RA 9514

THE FIRE CODE

OF THE
PHILIPPINES
Barredo, Christine Anne D.
BS ARCHITECTURE 3-A
 REVISED IMPLEMENTING RULES AND
REGULATIONS (RIRR) OF
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9514
RULE 1. INTERPRETATION
RULE 2. COVERAGE
RULE 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS
RULE 4. AUTHORITY OF THE CHIEF, BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION
RULE 5. FIRE CODE TECHNICAL STAFF
RULE 6. FIRE BRIGADES, FIRE VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS AND
FIRE SAFETY PRACTITIONERS
RULE 7. ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT TO THE BFP
RULE 8. FIRE SAFETY ENFORCERS
RULE 9. ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF
FIRE SAFETY MEASURES
RULE 10. FIRE SAFETY MEASURES
RULE 11. PROHIBITED ACTS
RULE 12. FIRE CODE TAXES, FEES/CHARGES AND
FINES
RULE 13. ADMINISTRATIVE COURSES OF ACTION
 COVERAGE
This RIRR shall cover the following:
A. All persons, either natural or juridical;
B. All buildings, facilities or structures and their premises, erected or
constructed before and after the effectivity hereof;
C. Design and installation of mechanical, electronics and electrical
systems relative to fire protection;
D. Manufacturing, storage, handling and/or use, and transportation of
explosives and/ or combustible/flammable liquids and gases, toxic and
other hazardous materials and operations, and their wastes;
E. Fire safety planning, design, construction, repair, maintenance,
rehabilitation and demolition;
F. Fire protective and warning equipment or systems;
G. All land transportation vehicles and equipment, ships or vessels
docked at piers or wharves or anchored in seaports; and
H. Petroleum industry installations.
 An act establishing a comprehensive fire code of the
Philippines, repealing presidential decree no. 1185 and for
other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of

the Philippines in Congress assembled:
 SECTION 1

This act shall be known as the “Fire Code of the

Philippines of 2008”
 SECTION 2
It is the policy of the State to ensure public safety, promote economic
development through the prevention and suppression of all kinds , of
destructive fires, and promote the professionalization of the fire services as a
profession. Towards this end, the sate shall enforce all laws, rules and
regulations to ensure adherence to standard fire prevention and safety
measures, and promote accountability in the fire protection and prevention
services.
 SECTION 3
Definition of Terms. - As used in this Fire Code
● Abatement. Any act that would remove or neutralize a fire hazard.
● Authorized Government Depository Bank (AGDB) or Authorized
Government Servicing Bank (AGSB). Government servicing banks such as
Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), Development Bank of the Philippines
(DBP), United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB), and Philippine Veterans
Bank (PVB), wherein Fire Code revenues are deposited for subsequent
remittance to the Bureau of Treasury (BTr).
 SECTION 4
Applicability of the Code

The provisions of the Fire Code shall apply to all persons

and all private and public buildings , facilities or structures
erected or constructed before and after its effectivity.
 SECTION 5
Responsibility for the Enforcement of this Code

This code shall be administered and enforced by the Bureau of

Fire Protection (BFP), under the direct supervision and control of the Chief
of the Bureau of Fire Protection, through the hierarchy of organization as
provided for in Chapter VI of Republic Act No. 6975. With the approval of
the Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government
(DILG), the Chief BFP, is hereby authorized to:
• Issue implementing rules and regulations, and prescribe standards,
schedules of fees/ fire services charges and administrative penalties
therefor as provided in the pertinent provisions of this code;
• Require the building owner/ occupant to submit plans and
specifications, and other pertinent documents of said building to ensure
compliance with applicable codes and standards;
• No occupancy permit, business or permit to operate shall be issued
without securing a Fire Safety Inspection Certification (FSIC) from the
Chief, BFP, or his/her duly authorized representative;
 SECTION 6
Technical Staff

The Chief, BFP shall constitute a technical staff of highly qualified persons
who are knowledgeable on fire prevention, fire safety, and fire suppression.
They may be drawn not only from the organic members of the BFP and
other government offices and agencies, but also from other sources
 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 - installation or fire protection and fire safety
equipment
B. Safety Measures for Hazardous Materials
C. Safety Measures for Hazardous Operation/Processes
D. Provision on Fire Safety Construction, Protective and Warning System

A. Fire protection features such as sprinkler systems, hose boxes, hose

reels or standpipe systems and other fire fighting equipment; Fire
Alarm systems; Fire walls to separate adjoining buildings
 SECTION 8
Prohibited Acts

The following are declared as prohibited act and omission.

1. Obstructing or blocking the exit ways
2. Constructing gates, entrances and walkways which obstruct the orderly
and easy passage of fire fighting vehicles and equipment
3. Obstructing designated fire lanes or access to fire hydrants
4. Locking fire exits during period when people are inside the building
5. Giving false or malicious fire alarms
 SECTION 9
Violation, Penalties and Abatement of Fire
Hazard

Fire hazards shall be abated immediately. The Chief, BFP or his/her duly
authorized representative, upon the report that a violation of this Code or
other pertinent laws, rules and regulations is being committed, shall issue
notice/order to comply to the owner, administrator, occupant or other
person responsible for the condition of the building or structure.
If after the lapse of the aforesaid period, the owner, administrator, occupant
or other responsible person failed to comply, the Chief, BFP or his/her
authorized representative shall put up a sign in front of the building or
structure that it is fire hazard. Specifically, the notice shall bear the words
"WARNING: THIS BUILDING/STRUCTURE IS A FIRE HAZARD",
which shall remain posted until such time that the owner, administrator,
occupant or other person responsible for the condition of the building,
structure and their premises or facilities abate the same.
 SECTION 10
Enforcement of The Lien

