CHAPTER 9— FIRE PROTECTION & PREVENTION

Chapter 9

FIRE PROTECTION & PREVENTION

Section 1.0 General Requirements ordinary combustibles. This standard also

applies to storage of commodities which with
their packaging and storage aids would classify
1.1 Scope The provision of the Fire Protection
as non-combustibles regardless of storage
—

and Prevention to and govern the following:

height. This standard does not cover unpacked
bulk storage such as grain, coal or similar
a. All private or public buildings, facilities,
commodities.
structures and their premises, constructed,
existing and proposed.
Fire protection system related to certain
commodities introduce hazard different than
b. Storage, handling or use of combustible,
contemplated with the above-mentioned General
flammable, toxic, explosives and other
Storage standard. We have other standards for
hazardous materials.
the following storage occupancies:
c. Applications of Fire safety construction,
a. Rack storage of Materials over 12 ft. (3.66
automatic fire suppressions and fire
m) in height in racks, and storage up to and
protective equipment or systems.
including 25 feet (7.62 m) in height and
storage over 25 feet (7.62 m) in height.
1.2 General Safety Requirements. Structure or
Facility the owner of any building, structure, Water density for fire protection for these
facility shall install, provide, incorporate, adopt particular hazards varies from 0.24
and maintain under operable and usable
gpm/[Link]. 9.779 (Llmin/m sq.) to 0.68
conditions the automatic fire protection devices,
[Link]. (27.7 L/min/m sq.) Water density
equipment, fire safety construction, and warning
requirement for fire protection also depends
system.
on the four classes of commodities, namely
Class I, II, lIlly.
1.3 Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to
provide a reasonable degree of protection for life Commodity Classification.
and property from fire through the installation of
the appropriate type of fire protection for the
Class I Commodity is defined as essentially
different buildings, structures or facilities. Hence non-combustible product on wood pallets, or in
in relation to these standards, all of the owner ordinary corrugated cartons with or without
and all occupants of the buildings, structures or single thickness dividers, or in ordinary paper
facilities shall organize themselves and develop,
wrappings, all on wood pallets. Such product
implement fire safety programs to include fire
may have a negligible amount of plastic trims,
preventions in the buildings, premises,
such as knobs or handles. Examples of Class
notification of the Fire Department Personnel to
I products are:
the existence of a fire. Fire brigade training and
evaluation of persons and initial fire fighting Metal products. Metal desk with plastic tops
utilizing the available fire protection equipment
and trim, electrical coil, electrical devices in
within their establishment.
their metal enclosures, dry cell batteries,
stoves, metal cabinets, washers, dryers.
Section 2.0 Indoor General Storage
Foods. Foods in non-combustible containers,
2.1 Application and Scope. frozen, foods, meat, fresh fruits, and
vegetables in non-plastic trays.
The standard applies to storage, 6.40 m or less
in height, of commodities which with their Class II Commodity is defined as Class I
packaging and storage aids would classify as products in slatted wooden crates, solid

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 CHAPTER 9— FIRE PROTECTION & PREVENTION

wooden boxes, or equivalent combustible Class IV Commodity is defined as Class I, II,

packaging materials on wood pallets. Ill products containing an appreciable amount
Examples of Class I products are: of plastics in paper board cartons on wood
pallets. Examples of Class IV products are:
Thinly coated fine wire such as radio coil wire
on reels or in cartons, incandescent lamps or Small appliances, typewriters, and cameras
fluorescent bulbs; beer or wine up to 20 with plastic parts; plastic-backed tapes and
percent alcohol, in wood containers; and Class synthetic fabrics or clothing. An example of
I product, if small cartons or small packages packing material is a metal product in a
placed in ordinary corrugated cartons. foamed plastic cocoon in corrugated cartons.

Class Ill Commodity is defined as wood, “Sprinkler System Design Curves for Solid
paper, natural fiber cloth, plastic products on Pile, Palletized and Bin Box Storage over 12
wood pallets, products may be contain a ft. (3.7 m), and Shelf Storage 12 ft. (3.7 m) to
limited amount of plastics. Wood dressers 15 ft. (4.6 m) high, shall be in accordance with
with plastic drawer glides, handles, and trim Figure 9-1.1” (6-1.2)
are examples of a commodity with a limited
amount of plastic.

Table 9.1.2 Double row Racks without Solid Shelves, Storage

Higher than 25 ft, Aisles Wider than 4 ft

In-rack sprinklers approximate

— Ceiling Sprinkler Density
Commodity vertical spacing at tier nearest ceiling gpm I sq ft (6)
Class the vertical distance and maximum Maximum
Fig. Sprinkler Clearance (5)
horizontal spacing (1)(2) Storage Stagger
No. Operating Upto lOft (7)
Height
Longitudinal Area
Face (4) and (8) 165 286
Flue (3)
Vertical Oft
Horizontal loft None 7— 10.1 a 30 ft No 0.25 0.35
Under honzontal 2000 sq ft
Barriers
Vertical Oft Vertical 0 ft Higher
7— 10.1 b Yes 0.25 0.35
Horizontal 10 ft Horizontal 10 ft than
Vertical lOft
orat 15ff. and 5ff None 7— 10.1 c 30ff Yes 0.30 035
Horizontal 10 ft
Vertical lOft Vertical 3Oft
7— 10.1 d Yes 0.30 0.40
Horizontal 10 ft Horizontal 10 ft
Vertical 0 ft Vertical ‘10 ft
I, II & III 7— 10.1 e Yes 2000 sq ft 0.30 0.40
Horizontal 10 ft Horizontal 5ff
Vertical 5ff Vertical Higher than
7— 10.1 f 25 ft No 0.30 0.40
Horizontal 5 ft Horizontal 5ff
Horizontal barriers at 20 ft. Vertical
lntervals—2 lines of sprinklers
under barriers maximum 7—101 g Yes 0.30 0.40
—

horizontal spacing 10 ft. staqece

Vertical 115 ft Vertical ‘1Oft
7— 10.1 h
Horizontal ho ft Horizontal 10
Yes 0.35 0.45
Vertical jF2Oft Vertical lOft
I, II, Ill, 7_ 10.1 i Higherthan No 0.35 0.45
Horizontal 5ff Horizontal 2000 sq ft
& IV 25ff
Horizontal barriers at 15 ft Vertical
Intervals —2 lines of sprinklers
under barriers maximum 7 10 1 Yes 035 0.45
—

horizontal spacing 10 ft. staggered

For SI Units: 1 ft 0.3048 m

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 CHAPTER 9— FIRE PROTECTION & PREVENTION
Table 9.1.3
Sprinkler Discharge Density Areas of Application
Piling Height gpml ft
2 2 (see Note 1)
ft
Piling Method ft
(See Notes 1 and 2) Ord. Temp. Heads High Temp. Head
[Link] Floor
a. Pyramid
b. Other arrangements such that Up to 5 See NFPA 13, Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems
no horizontal channels are 5 + to 7 0.24 2,000 2,000
formed 7 + to 8 0.26 2,000 2,000
c. Tires piled on floor on tread 8 + to 10 0.28 2.000 2,000
(See Note 3) 10 + to 12 0.32 2,000 2,000

2. Palletized
On side or tread 9 to 20 See Figure 4—1.2
20 to + 30 0.3 plus high 3,000 3,000
Expansion foam

3. Open Portable Rack Storage Upto 12 0.6 5,000 3,000

On side or tread 0.6 (See Note 4) 5,000
12 to 30 0.9 (See Note 4) 3,000
or 0. plus high 3,000 3,000
expansion foam

4. Double & Multi-row Fixed 9 to 20 See Figure 4— 1.2

Rack Storage of Pallets 20 0.4 plus 1 line in-rack 3,000 3,000
On side or tread sprinklers or 0.3 plus high 3.000 3,000
expansion foam

0.3 pIus high Not

20 + to 30 expansion foam Recommended 3,000

5. Double & Multi-row Fixed Upto 12 0.6 5,000 3,000

Rack Storage Without 12 to 20 0.6 (See Note 4) 5,000
Pallets or Shelves 0.9 (See Note 4) 3,000
On side or tread or 0.3 plush high expansion 3,000 3,000
foam or 0.4 plus 1 line 3,000 3,000
in-rack sprinklers

20 + to 30 0.3 plus high Not

expansion foam Recommended 3,000

Notes:

1. Sprinkler discharge densities and areas of application are based on a maximum clearance of 10 ft (3.1 m) between sprinkler defectors and the
maximum available height of storage.

