualifications to construct mechanical amusement facilities, and get the

conformity certificate after passing the acceptance check. After the accident

liability insurance is covered in accordance with Subparagraph 2, Paragraph 2,

the insurance certificate and conformity certificate shall be submitted to the

municipal or county (city) competent authority of construction to apply for usage

license. Without the usage license, the facilities may not be used.

Mechanical amusement facilities operators shall manage and use their

mechanical amusement facilities in accordance with the following provisions:

1. The facilities shall be used within the approved life span.

2. Accident liability insurance shall be covered from time to time at the minimum

premium for the facility items designated by the central competent authority of

construction.

3. Legally practicing professional technicians or architects, or inspection

institutions or organizations designated by the central competent authority of

construction shall be entrusted periodically to perform safety inspection.

4. Full-time personnel shall be appointed to manage and operate the mechanical

amusement facilities.

5. Electromechanical technicians qualified through exam or test shall be

appointed to perform routine maintenance and repair.

The frequency of the safety inspection referred to in Subparagraph 3 shall

be determined by the governing municipal or county (city) competent authority of

construction, and may not be less than 2 times every year. Overall or partial

safety inspection may be executed flexibly where necessary.

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The results of the safety inspection referred to Subparagraph 3 shall be

reported to the municipal or county (city) competent authority of construction for

disposal, and the municipal or county (city) competent authority of construction

may send persons at any time or periodically cooperate with related departments

or consign related institutions or organizations to perform re-inspection or

selective inspection.

Provisions on the documents and illustrations that ought to be submitted to

apply for miscellaneous license, qualifications and conditions of mechanical

amusement facility constructors, method and items of completion inspection,

format of conformity certificate, facility items and minimum premium of accident

liability insurance, method and items of safety inspection, qualifications and

conditions of the institutions and organizations designated to perform inspection,

as well as format of the safety inspection result shall be prescribed by the central

competent authority of construction.

The clauses and premium amount of the insurance referred to in

Subparagraph 2, Paragraph 2 shall be determined by the Ministry of Finance

jointly with the central competent authority of construction.

Under Article 77-4, it states that the elevating equipments and mechanical

parking facilities may not be used before the usage permit is obtained after

passing the completion inspection.

The manager of the above equipments shall periodically entrust

professional manufacturers with the license granted by the central competent

authority of construction to perform maintenance, and shall periodically request

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the municipal or county (city) competent authority of construction or inspection

institutions or organizations designated by the central competent authority of

construction at the request of the municipal or county (city) competent authority of

construction to perform safety inspection. Where the manager doesn’t submit the

application, the municipal or county (city) competent authority of construction

shall order the manager to submit application within a specified time limit. In case

that application is not submitted within the foresaid time limit, the equipments will

be stopped from being used.

Where the above-mentioned safety inspection is performed by an

inspection institution or organization, inspectors who hold the inspector

certificates granted by the central competent authority of construction shall be

assigned to perform inspection, and the assigned inspectors may not be the

practitioners in the professional manufacturers responsible for maintenance of

the equipments to be inspected. The municipal or county (city) competent

authority of construction may entrust the institution or organization that performs

safety inspection to grant usage permits.

The inspection institution or organization shall periodically report the

results of the above-mentioned inspection to the municipal or county (city)

competent authority of construction, and the municipal or county (city) competent

authority of construction may execute sampling examination. Where the

equipments are not qualified in a sampling examination, the usage permit shall

be abolished.

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FIRE NATIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTE

The professional manufacturer mentioned in the second paragraph shall

process operations according to the following provisions:

1. Professional technicians who hold registered certificates granted by the central

competent authority of construction shall be assigned to perform installation and

maintenance.

2. Installation shall be performed according to the illustrations sent to the

municipal or county (city) competent authority of construction for reference.

3. Accident liability insurance shall be covered from time to time at least at the

minimum premium specified by the central competent authority of construction.

4. A certain number of full-time professional technicians shall be employed

according to the prescribed quantity of equipment to be maintained.

5. Any manufacturer may not provide the registration certificate of professional

manufactures for others to use, or use the registration certificate of another

manufacturer.

6. Operating supervision performed by the competent authorities of construction

shall be accepted.

7. After a contract is signed, installation or maintenance operations shall be

finished in accordance with the contract.