If the owner, administrator or occupant fails to reimburse the government

of the expenses incurred in the summary abatement within ninety (90) days
from the completion of such abatement, the building or structure shall be
sold at public auction in accordance with existing laws and rules.
No property subject of lien under Section 9 hereof, may be sold at a price
lower than the abatement expenses incurred by the government.
 SECTION 11
Penalties

1. Against the private individual:

a) Administrative fine - Any person who violates any provision of the
Fire Code or any of the rules and regulations promulgated under this
Act shall be penalized by an administrative fine of not exceeding Fifty
thousand (P50,000.00) pesos
(b) Punitive - In case of willful failure to correct the deficiency or abate the
fire hazard as provided in the preceding subsection, the violator shall,
upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment of not less than six (6)
months nor more than six (6) years, or by a fine of not more than One
hundred thousand (P100,000.00) pesos or both such fine and
imprisonment
2. Against the public officer/employee
• Unjustified failure of the public officer/employee to conduct inspection
of buildings or structures at least once a year
• Issuance or renewal of occupancy or business permit without the fire
safety inspection certificate issued by the Chief, BFP or his/her duly
authorized representative
Punitive - In the case of willful violation involving the abovementioned
acts or omissions enumerated under Section 11 subparagraph 2(A) the
public officer/employees shall, upon conviction, be punished by
imprisonment of not less than six (6) months nor more than six (6)
years or by a fine of not more than One hundred thousand
(P100,000.00) or both such fine and imprisonment: Provided, That
where the violation is attended by injury, loss of life and/or property, the
violator shall be proceeded against under the applicable provisions of
the Revised Penal Code.
 SECTION 12
Appropriation and Sources of Income.

To partially provide for the funding of the fire service the following taxes and fees
which shall accrue to the General Fund of the National Government, are hereby
imposed:
1. Fees to be charged for the issuance of certificates, permits and licenses as
provided for in Section 7 (a) hereof;
2. One-tenth of one per centum (0.1%) of the verified estimated value of
buildings or structures to be erected, from the owner thereof, but not to exceed
fifty thousand (P50,000.00) pesos.
• Two per centum (2%) of all premiums, excluding re-insurance
premiums for the sale of fire, earthquake and explosion hazard insurance
collected by companies, persons or agents licensed to sell such
insurances in the Philippines;
• Two per centum (2%) of gross sales of companies, persons or agents
selling fire fighting equipment, appliances or devices, including hazard
detection and warning systems
 SECTION 13
Collection of Taxes, Fees and Fines

All taxes, fees and fines provided in this Code, shall be collected by the BFP.
Provided, That twenty percent (20%) of such collection shall be set aside and
retained for use by the city or municipal government concerned, which shall
appropriate the same exclusive for the use of the operation and maintenance of
its local fire station, including the construction and repair of fire station:
Provided, further, That the remaining eighty (80%) shall be remitted to the
National Treasury under a trust fund assigned for the modernization of the BFP.
Sec. 13-A. Assessment of Fire Code Taxes, Fees and Fines
Sec. 13-B. Collection and Assessment of Local Taxes, Fees and Fines
Sec. 13-C. Use of Income Generated from the Enforcement of the Fire
Code
Sec. 13-D. Monitoring the Implementation of the Fire Code and the
Amount of the Fees Collected
 SECTION 14
Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the
Secretary of the Interior and Local Government shall issue
the rules and regulations for its effective implementation.
 SECTION 15
Presidential Decree No 1185 is hereby repealed. All laws,
presidential decrees, letters of instructions, executive orders,
rules and regulations insofar as they are inconsistent with
this Act, are hereby repealed or amended as the case may be.
 SECTION 16

In case any provision of this Act or any portion thereof is

declared unconstitutional by a competent court, other
provisions shall not be affected thereby.
 SECTION 17
This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national
newspapers of general circulation.
 SECTION 3
Definition of Terms
• Abatement. Any act that would remove or neutralize a fire hazard.
• Alternative and/or Remedial Fire Safety Measures. Set of fire safety rules,
regulations, and standards specifically applied to existing public or private
buildings, structures or facilities and their premises or portion thereof
constructed or erected prior to the implementation of RA 9514, where
compliance with the fire safety requirements as specified in the RIRR of RA
9514 will compromise the structural stability/integrity of the said buildings,
facilities or structures.
• Approved Supervised Sprinkler System (ASSS). An integrated network of
hydraulically designed piping system installed in a building, structure or facility
with outlets arranged in a systematic pattern. It automatically discharges water
when activated by heat or combustion products of fire.
• Automatic Fire Suppression System (AFSS). An integrated system of
underground or overhead piping connected to a source of extinguishing agent or
medium, designed in accordance with fire protection engineering standards to
include, but not limited to Automatic Fire Sprinkler System which when
actuated by its automatic detecting device suppresses fire within the area
protected even without human intervention.
• Compressed Gas System. An assembly of components, such as containers,
reactors, pumps, compressors and connecting piping and tubing, designed
to contain, distribute or transport compressed gases.
• Curtain Board. A vertical panel of non-combustible or fire resistive
materials attached to and extending below the bottom chord of the roof
trusses to divide the underside of the roof into separate compartments so
that heat and smoke will be directed upwards to a roof vent.
• Damper. A device used in heating, ventilating and air conditioning
(HVAC) ducts to prevent the spread of fire or smoke inside the
ductwork. It automatically closes upon detection of heat and smoke.
They can be opened or closed from a remote fire command station if
required.

○ Fire Damper. Its primary function is to prevent the passage of flame

from one side of a fire-rated separation to the other, upon detection
of flame via duct temperature.
○ Smoke Damper. A device used to prevent the passage of smoke from one
side of a fire rated separation to the other, upon detection of smoke via
smoke detector.