2. The densities and areas provided in the table are based on fire tests using standard response; standard orifice (1/2 in.) and large orifice (1 7/32 in.)
sprinklers. In buildings where “old style” sprinkler heads exist, discharge densities shall be increased by 25%. For use of other types of sprinklers,
consult the authority having jurisdiction.

3. Files not to exceed 25 ft (7.6 m) in direction of wheel holes.

4. Water supply shall fulfill both requirements.

b. Fire Protection Standard for Storage of Heavy Weight Class. Includes paper board
Rubber Tires. This provision contained in and paper stock having a basis weight [weight
this standard apply to new facilities for tire per 1,000 [Link]. (93 [Link].)j of 20 lb. (9.1 kg.) or
storage and when converting existing greater.
facilities to tire storage occupancy.
Medium Weight Class. Includes the broad
c. Fire Protection Standard for the Storage range of papers having basis weight [weight
of Roll Paper. The purpose of this standard per 1,000 [Link]. (93 [Link].)] from 10 lb. (4.5 kg.)
is to provide a reasonable degree of to 20 lb (9.1 kg.)
protection for the storage of roll paper when
stored in buildings or structures through Light Weight Class. Includes all papers
installation requirements based upon sound having basis weight [weight per 1,000 [Link].
engineer principles and test data. (93 [Link].)] less than 10 lb (4.5 kg) and
tissues.
Classification of Roll Paper:

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 CHAPTER 9— FIRE PROTECTION & PREVENTION

Notes: produce fires that may normally be extinguished

by the quenching and cooling effect of water.
1. Sprinkle discharge densities and areas
of application are based on a Exposure The exterior presence of
—

maximum clearance of 10 ft. (3.1 m) combustibles which, if ignited, could cause

between sprinkler deflectors and the damage to the storage building or its contents.
maximum available height of storage.
Fire Wall A wall designed to prevent the
—

2. The densities and areas provided in spread of fire having a fire resistance rating of
the table are based on fire tests using not less than four hours and having sufficient
response; standard office (1/2 in.) and structural stability under fire conditions to allow
large orifice (17/32 in.) sprinklers. In collapse of construction on either side without
buildings were “oldstyle” sprinkler collapse of wall.
exist, discharge densities shall be
increased by 25%. For used of other Horizontal Channel Any uninterrupted space
—

types of sprinklers consult the in excess of 1524 m in length between

authority having jurisdiction. horizontal layers of stored commodities. Such
channels may be formed by pallets, shelving,
3. Files no to exceed 25 ft. (7.6 m) in racks or other storage commodities. Such
direction of wheel holes. channels may be formed by pallets, shelving,
racks or other storage arrangements.
4. Water supply shall fulfill both
requirements. Non-combustibles This term designates
—

commodities, packaging or storage aids which

will not ignite, bum or liberate flammable gases
Table 9.1.4 Design Densitvl Area of Arnlication Chart
Heavy Weight Medium Height
Stora e Clearance Open Array
hei ht’W Closed Array Standard Array Open Array Closed Array Standard Array Banded or
Banded or Banded or Unbanded
Unbanded Banded Unbanded Unbanded Unbanded Banded
Banded Unbanded

10 <5 .3/2000 .3/2000 .3/2000 .3/2000 .3/2000 V .3/2000 .3/2000 .3/2000

10 >5 .3/2000 .3/2000 .3/2000 .3/2000 .3/2000 .3/2000 .3/2000 .3)2000 .3)2000
15 <5 .3/2000 .3/2000 .3/2000 .3/2000 .3/2000 .3/2000 .3/2000 .45/2500 .45/2500
15 >5 .3/2000 .3/2000 .3/2000 .3/3000 .3/3500 .3/2000 .3/2500 .45/3000 .45/3000

20 < 5 .3/2000 3/2000 .3/2500 .45/3000 .45/3500 .3/2000 .45(2500 .6/2500 .6/2500

20 >5 .3/2000 .3/2500 .3/3000 .45/3500 .45/4000 .3/2500 .45/3000 .6/3000 .6/3000

25 < 5 .45/2500 .45/3000 .45/3500 .6/2500 .6/3000 .45/3000 .6/3000 .75/2500 .75/2500

NOTE: Densities and/or areas may be interpolated between any 5 ft storage height increment.
SI Units: 1 ft = 0.3048m; 1 gpm/ft
2 = 40.746 (L/min)/m
2

2.2 Definitions when heated to a temperature of 7490

for five
minutes.
Available Height for Storage The maximum —

height at which commodities, packaging or Packaging This term designates any

—

storage can be stored above the floor and still commodity wrapping, cushioning or container.
maintain adequate clearance from structural
members and the required clearance below Storage Aids This term designates
—

sprinklers. commodity storage devices such as shelves,

pallets, dunnage, decks, platforms, trays, bins,
Ordinary Combustibles This term designates
—
separators and skids.
commodities, packages or storage aids which
have hats of combustion kilojoules per kilogram Warehouse Any building or area within a
—

similar to wood, cloth or paper and which building used principally for the storage of
commodities.

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Extra Combustible Materials, which, either by

— Occupant Load — The maximum number of
themselves or in combination with their persons that may be allowed to occupy a
packaging, are highly susceptible to ignition and particular building, structure, or facility or portion
will contribute to the intensity and rapid spread thereof.
of fire.
Shall — Indicate a mandatory requirement.
Moderate Combustible Materials or their
—

packaging, either of which will contribute fuel to Should Indicates a recommendation or that
—

fire. which is advised but not required.

Non-Combustibles Materials and their

—
Sprinkler System A sprinkler system, for fire
—

packaging which will neither ignite nor support protection purpose, is an integrated system of
combustion. one or more water supplies for fire use,
underground and overhead piping designed in
The word SHALL is intended to indicate accordance with fire protection engineering
requirements. standards. The portion of the sprinkler system
above ground is a network of specially sized or
The words IT IS RECOMMENDED indicate hydraulically designed piping installed in building
advisory provisions. APPROVED refers to structure or area, generally overhead, and to
approval by the authority having jurisdiction. which sprinklers are attached in a systematic
pattern. The valve controlling each system riser
Approved. Acceptable to the “Authority having is located in the system riser or its supply piping.
jurisdiction”. Each sprinkler system includes a device for
actuating alarm when the system is in operation.
Authority Having Jurisdiction. The “authority The system is usually activated by heat from a
having jurisdiction” is the organization, office or fire and discharges water over the fire area.
individual responsible for approving equipment,
an installation or procedure. Warehouse Any building or area within a
—

building used principally for the storage of

Class A Fire Fire involving ordinary
—
commodities.
combustible materials such as wood, cloth,
paper, rubber and plastics 2.3 Classification of Storage

Class B Fire — Fire in flammable liquids and a. Type I Storage. Type I storage is that in
gases. which combustible commodities or non-
combustible commodities involving
Class C Fire Fire— involving energized combustible package or storage aids are
electrical equipment. stored over 4,550 mm but not more than
6,400 mm high in solid piles or over 3,650
Class D Fire Fire involving combustible
—
mm but not more than 6,400 mm high in
metals, such as magnesium, sodium, potassium, piles that contain horizontal channels. Minor
titanium and other similar metals. quantities of commodities of hazard greater
than ordinary combustibles may be included
Dry Stand Pipe a type of stand pipe system in
—
without affecting this general classification.
which the pipes are not normally filled with
water. Water is introduced into the system thru b. Type II Storage. Type II storage is that in
Fire Service connections when needed. which combustible commodities or non-
combustible commodities involving
Fire Service An organization or a component
—
combustible packaging or storage aids are
of the Philippine National Police Fire Department stored not over 4,500 mm high in solid piles
personnel in-charge with the mission of fire or not over 3,650 mm high in piles that
prevention, fire protection. contain horizontal channels.

