CHAPTER 3.

FIRE SAFETY FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

DIVISION 1. SCOPE

SECTION 10.3.1.1 APPLICABILITY

This Chapter shall apply to materials and chemicals which are:

A. Highly flammable that may react to cause fires or explosions

B. By their presence may create a fire or explosion hazard
C. Their toxicity, flammability, or reactivity, render firefighting dangerous
D. Flammable or combustible liquids which are chemically unstable and which may
spontaneously form explosive compounds
E. Flammable or combustible liquids which undergo spontaneous reactions of explosive
violence or with sufficient evolution of heat to be a fire hazard.

SECTION 10.3.1.2 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND CHEMICALS

Hazardous materials and chemicals shall include, but not limited to:

1. flammable solids
2. corrosive liquids
3. radioactive materials
4. oxidizing materials
5. potentially explosive chemicals
6. highly toxic materials
7. poisonous gases.

DIVISION 2. FIRE SAFETY CLEARANCE

A. In addition for the issuance FSIC, a Fire Safety Clearance shall be issued by the BFP as
prerequisite for the issuance of appropriate permits and licenses from the local
governments and other government agencies concerned, for the following:
1. Installation and storage of:
a. Nitrocellulose Nitrate Plastic (Pyroxylin)
b. Combustible Fibers
c. Combustible Commodities
d. Matches
 e. Magnesium
f. Flammable and Combustible Liquids
g. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
h. Medical and Related Compressed Gas
i. Cryogenic
j. Other hazardous materials and chemicals
2. Transportation or conveyance of:
a. Matches
b. Flammable and Combustible Liquids
c. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
d. Medical and Related Compressed Gas
e. Cryogenic
f. Other hazardous materials and chemicals
3. Disposal or abandonment of:
a. Tanker and vessel for flammable and combustible liquids
b. Containers of all types of compressed gases
c. Other hazardous materials and chemicals

DIVISION 3. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

A. The manufacture, storage handling and use of hazardous materials and chemicals
shall be safeguarded with protective facilities or devices as public safety may require.
B. The City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction shall require the separation or
isolation from other storage occupancies or buildings of any chemical that may bring
about a fire or explosion or may liberate a flammable or poisonous gas.
C. Defective containers shall be disposed of or repaired in accordance with recognized
safety practices. No spilled materials shall be allowed to accumulate on floors or
shelves.
D. Where stored for retail, storage shall be neat and orderly.
E. Where no specific requirements have been established, storage, handling, and use
of hazardous chemicals shall be in accordance with internationally recognized good
practice.
F. All hazardous chemicals as defined in this Chapter shall bear especially designed
and color coded labels consisting of four diamonds arranged into one large diamond
 with the first, indicating the toxicity and health hazards; the second, its flammability;
the third, its reactivity; and the fourth, fire-fighting and first aid instructions.

DIVISION 4. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

SECTION 10.3.4.1 SOLID

Hazardous solid materials are classified according to: flexible materials such as textiles
and cushioning; and structural materials, which can include everything from steel and
concrete to wood and synthetic structural plastic foams. The fire hazards posed by
inorganic structural materials are most likely to be passive.

SECTION 10.3.4.1.1 CELLULOSE NITRATE PLASTIC (PYROXYLIN)

All raw cellulose nitrate plastic (pyroxylin) materials shall be stored, handled, protected
and displayed as follows:

A. On Storage and Handling

1. Cellulose Nitrate in excess of ten kilograms (10 kg) shall be stored in a
vented cabinet or vented and sprinklered vault.
2. The maximum weight of raw materials to be stored in a cabinet shall be two
hundred twenty five kilograms (225 kg) with two (2) compartments equally
divided.
3. The maximum weight of raw materials to be stored in a workroom shall be
four hundred fifty kilograms (450 kg).
4. All raw materials in excess of four hundred fifty kilograms (450 kg) shall be
stored in a vented vault with a capacity not exceeding forty two cubic meters
(42 m3) with one (1) automatic sprinkler head for every three and five tenths
cubic meters (3.5 m3) of the total vault space;
5. Cellulose Nitrate Plastic (Pyroxylin) shall not be stored in any room or
compartment or within one meter (1 m) from any heat producing appliances
such as but not limited to steam pipes, radiators, chimneys, stove, torch,
forge, flame, fire or electric, or similar equipment likely to produce spark.
6. In factories, operators working in a work room using cellulose nitrate plastic
(pyroxylin) shall be stationed at least one meter (1 m) apart, and the amount
 of material per operator shall not exceed one-half (1/2) day supply and be
limited to three (3) tote boxes.
7. All waste cellulose nitrate plastic (pyroxylin) materials such as shavings,
chips, turnings, sawdust, edging and trimmings shall be stored under water in
metal receptacles until removed from the premises.
8. Smoking shall be strictly prohibited in any building or establishment where
cellulose plastic (pyroxylin) are stored, displayed or manufactured. A “NO
SMOKING” sign shall be posted in conspicuous places.
9. The storage area of cellulose nitrate plastic (pyroxylin) shall be marked with a
sign that states: “NITROCELLULOSE — FLAMMABLE SOLID — KEEP
HEAT, SPARKS, AND FLAME AWAY” or equivalent wording.

B. On Fire Protection
1. All new and existing buildings or any portion thereof including factories used for
the manufacture or storage of articles of cellulose nitrate plastic (pyroxylin) in
quantities exceeding forty five kilograms (45 kg) shall be equipped with an
approved, supervised sprinkler system and the storage area shall be constructed
of fire resistive materials with two hour (2-hr) fire resistance rating. The structural
elements shall be of steel, iron, concrete or masonry construction.
2. First aid fire protection equipment/appliances shall be installed in buildings where
storing, handling and displaying of cellulose nitrate plastic (pyroxylin) is
conducted.

C. On Display

In stores or establishments, displays of cellulose nitrate plastic (pyroxylin) articles shall

be in show cases or show windows.

Exception:

A. Articles may be displayed and placed on tables, provided that:

a. It is over ninety centimeters (90 cm) apart;
b. If displayed on counters, such counters shall be arranged in the following
manner:
 i. Each table shall measure one meter (1 m) wide and three meters (3 m)
long;
ii. The space beneath each table or counter shall be free of storage or
obstruction of any kind;
iii. The display tables shall be arranged and located so as not to obstruct the
passage to exits in the event of emergency;
c. Lights shall not be located directly above any cellulose nitrate material or
storage, unless the light fixture is provided with a suitable guard to prevent
heated particles from falling.
D. Fire Safety Clearance

A Fire Safety Clearance for the storage of cellulose nitrate or cellulose nitrate plastic
(pyroxylin) shall be obtained from City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction.

SECTION 10.3.4.1.2 COMBUSTIBLE FIBERS

All combustible fibers shall be stored, handled and protected as follows:

A. On Storage and Handling

1. Common Requirements:
a. Combustible fibers shall not be stored in rooms or buildings with
hazardous gases, flammable liquids, dangerous chemicals or other
similar materials.
b. Trucks or automobiles shall not enter any fiber storage room or building.
They shall however be allowed to enter at loading platforms. All forklifts,
vehicles and equipment used within combustible fibers storage areas
shall be equipped with flash or spark suppressors or arresters.
c. Smoking, open flame, and hotworks, shall not be permitted in any area
where combustible fibers are handled or stored. A “NO SMOKING” sign
shall be posted.
d. Agricultural products such as, but not limited to, straw and hay shall not
be stored adjacent to buildings of combustible materials unless a clear
distance equal to the height of the pile is maintained.
e. Storage shall be limited to stocks of one hundred (100) metric tons. A fire
resistive wall with a fire resistance rating of two (2) hours or a clear space
of six meters (6m) shall be maintained between stacks.
 f. A one meter (1m) clearance shall be maintained between sprinkler pipes
in protected storage vaults and top of the piles.
2. Specific Requirements for Loose Combustible Fibers
a. Loose combustible fibers shall be stored.

Table 14: STORAGE OF COMBUSTIBLE FIBERS

Volume of Material in cubic meters (m3) Method of Storage

0–3 Combustible Fiber Storage Bin* with self-
closing cover
3.1 – 14 Combustible fiber storage room having 1-hr
fire resistance barrier
14.1 – 28 Combustible fiber storage vault having 2-hr fire
resistance barrier and approved opening
28 up (protected) Combustible fiber storage vault with approved
opening and protected by approved,
supervised sprinkler system

* Quantities of loose combustible fiber up to 3 cubic meters (3m3) shall not be kept in
any building unless stored in a metal or metal lined bin equipped with a self-closing
cover.

b. Loose combustible fiber exceeding twenty eight cubic meters (28m3) but
not more than seventy cubic meters (70 m3) may be stored in a "loose
house" or detached structure with opening properly protected against
sparks and shall not be used for any other purpose.
3. Specific Requirements for Baled Combustible Fibers
a. A single block or pile shall contain a maximum of seven hundred cubic
meters (700 m3) of baled fiber.
b. Each block or pile shall be separated from the adjacent storage by an
aisle measuring not less than one hundred fifty centimeters (150cm) wide
or by barriers consisting of continuous sheets of noncombustible material
extending from the floor to a height of at least thirty centimeters (30cm)
beyond the topside of the piles.
 c. Fibers in bales bound with combustible tie ropes, as well as jute and other
fibers liable to swell when wet shall be stored to allow for expansion in
any direction and shall have one meter (1m) clearance from walls to piles.
d. If the storage compartment is less than nine meters (9 m) in width, there
shall be a forty five centimeters (45 cm) clearance from walls to piles and
a center aisle of not less than one hundred fifty centimeters (150 cm)
width is maintained.

B. On Fire Protection
1. Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed as required for extra-hazard
occupancy protection in accordance to NFPA 10, “Standard for Portable Fire
Extinguishers”.
C. Fire Safety Clearance

A Fire Safety Clearance from City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction shall be
obtained for the storage of combustible fiber.

SECTION 10.3.4.1.3 COMBUSTIBLE COMMODITIES

In the storage of combustible commodities, the following factors shall be considered:

1. method and height of stock piling;

2. combustibility of materials;
3. fuel load and rate of spread;
4. areas and size of piles;
5. aisle ways;
6. water supply;
7. sprinkler protection;
8. building construction, including height and area;
9. draft curtains;
10. roof vents; and
11. fire separations.