○ Combination Fire and Smoke Damper. A device that meets both the heat
and smoke damper requirements where a wall, floor, or ceiling is required
to have both a fire damper and smoke damper.
○ Smoke Damper. A device used to prevent the passage of smoke from one
side of a fire rated separation to the other, upon detection of smoke via
smoke detector.

○ Combination Fire and Smoke Damper. A device that meets both the heat
and smoke damper requirements where a wall, floor, or ceiling is required
to have both a fire damper and smoke damper.
• Fire Detection and Alarm System. A system that detects fire at the earliest
stage, and gives an alarm to alert the occupants so that appropriate action
can be taken.
• Fire Protective and Fire Safety Device. Any device intended for the
protection of buildings or persons to include,
• Fire Resistance Rating. The duration that a material or construction can
withstand the effect of a standard fire test.
• Fire Safety Compliance Report (FSCR). A written report composed of
plans, specifications and design analysis per building prepared by its
Engineer/Architect-of-Record and Fire Safety Practitioner.
• Fire Safety Compliance and Commissioning Report (FSCCR). A
compilation report of all approved submittals, test and acceptance forms of
all fire protection and life safety features, which shall form part of the “as-
built” documents turned over by the contractor to the building owner.
• Fire Safety Evaluation Clearance (FSEC). A document issued by the
BFP as a prerequisite for the grant of Building Permit by the Office of
Building Official having jurisdiction upon determination that the evaluated
plans are compliant with RA 9514 and its RIRR.
• Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC). A document issued by the
BFP as a prerequisite for the grant of Certificate of Occupancy,
Business Permit, Certificate of Annual Inspection from PEZA and other
licenses and permits being issued by other government agencies upon
determining that the required fire safety construction are in place, and
fire protective and/ or warning systems are properly installed.
• Fire Safety Maintenance Report (FSMR). A written report prepared
by the building owner, his/her fire safety practitioner or authorized
representative. This is a compilation of the maintenance 7 and testing
records kept by the building’s engineering and maintenance
department, as a prerequisite for the issuance of FSIC for Business or
Mayor’s Permit renewal, Certificate of Annual Inspection, Permit to
Operate, PHILHEALTH Accreditation for Hospitals, DOH License to
Operate and other permits or licenses being issued by other
government agencies.
• Flexible Plan Buildings. Buildings that have movable corridor walls and
movable partitions of full height construction with doors leading from
rooms to corridors. Flexible plan buildings 8 without exit access doors
between rooms and corridors shall be classified as open plan buildings.
• Globally Harmonized System (GHS). A system developed by the United
Nations that defines and classifies the hazards of chemical products, and
communicates health and safety information on labels and safety data
sheets.
• Horizontal Exit. A passageway from one building to another, or through or
around a wall in approximately the same floor level.
• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Also known as Safety Data Sheet
(SDS). A form that contains data and information regarding the properties
of a particular substance.
• Means of Egress. A continuous and unobstructed route of exit from one
point in a building, structure or facility to a public way consisting of three
(3) distinct parts: exit, access and exit discharge.
• Panic Hardware. A mechanical device consisting of linkages and
horizontal bars across a door, which when pushed from the inside will cause
the door to open and facilitates exit from the building, structure or facility
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS). A document that describes composition of
a material, hazardous properties and hazard mitigation, and disposal
information.
• Vestibule. A passage hall or antechamber between the outer doors
and the interior parts of a house or building.
REVISED IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS (RIRR) OF
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9514, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES OF 2008

1. RULE 1. INTERPRETATION

2. RULE 2. COVERAGE

3. RULE 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS

4. RULE 4. AUTHORITY OF THE CHIEF, BUREAU OF FIRE

PROTECTION

5. RULE 5. FIRE CODE TECHNICAL STAFF

 RULE 6.
FIRE BRIGADES, FIRE VOLUNTEER
ORGANIZATIONS AND
FIRE SAFETY PRACTITIONERS
• This Rule shall govern the organization, equipage, operation, and proficiency
training of company and community fire brigades as well as continuous
training and competency evaluation of fire volunteers and fire volunteer
organizations in the country who shall undergo mandatory fire prevention, fire
suppression, rescue, emergency medical services and other related emergency
response training programs and competency evaluations to be conducted 18 by
the BFP. This also prescribes the continuous professional education,
competency evaluation and recognition of Fire Safety Practitioners, to be
conducted by the BFP. For this purpose, the term “company” shall include
government and/or private offices and buildings.
 RULE 7. ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT TO
THE BFP
1. DIVISION 1. PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE AND OTHER LAW
ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

○ SECTION 7.0.1.1 FROM PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE

○ SECTION 7.0.1.2 FROM OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

2. DIVISION 2. LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS, OTHER GOVERNMENT

AGENCIES AND PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS

○ SECTION 7.0.2.1 FROM LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

○ SECTION 7.0.2.2 COORDINATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES

 RULE 8. FIRE SAFETY
ENFORCERS

CHAPTER 1. QUALIFICATIONS OF FIRE

SAFETY ENFORCERS
DIVISION 1. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
BFP personnel duly designated as Fire Safety Enforcers shall possess minimum
required qualification standard stated herein.
SECTION 8.1.1.1 FIRE SAFETY INSPECTORS
A. Uniformed Personnel
1. Shall be licensed Engineer (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Sanitary and
Electronics) with at least one (1) year in the BFP service; or
2. Shall be architect with at least one (1) year in the BFP service; or
3. Shall be graduate of any baccalaureate degree course with at least three (3) years
in the BFP service.
B. Non-Uniformed Personnel
Appointed as Engineers with at least one (1) year in the BFP service.
C. Must have undergone and completed prescribed training on fire safety
enforcement and other relevant fire safety training.
SECTION 8.1.1.2 PLAN EVALUATORS
A. Must be licensed Architect or Engineer; and
B. Shall have undergone and completed prescribed training on fire safety
enforcement and other relevant fire safety training.
C. In cases where there is no licensed engineer or architect in a specific
jurisdiction, a graduate of any baccalaureate degree with relevant fire
safety and building plan evaluation training shall be designated as plan
evaluator.
SECTION 8.1.1.3 CHIEF, FIRE SAFETY ENFORCEMENT
SECTION/UNIT
A. The Chief of the Fire Safety Enforcement Section/Unit (FSES/U) to be
designated shall possess the following minimum qualifications:
2. Must be a licensed engineer or architect with at least three (3) years in
the BFP service; and
3. Must have undergone and completed prescribed training on fire safety
enforcement and other relevant fire safety training.
 CHAPTER 2. FUNCTIONS OF FIRE
SAFETY ENFORCERS

DIVISION 1. RESPONSIBILITIES OF
DESIGNATED FIRE SAFETY ENFORCERS
SECTION 8.2.1.1 FIRE SAFETY INSPECTORS
The following shall be the main duties and responsibilities of Fire Safety
Inspectors:
• Inspect any building, structure or facility and/or any part thereof,
hazardous operations
• Assess compliance with the fire safety requirements, identify and
recommend corrective actions for violations/defects and deficiencies
SECTION 8.2.1.2 PLAN EVALUATORS
The following shall be the main duties and responsibilities of Plan
Evaluators:
A. Review and evaluate building plans and specifications including fire
protection system
B. Conduct site verification and inspection on building under construction
to determine compliance with the approved plans and specifications.
 RULE 9
ENFORCEMENT AND
ADMINISTRATION OF FIRE SAFETY
MEASURES
DIVISION 2. FIRE SAFETY EVALUATION AND INSPECTION
• SECTION 9.0.2.1 BUILDING PLAN REVIEW
The Plan Evaluator shall undertake the necessary evaluation and
review of the plans in accordance with the guidelines issued by the
Chief, BFP for this purpose, indicating whether or not such plans
conform to the fire safety and life safety requirements of RA 9514
and its RIRR.
No building plan shall be evaluated without the submission of Fire
Safety Compliance Report (FSCR) in accordance with Division 3 of
this Rule and the pertinent documents required under the BFP
Citizen’s Charter.
• SECTION 9.0.2.2 INSPECTION DURING CONSTRUCTION
During construction, renovation, modification or alteration, the
C/MFM having jurisdiction, on the basis of issued FSEC, shall
inspect the premises to determine whether the plans, and
specifications are being followed and fire safety precautions are
being observed. He/ She shall cause the correction of any
defects/deficiencies noted, when necessary.
• SECTION 9.0.2.3 INSPECTION AFTER COMPLETION OF
CONSTRUCTION
After construction/renovation/modification or alteration and prior to the
issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy by the Building Official, the C/MFM
having jurisdiction shall designate a Fire Safety Inspector (FSI) who shall
inspect the building, structure or facility. The FSI shall recommend in his/her
After Inspection Report (AIR) the issuance of necessary Fire Safety
Inspection Certificate (FSIC) upon determination that the required fire safety
construction is in place, and fire protective and/or warning systems are
properly installed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications.
However, if it appears during inspection that the subject establishment is
already occupied or operating, a Notice to Comply (NTC) shall be
issued to the owner/administrator/ occupant and the procedure under
Rule 13 of this Code shall be observed.
Testing and commissioning of fire protective and warning system of the
building shall be conducted by the installer/contractor during inspection to
be witnessed by the FSI. No FSIC for Occupancy shall be issued without
submission of Fire Safety Compliance and Commissioning Report
(FSCCR) in accordance with Division 3 of this Rule and other pertinent
documents required under the BFP Citizen’s Charter.
DIVISION 3. FIRE SAFETY COMPLIANCE REPORT
(FSCR),
FIRE SAFETYCOMPLIANCE AND
COMMISSIONING REPORT (FSCCR),
AND FIRE SAFETY MAINTENANCE REPORT
(FSMR)
SECTION 9.0.3.1 APPLICABILITY
A. All private and public buildings, facilities and structures to be
constructed, altered or modified, which by reason of their use, size and
height are required to install any or combination of the following: 1)
wet standpipe system; 2) automatic fire suppression system; and 3)
automatic fire detection and alarm system, pursuant to RA 9514 and
its RIRR, shall be required to submit FSCR for application of FSEC for
Building Permit and Fire Safety Compliance and Commissioning
Report (FSCCR) for application of FSIC for Occupancy.
B. All existing private and public buildings, facilities or structures covered
by para “A” hereof, shall be required to submit Fire Safety
Maintenance Report (FSMR) annually to the C/MFM having
jurisdiction when securing FSIC for business permit, Certificate of
Annual Inspection for PEZA registered enterprises, DOH License to
Operate and other permits and licenses where FSIC is a prerequisite.
SECTION 9.0.3.2 FIRE SAFETY COMPLIANCE
REPORT (FSCR)
A. One (1) set of FSCR shall be submitted to the C/MFM having
jurisdiction by the building owner duly signed by the
Engineer/Architect-of-Record and his/her Fire Safety Practitioner duly
accredited by the BFP. It shall contain a detailed design analysis of
all fire safety features to be installed in the proposed building
together with three (3) sets of plans and specifications. The FSCR is
a prerequisite in granting FSEC.
B. The Engineer/Architect-of-Record and Fire Safety Practitioner shall
ensure and certify that the design, criteria and specifications of all
fire safety features are appropriate to the proposed project and
compliant with the provisions of RA 9514 and its RIRR and other
applicable laws.