Means of Egress A continuous and

— Minor quantities of commodities of hazard
unobstructed route of exit from any point in a greater than ordinary combustibles may be
building, structure or facility to a safe public way. included without affecting this general
classification.

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 CHAPTER 9- FIRE PROTECTION & PREVENTION

c. Type Ill Storage. Type II storage is that in Section of the warehouse occupied as boiler
which the stored commodities packaging room, engine room, or garage shall be cut
and storage aids are non-combustible or off from other sections of the warehouse by
contain only a small concentration of construction having a fire resistance of at
combustibles which are incapable of least two hours.
producing a fire that would cause
appreciable damage to the commodities Adequate access shall be provided to all
stored or to non-combustible wall, floor or portions of the premises for fire fighting
roof construction. Ordinary combustible purposes. Frangible wall sections for fire
commodities in completely sealed non- department or other emergency access or
combustible containers may qualify in this exit should be considered where doors are
classification subject to the authority having not practical.
jurisdiction. General commodity storage that
is subject to frequent changing and storage b. Areas. Fire areas of warehouses should be
of combustible packaging and storage aids limited to maintain the total value of the
is excluded from this category. commodity within reasonable limits yet not
be too restrictive for low value commodities.
2.4 Building Arrangement Conversely, high value and vital
commodities. Should be restricted to smaller
a. Construction. One-storey buildings without areas than for average value commodities
basement storage areas are preferable for such as found in the usual general
warehouses because of greater efficiency warehouse. The combustibility of the
for fire fighting and salvage operations. commodity and its packaging or storage aids
Long narrow buildings provide greater ease should be taken into account. Other
in protection and fire fighting than large considerations are the difficulty encountered
square buildings. Multi-storey buildings may in fire fighting and salvage operations in
be subject to the spread of fire from lower to large undivided areas.
upper floors and water used on upper floors
may cause damage on lower floors. Type I and Type II Storage. When
protected in accordance with this standard,
Newly-constructed warehouses over one 4,645 m 2 is considered the maximum area
storey in height should be of not less than for average value commodities enclosed by
three-hour fire-resistive construction. exterior walls or combination of exterior
walls and fire walls. A multi-storey building
Fire wall construction shall be parapet at having three-hour fire-resistive construction
least 910 mm above the building roof, shall be considered as having each floor a
except the parapet may be omitted where separate fire area. A multi-storey building of
the wall fits tightly to the underside of a fire- less than three-hour fire resistance at each
resistive roof deck. In buildings having floor shall be considered to be one fire area
combustible exterior walls, intersecting fire with the floor area per level being
walls shall extend at least 1,850 mm in total cumulative.
length. Fire walls should preferably be
without openings, but if openings are Type Ill Storage. Warehouses constructed
necessary they shall be provided with self- and protected in accordance with this
closing or automatic fire doors on each side standard may be of any reasonable area.
of the wall. Such doors shall be suitable for
openings in the particular fire wall. c. Ventilation. Consideration should be given
to the provision of roof vents and curtain
A wall or partition separating the warehouse boards, particularly in large one-storey
from other occupancy shall have fire warehouses where distance to exterior wall
resistance rating sufficient to protect the openings makes it difficult to place hose
warehouse from the fire exposure of the streams in service.
other occupancy. Door openings shall be
equipped with automatic closing fire doors d. Protection of Stairways and Shafts.
appropriate for the fire resistance rating of Stairways and other vertical shafts shall be
the wall or partition. enclosed with fire-resistive construction or
sealed at each floor level with construction

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 CHAPTER 9- FIRE PROTECTION & PREVENTION

having the same fire resistance rating as the means of an exterior balcony, the
floor. door assembly to the stair shall
have a 1-1/2-hour fire protection
Where stairways are required for the exit of rating and shall be self-closing or
occupants, such stairways and doors in shall be automatic-closing by
interior partitions enclosing stairways shall actuation of a smoke detector.
be adequately protected. Openings adjacent to such exterior
balconies shall be protected as
e. Stairways and Shaft of High Rise required and as follows:
Buildings Shall Be Smoke Proof
Enclosures. Smoke proof enclosures shall 2. Every vestibule shall have a
be a stair enclosure so designed that the minimum net area of 16 sq. ft. (1.5
movement into the smoke proof enclosure of sq.m.) of opening in an exterior
the product of combustion produced by a fire court, yard or public space at least
occurring in any part of the building shall be 20 ft. (6.1 m) in width.
limited and/or eliminated.
3. Every vestibule shall have a
The smoke proof enclosure may be minimum dimension not less than
accomplished by using natural ventilation, the required width of the corridor
by using mechanical ventilation leading to it and a minimum
incorporating a vestibule or by pressurizing dimension of 72 in. (183 cm) in the
the stair enclosure. direction of travel.

A smoke enclosure shall consist of a g. Mechanical Ventilation. Smoke proof

continuous stair enclosed from the highest enclosures by mechanical ventilation shall
point to the lowest point by barriers having a comply with all of the following:
2-hour fire resistance rating. Where a
vestibule is used it shall be within the 2-hour 1. The door assembly from the building
enclosure and is a part of the smoke proof into the vestibule shall be 1-1/2-hour
enclosure. fire protection rating and the door
assembly from the vestibule to the
Every smoke enclosure shall discharge into stairway shall have not less than 20-
a public way, into a yard or court having minute fire protection rating. The
direct access to a public way or into an exit door to the stairway shall be
passageway. Such exit passageways shall designed and installed to minimize
be without other openings and shall be air leakage. The doors shall be self-
separated from the remainder resistance closing or shall be automatic-closing
rating. by actuation of a smoke detector
located within 10 ft. (3 m) of the
f. Natural Ventilation. Smoke proof vestibule door.
enclosures by natural ventilation shall
comply with all the following: 2. Vestibules shall have a minimum
dimension of 44 in. (112 cm) in
1. Where a vestibule is provided, the width and 72 in. (183 cm) in
doorway into the vestibule shall be direction of exit travel.
protected with an approved fire door
assembly having a 1-1/2-hour fire 3. The vestibules shall be provided
protection rating and the fire door with not less than one air change
assembly from the vestibule to the per minute, and the exhaust shall be
stair shall have not less than a 20- 150 percent of the supply. Supply
minute fire protection rating. Doors air shall enter and exhaust air shall
shall be designed to minimize air discharge from the vestibule through
leakage and shall be self-closing or separate tightly constructed ducts
shall be automatic-closing by used only for that purpose. Supply
actuation of a smoke detector within air shall enter the vestibule within 6
10 ft (3 m) of the vestibule door. in. (15.2 cm) of the floor level. The
Where access to the stair is by top of the exhaust register shall be