A. Storage and Handling

1. Common Requirements:
 a. Storage of combustible commodities to include permanent partition of walls
and ceilings shall be of fire resistive materials such as steel, iron, concrete, or
masonry construction;
b. There shall be roof vents installed in each building or portion thereof with a
minimum dimension of not less than one hundred twenty centimeters (120
cm).
c. In lieu of roof vents, a perimeter venting in the exterior wall in the form of
windows may be installed within twenty-three meters (23m) from the exterior
wall. The upper portion of that window shall be located thirty-one centimeters
(31cm) from the roof or ceiling level. The window opening shall not be less
than seven hundred sixty two millimeters (762 mm) in height and one
hundred fifty centimeters (150 cm) wide. Venting shall be in accordance with
the following table:

Table 15: STANDARDS OF VENTING FOR THE STORAGE AND HANDLING OF

COMBUSTIBLE COMMODITIES

HAZARD CLASSIFICATION VENT AREA TO FLOOR MAXIMUM SPACING

AREA RATIO BETWEEN VENT CENTERS

Low 14.00 50 meters

Average 9.30 40 meters
High 4.70 30 meters
Very High 2.80 23 meters

d. Vents shall consist of automatic roof vents equipped with a fusible link
designed to release prior to sprinkler operation, or roof openings covered with
approved plastic that will melt when heated and drop out prior to sprinkler
operation. Windows shall be equipped with single thickness glass or plastic
panels.
e. Aisles separating combustible commodities shall be not less than two
hundred forty centimeters (240 cm) in width. Aisles separating commodities
more than six meters (6m) in height shall be not less than three meters (3m)
in width. Main aisles shall be located beneath draft curtains. Stock piles shall
not extend beyond or beneath a draft curtain. Aisles not less than one
 thousand one hundred eighteen millimeters (1,118 mm) in width shall be
established to provide access to exits and firefighters’ access doors. Aisles
shall be kept clear of storage, waste materials and debris at all times.
f. Firefighters’ access door, aisles and exit doors shall not be obstructed.
Access shall be provided at ground level for firefighting. There shall be at
least one (1) door not less than two meters (2 m) in height for each thirty
lineal meters (30 m). Metal rollup doors are not allowed for such purpose.
g. The structural integrity of racks shall be maintained. Clearance between
ignition sources, such as light fixtures, heaters and flame producing devices,
and combustible materials shall be maintained.
2. Factors to be considered in the storage of common commodities:
a. Method and Height of Stock Piling
i. Bulk storage - consists of piles of loose, free-flowing materials,
including powder, granules, pellets, or flakes, and agricultural items.
The commodities are typically stored in silos, bins, tanks, or in large
piles on the floor.
ii. Solid piling - consists of cartons, boxes, bales, bags, etc., in direct
contact with each other. Air spaces or flues exist only where contact is
imperfect, or where a pile is close to, but not touching, another pile.
Because pallets are not typically used, stacking is done by hand or by
lift trucks using side clamps or prongs, which are pried between
packages or bales without damaging the product.
iii. Palletized storage - consists of unit loads placed on pallets that are
then stacked on top of one another. A pallet load usually takes the
form of a cube, with dimensions about one hundred twenty to one
hundred fifty centimeters (120 cm to 150 cm) in height, and consists
of a single or multiple package(s). The top surface of the pallet load
must adequately support other pallet loads so that the commodity
would not be crushed or the pile would not become unstable. The
maximum height of palletized storage shall not exceed nine hundred
ten centimeters (910 cm)
iv. Rack storage – is a structural framework in which the commodity is
placed usually as a pallet load. The design of rack storage systems
 maximizes vertical storage capacity. The ceiling height or the vertical
reach of material handling equipment limits storage heights.
a. Single row racks include racks up to one hundred eighty
centimeters (180 cm) wide, separated from other storage by at
least one meter (1m) aisles.
b. Double row racks consist of two single row racks placed back
to back with a combined width of up to three hundred seventy
centimeters (370 cm) and aisles at least one meter (1m) wide
on each side.
c. Multiple row racks utilize a flow through or drive in
configuration. They consist of racks greater than three
hundred seventy centimeters (370 cm) wide, or single or
double row racks separated by aisles less than one meter
(1m) wide, with overall width exceeding three hundred seventy
centimeters (370 cm).
b. Combustibility of Materials
i. Commodity Classification
The following classification of commodities shall be used as a guide in
determining sprinkler, venting, aisle spacing and other fire safety
requirements for high piled storage:
a. Class I commodities are essentially noncombustible products on
wooden or non-expanded polyethylene solid deck pallets, in
ordinary corrugated cartons with or without single-thickness
dividers, or in ordinary paper wrappings with or without pallets.
Class I commodities are allowed to contain a limited amount of
Group “A” plastics. Examples of the following:
 Alcoholic beverages, with not exceeding 20-percent of alcohol
 Appliances noncombustible, electrical
 Cement in bags
 Ceramics
 Dairy products in non-wax-coated containers (excluding
bottles)
 Dry insecticides
 Foods in noncombustible containers
  Fresh fruits and vegetables in non-plastic trays or containers
 Frozen foods
 Glass
 Glycol in metal cans
 Gypsum board
 Inert materials, bagged
 Insulation, noncombustible
 Noncombustible liquids in plastic containers having less than a
5-gallon (19 ℓ) capacity
 Noncombustible metal products
b. Class II commodities are Class I products in slatted wooden
crates, solid wooden boxes, multiple-thickness paperboard
cartons or equivalent combustible packaging material with or
without pallets. Class II commodities are allowed to contain a
limited amount of Group “A” plastics. Examples of Class II
commodities include the following:
 Alcoholic beverages, with not exceeding 20-percent alcohol, in
combustible containers
 Foods in combustible containers
 Incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs in cartons
 Thinly coated fine wire on reels or in cartons
c. Class III commodities are commodities of wood, paper, natural
fiber cloth, or group C plastics or products thereof, with or without
pallets. Products are allowed to contain limited amounts of Group
“A” or “B” plastics. Examples of Class III commodities include the
following:
 Combustible fiberboard
 Cork, baled
 Feeds, bagged
 Fertilizers, bagged
 Food in plastic containers
 Furniture: wood, natural fiber, upholstered, non-plastic
 Wood or metal with plastic-padded and -covered arm rests
  Glycol in combustible containers not exceeding 25 percent
 Lubricating or hydraulic fluid in metal cans
 Lumber
 Mattresses, excluding foam rubber and foam plastics
 Noncombustible liquids in plastic containers having a capacity
of more than 5 gallons (19 ℓ)
 Paints, oil base, in metal cans
 Paper, waste, baled
 Paper and pulp, horizontal storage, or vertical storage that is
banded or protected with approved wrap
 Paper in cardboard boxes
 Pillows, excluding foam rubber and foam plastics
 Plastic-coated paper food containers
 Plywood
 Rags, baled
 Rugs, without foam backing
 Sugar, bagged
 Wood, baled
 Wood doors, frames and cabinets
 Yarns of natural fiber and viscose
d. Class IV commodities are class I, II or III products containing
Group “A” plastics in ordinary corrugated cartons, and class I, II
and III products with group “A” plastic packaging with or without
pallets. Group “B” plastics and free-flowing Group “A” plastics are
also included in this class. Examples of Class IV commodities
include the following:
 Alcoholic beverages, with more than 20-percent but less than
80-percent alcohol, in cans, bottles, or cartons.
 Clothing, synthetic or non-viscose
 Combustible metal products (solid)
 Furniture, plastic upholstered
 Furniture, wood or metal with plastic covering and padding
  Glycol in combustible containers (greater than 25 percent and
less than 50 percent)
 Linoleum products
 Paints, oil-based in combustible containers
 Pharmaceutical, alcoholic elixirs, tonics, etc.
 Rugs, foam back
 Shingles, asphalt
 Thread or yarn, synthetic or non-viscose
e. High-hazard commodities are high-hazard products presenting
special fire hazards beyond those of class I, II, III or IV. Group “A”
plastics not otherwise classified are included in this class.
Examples of high-hazard commodities include the following:
 Alcoholic beverages, with more than 80-percent alcohol, in
bottles or cartons
 Commodities of any class in plastic containers in carousel
storage
 Flammable solids (except solid combustible metals)
 Glycol in combustible containers (50 percent or greater)
 Lacquers, which dry by solvent evaporation, in metal cans
or cartons
 Lubricating or hydraulic fluid in plastic containers
 Mattresses, foam rubber or foam plastics
 Pallets and flats which are idle combustible
 Paper, asphalt, rolled, horizontal storage
 Paper, asphalt, rolled, vertical storage
 Paper and pulp, rolled, in vertical storage which is un-
banded or not protected with an approved wrap
 Pillows, foam rubber and foam plastics
 Pyroxylin
 Rubber tires
 Vegetable oil and butter in plastic containers
ii. Hazard Classification
Hazard shall be classified according to the combustibility of the
contents, giving primary consideration to the intensity of fire that could
occur; the form in which the products are stored; method of storage;
rate of heat release; and period of active burning, to wit:
a. Low Hazard Materials
Items unpacked except as noted
Appliances, electrical
Cables and wiring on reels
Fertilizers, bagged (excluding ammonium nitrate)
Hides, leather
Inert materials, bagged
Metals on wood pallets
Sugar, bagged, raw
Tobacco in hogsheads
Wallboard, gypsum
Wool, baled
b. Average Hazard Materials
1. Stocks in Cartons

Books
Ceramics
Cereal
Fiberboard, vegetable
Foods, frozen
Glass
Glycols, in cans
Hydraulic fluids, in cans
Insulators, non-combustible
Liquids, noncombustible, in bottles
Lubricants, in cans
Metals
Paints, oil-based, in cans
Pharmaceuticals, alcoholic elixir, tonics, etc., less than 80
proof
 Plastics, low hazard
Stationery
Textiles
Tobacco products
Wiring, electric
Yarns