C. The FSCR shall contain among others the following:

1. Short Project Description
2. Statement of the Codes and Standards used in the design
3. Discussion of Fire Protection and Life Safety Issues
a. Building Classification and Construction Materials Used
b. Hazards of contents and combustible loading including fire scenarios
adopted if design is performance based
c. Occupancy Classification
d. Structural Requirements/Separation of Building Spaces
e. Exit and Egress Description
f. Fire Suppression Description
g. Design Criteria Used for Sprinkler System/Standpipe
h. Fire Detection, Alarm, Communication and Evacuation Systems
i. Smoke Control Management (if applicable)
j. Exit Light and Emergency Lighting Systems
k. Emergency Power Supply
l. Fire Department Access
m. Other issues not discussed above including elevator recall and
use of elevators for evacuation
 SECTION 9.0.3.3 FIRE SAFETY COMPLIANCE AND
COMMISSIONING REPORT (FSCCR)

The FSCCR shall contain a certification that the plans and specifications
prescribed in the FSCR for Building Permit was duly implemented. For
modifications made, a detailed compilation of plans, specifications and
design analysis of the implemented changes shall be reflected in the
“as-built” plans. The FSCCR is a prerequisite for granting of FSIC
for Occupancy.
B. The contractor, construction manager or person in charge of the
construction and his/her fire safety practitioner shall certify that all
fire protection and life safety features indicated in FSCR for Building
Permit, including amendments thereto which must be approved by
concerned authorities, have been properly installed and implemented.
They shall also certify that the building complies with the fire safety
requirements of RA 9514 and its RIRR.
C. The FSCCR shall contain among others the following;
1. Short Description of the Project
2. Statement and Description of the Changes made in the design, plans
and specifications (if applicable).
3. Standards Used for Authorized Changes
4. Certification that fire safety features included in FSCR for Building
Permit have been implemented, including approved amendments
thereto and that the completed building complies with RA 9514 and its
RIRR.
5. Testing and Commissioning Certificates for all systems.
6. Close-out documents (shall be signed by Installing Contractor
Professional Engineer or Architect)
a. “As-built” Plan
b. Calculations
c. Specifications
d. Test Report
e. Product Data Sheet and Material Test Certificate
SECTION 9.0.3.4 FIRE SAFETY MAINTENANCE
REPOR (FSMR)

FSMR is a prerequisite for the issuance of FSIC for Business or Mayor’s

Permit renewal, Certificate of Annual Inspection, Permit to Operate,
PHILHEALTH Accreditation for Hospitals, DOH License to Operate
and other permits or licenses being issued by other government
agencies.
The FSMR shall contain among others:
1. The detailed report on conducted annual maintenance of all installed
fire safety and protection systems duly certified by the building fire
safety practitioner/safety officer or a third party consultant
specializing in said installation.
2. Fire safety lectures, drills and preparedness activities conducted within
the year.
B. The building owner or his/her authorized representative, registered
business owner (tenant) or his/her authorized representative, or their
building administrator and his/her fire safety practitioner shall certify
that all fire safety issues are addressed and that all required fire
safety systems are installed and maintained as prescribed in RA 9514
and its RIRR and other applicable laws. They shall also keep an
updated record of regular inspection, scheduled testing and/or regular
preventive maintenance to ensure proper operational condition.
C. The FSMR shall contain among others the following:
1. Short Description of Building or Facilities
2. Statement of Testing and Maintenance Standards Used
3. Discussions of Fire Protection and Life Safety Issues
a. Exit and Egress
b. Fire Suppression