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 CHAPTER 9— FIRE PROTECTION & PREVENTION

located not more than 6 in. (15.2 shall also be initiated by the following, if
cm) down from the top of the trap provided.
and shall be entirely within the
smoke trap area floors, when in the 1. Water flow signal from a complete
open position, shall not obstruct automatic sprinkler system.
duct opening. Duct opening may be
provided with controlling dampers if 2. General evacuation alarm system.
needed to meet the design
requirements but are not otherwise j. Standby Power. An approved self-
required. contained generator set to operator
whenever there is a loss of power in a
4. The vestibule ceiling shall be at normal house current shall provide standby
least 20 in. (50.8cm) higher than the Power for mechanical ventilation. The
door opening into the vestibule to generator shall be in separate room having
serve as a smoke and heat trap and a minimum- 1 hour fire resistive occupancy
to provide an upward moving air separation and shall have minimum fuel
column. The height may be supply adequate to operate the equipment
decreased when justified by for 2 hours.
engineering design and field testing.
k. Testing. Before the mechanical equipment
5. The stair shall be provided with a is accepted by the authority having
damper relief opening at the top and jurisdiction, it shall be tested to confirm that
supplied mechanically with sufficient the mechanical equipment is operating in
air to discharge a minimum of 2500 compliance with these requirements.
cu. Ft/mm. (70.8 cu rn/mm) through
the relief opening column in the stair Emergency Lighting. The stair shaft and
relative to atmosphere with all doors vestibule shall be provided with emergency
closed and a minimum of 0.10 inch lighting.
water column (25 Pa) difference
between the stair and the vestibule. m. Exposure Protection. Adequate protection
against exposure shall be provided where
h. Stair Pressurization. Smoke proof the warehouse or its contents are subject to
enclosures by stair pressurization shall damage from external fire. Depending upon
comply with all of the following: the severity of the exposure, such protection
should consist of parapet masonry walls
1. The building shall be protected without openings, wire glass in metal framed
throughout by an approved windows and/or open sprinklers.
supervised automatic sprinkler
system. n. Drainage of Floors. Upper floors of multi-
storied buildings should be made water tight
2. There shall be an engineered and provided with floor drainage facilities.
system to pressurize the air
enclosure capable of developing o. Piles Containing Horizontal Channels
0.05 in. (12.5 Pa) in addition to the
maximum anticipated stack p. Type I and Type II Storage. Horizontal
pressure relative to other parts of channels formed by rack arrangement
the building measured with all the should be suitably fire-stopped by means of
enclosure doors closed. barrier at intervals of 7,620 mm unless
additional automatic sprinklers are provided
Activation of Mechanical Ventilation at intermediate levels to protect the storage.
System.
Horizontal channels of palletized storage
For both mechanical and pressurized stair should be perpendicular to the aisle. No
enclosure systems, the activation of the part of such horizontal channels shall be
systems shall be initiated by smoke more than 7,620 mm from an aisle
detectors and by manual controls accessible measured along the length of the channel. It
to the fire department. The required system

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 CHAPTER 9— FIRE PROTECTION & PREVENTION

is desirable to eliminate such channels by sprinklers opened by a fire.

fire stopping pallets or by other means. This is the type of sprinkler
system commonly used and
Section 3.0 Fire Protection Systems adaptable to the climate in our
country.
3.1 Standard for the Design and Installation of
Sprinkler System (b) Deluge System. A system
employing open sprinklers
a. General Information attached to a piping system
connected to a water supply
1. Sprinkler System. A sprinkler through which is opened by the
system, for fire protection purposes, operation of a fire detection
is an integrated system of system installed in the same
underground and overhead piping areas as the sprinklers; when
engineering standards. The this valve opens, water flows
installation includes a water supply into the piping system and
such as a gravity tank, fire pump, discharges from all sprinklers
reservoir or pressure tank and/or attached thereto. This is the
connection by underground piping to system used in extra hazard
a city main. The portion of the areas like an aircraft hangar,
sprinkler system above ground is a storage tanks of combustible
network of specially sized or liquids, gases and oils, high
hydraulically designed piping voltage substations
installation in a building, structure or transformers. Foam chemicals
area to which sprinklers are may be incorporated to the
connected. The system includes a system to be more effective in
controlling valve and alarm devices fighting class B fires.
when the system is in operation.
The sprinkler head of the system is 4. Classification of Occupancies
usually activated by heat from a fire
and discharges water over the fire (a) Light Hazard Occupancies.
area. Occupancies where the quantity
and/or combustibility of contents
2. Scope and Purpose. This standard are low and fire with relatively
is the minimum for the installation of low rate of heat release are
the sprinkler system for buildings, expected. Light hazard
the character and adequacy of occupancies include
water supplies to sprinkler systems. occupancies having conditions
The purpose of this standard is to similar to: Churches, clubs,
provide protection for life and educational, hospitals, libraries,
property from fire through except large stock rooms,
installation requirements for Museums, Nursing or
sprinkler systems based upon Convalescent Homes, Office,
engineering principles, test data, including Data Processing,
and field experience. Residential, Restaurant seating
areas, Theaters and
3. Classification of Sprinkler Auditoriums excluding stages
Systems. Sprinkler Systems are and prosceniums and Unused
classified into different types listed attics.
below:
(b) Ordinary Hazard
(a) Wet Pipe Systems. A system Occupancies. There are three
employing automatic sprinklers groups of ordinary hazard
attached to a piping system occupancies and these are as
containing water and connected follows:
to a water supply so that water
discharges immediately from

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 CHAPTER 9— FIRE PROTECTION & PREVENTION

1) Ordinary Hazard (Group and wharves, Repair

1). Occupancies where garages, Tire
combustibility is low, manufacturing, Ware
quantity of combustible is houses (having moderate to
moderate, stockpiles of higher combustibility of
combustibles do not exceed contents such as paper,
2,400 mm and fire with household furniture, paint
moderate rate of heat general storage, whiskey,
release are expected. etc.), and Wood machining.
Included in this group are
the following having (c) Extra Hazard Occupancies.
conditions similar to: Occupancies where quantity
Automobile parking and combustibility of contents is
garages, Bakeries, very high, and flammable and
Beverages manufacturing, combustible liquid, dust, lint or
Canneries, Dairy products other materials are present
manufacturing and introducing the probability of
processing, Electronic rapidly developing fire with high
plants, Glass and glass rate of heat release. Extra
products manufacturing, hazard occupancies are
Laundries and Restaurant classified into two groups,
service areas. Group 1 and 2.

2) Ordinary Hazard (Group 1) Extra Hazard (Group 1).

2). Occupancies where Include occupancies as
quantity and combustibility described above with little
of content is moderate. or no flammable or
Stockpiles do not exceed combustible liquids:
3,700 mm and fire with combustible hydraulic fluid
moderate heat release is used areas, Die casting,
expected. Under this group Metal extruding, Plywood
are the following: Cereal and particle board
mills, Chemical plant —
manufacturing, Printing
ordinary, Machine shops, (using inks, with below
Metal working, Cold storage 37.8°C flash points, Rubber
warehouses, Distilleries reclaiming, compounding,
Leather goods drying, milling, vulcanizing,
manufacturing, Libraries, Saw mills, Textile picking,
large stock room areas, opening, blending,
Mercantile, Printing and garneting, carding,
publishing, Textile combining of cotton
manufacturing, Tobacco synthetics, wool, shoddy, or
pro-ducts manufacturing burlap, and Upholstering
and Wood products with plastic foams.
assembly.
2) Extra Hazard (Group 2).
3) Ordinary Hazard (Group Include occupancies with
3). Occupancies where moderate to substantial
quantity and/or amount of flammable or
combustibility of contents is combustible liquids or
high, and fire of high rate of where shielding of
release are expected. combustibles is extensive:
Included in this group are Asphalt saturating,
the following having Flammable liquids spraying,
conditions similar to: Feed Flow coating, Mobile home
mills, Pulp and paper mills, or modular building,
Paper process plants, Piers assemblies (where finished