2. Other Stock
Cartons flats
Clothing, packaged or in racks
Feed, bagged
Fiberboard, vegetable on pallets
Flour, bagged
Grain, bagged
Mattresses (excluding foamed) rubber and foamed plastics)
Paper and pulp, rolled, vertical storage (adequately banded)
Paper and pulp, horizontal storage (without racks)
Pillows (excluding foamed rubber and foamed plastics)
Pulp, bated
Rags, baled
Rugs (no foamed backing)
Shingles, asphalt
Sugar, bagged, refined
c. High Hazard Materials
Flammable liquids posted in cans metals containers
Baked cork or other insulating materials
Upholstered furniture
Linoleum rugs or piles
Alcohol, weighty proof or higher, in barrels, tank or bottles
Paper products in loosed form not baled not banded and stored
horizontally
Baled waste paper
Pharmaceutical containing eighty (80) proof alcohol or higher, in
glass/plastic bottles.
 Other plastic products
Bags and mats with plastic foam or cellular rubber backing
d. Very High Hazard Materials
Paper products such as pulp/waxed paper, asphalt coated paper
in loose form or bobbies or rolled, not banded or baled,
and stored vertically
Pyroxylin or foam plastic products unpacked or packed in carton.
Rubber goods and foamed rubber products, unpacked or packed
in carton
Flammable liquids, such as acetone, alcohol, lighter fluids,
varnish, paints, cleaning fluids, and the like, packed in
plastic containers or glass bottles
Cork or other insulating materials, NOT BALED
Ammonium nitrate fertilizer
B. On Fire Protection
1. An approved, supervised sprinkler system shall be required in each building or
portion thereof used for storage of combustible commodities when the area
exceeds two-thirds of the sum of the basic floor area.
2. The design and installation of an approved, supervised sprinkler system shall
conform to NFPA 13, “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler System.”
3. Sprinkler discharge densities (liters/square meters) for combustible commodities
not exceeding six hundred forty centimeters (640 cm) in height shall conform to
the following table:

Table 16: SPRINKLER DISCHARGE DENSITIES FOR COMBUSTIBLE

COMMODITIES NOT EXCEEDING 640 cm IN HEIGHT, BY HAZARD
CLASSIFICATION
HAZARD COMMODITY CLASS
CLASSIFICATION I or II II or III III or IV
Low 8.2 8.2 10.2
Average 9.4 11.4 13.5
High 14.3 17.1 20.4
Very High
 4. The protection of combustible commodities six hundred forty centimeters (640
cm) and seven hundred sixty centimeters (760 cm) in height will require up to
thirty percent (30%) increase in the densities listed in the above table.
Commodities piled more than seven hundred sixty centimeters (760 cm) in height
will require multi-level sprinkler application.
5. Sprinkler system protecting combustible commodities shall be designed and
installed to discharge the required water density within the following prescribed
minimum areas, except that areas shall be not less than three hundred seventy
square meters (370 m2) in calculating water flows when densities of less than
one thousand one hundred forty-one liters per minute per square meters
(1,141L/(min.m2)) are specified.

Table 17: MINIMUM AREAS OF SPRINKLER DISCHARGE FOR COMBUSTIBLE

COMMODITIES, BY HAZARD CLASSIFICATION
HAZARD AREA (m2)
CLASSIFICATION
Low 370
Average 378
High 418
Very High 557

6. The above-listed minimum areas are based on the regulations for roof venting,
draft curtains, aisle spacing, size pile and method of storage. Higher densities
may be required in buildings that do not conform to these standards.
7. Sprinkler system shall be designed to utilize sprinklers with ordinal temperature
classification, except that sprinklers with an intermediate classification may be
used in the design of systems to protect high or very high hazard occupancies.
8. A minimum clearance of one meter (1 m) shall be provided between sprinkler
deflectors and top of storage.
9. Draft curtains shall be provided to limit the area of sprinkler operation and to aid
the operation of roof vents.
10. Draft Curtains shall be at least two meters (2 m) in depth and shall be of
noncombustible materials. In low or average hazard occupancies, draft curtains,
shall divide the under roof area into section not to exceed nine hundred twenty
 nine square meters (929 m2). In high or very high hazard storage areas, draft
curtains shall divide the under roof area into sections not to exceed five hundred
fifty seven square meters (557 m2).
11. Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed in combustible commodities storage.
C. Fire Safety Clearance
A Fire Safety Clearance from City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction shall be
obtained for the storage of combustible commodities. A floor plan showing the
dimension and location of high piled storage area and aisle dimensions between
each storage shall be submitted.
SECTION 10.3.4.1.4 MATCHES
Matches shall be stored, handled and protected as follows:
A. On Storage and Handling
1. In wholesale establishments with matches exceeding sixty (60) match man’s
gross stored in shipping container, matches shall be arranged in piles not
exceeding three meters (3 m) in height nor more than four hundred twenty five
cubic meters (425 m3) in volume with aisles at least one hundred twenty
centimeter (120 cm) wide between piles
2. Where other materials or commodities are stored on the same floor with
matches, a portion of the room shall be devoted to match storage exclusively,
and a clear space of not less than one hundred fifty centimeters (150 cm)
between match storage and such other materials or commodities shall be
maintained
3. Matches shall be stored in a building, trailer, semi-trailer, or metal shipping
container with a two-hour (2-hr) fire resistance rating
4. Matches shall not be stored within three meters (3 m) of any elevator shaft
opening, open stairway, or other vertical opening
5. Where shipping container that contain matches are opened, the contents shall be
transferred in bins provided with metal-lined covers.
6. Where matches are sold in retail, original sealed packages shall be stored in
shelves. When such packages are broken, individual boxes shall be stored in
metal or metal-lined bins.
B. On Fire Protection
1. Smoking is prohibited in areas where matches are stored. A “NO SMOKING”
sign shall be conspicuously posted in designated areas.
 2. The owner shall be responsible for the prompt removal of any hazardous
condition, accumulations of combustible materials, including proper maintenance
of equipment and safety devices.
3. Approved, supervised sprinkler system and portable fire extinguishers shall be
provided throughout storage and manufacturing areas.
C. Fire Safety Clearance
A Fire Safety Clearance from City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction shall be
obtained for the storage and transportation of matches exceeding in aggregate
twenty (20) match man's gross (14,000 matches’ per match man’s gross).
SECTION 10.3.4.1.5 MAGNESIUM
Magnesium shall be stored, handled and protected as follows:
A. On Storage
1. Magnesium ingots, pigs, and billets shall be carefully piled on firm and generally
level areas. Any combustible material shall not be stored within a distance of
seven hundred sixty centimeters (760 cm) from any pile of magnesium pigs,
ingots, and billets
2. Outdoor storage of magnesium pigs, ingots and billets shall be in piles not
exceeding forty five thousand four hundred kilograms (45,400 kg) each,
separated by aisles with width not less than one-half (1/2) the height of the pile
3. Storage of pigs, ingots and billets in buildings shall be on floors of
noncombustible construction. Floors shall be well drained from water. Each pile
shall not be larger than twenty three thousand kilograms (23,000 kg), and shall
be separated by aisles with width not less than one-half (1/2) the height of the
pile
4. All magnesium castings shall be clean and free of chips or fine particles of
magnesium. The size of storage piles of heavy magnesium castings, either in
cartons or crates or free of any packing material shall be limited to thirty six cubic
meters (36 m3). Aisle width shall be at least one-half the height of the piles and
shall be at least three meters (3 m).
5. Piles of stored light magnesium castings, either in cartons or crates or without
packing, shall be limited in size to twenty eight cubic meters (28 m3).
6. Aisle spaces in front of racks shall be equal to the height of the racks. All aisle
spaces shall be kept clear.
7. Combustible rubbish, spare crates, and separators shall not be permitted to
accumulate within the aisles between racks.
8. Wet magnesium scrap (chips, fines, swarf, or sludge) shall be kept under water
in covered and vented steel containers at an outside location. Sources of ignition
shall be kept away from the drum vent and top. Containers shall not be stacked.
9. Storage of dry scrap in quantities greater than one and four tenths cubic meters
(1.4 m3) shall be kept separated from other occupancies by fire-resistive
construction without window openings or by an open space of at least fifteen
meters (15 m). Such buildings shall be wellventilated.
10. Magnesium powder shall be stored in steel drums or other closed conductive
containers. The containers shall be tightly sealed and stored in a dry location.
11. Magnesium storage in quantities greater than one and four tenths cubic meters
(1.4 m3) shall be separated from storage of other materials that are either
combustible or in combustible containers by aisles with a minimum width equal to
the height of the piles of magnesium products.
12. Magnesium products stored in quantities greater than twenty eight cubic meters
(28 m3) shall be separated into piles each not larger than twenty eight cubic
meters (28 m3 ), with the minimum aisle width equal to the height of the piles but
in no case shall be less than three meters (3 m).
13. Where storage in quantity greater than twenty eight cubic meters (28m3) is in a
building of combustible construction, or the magnesium is packed in combustible
crates or cartons, or there is combustible storage within nine meters (9 m) of the
magnesium, the storage area shall be protected by an automatic firefighting
equipment.
14. The size of storage piles of magnesium articles in foundries and processing
plants shall not exceed twenty five cubic meters (25 m3) and shall be separated
by aisles of not less than one-half (1/2) the height of the pile.
15. Storage in quantity exceeding one and four-tenths cubic meters (1.4m3) of fine
magnesium scrap shall be separated from other occupancies by fire-resistive
construction without window openings or by an open space of at least one
thousand five hundred fifty centimeters (1,550 cm).
16. Storage in quantity greater than twenty eight cubic meters (28 m 3) of shall be
separated from all buildings other than those used for magnesium scrap recovery
operations by a distance of not less than thirty meters (30 m).
B. On Handling and Processing
1. Magnesium powder production plants shall be located on a site large enough,
and shall be located at least nine thousand one hundred fifty centimeters (9,150
cm) away from public roads and from any occupied structure
2. Different production operations shall be located in separate but not adjoining
buildings that are located at least fifteen meters (15 m) from each other
3. All buildings used for the manufacture, packing, or loading for shipment of
magnesium powders shall be single-storey, without basements, constructed of
non-combustible materials throughout
4. Connecting ducts shall be completely without bends. ducts shall be fabricated
and assembled with a smooth interior, with internal lap joints pointing in the
direction of airflow and without unused capped side outlets, pockets or other
dead-end spaces
5. At each operation, dust shall be collected by means of suitable hoods or an
enclosure which is also connected to a blower located outdoors.
6. Each machine shall be equipped with its individual dust separating unit, except
that with multi-unit machines, not more than two dust producing units may be
served by one (1) separator
7. The entire dust collection system shall be constructed of conductive material and
shall be completely bonded and grounded. it shall not be provided with filters or
other obstructions
8. Dry dust collectors shall be located outside, in a safe location, and shall be
provided with barriers or other means. the area around the collector shall be
posted with the following: “CAUTION: THIS DUST COLLECTOR CAN CONTAIN
EXPLOSIBLE DUST. KEEP OUTSIDE THE MARKED AREA WHILE
EQUIPMENT IS OPERATING.”
9. All machines shall be provided with a pan or tray to catch chips or turnings,
where they shall be collected every day. Magnesium fines shall be kept
separated from other combustible materials
10. All electric wiring, fixtures and equipment in the immediate vicinity of and
attached to dust-producing machines, including those used in connection with
separator equipment shall be of types approved for used in class ii, group e
hazardous (see building code) and installed in accordance with the Philippine
Electrical Code
 11. The power supply to the dust-producing equipment shall be interlocked with the
airflow from the exhaust blower and the liquid level controller of the wet-type dust
collector
12. All equipment shall be securely grounded by permanent ground wires;
13. In powder handling or manufacturing buildings and in the operation of dust-
conveying systems, every precaution shall be taken to avoid sparks from static
electricity, electrical faults, friction, or impact
14. Heat treating ovens -approved means shall be provided for control of magnesium
fire in heat treating ovens
15. Melt rooms shall provide access to facilitate fire control. floors shall be of
noncombustible construction and be kept clean and free of moisture and
standing water
16. Operators in melting and casting areas shall wear flame-resistant clothing, high
foundry shoes, and face protection. Clothing worn where molten magnesium is
present shall have no exposed pockets or cuffs
17. Systematic cleaning of the entire grinding area, including roof members, pipes,
conduits, etc. shall be carried out daily. Periodic inspections on buildings and
machinery shall be carried out as frequently as conditions warrant.