c. Fire Detection, Alarm Communication and Evaluation System

d. Smoke Control Management (if applicable)
e. Emergency Power Supply
f. Other testing and maintenance records, including test results of the elevator recallsystem.
g. Other applicable systems
SECTION 9.0.3.5 FIRE SAFETY PRACTITIONERS
Only Fire Safety Practitioners issued with Certificate of Competency
(COC) shall be allowed to prepare, sign and certify the FSCR,
FSCCR and FSMR. The issuance of COC shall be pursuant to the
duly issued guidelines.
 DIVISION 4. FIRE SAFETY INSPECTION
CERTIFICATE
SECTION 9.0.4.1 FSIC AS A PREREQUISITE FOR ISSUANCE OF
PERMIT/LICENSE
Upon compliance of the fire safety requirements under Rule 10 of this
RIRR, a Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) shall be issued by
the C/MFM having jurisdiction as a prerequisite for the issuance of
Certificate of Occupancy, Business Permits or Permit to Operate,
licenses and other permits
 DIVISION 5. FIRE SAFETY CLEARANCE
Fire Safety Clearance (FSC) for stand-alone applications shall be
required for the storage, handling and transportation of hazardous
materials, and hazardous operations and processes, as may be
prescribed in other provisions of this RIRR. Likewise, installation
clearance shall be required for the installation of fire safety and
warning systems and building services equipment.
All issued FSC, except installation clearance, to business establishments
shall be renewed before the issuance of FSIC for Business Permit.
 DIVISION 6. FIRE INSURANCE DATA REQUIRED
All persons having fire insurance coverage on their properties and/or
business shall submit a certified true copy of all coverages currently
in effect, including subsequent and/or additional policies to the
C/MFM having jurisdiction not later than ten (10) days after receipt
of the document from any insurance company. Exempted from this
requirement are owners of detached single or two -family dwellings
actually being used for residential occupancy.
 RULE 10. FIRE SAFETY
MEASURES
DIVISION 1. SCOPE OF CHAPTER 2
A. This Chapter deals with life safety from fire and like emergencies in buildings,
structures and facilities. It covers construction, protection and occupancy
features to minimize danger to life from fire, smoke, vapor and fumes before
buildings are vacated. It also discusses procedures and guidelines in fire drills
required for all types of occupancies to prevent panic in times of emergencies. It
specifies the number, size, and arrangement of means of egress sufficient to
permit prompt and safe escape of occupants from buildings, or structures or
facilities in case of fire or other conditions dangerous to life and property.
CHAPTER 2. FIRE SAFETY IN BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES AND
FACILITIES
DIVISION 2. General Requirements
Every building or structure, new or old, designed for human occupancy shall be
provided with exits sufficient to permit the fast and safe escape of occupants in
case of fire or other emergencies. The design of exits and other fire safety
construction shall be such that reliance for safety of life in case of fire or other
emergencies will not depend solely on any single fire safety construction.
Additional safeguards shall be provided for life safety in case any single
safeguard is ineffective due to some human or mechanical failure.
• Every building or structure shall be designed, constructed, equipped,
maintained and operated to avoid danger to lives and ensure safety of its
occupants from fire, smoke, vapor and fumes, during the period of escape
from the building or structure.
• Every building or structure shall be provided with exits of kind, number,
location and capacity appropriate to the individual building or structure,
with due regard for the character of the occupancy, the number of
persons exposed, the fire protection available and the height and type of
construction of the building or structure, to afford all occupants
convenient facilities for escape.
• Every exit shall be clearly visible. The route to the exit shall be
conspicuously marked in such a manner that every occupant of a
building or structure will readily know the direction of escape. Each
route of escape, in its entirety, shall be so arranged or marked that
the way to a place of safety outside is unmistakable. Any doorway not
constituting an exit shall be marked to minimize its possible confusion as
an exit. Likewise, passage constituting a way to reach an exit shall be
marked to minimize confusion.
• Every vertical way of exit and other vertical openings between floors of
a building shall be suitably enclosed or protected to afford reasonable
safety of occupants while using exits and to prevent spread of fire,
smoke, or fumes through vertical openings from floor to floor before
occupants have entered exits.
• Every building or structure, section, or area thereof of such size,
occupancy and arrangement such that the reasonable safety of a number
of occupants may be endangered by the blocking of any single means of
egress due to fire or smoke, shall have at least two means of egress
remote from each other.
• Every exit of buildings or structures shall be arranged and maintained to
provide free and unobstructed egress from all parts thereof at all times.
• Fire alarm systems or devices shall be provided in every building or
structure of such size, arrangement, or occupancy, to provide adequate
warning to occupants.
Construction and Repair Operations

• Adequate escape facilities shall be maintained at all times in buildings

under construction for the use of construction workers. These facilities
shall consist of doors, walkways, stairs, ramps, fire escapes
• No building or structure under construction shall be occupied in whole
or in part until all required means of egress required for the part to be
occupied are completed, inspected and approved for occupancy.
 DIVISION 3. CLASSIFICATION OF
OCCUPANCY
1. Assembly 8. Mercantile
2. Educational 9. Business
3. Day Care 10. Industrial
4. Health Care 11. Storage
5. Residential Board and Care 12. Mixed Occupancies
6. Detention and Correctional 13. Special Structures
7. Residential
 DIVISION 4. HAZARD OF BUILDINGS
SECTION 10.2.4.2 CLASSIFICATION OF HAZARD OF CONTENTS
A. Low Hazard- Those of such low combustibility that no self-propagating fire
therein can occur from panic, fumes or smoke or fire from some external
source.
B. Moderate Hazard- Those which are liable to burn with moderate rapidity or
to give off a considerable volume of smoke but from which neither poisonous
fumes nor explosions are to be expected in the event of fire.
C. High Hazard- Those which are liable to burn with extreme rapidity or from
which poisonous gases or explosions are to be expected in the event of fire.
 DIVISION 5. MEANS OF EGRESS
SECTION 10.2.5.2 GENERAL PROVISIONS
B. Protective Enclosure of Exit
1. When an exit is required to be protected by separation from other
parts of the building by some requirements of this RIRR, the
construction of the separation shall meet the following requirements:
● The separation shall have at least one (1) hour fire resistance rating
when the exit connects three (3) storeys or less, regardless of whether
the storeys connected are above or below the storey at which the exit
discharge begins.
● The separation shall have at least two (2) hours fire resistance rating
when the exit connects four (4) or more storeys, whether above or
below the floor of discharge. It shall be constructed of noncombustible
materials and shall be supported by construction having at least a two-
hour (2-hr) fire resistance rating.
● Any opening in the separation wall/construction shall be protected by
an approved self-closing fire resistive door.
2. No exit enclosure shall be used for any purpose other than for means of
egress.
 Capacity of Means of Egress
TABLE 1: CAPACITY FACTORS

AREA STAIRWAYS LEVEL COMPONENTS

(width per person) and RAMPS
(width per person)