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 CHAPTER 9— FIRE PROTECTION & PREVENTION

enclosure is present and r. Make, type, model and size of

has combustible interiors, deluge valve
Open oil quenching, Solvent s. Kind and location of alarm bells
cleaning, Varnish and paint t. Total number of sprinklers on
dipping. each alarm valve system
u. Approximate capacity in liters of
5. Working Plans. Working plans each alarm valve system
shall be submitted to the authority v. Pipe type and schedule of wall
having jurisdiction and the office of thickness
the Mechanical Department Building w. Nominal pipe size and cutting
Official before any equipment is length of pipe (or center to
installed or remodeled. Deviations center dimensions) where
from approved plans will require typical branch lines prevail, it
permission of the authority having will be necessary to size only
jurisdiction. Working plans shall be one line.
drawn to an indicated scale, on x. Location and size of riser
sheets of uniform size, with plan of nipples.
each floor, made so that they can be y. Type of fittings and joints and
easily duplicated and shall show the location of all welds and bends.
following data: z. Type and location of hangers
and sleeves
a. Name of owner and occupant aa. All control valves (OS&Y,
b. Location, including street outside screw and yoke)
address indicating valve, check valves,
c. Point of compass drain pipes and test pipes.
d. Ceiling construction, indicating bb. Size and location of hand hose,
ceiling materials, lighting layout, hose outlets and related
air duct layout and other equipment.
possible obstructions or cc. Underground pipe size, length,
interference with sprinkler heads location, weight, material, point
distribution layout. of connections to city main, the
e. Full height cross section type of valves, meters and valve
f. Location of fire walls pits, and the depth that top of
g. Location of partitions the pipe is laid below grade.
h. Occupancy of each area or dd. Provisions of flushing.
room ee. When the equipment is to be
i. Location and size of blind installed as an addition to an
spaces and closets existing system, enough of the
j. Any questionable small existing system shall be
enclosures in which no indicated on the plans to make
sprinklers are to be installed. all conditions clear.
k. Size of city main in street, city if. Location of fire department
main test result. connections.
I. Other sources of water supply, gg. Location and detail plan of fire
with pressure or elevation. pumping units and type of pump
m. Make, type and nominal orifice drive, concrete foundation,
size of sprinkler head. pump suction and discharge
n. Temperature rating and location piping, type of controllers, in the
of high temperature sprinkler case of electric motor driven
head pumps, the electrical power
o. Total area protected by each supply to electric motor must be
system on each floor connected o an automatic
p. Number of sprinkler heads on started emergency generator of
each riser per floor approved capacity to handle fire
q. Make, type, model and size of pump motor loads in case of
alarm valve power failure of the local power
supply facilities.

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 CHAPTER 9— FIRE PROTECTION & PREVENTION

hh. Hydraulic calculation for the a. General Provisions. Every automatic

system must be submitted sprinkler systems shall have at least one
which must indicate the automatic water supply.
following: Density liter per
min/sq.m. Area of application, b. Water Supply Requirement for Sprinklers
sq.m.; Coverage per sprinkler; System.
Number of sprinkler calculated;
Total water required, liter per 1. The following tables of water supply
mm; Total water required for requirements shall be used in
hose stream, liter/mm; Name of determining the minimum water
contractor; Name of designer. supply requirement for light,
ii. Dry standpipe layout must be ordinary and extra hazard
shown in the plans as required occupancies.
by the Building Code and
Philippine Fire Code P.D. No. Table [Link](a)
1185. Guide to Water Supply Requirements for
Pipe Schedule Sprinkler System
jj. In case of high rise buildings full
building height must be shown, Occupancy Residual Acceptable Flow atOuration in
fire walls, fire doors, large classification Pressure Base of Riser Minutes
unprotected window openings, Required at
the Elevation
and blind spaces, distance to, of the Highest
construction and occupancy of Sprinkler
exposing buildings which may Light Hazard 1.03 bar 1893 — 2839 Lpm 30—60 minutes
affect the effectivity of the Ordinary Hazard
Group 1 1.03 bar or 2650— 3785 Lpm 60— 90 minutes
proposed fire protection. higher
kk. Specification of the sprinkler Ordinary Hazard
system. Group2 1.03 baror 3217—5678 Lpm 60—90 minutes
higher
6. Approval and Acceptance Test of Ordinary Hazard Pressure and flow requirements for sprinklers and
Sprinkler Systems. Before hose streams to be determined by authority having
installation is started, all aspects of jurisdiction.
design, installation and equipment Warehouses Pressure and flow requirements for sprinklers and
shall conform in all respects to the hose streams to be determined by authority having
rules, regulations and requirements jurisdiction.
of the government agency High Rise Pressure and flow requirements for sprinkler and
concerned, the Fire Code of the Building hose streams to be determined by authority having
Philippines under RD. 1185, the jurisdiction.
Local Building Officials who are Extra Hazard Pressure and flow requirements for sprinklers and
concerned with public safety. For hose streams to be determined by authority having
insurance purposes, the PIRA jurisdiction.
(Philippine Insurance Rating
Associations). Sprinkler discharged density and
corresponding are a of sprinkler
All test required by this standard operation and water supply
shall be performed by the installer requirement for hydraulically
for the owner in the presence of the designed sprinkler systems. A
authority having jurisdiction. hydraulically designed sprinkler
system is one in which pipe sizes
Contractor’s materials and test are selected on a pressure loss
certificate standard forms shall be basis to provide a density LPM
completed and forwarded to the distributed with a reasonable degree
authority. of uniformity over a specified area,
thus permits the selection of pipe
3.3 Water Supplies size in accordance with the
characteristics of the water supply
available. The design density and

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 CHAPTER 9— FIRE PROTECTION & PREVENTION

area of application will vary with accordance with Table [Link](a)

occupancy hazard. and [Link](b) supplied under
positive head from a water tank
Table [Link](b) shall be an acceptable water
Table and Design Curves for Determining Density, Area of supply source. Fire pump must be
Sprinkler Operation and Water Supply Requirements for Underwriters Laboratory (UL) listed
Hydraulically Designed Sprinkler System
or Factory Mutual approved.

Minimum Water Supply 3. Pressure Tanks

Hazard Sprinkler Combined Duration
Classification (LPM) Inside & Outside in
Hose LPM- Minutes 4. Fire Department Connections

Light See Note 1 378.5 30 d. Valves. Types of valves to be used.

Ordinary Group 1 See Note 1 946.5 60-90
Ordinary Group 2 See Note 1 946.5 60-90
Ordinary Group 3 See Note 1 1,893 60-120 1. All valves on connections to water
supplies and in supply pipes to
Note 1: The water supply requirement for sprinkler only shall be sprinklers shall be listed indicating
calculated from density cuives in Table [Link](b). valves, and shall be 12.05 Bar cold
water or 8.6 Bar saturated steam
c. Sprinkler System may be connected to pressure rating.
the following water supply provided the
capacity and reliability is acceptable. e. Spacing, Location and Positions of
Sprinklers
1. Gravity Tanks. The capacity and
elevation of the tank fire protection 1. Area Limitations. The maximum
use and the arrangement of the floor area to be protected by
supply piping shall provide the sprinklers supplied on each system
volume and pressure require as riser on any one floor shall be as
design. follows:

2. Pumps. A single automatically Liaht Hazard 4.830 m

2

Density (Llmin) / m
- 2
4.1 6.1 8.1 10.2 12.2 14.3 16.3
2.0
645
DC

a 372
4000
a
0
C
oS 0
5)
0.
0 5)
a
00) 0
279 5)
C 3000 I
a C

I
(0)
a
0 232 C,)
CU
5) 2500 0
‘5
5)

00
186

00 I 139
0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30 0.35 0.40
0.05
Density gpmlsq ft
-

For SI Units: 1 sq ft = : I gpm/sq ft

0.0929 m
2 = 40746 (Llmin)/m
2

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 CHAPTER 9— FIRE PROTECTION & PREVENTION