C. On Fire Protection
1. Only approved Class D extinguishing agents or those tested and shown to be
effective for extinguishing magnesium fires shall be permitted. A supply of
extinguishing agent for manual application shall be kept within easy reach of
personnel while they are working with magnesium. The quantity of extinguishing
agent shall be sufficient to contain anticipated fires.
2. Dry sodium chloride, or other dry chemicals or compounds suitable for
extinguishment or containment of magnesium fires, shall be permitted to be
substituted for Class D fire extinguishers. All extinguishing materials shall be
approved for use on magnesium fires.
3. Approved fire-extinguishing materials shall be provided for every operator
performing machining, grinding or other processing operation on magnesium as
follows:
 a. Within nine hundred fourteen centimeters (914 cm), a supply of bulk dry
extinguishing agents in an approved container with a hand scoop or shovel
for applying the material; or
b. Within two thousand two hundred eighty six centimeters (2,286 cm), an
approved Class D portable fire extinguisher. Pressurized extinguishing
agents shall be applied carefully on magnesium powder or chip fire, so as not
to disturb or spread the magnesium powder.
4. Application of wet extinguishing agents accelerates a magnesium fire and could
result in an explosion. The following agents should not be used as extinguishing
agents on a magnesium fire because of adverse reaction:
a. Water
b. Gaseous-based foams
c. Halon
d. Carbon dioxide
e. Sand and other high Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)-containing materials
D. Fire Safety Clearance
A Fire Safety Clearance from City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction shall be
obtained for the storage and transportation magnesium.

SECTION 10.3.4.2 LIQUID

An empirical measure that combines volatility with the heat-producing capabilities of the vapor is
the flash point determination. The flashpoint is simply the temperature at which a liquid takes off
vapor that can be ignited under specified laboratory conditions. Flash point determinations give
rise to hazard classification systems, the most severe hazard being afforded by those liquids
with the lowest flash point. Hazardous liquid can be flammable or combustible, depending on
the flash point.

SECTION 10.3.4.2.1 FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS

All flammable and combustible liquids shall be stored, handled, transported, used and
manufactured as follows:
A. On Storage and Handling
1. General Requirements
 Flammable and combustible liquid shall be stored on approved containers or
tanks properly labeled with the physical properties of its content, flammability or
combustibility and precautionary measures.
2. Specific Requirements for Portable Storage
In the storage and dispensing of flammable and combustible liquids in safety
cans, drums or other approved containers not exceeding two hundred twenty
seven liters (227ℓ) in individual capacity, and those portable tanks not exceeding
two thousand four hundred ninety eight liters (2,498ℓ) in individual capacity, on
different types of occupancies, the following requirements shall be complied:
a. Flammable or combustible liquids specified above shall not be stored near
exits stairways or areas normally used as means of egress and ingress.
b. The storage of flammable and combustible liquids in closed containers shall
comply with the following occupancy schedule:
i. Residential occupancies with not more than three (3) dwelling units with
detached garages shall store flammable and combustible liquids up to a
maximum of ninety four liters (94 ℓ).
ii. Assembly, business and residential occupancies with more than three (3)
dwelling units shall store Class I and Class II flammable and combustible
combined liquids up to a maximum of thirty eight liters (38 ℓ) or two
hundred twenty seven liters (227 ℓ) of Class IIIA liquids.
iii. Educational, healthcare, and detention and correctional occupancies shall
store flammable and combustible liquids up to a maximum of four liters
(4ℓ).
iv. Mercantile and industrial occupancies, where rooms or areas are
accessible to the public, storage shall be limited to quantities needed for
display and normal merchandising purposes which shall not exceed
eighty one liters (81ℓ) per square meter of gross floor area.
c. In rooms or areas not accessible to the public, storage shall be limited to two
hundred twenty seven liters (227ℓ) of Class IA, four hundred fifty four liters
(454 ℓ) of Class IB, six hundred eighty one liters (681 ℓ) of Class 1C, nine
hundred eight liters (908 ℓ) of Class II, one thousand eight hundred ninety
three liters (1,893 ℓ) of combustible liquids or any combination of flammable
liquids totaling nine hundred eight liters (908 ℓ).
 d. Containers less than one hundred thirteen liters (113 ℓ) capacity shall not be
stacked more than one meter (1 m) or two containers high, unless on fixed
shelving or otherwise satisfactorily secured. Containers more than one
hundred thirteen liters (113 ℓ) shall not be stacked one upon the other. All
containers shall be stored in an upright position.
e. Shelving shall be in a stable construction, of sufficient depth and such
arrangement that containers displayed thereon shall not be easily displaced.
f. Leaking containers shall be secured immediately from any possible source of
ignition and the contents of which shall be transferred to an approved
container and placed to a safe location not accessible to the public. The spill
shall be appropriately contained and collected for proper waste disposal.
g. Dispensing of Class II or III liquids from a single container having a capacity
of more than two hundred twenty seven liters (227 ℓ) may be permitted
outside of storage and handling room using dispensing device and fire control
measures. Both the dispensing container and any reserve containers shall be
considered as contributing to the totals allowed capacity under para “A” (2)
(e) above.
h. No pile shall be closer than one meter (1 m) to the nearest beam, chord,
girder or other obstruction, and shall be one meter (1 m) below sprinkler
deflectors, or discharge orifices of water spray, or other overhead fire
protection systems or other obstructions.
Table 18: INDOOR PORTABLE CONTAINER STORAGE FOR FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
CLASS LEVEL STORAGE LITERS
LIQUID LEVEL PROTECTED STORAGE UNPROTECTED STORAGE
MAXIMUM PER PILE MAXIMUM PER PILE
IA Ground & Upper 10,408 2,498
Floors
Basement NOT PERMITTED NOT PERMITTED
IB Ground & Upper 20,818 5,204
Floors
Basement NOT PERMITTED NOT PERMITTED
IC Ground & Upper 62,453 15,613
Floors
 Basement NOT PERMITTED NOT PERMITTED
II Ground & Upper 62,453 15,613
Floors
Basement 20,818 NOT PERMITTED
III Ground & Upper 208,175 52,044
Floors
Basement 31,226 NOT PERMITTED

i. Solid or palletized pile storage shall be so arranged that piles are separated
from each other by at least 1.2m (4ft) wide aisle.
j. Main aisle shall be provided with a minimum width of 2.4m or of a width
providing sufficient space to operate a forklift truck, whenever necessary.
k. Where the storage of liquid is on racks, a minimum of 1.2m (4 ft) wide aisle
shall be provided between adjacent rows of racks and adjacent storage of
liquids.
l. Where ordinary combustible commodities are stored in the same area as
liquids in containers, the minimum distance between the two (2) types of
storage shall be 2.4m (8 ft.) wide aisle.
m. Storage cabinets may be used where it is desired to keep more than thirty
eight liters (38ℓ) of flammable or, combustible liquids inside buildings.
Individual container shall not exceed nineteen liters (19ℓ) capacity and not
more than one hundred ninety liters (190ℓ) shall be stored in one cabinet.
n. Storage cabinets shall be approved and shall be substantially constructed to
one and two-tenths millimeters (1.2 mm) sheet iron or two and fifty four
hundredths centimeters (2.54 cm) plywood or equivalent. A minimum five
centimeters (5 cm) sill shall be provided, and cabinet shall be liquid tight to
the top of the sill. Doors shall be equipped with latching device. Cabinets
shall be painted with an approved in tumescent type Fire 1 retardant paint.
Cabinets shall be conspicuously labeled in red letters “FLAMMABLE
LIQUIDS".
o. Storage cabinets shall be located at least eight meters (8 m) away from any
source of ignition.
 p. Inside storage and handling rooms shall be constructed to meet the required
fire-resistive rating. An approved, supervised sprinkler system shall be
installed:
i. Opening to other rooms or buildings shall be provided with
noncombustible liquid-tight raised sills or ramps at least ten centimeters
(10 cm) in height or the floor in the room shall be at least ten centimeters
(10 cm) below the surrounding floors. . A permissible alternate to the sill
or ramp is an open-grated trench inside the room. A downgraded flooring
shall be provided for spillage which drains to a safe location or an open-
grated trench.
ii. The room shall be provided with approved self-closing fire doors. Where
other portions of the building or other properties are exposed, windows
shall be of fire rated construction and properly sealed to avoid the spread
of vapor. Wood of at least two and fifty four hundredths centimeters (2.54
cm) nominal thickness may be used for shelving rack, dunnage scuff
boards, floor overlay and similar installations.
iii. Ventilation shall be designed to provide for a complete change of air
within the room at least six (6) times per hour. Ventilation shall be
installed in accordance with the provisions of NFPA Pamphlet No. 91,
"Blower and Exhaust System." It shall be controlled by a switch located
outside the door. The ventilation equipment and any lighting fixtures shall
be operated by the same switch. A pilot light shall be installed adjacent to
the switch if Class I flammable liquids are dispensed or used within the
room.
iv. Inside storage and handling rooms shall contain at least one aisle with a
minimum width of one meter (1 m). Storage shall not be closer one meter
(1 m) to ceiling, or sprinkler heads or other obstructions.
v. Stacking of containers shall be in accordance to Table 18 above.
vi. Inside storage and handling room shall comply with approved, supervised
sprinkler system as shown in Table 19 below:
Table 19: SPRINKLER SYSTEMS FOR INSIDE STORAGE AND HANDLING ROOMS OF
FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
SPRINKLER FIRE RESISTANCE MAXIMUM SIZE TOTAL LITERS
SYSTEM PROVIDED RATING (Floor Area) ALLOWED
Yes 2 hours 46.5 sq. m 18, 925
No 2 hours 46.5 sq. m 7, 570
Yes 1 hour 13.9 sq. m 3, 785
No 1 hour 13.9 sq. m 1, 893

q. Outside Storage
i. Storage of over 100 drums of Class I liquids shall be limited to groups of
one hundred (100) drums, located at least eighteen meters (18 m) from
the nearest building or line of adjacent
ii. property and each group shall be separated by at least twelve meters (12
m).
iii. Storage of over three hundred (300) drums of Class II or III liquids shall
be limited to groups of three hundred (300) drums located at least fifteen
meters (15 m) from the nearest building or line of adjoining property and
each group shall be separated by at least nine meters (9 m).
iv. The drum shall be stored in a safe location to prevent runoff or drainage
toward other storage of buildings. The area shall be kept clear of grass
weeds and other foreign combustibles. Signs
v. shall be posted prohibiting open flames and smoking. Fences or other
control measures shall be provided where necessary to protect against
tampering or trespassers.
vi. Storage of flammable or combustible liquids in closed containers in
quantities of eighteen thousand nine hundred twenty five liters (18,925 ℓ)
or less outside of buildings shall be
vii. located with respect to buildings or line of adjoining property as shown in
the Table below. These distances may be reduced with respect to
warehouses and industrial buildings or
viii. noncombustible or fire-resistive construction.
Table 20: STORAGE OF FLAMMABLE OR COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS IN CLOSED
CONTAINERS OUTSIDE OF BUILDINGS