8. The documents submitted for reference shall be in conformity with the facts.

9. Improvement shall be made immediately in case the equipment are unqualified

in inspection executed by the inspection institution or in sampling inspection

performed by the competent authority of construction.

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10. Entrusted application for safety inspection shall be handled within the

specified time limit.

The professional technicians referred to in the above Subparagraph 1 shall

process operations according to the following provisions:

1. Any professional technician may not provide the professional technician

certificate for someone else to use, or use the certificate of someone else.

2. The results of maintenance shall be recorded according to the facts.

3. All the professional technicians shall attend the training held by the central

competent authority of construction or related institutions or organizations

entrusted by the central competent authority of construction.

4. Any professional technician may not be employed in two or more professional

manufacturers.

The inspection institutions referred to the second paragraph shall do

business according to the following provisions:

1. Abilities to do business shall be provided.

2. Alteration of inspectors shall be reported according to the facts.

3. Applications for inspection may not be overstocked.

4. Operating supervision performed by the competent authorities of construction

shall be accepted.

5. For the unqualified cases that are reported for disposal, the manager shall be

notified to make improvement within a specified time limit. The equipment do not

pass the re-inspection shall be reported in time to the municipal or county (city)

competent authority of construction for disposal.

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FIRE NATIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTE

The inspectors mentioned in the third paragraph shall process operations

in accordance with the following provisions:

1. Any inspector may not provide the inspector certificate for someone else to

use, or use the certificate of another inspector.

2. Inspection results shall be reported according to the facts, and the equipments

unqualified in inspection shall be reported to the inspection institution for

disposal.

3. All the inspectors shall attend the training held by the central competent

authority of construction or related institutions or organizations entrusted by the

central competent authority of construction.

4. Anyone may not work in two or more inspection institutions or organizations.

5. Where it is found in inspection that a set of elevating equipment is likely to

harm the public safety immediately, the inspector shall, as quickly as possible,

report the case to the municipal or county (city) competent authority of

construction for disposal.

The documents required to apply for usage permits for the equipment

mentioned in the above 8 paragraphs, validity period and format of usage permit,

term of maintenance, term, method and items of safety inspection, format of

safety inspection results, qualifications and conditions of the institutions or

organizations designated to perform safety inspection and entrusted to hold

training, qualification, conditions, procedure and format of the professional

manufacturer registration certificates, inspector certificates and professional

technician certificates, minimum premium of accident liability insurance, as well

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as number of professional technicians employed by and quantity of maintenance

equipment possessed by a professional manufacturer shall be prescribed by the

central competent authority of construction.

The clauses and premium amount of the insurance mentioned in

Subparagraph 3, Paragraph 5 shall be determined by the Ministry of Finance

jointly with the central competent authority of construction.

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FIRE NATIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTE

REFERENCES

Building Act No. 2011-01-05. Ministry of Interior of the Republic of China

Bureau of Fire Protection Operational Procedures Manual 2015

Cowlarda, A., Bitterna, A., Abecassis-Empisa, C., & Toreroa, J. (2013). Fire
safety design for tall buildings. Procedia Engineering 62, 169 – 181.

Jian, J. Lingzhu, C., Shouchao, J., Guo-Qiang, L., & Asif, U. (2015). Fire safety
assessment of super tall buildings: A case study on Shanghai Tower.
Case Studies in Fire Safety 4, 28–38.

Liu, X., Zhang, H., & Zhu, Q. (2012). Factor analysis of high-rise building fires
reasons and fire protection measures. Procedia Engineering 45, 643 –
648.

Republic 9514: The Revised Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008

ShenWen, C, YingYueh, C., ChingYuan, L., TzuSheng, S., & PoTa, H. (2013).
Upgrading fire safety strategies for the existing non-residential
occupancies in Taipei City. Procedia Engineering 62, 1096 – 1103

Sun, J., Hu, L., & Zhang, Y. (2013). A review on research of fire dynamics in
high-rise buildings. Theoretical & Applied Mechanics Letters 3, 042001.

Wonga, K. H., & Xieb, D. (2014). Fire Safety Management Strategy of Complex
Developments. Procedia Engineering 71, 410 – 420.

Internet Sources

https://www.safeopedia.com

https://www.buldings.com/article-details/articleid/8139/title/how-to-comply-with-

your-annual-fire-inspection

FOBC 2018-01