Solid piled storage in excess of 25mm 2 sprinklers

6,400 mm in height or palletized on 30mm 4 sprinklers
rack storage in excess of 3,700 mm 38mm 7 sprinklers
in height 3,716 m
— 2 50mm 15 sprinklers
65mm 50 sprinklers
Extra Hazard 2,323 m
2
The total number of sprinklers
f. Size of Riser. Each system risers shall be above and below the ceiling
sized to supply all sprinklers on the riser on exceeds 50 sprinklers shaH be to
any floor as determined by the standard 150 mm and size thereafter
schedules of pipe sizes listed below the according to schedule.
number of sprinklers on a given pipe size on
one floor shall not exceed the number given 2. Schedule for Ordinary Hazard
for a given occupancy.
25 mm 2 sprinklers
1. Schedule of Light Hazard 30 mm 3 sprinklers
Occupancies 40 mm 5 sprinklers
50 mm 10 sprinklers
25mm 2 sprinklers 65 mm 20 sprinklers
30 mm 3 sprinklers 75 mm 40 sprinklers
38 mm 5 sprinklers 100 mm 100 sprinklers
50 mm 10 sprinklers 125 mm 160 sprinklers
65mm 30 sprinklers 150 mm 275 sprinklers
75mm 60 sprinklers 205 mm Area limitation govern
90mm 100 sprinklers on ordinary hazard
100mm Area limitation given
Exception No. 1: For slid pipe
Branch lines shall not exceed 8 storage in excess of 4,600 mm in
sprinklers on either side of a cross- height or palletized or rack storage
main. in excess of 3,658 mm. The area
served by any one 205 mm pipe
Exception: When more than 8 shall not exceed 3,716 m . Where
2
sprinklers are necessary, lines single systems serve both storage
maybe increased to 9 sprinklers by and ordinary hazard areas, the
making the 2 end lengths 25 mm storage area coverage shall not
and 30 mm respectively, and the exceed 3,716 m 2 and total area
sizes thereafter standard, 10 coverage shall not exceed 4,831 m.
2
sprinklers maybe placed in branch
lines making the 2 end lengths 25 Exception No. 2: When the distance
mm and 30 mm, respectively and between sprinklers on the branch
feeding the tenth sprinkler by a 65 lines exceeds 3,700 mm or the
mm pipe. distance between the branch lines
exceed 3,700 mm, the number of
Each area requiring more than 100 sprinklers for a given pipe shall be
sprinklers and without subdividing as follows:
partitions (nor necessarily fire walls)
shall be supplied by feed main or 65mm 15 sprinklers
rises sized for ordinary hazard 75mm 30 sprinklers
occupancies.
Branch lines shall not exceed 8
When sprinklers are installed above sprinklers on either side of a
and below ceiling, such branch lines crossm am.
shall not exceed 8 sprinklers above
and 8 sprinklers below the ceiling on When sprinklers are installed above
either side of the crossmain. Pipe and below a ceiling, the pipe sizing
sizing shall be as follows up to 65 up to 75 mm shall be as follows:
mm.

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 CHAPTER 9— FIRE PROTECTION & PREVENTION

25mm 2 sprinklers building construction, except

30 mm 4 sprinklers protection area shall not exceed 9.3
38mm 7 sprinklers 2 where the system is hydraulically
m
50mm 15 sprinklers designed.
65mm 30 sprinklers
75mm 60 sprinklers h. System Components

3. Schedule for Extra Hazard 1. Internal Fire Hose in Cabinets or

Occupancies in Hose Reels. 38 mm hose used
for fire purposes maybe connected
25mm 1 sprinkler to wet sprinkler system only subject
30mm 2 sprinklers to the following restrictions:
38mm 5 sprinklers
50mm 8 sprinklers (a) Hose stations supply shall not
65mm 15 sprinklers be connected to any pipe
75mm 27 sprinklers smaller than 65 mm except for
100mm 55 sprinklers hydraulically designed loops
150mm 150 sprinklers and grids. Hose stations supply
205 mm Area limitation applies pipes maybe connected to a 50
mm source.
Branch lines shall not exceed 6
sprinklers on either side of the (b) Piping shall be at least 25 mm
crossmain. for vertical runs.

g. Protection Area Limitation (c) Piping shall be 25 mm for

horizontal runs up to 6,096 mm,
1. Light Hazard Occupancy. Under 30 mm for runs between 6,096
smooth construction and under mm and 24.4 meters and 38
beam and girder construction, the mm for runs greater than 24.4
protection area per sprinkler shall meters.
not exceed 18.6 .
2
m For
hydraulically designed sprinkler (d) When the pressure at any hose
systems, the protected area limit per station exceeds 6.89 Bars
sprinkler maybe increased to 20.9 pressure reducing valves shall
.
2
m be installed at the outlet to
reduce the pressure to 6.89
Under open wood joist construction Bars.
and for other types of construction,
the protection area per sprinkler 2. Hose Connection for Fire
shall not exceed 15.6 m
.
2 Department Use. In building of
light department use maybe
2. Ordinary Hazard Occupancy. For attached to wet-pipe sprinkler
all types of construction, the systems subject to the following
protection area per sprinkler shall restrictions:
not exceed 12.1 m , except for
2
buildings used for high-piled (a) Sprinklers shall be under
storage, the protection area per separate control valves.
sprinkler shall not exceed 9.3 m
.
2
(b) The minimum size of the riser
The maximum spacing between shall be 102 mm unless
lines and sprinklers: Light and hydraulic calculations indicate
ordinary hazard 4,572 mm except
— smaller size satisfy sprinkler and
3,658 mm for high-piled storage. hose streams demand.

3. Extra Hazard Occupancies. The (c) Each combined sprinkler

protection area per sprinkler shall standpipe riser shall be
. For any type of
not exceed 8.4 m
2 equipped with a riser control

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 CHAPTER 9- FIRE PROTECTION & PREVENTION

valve to permit isolating a riser (c) Stairways.

without interrupting the supply to
other risers from the same (d) Vertical opening in buildings.
source of supply.
(e) Service chutes and dumb
3. Fire Department Connections. waiter.
Fire Department connection shall be
provided to sprinkler system in all (f) Under roofs or canopies over
cases. Pipe size shall not be less outside loading platforms, ducts
than 102 mm for fire engine or other areas where
connections and to less than 152 combustible are stored or
mm for fire boat connection. The handled.
fire department connection shall be
on the system side of a check valve (g) Under ducts and galleries which
in the water supply piping, or on are over 1,200 mm wide.
wet-pipe system on the system side
of check and alarm valves to the (h) Library stock room.
riser.
(i) Beneath ducts over 1,200 mm
4. Sprinkler System Standard wide.
Devices. The Sprinkler System
shall be provided with the following: (j) Commercial type cooing
equipment and ventilation
(a) System main drain. systems.

(b) Auxiliary drain on trapped sections (k) Electrical components when

—

of pipe. sprinkler protection is provided

in generator and transformer
(c) Inspector test connections not room, hoods or shields installed
less than 25 mm shall be provided to protect important electrical
for each system, or for each floor equipment from water shall be
level. non-combustibles.

(d) Pipe sleeves of proper size. (I) Outside sprinkler protection

against exposure fires.
(e) Pipe sway bracing the pipe
hangers conforming to fire code. Sprinkler
Max. Ceiling Temperature Temperature
(f) Water motor alarm gong. Temperature Color Code
Rating Classification
°C
(g) Water flow switches for multi- 38 57 to 77 Ordinary Uncolored
storey building to supervise 66 79to 107 Intermediate White
system flow on each floor areas. 107 121 to 149 High Blue
149 163to 191 Extra High Red
(h) Valve signs, spare sprinklers and 191 204 to 249 Very Extra HighGreen
wrenches in cabinets. 246 260 to 302 Ultra High Orange

5. Sprinklers shall also be required to 3.4 Installation of Fire Pumps

the following areas:
a. Standard for the Installation of Fire
(a) Concealed spaces, enclosed Pumps. Only listed fire pumps shall be used
wholly or partially by exposed for fire protection service. The adequacy
combustible construction, as in and dependability of the water source are of
walls, floors and ceilings. primary importance. Fire pumps shall have
the following rated capacities in LPM or
(b) At the opening of the elevator larger, and are rated at net pressure of 2.75
shaft at each floor level.