QUANTITY IN LITERS DISTANCE FROM BUILDING OR LINE OF

ADJOINING PROPERTY WHICH MAY BE
 BUILT UPON IN METERS
CLASS I
1 to 568 (3 drums) 4.5
568 to 1892 (3 to 10 drums) 7.5
1893 to 18925 (10 to 100 drums) 15
CLASS II or III
1 to 568 (3 drums) 1.5
568 to 1892 (3 to 10 drums) 3
1893 to 18925 (10 to 100 drums) 9

v. In occupancies where the public is invited or allowed to enter, the above

distances shall be double.
vi. Combustible materials shall not be stored or be permitted to accumulate
adjacent to flammable or combustible liquid storage outside of buildings in
such a manner as to constitute adangerous exposure to the liquid storage
in event of fire. A distance of not less than four and a half meters (4.5 m)
shall be maintained between the liquid storage and any combustible
materials.
vii. Storage Limitation of Portable Tanks of flammable and combustible
liquids shall be in accordance with the Table 21 below:
Table 21: OUTDOOR PORTABLE TANK STORAGE
CLASS MAXIMUM PER DISTANCE DISTANCE TO DISTANCE TO
PILE (Liter) BETWEEN PROPERTY LINES STREET ALLEY
PILES (meter) CAN BE BUILT PUBLIC WAY
UPON (meter) (meter)
IA 8,327 1.5 6 3
IB 16, 654 1.5 6 3
IC 33,308 1.5 6 3
II 66,616 1.5 3 1.5
Combustible 66,540 1.5 3 1.5
NOTES:
 When two or more classes of materials are stored in a single pile, the
maximum capacity in that pile shall be the smallest of the two or more
 separate capacities. The identity of the more hazardous class and the
total amount in the pile cannot exceed that allowed for that class.
 Within sixty meters (60 m) of each group of portable tanks in a pile, there
shall be a three and five tenths (3.5) meters wide access way to approach
of fire control apparatus.
 The distances listed apply to properties that have protection for
exposures as defined. If there are exposures, and such protection for
exposure does not exist, the distances in column 4 shall be doubled.
 When total quantity stored does not exceed fifty (50) percent of maximum
per pile, the distances in columns 4 and 5 may be reduced 50 percent,
but not less than ninety-one centimeters (91 cm).
 The storage of empty portable tanks, and containers, and drums
previously used for the storage of flammable or combustible liquids,
unless free from explosives vapors, shall be the same as provided for the
storage of flammable liquids; provided, however, that the provisions of
this Section shall not apply to portable or safety containers cans.
 Tanks and containers when emptied shall immediately be covered,
replaced or plugged in the openings.
 Containers of flammable or combustible liquids when piled one upon the
other shall be separated to provide stability and to prevent excessive
stress on container walls. The height of piles shall be consistent with the
stability and strength of containers. In no case shall nominal two hundred
liters (200 ℓ) in drums be stored over three times high without approved
structural support.
r. Dispensing
i. The dispensing of flammable or combustible liquids is limited to not more
than one hundred eight liters (108 ℓ) per container drums at any time and
shall be by approved pumps taking suction through the top of the
container.
ii. All mixing, blending, and similar operations involving the use of flammable
or combustible liquids shall be performed in an inside storage and
handling room of two (2) hours fire-resistive construction.
s. Fire Protection. The following are requirements for fire protection in the
storage of flammable liquids:
 i. Approved portable first-aid fire protection appliances;
ii. Approved, supervised sprinkler system;
iii. Pre-connected hose line of one and a half inch (1 ½ in) diameter;
iv. Open flames, smoking and other sources of ignition, shall not be
permitted in flammable or combustible liquid storage rooms. A “NO
SMOKING” sign shall be posted; and
v. Materials, which react with water or other liquids to produce a hazard,
shall not be stored in the same room with flammable or combustible
liquids.
3. Specific Requirements for Bulk Plant and Storage
In the storage and dispensing of flammable and combustible liquids in bulk and
bulk plant, the following requirements shall be complied:
a. Class I, Class II and Class III flammable liquids shall be stored in closed
containers with a capacity exceeding that of portable tanks. Such tanks may
be stored aboveground or underground outside the building.
b. For above ground tanks:
vi. Tanks shall be installed or rest on the ground and on concrete
foundation, masonry, piling or steel. Tank foundation shall be
designed to minimize the possibility of uneven settling of the tank and
to minimize corrosion in any part of the tank resting on the foundation;
vii. Tank support for Class I, Class II or Class III liquids shall be installed
on a firm foundation either of masonry or steel;
viii. Steel supports or exposed piling shall be protected with materials
having a fire resistance rating of not less than two (2) hours; except
that when it is supported by steel saddle, it shall not be less than three
tenths meter (0.3m) high at the lowest point;
ix. Tanks when supported by sphere, special engineering considerations
shall be required to prevent excessive concentration of loads on the
supporting portion of the shell;
x. For tanks located in an area subject to flooding, precautions shall be
undertaken to prevent it from floating during rise of water level.
c. For underground tanks:
i. Underground tank storage for Class I, Class II or Class III liquids shall
be covered with a minimum of sixty centimeters (60 cm) earth or shall
 be covered with not less than thirty centimeters (30 cm) of earth on top
of which shall be placed a slab of reinforced concrete not less than ten
centimeters (10 cm) in thickness;
ii. Tanks subjected to traffic shall be protected against damage from
vehicles passing over them by at least ninety centimeters (90 cm) of
earth cover or fifty centimeters (50 cm) of well tamped earth, and
topped with 5 centimeters (5 cm) of concrete or twenty centimeters (20
cm) of asphalted concrete;
iii. Asphalted or reinforced pavement used as part of the protection of the
tank shall be extended at least thirty centimeters (30 cm) horizontally
beyond the outline of the tank in all directions;
iv. Where tank may become buoyant due to rise in the level of water table
or due to location in area that may be subjected to flooding, suitable
precautions shall be observed to anchor the tank in place.
d. Piping systems:
i. The design, fabrication, assembly, test, and inspection of piping
systems containing flammable and combustible liquids shall be
suitable for the expected working pressures and structural stresses in
conformity with the internationally accepted standards.
ii. Joints shall be made liquid-tight and shall be either welded, flanged,
or threaded, except that listed flexible connectors shall be permitted to
be used where installed.
iii. Threaded joints shall be made up tight with a suitable thread sealant
or lubricant. Joints in piping systems handling Class I liquids shall be
welded when located in concealed spaces within buildings.
iv. Pipe joints, dependent upon the friction characteristics or resiliency of
combustible materials for mechanical continuity or liquid-tightness of
piping, shall not be used inside buildings. They shall be permitted to
be used outside of buildings aboveground or underground. If used
aboveground or outside of buildings, the piping shall either be secured
to prevent disengagement at the fitting, or the piping system shall be
so designed that any spill resulting therefrom will not expose, cause
damage or harm to persons, buildings or structures and could be
readily controlled by remote valves.
 v. Pipe systems shall contain a sufficient number of valves to operate it
properly and to protect the plant. Pipe systems connected to pumps
shall contain a sufficient number of valves to control properly the flow
of liquid in normal operation and in event of physical damage.
Connection to pipe lines of equipment such as tank cars or tank
vehicles discharging flammable or combustible liquids into storage
tanks by means of pump, shall be provided with check valves for
automatic protection against backflow.
e. Vents location, arrangement, size and piping:
i. Vent pipes from tanks storing flammable or combustible liquids shall
be so located that the discharge point is outside of buildings, shall
terminate not less than two and forty two hundredths meters (2.42 m)
above the fill pipe opening and not less than three and sixty four
hundredths meters (3.64 m) above the adjacent ground level. Vent
pipes five centimeters (5 cm) or less in nominal inside diameter shall
not be obstructed by devices that will reduce their capacity and thus
cause excessive backpressure. If the vent pipe is less than three
meters (3 m) in length or greater than five centimeters (5 cm) in
nominal inside diameter, the outlet shall be provided with a vacuum
and pressure relief device, or there shall be an approved flame
arrester located in the vent line at the outlet. In no case shall a flame
arrester be located more than four and five tenths meters (4.5) from
the outlet and from the vent line.
ii. Vent lines from tanks shall not be used for any other purpose.
iii. Each tank shall be vented through piping adequate in size to prevent
blowback of vapor or liquid at the fill opening while tank is being filled.
Vent pipes shall not be less than thirty two millimeters (32 mm) in
nominal inside diameter.
iv. Vent pipes shall be so laid as to drain toward the tank without sags or
traps in which liquid can collect. They shall be so located that they will
not be subjected to physical damages. Vent pipes from tanks storing
the same class of liquids may be connected into one outlet pipe. The
outlet pipe shall be at least one pipe size larger than the largest
individual vent pipe connected thereto. In no case shall the point of
 connection between vent lines be lower than the top of any fill pipe
opening. The lower end of a vent pipe shall enter the tank through the
top and shall not extend into the tank more than two and fifty-four
hundredths centimeters (2.54cm).
f. Fill and discharge lines for Class I, II and III liquids, where practical, shall
enter tanks only through the top and shall be graded toward the tank.
g. The fill-pipe opening shall be located outside of a building. For flammable and
combustible liquid storage, the fill-pipe opening shall not be less than one and
a half meters (1.5 m) from any door or cellar opening. The fill-pipe for filling
by tank car or tank truck shall not be larger than ten centimeters (10 cm) in
nominal inside diameter and shall not be constricted. Fill-pipe opening shall
be identified by a definite color scheme or other means.
h. Gauge openings, if independent of fill-pipe, shall be provided with a liquid-
tight cap or cover. If inside a building, each opening shall be protected
against liquid overflow and possible vapor release by means of a spring
loaded check valve or other approved device.
i. Tanks used for storage of flammable or combustible liquids shall not be
installed inside buildings except in industrial establishments, processing
plants and service stations.
j. The storage of flammable and combustible liquids in aboveground tanks
outside of buildings shall be restricted within the limits established by law or
zoning ordinances.
k. Tank Loading and Unloading Facilities
In the loading and unloading of flammable and combustible liquids, the
following requirements shall be complied:
i. Noncombustible materials shall be used for the construction of loading
racks facilities.
ii. Tank car loading or unloading facilities shall have a distance of at least
seven and six tenths (7.6 m) for Class I liquids and at least four and six
tenths meter (4.6 m) for Class II and Class III liquids, measured from the
nearest fill spout or (liquid or vapor) transfer connection. Buildings for
pumps or shelters for personnel may be a part of the facility.
iii. Equipment such as piping, pumps and meters used for the transfer
of Class I liquids between storage tanks and the fill stem of the
 loading rack shall not be used for the transfer of Class II or
Class III liquids.
iv. Remote pumps located in underground tanks shall be installed on
the pump discharge side. A listed and approved leak detection
device that will provide an indication if the piping system is
not essentially liquid tight shall be installed. This device
shall be checked and tested at least annually according to the
manufacturer’s specifications to insure proper installation and
operation.
v. Loading at the top of a tank vehicle with Class I and Class II
liquid without vapor control is allowed if the following is
complied:
a. The valve used for the final control of the flow shall be
ofthe self-closing type and shall be manually held open; and
b. Automatic means are provided for shutting off the flow when
the tank is full.
vi. When bottom loading a tank vehicle, with or without vapor
control, a positive means shall be provided for loading a
predetermined quantity of liquid, together with an automatic
secondary shutoff control to prevent overfill. The connecting
components between the loading rack and the tank vehicle
required to operate the secondary control shall be
functionally compatible.
vii. When bottom loading a tank vehicle that is equipped with vapor
control, but when vapor control is not used, the tank shall be
vented to the atmosphere to prevent pressurization of the
tank. Such venting shall be at a height not lower than the top
of the cargo tank on the vehicle.
viii. When bottom loading a tank vehicle, the coupling between the
liquid loading hose or pipe and the truck piping shall be by
means of a dry disconnect coupling.
ix. Connections to the plant vapor control system shall be
designed to prevent the escape of vapor to the atmosphere when
not connected to a tank vehicle.
x. Loading racks facilities shall be equipped with protection
against static sparks during truck filling. Protection shall
consist of a bare metallic bond wire permanently electrically
connected to the fill stem or some part of the fill-stem piping. The free
end of such wire shall be provided with a clamp or similar device for
convenient attachment to some metallic part of the cargo tank of the
tank vehicle. The bond wire connection shall be securely fastened
prior to the opening of the dome cover. It shall be maintained in place
during the entire filling operation and the dome covers shall be closed
before the bond wire is disconnected from the cargo tank.
xi. Each loading rack facility or property upon which a loading rack facility
is located shall be surrounded by a fence not less than one five-tenths
(1.5) meters high, constructed of wire mesh, metal sheet or masonry.
xii. No person shall load or unload, or allow the loading or unloading of a
tank vehicle, unless such vehicle is entirely within such enclosure. No
person shall drive or allow the driving of any tank vehicle, into or from
the premises of a bulk plant, except while traveling in a forward
direction.
xiii. There shall be installed on each loading rack facility, riser pipe
between the ground and the outlet, and at least two valves, one being
of the lever-operated type and the other is of the self-closing type,
which may be readily operated from the loading rack facility platform
or top of the vehicle being filled. It shall be unlawful for any person to
tie or unlock such self-closing valve in the open position.
xiv. Class I flammable liquids shall not be dispensed into containers
unless:
a. xiv.i. The nozzle and container are electrically interconnected;
 b. xiv.ii. The metallic floor plate on which the container stands while
filling is electrically connected to the fill stem; or
c. xiv.iii. The fill stem is bonded to the container during filling
operations by means of a bond wire.
l. Drainage and Waste Disposal
i. Flammable or combustible liquids spilled at the loading or unloading
areas shall not be directly discharged into the public sewer and
drainage system or natural waterways. Grading driveways or
intercepting canals with trench grating connected to separator pits
and/or other equally effective means shall be constructed.
ii. Used or accumulated residues of flammable or combustible liquids
shall not be dumped on the ground, into sewers, drainage ditches or
storm drains, but shall be stored in tanks or tight drums outside of any
building until removed from the premises.
iii. In buildings, rooms or other confined spaces in which flammable or
combustible liquids are stored, no combustible waste materials shall
be allowed to accumulate.
m. Electrical Equipment
All wirings and electrical equipment located within seven and one half meters
(7.5 m) of any portion of the loading rack facility shall be designed, operated
and installed in accordance with the latest edition of the Philippine Electrical
Code.