Board and Care 10.0 mm 5.0 mm

Health Care, Sprinklered 7.6 mm 5.0 mm

Health Care, Non Sprinklered 15.0 mm 13.0 mm

High Hazards 18.0 mm 10.0 mm

All Others 7.6 mm 5.0 mm

D. Occupant Load
● The total capacity of means of egress for any floor, balcony, tier, or
other occupied space shall be sufficient for the occupant load thereof,
and shall not be less than the number computed by dividing the
floor area assigned to that use by the occupant load factor
E. Measurement of Means of Egress
● Projections of not more than one hundred fourteen millimeters (114
mm) at a maximum height of nine hundred sixty-five millimeters (965
mm) within the means of egress on each side shall be permitted.
F. Minimum Width
● The width of any means of egress shall not be less than nine
hundred fifteen millimeters (915 mm)
G. Number of Means of Egress
● The number of means of egress from any balcony, mezzanine, storey, or
portion thereof shall not be less than two (2)
● When the occupant load for any storey or portion thereof is more than
five hundred (500) but not more than one thousand (1,000), the means of
egress shall not be less than three (3); in excess thereof, the means of
egress shall not be less than four (4)
● Elevator lobbies shall have access to at least one exit. Such exit access
shall not require the use of a key, a tool, special knowledge, or special
effort.
H. Arrangement of Exit
● Exits shall be located and exit access shall be arranged so that exits are
readily accessible at all times.
● Corridors shall provide exit access without passing through any
intervening rooms other than corridors, lobbies, and other spaces
permitted to be open to the corridor.
● Remoteness shall be determined in accordance with the following:
a. When more than one (1) exit is required from a building or portion
thereof, such exits shall be remotely located from each other and shall be
arranged
b. When two (2) exits or exit access doors are required, they shall be
located at a distance from one another not less than one half (1/2) of the
length of the maximum 36 overall diagonal dimension of the building or
area to be served, measured in a straight line between the nearest edge of
the exit doors or exit access doors
c. In buildings protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic
sprinkler system, the minimum separation distance between two (2) exits or
exit access doors shall not be less than one-third (1/3) the length of the
maximum overall diagonal dimension of the building or area to be served.

e. Where more than two (2) exits or exit access doors are required, at least
two (2) of the required exits or exit access doors shall be arranged to
comply with the minimum separation distance requirement.
● I. Dead-End Limits
Means of egress shall be so arranged that there are no dead-end pockets,
hallways, corridors, passage ways or courts, whose depth exceeds six meters
(6 m)
● J. Measurement of Travel Distance to Exits
The travel distance to an exit shall be measured on the floor or
other walking surface along the center line of the natural path of travel,
starting from the most remote point subject for occupancy, curving around
any corner or construction with a three hundred millimeters (300 mm)
clearance therefrom, and ending at the center of the doorway or other point
at which the exit begins. Where measurement includes stairs, it shall be
taken in the place of the tread nosing.
● In case of individual rooms subject for occupancy by not more than six
(6) persons, distance to exits shall be measured from the floors of such
rooms, provided that the path of travel from any point in the room to the
room door does not exceed fifteen meters (15 m).

● Where any part of an exterior way of exit access is within three meters (3
m) horizontal distance of any unprotected building opening.
K. Access to Exits
● Ways of exit access and the doors to exits to which they lead shall be
designed and arranged to be clearly recognizable as such. Decorations
or draperies shall not be placed on exit doors. Mirrors shall not be
placed in or adjacent to any exit in such a manner as to confuse the
direction of exit.
● Exit access shall be arranged that it will not be necessary to travel
toward any area of high hazard occupancy in order to reach the nearest
exit, unless the path is protected by suitable partitions.
K. Access to Exits
● Ways of exit access and the doors to exits to which they lead shall be
designed and arranged to be clearly recognizable as such. Decorations
or draperies shall not be placed on exit doors. Mirrors shall not be
placed in or adjacent to any exit in such a manner as to confuse the
direction of exit.
● Exit access shall be arranged that it will not be necessary to travel
toward any area of high hazard occupancy in order to reach the nearest
exit, unless the path is protected by suitable partitions.
L. Exterior Ways of Exit Access
● Access to an exit may be by means of any exterior balcony, porch,
gallery, or roof that conforms to the requirements of this Section.

● An exterior way of exit access shall be arranged so that there are no

dead-ends in excess of six meters (6 m) in length.
M. Discharge from Exits
● All exits shall terminate directly at a public way or at an exterior exit
discharge. Yards, courts, open space, or other portions of the exit
discharge shall be of required width and size to provide all occupants
with a safe access to a public way.
● Exits shall discharge to a free and unobstructed way to the exterior of
the building and is readily visible and identifiable from the point of
discharge from the exit.
● The floor of discharge into which the exit discharges and any other
portion of the level of discharge with access to the discharge areas are
protected with approved supervised sprinkler system or separated
from it in accordance with the requirement for the enclosure of exits
except if the discharge area is a vestibule or foyer complying with all
of the following:

1) The depth from the exterior of the building is not greater than three
meters (3 m);
2) The length is not greater than six meters (6 m);

3) The foyer is separated from the remainder of the level of discharge by

construction providing protection at least the equivalent of wired glass in
steel frames; and the foyer serves only as means of egress, including exits
direct to the outside.
N. Headroom
● The minimum headroom shall not be less than two meters (2 m) nor
any projection from the ceiling be less than two meters (2 m) from the
floor.
O. Changes in Elevation
● Where a means of egress is not level, such differences in elevation
shall be negotiated by stairs or ramps conforming to the requirements
of this Section for stairs and ramps.
 SECTION 10.2.5.3 DOORS
• Doors required to be of the side-hinged or pivoted-swinging type shall swing in
the direction of egress travel where serving a room or area with an occupant
load of fifty (50) or more persons.
• During its swing, any door in a means of egress shall leave not less than a half
(1/2) of the required width of an aisle, corridor, passageway, or landing
unobstructed and shall not project more than one hundred seventy-eight
millimeters (178 mm) into the required width of an aisle, corridor,
passageway, or landing, when fully open.
• Locks, if provided, shall not require the use of a key, a tool, or
special knowledge or effort, for operation from the inside of the
building.

• A latch or other fastening device on a door shall be provided with a

knob, handle, panic bar, or other simple type releasing device, the
method of operation of which is obvious, even in darkness.
• Locks, if provided, shall not require the use of a key, a tool, or
special knowledge or effort, for operation from the inside of the
building.