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 CHAPTER 9- FIRE PROTECTION & PREVENTION

Table 9.2.5 (a)

Summary of Fire Pump Data
Relief Meter No. & Size Hose, Header
Relief Valve
Pump Rating Suction Discharge Valve Device of Hose Valve Supply
(LPM) (mm) (mm) Discharge (mm) (mm) (mm)
(mm) (mm)

378 51 51 38 51 64 1 —38 51
946 89 76 51 64 89 1 —65 76
1,892 127 127 76 127 127 2—65 102
2,839 152 152 102 150 152 3—65 150
3,785 203 152 102 203 203 4—65 150
5,677 203 203 152 203 203 6—65 203
7,570 254 254 152 254 203 6—65 303
9,462 254 254 152 254 203 8—65 254
11,355 305 305 203 305 203 12—65 254
13,247 305 305 203 305 254 12—65 305
15,140 356 305 203 356 254 15—65 305

Bars or more and shall have the following every part of the exterior of each building not
features standard equipment. covered by standpipe protection for every
part of each building by the use of lengths of
b. There are two types of standard fire pump hose normally attached to the hydrants.
used for the protection service, the There shall be sufficient hydrants to
centrifugal and the vertical turbine type, concentrate the required fire flow above any
either horizontal or vertical mounted are important building protected. An adequate
permitted to obtain water on positive suction hose houses shall be placed nearby the
head only. The vertical turbine type is hydrants with standards accessories as
practically suitable for fire pump service follows:
when the water is located below ground
where it would be difficult to install any other 2 — Approved adjustable spray-solid
type of pump below the minimum water stream nozzles equipped with
level. shut-off for each size of hose 65
mm.
Diesel engine drive when used to drive
either centrifugal or vertical turbine fire pump 1 — Fire Axe with brackets
shall be specifically listed for fire pump
service by the testing laboratories. Engines 1 — Hydrants Wrench
shall be acceptable for horse power rating
with listed controllers and standard 4 — Coupling spanners for each sized
accessories, such as angle gear drive, hose provided, 65 mm
governor, over speed shutdown devices,
tachometer, oil pressure gage, temperature 2 — Hose Coupling gaskets for each
gage, instrument panel, factory wiring, size of hose, 65 mm
electrical starter, two (2)sets of batteries with
battery charger, engine cooling exchanger 3.6 Dry Stand Pipe and Hose Systems
system, fuel tank, exhaust muffler and
others. a. Standpipe systems are none of the best
internal means for extinguishing fires in
c. Pressure Maintenance (jockey or make buildings and structures. Even in buildings
up) Pumps. Jockey pumps shall have rated equipped with automatic sprinkler systems,
capacities not less than any normal leakage standpipe is necessary. Standpipes are
rate they shall have discharge pressure required in places such as the upper storey
sufficient to maintain the desired fire of high buildings or large areas, low height
protection system pressure. buildings, and in other structures where
construction, size of other features limit the
3.5 Outside Protection use of hose streams from the exterior.

a. Hydrants. A sufficient number of hydrants 1. Class Service

shall e installed to provide hose streams for

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 CHAPTER 9- FIRE PROTECTION & PREVENTION

Class I For use by fire department

—
Minimum water supply for Class
and those trained in handling heavy I and Class Ill service shall be
fire streams 65 mm hose. 1,893 Lpm for 30 minutes.

Class II — For use primarily by the Minimum water supply for Class
buildings occupants until the arrival II service shall be 380 Lpm at 30
of the fire department 38 mm hose. minutes.

Class Ill For use either by fire

— 3.7 Local Fire Code Requirements
department and those trained in
handling heavy hose streams 65 a. Fire Code of the Philippines, which is the
mm or by the building occupants 38 Presidential Decree No. 1185, requires that
mm hose. the following establishments be protected
with automatic water sprinkler system.
Standpipe system may be wet-type
or dry standpipe. 1. High Rise Buildings. Structures
or facilities, fifteen (15) meters or
Standpipe systems for Class I and more, measure from the grade level
Ill services shall be sized for a to the floor of the topmost storey, for
minimum flow of 1,893 liter/mm every new or old building.
where more than one standpipe is
required, all common 1,893 liter/mm 2. Places of Assembly. Stage
for each additional standpipe, the equipped with fly galleries gridirons
first standpipe plus 946.5 liter/mm. and rigging for movable theater-
for each additional standpipe, the type scenery and every enclosed
total not to exceed 9,462 Lpm. platform larger than 46.5 square
meters in area.
Standpipe not exceeding 23 m in
height shall be at least 100 mm in 3. Educational Building.
size. Standpipe in excess of 23 mm
in height shall be at least 150 mm in (a) Below the floor of exit discharge.
size. Standpipe shall be limited to
84 meters in height and buildings in 4. General Storage, Boiler, oil furnace
excess of 84 meters shall be zoned rooms, fuel storage, janitor closets,
accordingly. maintenance shop including wood
working and painting areas,
Standpipe systems for Class Ill laundries, and kitchen, (if these
service. Each standpipe shall be areas are not separated from the
sized for a minimum flow of 380 other parts of building with one hour
Lpm. fire resistance material rating and all
openings, are not protected with
Standpipe and supply piping shall self-closing door).
be either hydraulically designed to
provide the required water supplies (a) Any flexible plan or open
at a minimum residual pressure of building in which the travel
4.5 Bars at the topmost outlet. distance to exits exceeding forty
six (46) meters.
(a) Number of Standpipe. The
number of hose stations for (b) Underground and windowless
Class I, II and Class Ill services buildings.
in each building divided by the
walls shall be such that all 5. Institutional Occupancies and
portions of each storey of the Residential Areas. Throughout all
building are within 9 meters of a hospitals, nursing homes, and
nozzle attached to not more residential custodial care facilities
than 30.5 meter of hose. including hazardous areas.

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 CHAPTER 9— FIRE PROTECTION & PREVENTION

6. Mercantile Occupancies. surface area shall be protected with

Automatic sprinkler protection an approved automatic fire
system shall be installed in all extinguishing system.
mercantile occupancies as follows:
3.8 Portable Fire Extinguishers
(a) In all one (1) storey building
over one thousand three a. Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable
hundred ninety four (1,394 extinguishers are appliances to be used by
sq.m.) in area. the occupants of a building or area, primarily
for immediate use on small fires. Even in
(b) In all buildings over one (1) buildings equipped with automatic sprinkler
storey in height and exceeding system, portable fire extinguishers are
two thousand seven hundred necessary.
eighty-seven (2,787 sq.m.) in
gross area. b. The basic types of fire are as follows:

(c) Throughout floors below the 1. Class A Fires. Are fires in ordinary
street floor having 232.5 sq. m combustible materials such as
when used for the space, wood, cloth, paper, rubber and
storage or handling of many plastics.
combustible goods and
Merchandise. Extinguishers for protection of Class
A hazards shall be selected from the
7. Business Occupancies. All following: water types, foam, loaded
business occupancy buildings over stream, and multi-purpose dry
15 meters high shall be provided chemicals. The maximum travel
throughout with automatic sprinkler distance to such extinguishers shall
protection. not exceed 22.8 m.

8. Industrial Occupancies. Every 2. Class B Fires. Are fires in

high hazard occupancy shall have flammable liquids, gases and
automatic protection or such other greases.
protection as maybe appropriate to
the particular hazard. Extinguishers for protection of Class
B hazards shall be selected from the
9. Pier and Water Surrounded following halon 1301, halon 1211,
Structure. Pier aeck must be carbon dioxide, dry chemical types,
provided with automatic fire foam and loaded stream. The
suppression system protection for maximum travel distance to such
combustible structure and for super extinguishers shall not exceed 15.25
structure, if any. meters.