n. Testing
All tanks, whether shop-built or field erected, shall be tested. All piping,
before being covered, enclosed, or placed in use, shall be hydrostatically
tested to 150% of the maximum anticipatedpressure of the system, or
pneumatically tested to 110% of the maximum anticipated pressure of the
system but not less than 5 psi (34.5 kpa) gauge at the highest point of the
system. This test shall be maintained for a sufficient time to complete visual
inspection of all joints and connections, but for at least 10 minutes. A
certificate of testing shall be submitted to the City or Municipal Fire Marshal
having jurisdiction.
o. Abandonment of Tanks
 i. Any tank not used for a period of ninety (90) days, shall be properly
safeguarded or removed in a manner approved by the City or
Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction.
ii. Tanks "temporarily out of service" shall have fill line, gauge opening
and pump connection secured against tampering. Vent lines shall
remain open and maintained in accordance with the requirements of
this Rule for vent lines.
iii. Any aboveground tank, which has been abandoned for a period of
one (1) year, shall be removed from the property in a manner
approved by the City or Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction.
iv. Any underground tank, which has been abandoned for a period of one
(1) year, shall be removed from the ground and the hole properly
filled.
v. Tanks which are to be reinstalled for flammable or combustible liquid
service shall comply the same requirements in the installation of
tanks.
vi. Tanks which are to be placed back in service shall be tested
accordingly.
p. On Fire Protection
i. Flammable or combustible liquids shall not be handled, drawn or
dispensed where flammable vapors may reach a source of ignition.
Smoking shall be prohibited except in designated locations. "NO
SMOKING" signs shall be posted in conspicuous places where
hazard from flammable vapors is normally present.
ii. Foam fire protection shall be provided for any aboveground tank
except floating roof type, or pressure tanks operating at or above
seventy and four-tenths grams (70.4 g) per square centimeters gauge
pressure, and used for the storage or handling of Class I flammable
liquids such that tank or group of tanks are spaced less than fifteen
(15) meters apart, shell to shell, has a liquid surface area in excess of
one hundred forty square meters (140 m2).
iii. Legible signs shall be maintained at the entrance gate or gates of
each bulk plant and near each loading rack facility with the words "NO
 SMOKING”. Restriction on the use of electronic devices within the
premises of bulk plants shall be observed.
iv. Signs identifying the pump master switch shall be labeled
"EMERGENCY PUMP SHUTOFF".
v. The master switch on all individual pump circuits switches shall be set
in the "OFF" position before closing the services station for business
at any time.
vi. Pressure system shall incorporate with each turbine, an indicator light
illuminated when the turbine is running. Said light shall be visible from
the dispensing pump island, and suitably identifiable as to the system
served.
4. Service Stations for Automobile
a. Service stations shall be constructed with facilities for storage, handling and
dispensing of flammable and combustible liquids, including its equipment,
appurtenances and service area in either inside or outside buildings.
b. Service stations or portions thereof where flammable gases such as but not
limited to liquefied petroleum gases (LPG), liquefied natural gases (LNG), or
compressed natural gases (CNG) shall be governed in a separate rule.
c. Buildings used for office, grocery store, rest room, utility room and the like
shall conform to the succeeding paragraphs hereof.
i. The service station location standard for facilities, clearances and
distance applicable to all kinds of lots from mid-block lot, corner lot
and passing-thru lot shall comply with the standards set forth under
Philippine National Standard on “Petroleum Products-Retail Outlet-
Health, Safety and Environment” - PNS/DOE FS 1-1:2005.
ii. Apparatuses dispensing Class I flammable liquids into the fuel tanks
of motor vehicles of the public shall not be located at a bulk plant
unless separated by a fence or similar barrier from the area in which
bulk operations are conducted.
iii. Tanks shall be located to minimize the amount of maneuvering
necessary for the tank truck making the product delivery to reach the
fill openings whenever possible. Deliveries shall be accomplished
without the need for the truck to move or travel in reverse.
 iv. Tanks shall be located so that the tank truck making the product
delivery will not be on public right of way, block motorists’ views of
roadway, or impede the flow of vehicles or pedestrians.
v. Tank edge shall not be less than one meter (1 m) from the property
line or any other buildings or structures. If soil stability creates
concern, qualified professional assistance is recommended.
vi. Underground tanks or tanks under buildings shall be so located with
respect to existing building foundation and support so that the load
carried by the latter cannot be transmitted to the tanks.
vii. Dispensing devices at automobile service stations shall be located
that all parts of a vehicle being serviced are within the premises of the
service station.
viii. Dispensing devices at automobile service stations shall be located not
less than six (6) meters from any building openings and public ways.
Such dispensing devices shall also be so located that the nozzle,
when hose is fully extended, shall not reach within one and a half
meters (1.5 m) of any building opening.
ix. All dispensing devices shall be mounted on a concrete island or shall
otherwise be protected against collision damage by an acceptable
means. Dispensing device shall be securely bolted in place.
Dispensing devices shall be installed in accordance with the
manufacturers’ instruction. The minimum height of the concrete island
shall be not less than fifteen centimeters (15 cm).
x. Emergency controls shall be installed at a location acceptable to the
City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction, but controls shall be
not more than thirty meters (30 m) from dispensers.
d. On Storage and Handling
i. Class I liquid shall be stored in closed containers or tanks located
underground or in special enclosures.
a. Special enclosures shall be liquid and vapor tight without backfill.
The sides, top and bottom of enclosures shall be of reinforced
concrete at least fifteen centimeters (15 cm) in thickness, with
openings for inspection through the top.
 b. Tank connection shall be a closed pipe connection or installation.
Precautionary measures shall be provided whereby portable
equipment may be employed to discharge to the outside any
vapors, which might accumulate, should leakage occur.
ii. Class I liquids shall not be stored or handled within a building having a
basement or pit into which flammable vapors may travel unless such
area is provided with ventilation designed to prevent the accumulation
of flammable vapors therein.
iii. Aboveground tanks located in an adjoining bulk plant may be
connected by piping to service station underground tanks. An
emergency shut-off valve shall be provided within the control of
service station personnel.
iv. Flammable and combustible liquids may be stored in an approved
container inside service station buildings, provided that the following
conditions are observed:
a. Class I liquids stored in approved closed containers of aggregate
capacity not exceeding four hundred fifty four liters (454 ℓ),
provided that a single container shall not exceed two hundred
twenty seven (227 ℓ) liters capacity and equipped with an
approved pump; and
b. Class II and III liquids stored in approved containers of not
exceeding four hundred fifty five four liters (454 ℓ) capacity for
each class, with an aggregate capacity not exceeding nine
hundred eight liters (908 ℓ).
v. Piping, valves and fittings shall be in accordance with the provisions
of Specific Requirement for Bulk Plant and Storage.
vi. Class I liquids shall not be dispensed or transferred within a service
station building, except:
a. When the dispensing device is connected to any pump motor
circuit energized by a switch located on each dispenser and can
be operated by removal or displacement of the nozzle in its
bracket;
b. A clearly labeled manually operated pump master switch is
provided in an approved location, within twenty-two meters (22 m)
 of, but not nearer than four and six-tenths meters (4.6 m) to any
dispensing device. Where such master switch is not visible from
all dispensing devices, the location thereof shall be indicated by
approved signs;
c. Signs identifying the pump master switch shall be labeled
"EMERGENCY PUMP SHUTOFF";
d. The master switch on all individual pump circuits switches shall be
set in the "OFF" position before closing the service station for
business; and
e. Pressure system shall incorporate with each turbine, an indicator
light illuminated when the turbine is running. Said light shall be
visible from the dispensing pump island, and suitably identifiable
as to the system served.
vii. Class II and III liquids may be dispensed in lubrication or service
station buildings provided that flammable vapors do not reach heating
equipment or other sources of ignition. Smoking shall be prohibited
except in designated locations. "NO SMOKING" signs shall be posted
conspicuous areas where hazard from flammable vapors is normally
present.
viii. No delivery of any flammable or combustible liquid shall be made into
portable containers unless such container is of approved material and
construction, having a tight closure with screwed or spring cover, so
designed that the contents can be dispensed without spilling. The
dispensing of flammable liquids into fuel tanks of vehicles or into a
container shall at all times be under the supervision of a qualified
attendant, except in service stations not open to the public. Such
stations may be used by commercial, industrial, governmental or
manufacturing establishments for fueling vehicles used in connection
with their activities or operation. However, personnel of such
establishments shall have knowledge and skills in dispensing
flammable and combustible liquids.
ix. Dispensing Services
a. ix.a. Flammable and combustible Class I liquids shall be
transferred from underground tanks by means of fixed pumps
 designed and equipped to allow control of the flow and to prevent
leakage or accidental discharge. Supplemental means shall be
provided outside of the dispensing device whereby the source of
power may be readily disconnected in the event of fire or other
related accidents.
b. ix.b. Dispensing pumps that take suction at the top of the
container shall be of approved type as UL and FM Listed or other
equivalent internationally accepted standard.
c. ix.c. Any device that operates through pressure within a storage
tank or container shall not be allowed, unless the tank or container
has been approved as pressure vessels. In no case shall air or
oxygen pressure be used for dispensing flammable and
combustible liquids.
x. Pumps pressure delivery on service station shall be installed above
grade level outside of buildings and shall be located not less than
three meters (3 m) from line of adjoining property of noncombustible
materials with at least one (1) hour fire resistance rating or from a
property line that abut upon a public right-of-way or thoroughfare.
a. Pumps installed above grade level shall be mounted on a
concrete foundation and shall be protected against possible
damage by vehicles.
b. Submersible or subsurface pumps shall be installed in accordance
with approved standards.
xi. Special dispensing device
a. Approved type are those but not limited to self-service and remote
preset types. At least one qualified attendant shall be on duty
while the station is open to the public. The attendant's primary
function shall be to supervise, observe and control the dispensing
of Class I flammable and combustible liquids. It shall be the
responsibility of the attendant to see to it that the dispensing of
Class I liquids are in approved portable containers.
b. The attendant or supervisor on duty shall be capable of
performing the functions and assuming the responsibilities
covered as mentioned hereof.
 c. Instructions for the operation of dispensers shall be posted in
conspicuous places.
d. Remote preset type devices are to be in the “OFF” position while
not in use so that dispensers cannot be activated without the
knowledge of the attendant.
xii. If the dispensing of Class I liquids at a service station available and
open to the public is to be done by a person other than the service
station attendant, the nozzle shall be of a listed and approved
automatic closing type.
xiii. Every service station open to the public shall have an attendant or
supervisor on duty duly qualified and/or trained by the BFP.
xiv. Piping, Valves and Fittings
a. Piping valves and fittings shall be designed for the working
pressure and structural stresses to which they may be subjected.
They shall be galvanized or otherwise protected against external
corrosion with an approved material. All threaded joints or
connections shall be made up tight with the use of an approved
pipe joint sealing compound.
b. A check or manual valve shall be provided in the discharge
dispensing supply line from the pump with a union between the
valve and the same pump discharge.
c. An approved impact valve, incorporating a fusible link, designed to
close automatically in the event of severe impact or fire exposure
shall be properly installed, rigidly mounted, and connected by a
union in the dispensing supply line at the base of each dispensing
device.
d. After completion of the installation, the system shall be tested.
e. All electrical equipment, wiring and wiring devices for service
stations shall comply with the latest edition of the Philippine
Electrical Code (PEC).
xv. Classified area shall not extend beyond the un-pierce wall or other
solid partition as shown in Table 22 below:
xvi.
Table 22: ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT HAZARDOUS AREA SERVICE STATIONS
 LOCATION NEC CLASS I, EXTENT OF CLASSIFIED AREA
GROUP D
DIVISION
Underground Tank-fill 1 Any pit, box or space below grade level, any part
Opening at which is within the Division 1 to 2 of classified
area
2 Up to forty six (46) centimeters level within a
horizontal radius of three (3) meters from a
loosen fill connection and within the horizontal
radius of one and a half (1.5) meters from a tight
fill connection
Underground Tank- 1 Within ninety one (91) centimeters of open and
Vent Discharging off vent, extending in all directions
Upward
2 Area between ninety one (91) centimeters and
one and a half (1.5) meters of open and off vent,
extending in all directions
Dispenser-Pits 1 1 Any pit, box or space below grade level, any part
of which is within the Division 1 or 2 classified
area
Dispenser-Enclosure 1 1 The area one and two-tenths (1.2) meters
vertically above grade within the enclosure of
forty six (46) meters in all direction
Dispenser-Outdoor Up to forty six (46) centimeters above grade level
within six (6) meters horizontally of any edge of
enclosure
Dispenser-Indoor with 2 Up to forty six (46) centimeters above grade or
Mechanical Ventilation floor level within seven and sixths (7.6) meters
horizontally of any edge of enclosure
Remote Pump Outdoor 1 Any pit, box or space below grade level if any
part is within a horizontal distant of three (3)
meters from any edge of pump
2 Within ninety one (91) centimeters of any edge of
 pump, extending in all directions. Also up to forty
six (46) centimeters above grade level within
three (3) meters horizontally from any edge of
pump
Remote Pump Indoor 1 Entire area within any pit
2 Within one and a half (1.5) meters of any edge of
pump, extending, in all directions. Also up to
ninety one (91) centimeters above floor or grade
level within seven and six-tenths (7.6) meters
horizontally from any edge of pump.
Lubrication Room 1 Entire area within any pit
2 Area up to forty six (46) centimeters above floor
or grade level within entire lubrication room
Lubrication Room 2 Within ninety one (91)centimeters, of any fill or
Dispenser for Class I dispensing point, extending in all directions
Liquids
Special Enclosure 1 Entire enclosure
Inside Building per
Sec.23.703 (b)
Sales Storage and Ordinary If there is any opening of these rooms within the
Rest Rooms extent of an outdoor classified area, the entire
room shall be the same as the area classification
at the point of the opening. If there is any opening
of these rooms within the extent of an indoor
classified area, the room shall be classified the
same as if the wall, curb or partition did not exit.