• A latch or other fastening device on a door shall be provided with a

knob, handle, panic bar, or other simple type releasing device, the
method of operation of which is obvious, even in darkness.
A door designed to be kept normally closed shall bear a sign reading
substantially as follows:

FIRE EXIT
KEEP DOOR CLOSED
Doors not allowing re-entry shall be provided with a sign indicating the
location of the nearest door, in each direction of travel that allows re-
entry or exit.

NO RE – ENTRY
PROCEED TO ________ FLOOR
AND _________ FLOOR
Doors not allowing re-entry shall be provided with a sign indicating the
location of the nearest door, in each direction of travel that allows re-
entry or exit.

NO RE – ENTRY
PROCEED TO ________ FLOOR
AND _________ FLOOR
Width and Floor Level
• Door openings in means of egress shall not be less than seven hundred
ten millimeters (710 mm) in clear width. When a pair of doors is
provided, not less than one of the doors shall provide at least seven
hundred ten millimeters (710 mm) clear width opening.

• No single door in a doorway shall exceed one and twenty-two

hundredths meters (1.22 m) in width.
Panic Hardware
• Such releasing devices shall be bars or panel extending not less than two-
thirds (2/3) of the width of the door and placed at heights suitable for the
service required, and shall not be less than seven hundred sixty
millimeters (760 mm) nor more than one thousand one hundred twenty
millimeters (1,120 mm) above the floor.
• Required panic hardware shall not be equipped with any locking or
dogging device, 40 set screw, or other arrangement which can be used to
prevent the release of the latch when pressure is applied to the bar.
 SECTION 10.2.5.4 STAIRS
● 1. Stairs used as a component in the means of egress shall conform
to the general requirements of Section 10.2.5.2 of this RIRR and to
the special requirements of this Section.

● 2. All stairways designated as a means of egress shall be continuous

from the uppermost floor level down to the ground floor.
 Table 2: DIMENSIONAL CRITERIA FOR NEW STAIRS

Feature Dimensional Criteria

Minimum Width See Table 4

Maximum height of risers 180 mm

Minimum height of risers 100 mm

Minimum tread depth 280 mm

Minimum headroom 2,000 mm

Maximum height between landings 3,660 mm

 Table 3: DIMENSIONAL CRITERIA FOR EXISTING STAIRS

Feature Dimensional Criteria

Minimum width clear of all obstructions, except 915 mm
projections not more than one hundred fourteen
millimeters (114 mm) at or below handrail height
on each side
Maximum height of risers 205 mm
Minimum tread depth 230 mm
Minimum headroom 2,000 mm
Maximum height between landings 3,660mm
Minimum New Stair Width

• Where the total occupant load of all storeys served by the stair is fewer
than fifty (50), the minimum width clear of all obstructions, except
projections not more than one hundred fourteen millimeters (114 mm) at
or below handrail height on each side, shall be nine hundred fifteen
millimeters (915 mm).
 Table 4: NEW STAIR WIDTH
Total Cumulative Occupant Load Width
Assigned to the Stair
< 2,000 persons 1,120 mm
> 2,000 persons 1,420 mm
• Curved Stairs

Curved stairs shall be permitted as a component in a means of

egress, provided that the depth of tread is not less than two hundred
eighty millimeters (280 mm) at a point three hundred five millimeters
(305 mm) from the narrowest end of the tread, and the smallest radius
is not less than twice the stair width.
• Spiral Stairs (for individual occupancies)
a. Riser heights shall not exceed one hundred eighty millimeters (180 mm).
b. The stairway shall have a tread depth of not less than two hundred eighty
millimeters (280 mm)
c. At the outer side of the stairway, an additional two hundred sixty-five
millimeters (265 mm) of width shall be provided clear to the other handrail,
and this width shall not be included as part of the required egress capacity.
d. The inner handrail shall be located within six hundred ten millimeters (610
mm), measured horizontally, of the point where a tread depth of not less than
two hundred eighty millimeters (280 mm) is provided.
 Where the occupant load served does not exceed three:

Features Dimension Criteria

Width of the stairs Not < 660 mm

Height of risers Not > 240 mm

Headroom Not < 1.98 m

Treads Not < 190mm at a point 305 mm

• Winders

Winders shall be permitted in stairs, provided that the same shall

have a tread depth of not less than one hundred fifty millimeters (150 mm)
and a tread depth of not less than two hundred eighty millimeters (280
mm) at a point three hundred five millimeters (305 mm) from the
narrowest edge.
• Stair Details
1. Each stair, platform, landing, balcony, and stair hallways floor shall be
designed to carry a load of four hundred eighty-eight kilograms per
square meter (488 kg/m2) or a concentrated load of one hundred thirty-
six kilograms (136 kg), so located as to produce maximum stress
conditions.
2. There shall be no variation exceeding five millimeters (5 mm), in the
width of treads or in height of risers in any flight
• Stair Details
1. Each stair, platform, landing, balcony, and stair hallways floor shall be
designed to carry a load of four hundred eighty-eight kilograms per
square meter (488 kg/m2) or a concentrated load of one hundred thirty-
six kilograms (136 kg), so located as to produce maximum stress
conditions.
2. There shall be no variation exceeding five millimeters (5 mm), in the
width of treads or in height of risers in any flight
 Smoke-proof Enclosures
1. Natural Ventilation
• Every vestibule shall have a net area of not less than one and a half
square meters (1.5 m2) of opening in an exterior wall facing an exterior
court, yard, or public space not less than six meters (6 m) in width.
• Every vestibule shall have a minimum dimension of not less than the
required width of the corridor leading to it and a dimension of not less
than one and eighty-three hundredths meters (1.83 m) in the direction of
travel.