10. Cellulose Nitrate Plastics 3. Class C Fires. Are fires which

(Pyroxylin). All new and existing involve energized electrical
building used for the manufacture or equipment where electrical non-
storage of articles of cellulose conductivity of the extinguishing
nitrate plastic (pyroxylin) in media is of importance.
quantities exceeding 45 kg.
Extinguishers for protection of Class
11. High Piled Combustible Stock. C hazards shall be selected from
Required in each building used for the following halon 1301, halon
high piled combustible stock when 1211, carbon dioxide and dry
the area exceeds 2/3 of the sum of chemical types. The maximum
the basic floor area. travel distance to such extinguishers
shall not exceed 15.25 meters.
12. Dip Tanks. Dip tanks of over 570
liters capacity of 0.93 sq.m. liquid

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 CHAPTER 9— FIRE PROTECTION & PREVENTION

4. Class 0 Fires. Are fires in Non-combustible —Materials and their

combustible metals, such as packaging which will neither ignite nor support
magnesium, titanium, zirconium, combustion.
sodium and potassium.
The word shall is intended to indicate
Extinguishers and extinguishing requirements.
agent for the protection of Class D
hazards shall be of types approved The words it is recommended indicate advisory
for use on the specific combustible provisions.
metal hazard. The maximum travel
distance to such extinguisher shall Approved refers to approval by the authority
not exceed 23 meters from Class D having jurisdiction.
hazards.
4.3 Outdoor Storage. Outdoor storage is
5. Extinguisher Location and recognized as standard practice for certain
Mounting. Fire extinguisher should commodities which, by reason of their bulk,
be installed in plain view, in an cannot be ordinarily placed in storage buildings.
accessible spot, near room exits,
which provide an escape route. Outdoor storage may be preferable to storage in
Extinguishers must be located away combustible buildings lacking fire protection, in
from fire hazards, must be installed the case of materials not subject to undue
so that the top is not more than damage or deterioration from exposure to the
1,500 mm above the floor. They weather and not particularly susceptible to
must be easy to reach and remove, ignition by sparks or flying brands.
and placed where they will not be
damaged. Where materials, which normally would be
stored in buildings are stored outdoors in
Section 4.0 Outdoor General Storage temporary emergencies, it is required special
precaution be taken for their safeguard and that
4.1 Purpose they be moved to a storage warehouse as soon
as possible.
Requirements contained herein are for the
proper handling and safeguarding of storage of 4.4 Site
types of commodities of moderate combustible
hazard. Standards for the storage of non- a. In selecting a site for outdoor storage,
combustible commodities and those of extra preference shall be given to location having:
combustible hazard are excluded, as well as
storage covered by specific standards. 1. Adequate municipal fire and police
protection.
a. Because of the diversity of the materials
handled, no fixed requirements can be 2. Adequate public water systems with
provided to cover all conditions. However, hydrants suitably located for
principles set forth herein will provide a protection of the storage.
basis for proper protection of commodities in
storage in the open. 3. Adequate all-weather roads for fire
department apparatus response.
4.2 Definitions
4. Sufficient clear space for buildings
Extra Combustible Materials which, either by
—
of combustible construction or from
themselves or in combination with their other combustible storage which
packaging, are highly susceptible to ignition and might constitute an exposure
will contribute to the intensity and rapid spread hazard.
of fire.
5. Absence of flood hazard.
Moderate Combustible — Materials or their
packaging, either of which will contribute fuel to
fire.

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6. Adequate clearance space between All electrical equipment and installation shall
storage piles and any highways and conform to the provisions of the Philippine
railroads. Electrical Code.

4.5 Material Piling. Materials shall be stored in unit All heating equipment shall conform with
piles as low in height and small area as in established fire prevention standards.
consistent with good practice for the material Salamanders, braziers, portable heaters or other
stored. The maximum height will be determined open fires shall not be used.
by the base of pile and type of packaging,
stability of the material and limit of the effective Smoking shall be strictly prohibited in any
reach of hose streams. location where the practice might cause fire.
“No Smoking” signs shall be posted throughout
Aisles shall be maintained between individual the storage area except in specific locations
piles, between piles and buildings and the designated as safe for smoking purposes.
boundary line of the storage site. Sufficient
driveways, having a width of at least 4,500 mm 4.9 Storage and Use of Motor Vehicles Using
shall be provided to permit the travel of fire Gasoline or Liquefied Petroleum Gas as Fuel.
equipment to all portions of the storage area. Vehicles should be garaged in a separate
Aisles shall be not less than 3,000 mm wide to detached building. Storage and handling of fuel
reduce danger of spread of fire from pile to pile shall conform to approved standards of
and to permit ready access for fire fighting, Flammable and Combustible liquids and
emergency removal of materials or for salvage approved standards for the storage and
purposes. Extra combustible materials will Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases. Repair
require wide aisles and roads dependent upon operations shall be conducted outside the yard
the height of the pile and the degree of unless separate masonry walled building is
combustibility. For extra combustible materials, provided. If vehicles are to be greased,
the width of aisles should be equal to the height repaired, painted or otherwise serviced, such
of the pile but not less than 3,000 mm. work shall be conducted in conformance with
standards as approved by the authority having
4.6 Fences. The entire property shall be jurisdiction.
surrounded in the fence or other suitable means
to prevent access of any unauthorized persons. Tarpaulins, used for protection of storage
against the weather, shall be of approved flame
4.7 Buildings. Buildings in outside yards shall be proof fabric.
located with as much clear space to open yard
storage as is practicable but shall be not less Coal-fired steam locomotives shall not be
than 4,500 mm from open yard piling unless allowed to enter the yard where combustible
buildings have blank exterior masonry walls. material is stored unless the smokestack is
Buildings of wood frame construction or protected by a spark arrester and the ash pan is
containing hazardous operations shall be at protected by screens to prevent hot coals from
least 15.2 m from the nearest storage pile; and escaping.
explosion vents, blower outlets, etc., not be
directed toward the yard storage. Oil-fired steam locomotives and Diesel
locomotives from which glowing particles or
4.8 Yard Maintenance and Operations. The entire carbon are emitted from the exhaust stacks shall
storage site shall be kept free from accumulation not be permitted in the yard.
of unnecessary combustible materials. Woods
and grass shall be kept down and regular 4.10 Fire Protection. Provisions shall be made by
procedure provided for the periodic clean-up of some suitable means for promptly notifying the
the entire area. public fire department or private fire brigade in
case of fire or other emergency.
Adequate lighting shall be provided to allow
supervision of all parts of the storage area at Provisions shall be made to permit direction of
night. an adequate number of hose streams on any
pile or portion of the storage area that may be
involved in fire. Unless adequate protection is
provided by a Municipal fire department,

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sufficient hose and other equipment shall be a. Regular fire safety audit in every workplace.
kept on hand at the storage property, suitably
housed and provision be made for trained b. Seasonal fire hazard review, like fire
personnel constantly available to put it into prevention month assessment.
operation. Monitor nozzles shall be provided at
strategic points where large quantities of highly c. Fire prevention awareness shall be
combustible materials are stored. promoted through pamphlets and posters.

Hydrants and all fire fighting equipment shall be d. Employers shall teach workers to operates
accessible for use at all times. No temporary machines properly and to report any
storage shall be allowed to obstruct access to problems that could cause fire.
fire fighting equipment.
e. Workers shall be empowered to do fire
4.11 Watch Service. Standard watch service shall hazard inspection near machines in their
be provided and continuously throughout the workplace to supplement supervisor, safety
yard and storage area at all times while the yard audit.
is otherwise unoccupied. It is required that there
be some suitable means of supervising the f. A clean workplace program following 5s
watchman’s activities to be sure that he makes standard and emphases (sorting, sweeping,
his required rounds at regular intervals. standardizing, and systemizing) and self-
discipline.
Attention is directed to the value of strategically
placed watch towers in large yards where a 7.2 Fire prevention is a term for the many safety
watchman, stationed at a point of vantage, can measures used to keep harmful fires from
keep the entire property under observation. starting this is being carried out by several
Such towers shall be connected to the fire alarm programs in fire safety, like
system so that prompt notification of fire may be
given. a. Laws and specifications.

Section 5.0 Anti-Pollution for Standards b. Inspection of buildings and others company
for Indoor and Outdoor General Storage properties.

5.1 Odor-producing material should be stored in c. Education about fire safety

closed storage rooms/warehouses and the
ventilation system of the same should be 7.3 Education is a vital part of fire prevention
provided with appropriate odor control facilities programs because people cause and could
to preclude odor nuisance in the immediate prevent almost all fines. Fire fighters is the most
vicinity. competent teacher who could reach out to the
level of understanding of children and adult in
5.2 Open yard storage of materials that result in communities, schools, homes, industries, ether
wind-borne dust problems should be provided indoor and outdoor.
with or water sprinkler systems.

Section 6.0 Standard on Halon 1301 Fire

Extinguished Systems
This section shall not be applicable pursuant to the
Montreal Protocol.

Section 7.0 Fire Prevention Doctrine

7.1 Workers educational programs in fire safety
have become important supplements to well-
developed fire prevention and inspection
programs, and these include:

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