xvii. Drainage and waste disposal

a. Flammable or combustible liquids spilled within the premises of
service stations shall not be directly discharged into the public
sewer and drainage system or natural waterways. Precautionary
measures to contain such spill shall be adopted but not limited to
grading driveways or intercepting canals with trench grating for
containment leading to a catch basin with a capacity that can
 accommodate the contents of the largest compartment of the tank
vehicle being dispensed.
b. Used or accumulated residues of flammable or combustible liquids
from separator pits and/or other equally effective means shall not
be dumped on the ground, into sewers, drainage ditches or storm
drains, but shall be stored in tanks or tight drums outside of any
building until removed from the premises.
c. Pits intended to contain subsurface pumps or fittings from
submersible pumps shall not be longer than necessary to contain
the intended equipment and to permit the free movement of hand
tools operated from above grade.
d. Pits and covers shall be designed and constructed to withstand
the external forces to which they may be subjected. When located
above any underground tank, at least thirty centimeters (30 cm) of
earth or sand cover shall be maintained over the top of the tank.
e. Pits shall be protected against ignition of vapors by any of the
following methods:
 Sealing the un-pierced cover with mastic or by bolting against
a gasket in an approved manner.
 Filling the pit with a noncombustible inert material.
5. Service stations inside buildings
a. Service stations inside buildings shall be separated from other portions of the
building by wall, partition, floor, or floor-ceiling assemblies having a fire
resistance rating of not less than two (2) hours.
b. The dispensing area shall be located at street level, with no dispensing
device located more than fifteen meters (15 m) from which vehicles exit to, or
entrance from, the outside of the building. Such area shall also be provided
with an approved mechanical or gravity ventilation system. Ventilating
systems shall be electrically interlocked with Class I dispensing devices so
that the same cannot be operated unless the ventilating fan motors are
energized.
c. Dispensing shall be limited to the area required to serve not more than four
(4) vehicles at a time;
 d. Where an outside location is impractical, dispensing devices may be
approved inside garages or similar establishments that store, park, service or
repair automotive equipment, provided that the following requirements are to
be complied:
i. The dispensing device shall be located in a well ventilated area of fire-
resistive construction, and shall not be less than six meters (6 m) from
any activity involving sources of ignition;
ii. It shall be protected against physical damage from vehicles by mounting
impact barriers on a concrete island or by equivalent means, and shall be
located in a position where it cannot be stuck by vehicle descending a
ramp or other slope out of control; and
iii. A remote emergency shutoff electric power to the dispensing unit and the
pump supplying it shall be provided at an accessible location and shall be
clearly labeled as to its intended purpose.

e. Fire Protection
i. A minimum classification of Class 5-B, C fire extinguishers shall be
provided and so located that no pump, dispenser or fill-pipe opening
shall be of a greater distance than nine and fifteen tenths meters (9.15
M) from such extinguishers and shall be readily accessible where fires
are likely to occur.
ii. Placement and size of fire extinguishers shall be in accordance with
Table 23 below.
Table 23: FIRE EXTINGUISHER SIZE AND PLACEMENT FOR CLASS B HAZARDS
Type of Hazard Basic Minimum Maximum Travel Distance to
Extinguisher Rating Extinguishers(m)

Light (low) 5-B 9.15

10-B 15.25
Ordinary (moderate) 10-B 9.15
20-B 15.25
Extra (high) 40-B 9.15
80-B 15.25
 iii. Existing service stations with dispensing areas located below street
level may be permitted, provided that an approved automatic sprinkler
system is installed and the provision of paragraph e sub-para i above
shall be complied.

f. Safety Precaution
i. The engine of all vehicles being fueled shall be shut-off during fueling or
re-fueling.
ii. Smoking, use of electronic devices and open flames are strictly prohibited
in areas where flammable or combustible liquids are dispensed.
iii. Signs of the above prohibitions shall be posted within the premises of the
service station. A warning sign shall be conspicuously posted in the
dispensing area indicating that it is unlawful and dangerous to dispense
gasoline into unapproved containers.
iv. All vendors using open flames are also prohibited within the premises.
v. Necessary repairs of the service station involving hot works shall comply
with the applicable provisions of Division 17 of this IRR.

6. Marine Service Stations

i. Marine service stations shall not be located at bulk plants unless separated
by a fence or similar barriers from the area in which bulk operations are
conducted.
ii. Piers, wharves and floats where flammable or combustible liquid dispensers
are located shall be of fire-resistive construction and impervious to spills of
such liquids and oils within the immediate area of the dispenser.
iii. Flammable and combustible liquids may be stored in approved portable
containers within marine service station buildings. Storage of Class I liquids in
approved closed portable containers shall not exceed thirty-eight liters (38 ℓ)
aggregate capacity except within rooms or buildings approved for such
storage or which meet the requirements of ventilation.
iv. Class II or III liquids may be stored and dispensed inside marine service
station buildings from approved containers of not more than four hundred fifty
five liters (455 ℓ) capacity, provided that;
 i. Tanks, valves, fittings and piping for flammable or combustible liquids
and liquefied petroleum gases are approved for such use and fully
protected from external-corrosion.
ii. There shall be no connection between any aboveground tank and any
underground tank except that aboveground tanks located in an
adjoining bulk plant may be connected by piping to marine service
station underground tanks if, in addition to valves at the above ground
tanks, a valve is also installed within control of marine service station.
iii. Pipelines of marine service stations attached to piers, wharves or
other structures shall be fully protected against physical damage and
excessive stresses.
iv. A valve capable of shutting off supply from the shore shall be provided
in each product line at or near the approach of the pier, wharf or other
structure and an approved quick throw valve shall be provided above
each flexible connection to stop flow to float in the event of rupture or
such flexible connections.
v. Not more than two flexible connections shall be permitted in any line
leading from any pier or wharf to a float. When unusual conditions
exist, additional flexible connections may be allowed subject to the
approval of the City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction.
vi. All commodity piping at marine service stations shall be welded or
welded flanged of steel construction. Screwed piping of five
centimeters (5 cm) or less in diameter shall be permitted.
vii. Piping systems used in handling Class I liquids shall be grounded to
control stray electrical current.
viii. Testing of piping systems shall be in accordance with applicable
provisions of this IRR on testing.
v. Wharves, piers, or floats at marine service stations shall be used exclusively
for the dispensing or transfer of petroleum products to or from marine craft,
except that transfer of essential supplies for ship stores is permitted. Sales of
ship stores or merchandise shall not be allowed in an area where fuel is
dispensed into the tank of motor crafts.
i. Tanks and pumps, other than those integral with approved dispensing
devices that supply flammable or combustible liquids at marine service
 stations, shall be located only on shore. Approved dispensing devices
with or without integral pumps may be located on shore piers of solid fill
type, open pier, wharves of floating docks, but only upon express
permission of the City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction.
ii. Dispensing of flammable or combustible liquids and liquefied petroleum
gases shall at all times be under the direct control of competent person
who is fully aware of the operation, mechanics, and hazards inherent to
fueling of boats.
iii. Dispensing of flammable or combustible liquids into the fuel tanks of
marine crafts shall be by means of an approved type hose, equipped with
a listed automatic closing nozzle with latch open device.
iv. Hoses used for dispensing or transferring flammable or combustible
liquids shall be reeled, racked or otherwise protected from mechanical
damage when not in use.
v. Fueling of floating marine crafts other than from a marine service station
is prohibited.
vi. No delivery of any flammable or combustible liquids shall be made into
portable containers unless such containers is of approved material and
construction, having a tight closure with screwed or spring cover, so
designed that the contents can be dispensed without spilling.
vii. Liquefied petroleum gas cylinders shall not be filled or discharged at any
petroleum marine service station without first obtaining written permission
from the City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction. Approved storage
facilities for liquefied petroleum gas cylinders shall be provided.
viii. The dispensing area shall be located away from other structures to
provide room for safe ingress and egress of crafts to be fueled.
Dispensing units shall, in all cases, be at least six meters (6 m) from any
activity involving fixed sources of ignition.
vi. Fire Prevention Regulations
i. All marine facilities shall be maintained in a neat and orderly manner and
no accumulation of rubbish or waste oils in excessive amounts shall be
permitted. Any spills of flammable or combustible liquids at or upon the
water of marine service stations shall be reported immediately to the BFP
and port authorities.
 ii. Metal containers with tight-fitting or self-closing metal lids shall be
provided for the temporary storage of combustible trash or rubbish.
iii. No vessel or craft shall be allowed to moor or berth at any fuel docks
serving a marine services station, except during fueling operations.
iv. No construction, maintenance, repair or reconditioning work involving the
use of open flames or arcs or spark-producing devices shall be performed
at any marine service station facility or within fifteen meters (15 m) of the
dispensing facilities including piers, wharves, or floats. The City/Municipal
Fire Marshal having jurisdiction may grant permission in writing to make
repair provided no fueling is done at the pier, wharf, of float during the
course of such emergency repairs.
v. All electrical equipment must comply with the latest edition of the
Philippine Electrical Code as it applies to wet, damp and hazardous
location. Clearly identified emergency switches readily accessible in case
of fire at any dispensing unit shall be provided on each main float and at
the shore approach to the pier, wharf or floating dock, to shut off power to
all pump motors from any individual location and reset only from the
master switch. Each switch shall be identified by an approved sign:
"EMERGENCY PUMP SHUTOFF". The master switch shall be set in the
"OFF" position before closing a marine service station. Pressure system
shall incorporate with each turbine an indicator light illuminated when the
turbine is running. Said lights shall be visible from the shore approach
and from the dispenser location and suitably identify the system served.
vi. Smoking or open flames shall be prohibited within fifteen meters (15 m) of
fueling operations. "NO SMOKING" signs shall be posted conspicuously
within the premises. Such signs shall have letters not less than
centimeters (10 cm) in height on a background of contrasting color.
vii. Boat owners or operators shall not offer their craft for fueling unless the
tanks being filled are properly vented to dissipate fumes to the outside
atmosphere.
viii. There shall be prominently displayed at the face of each wharf, pier of
float at such elevation as to be clearly visible from the decks of marine
craft being fueled, a sign or signs with letters not less than eight
centimeters (8 cm) in height in a background of contrasting color bearing
 the following or equivalent wording: WARNING NO SMOKING - STOP
ENGINE WHILE FUELING. SHUT OFF ELECTRICITY. DO NOT START
ENGINE UNTIL AFTER BELOW-DECK SPACES ARE VENTILATED
vii. Fire Protection
i. Appropriate communication means shall be available for calling the Fire
Department. Such means may consist of a proprietary alarm system, a
firefighters’ alarm box or telephone not requiring a coin to operate. It must
be within meters (30 m) of the premises of a marine service station.
ii. Piers, wharves and floats at marine service stations shall be equipped
with wet standpipes connected to a reliable water supply with piping not
less than five centimeters (5 cm) in diameter.
iii. Pipe fittings and joints shall be adequately treated to protect metal from
corrosion. A flexible connection may be permitted between the dock or
pier and any floating deck.
iv. Hose stations shall be equipped with a thirty-eight millimeter (38 mm)
valve, at least twenty-two meters (22 m) of approved fire hose, and a
combination fog and straight streams shutoff type nozzle. Hose stations
shall be so spaced as to provide protection to any portion of docks, piers,
wharves or floating crafts. Hose shall be enclosed within a cabinet
connected and mounted on a reel or rack for instant use. Hose stations
shall be labeled "FIRE HOSE EMERGENCY USE ONLY". All tests and
valves must meet the approval of the City/Municipal Fire Marshal having
jurisdiction.
v. Fire extinguishers each having a rating of 20-B, C shall be provided as
follows: One (1) on each float and one (1) on the pier or wharf within
seven and a half meters (7.5 m) of the head of the gangway to the float,
except that where the office is within seven and a half meters (7.5 m) of
the gangway or is on the float, an extinguisher at the head of the
gangway need not be provided.
7. Processing Plants
a. On storage and handling
The manner of storage, handling, dispensing and fire protection of flammable
or combustible liquids in Processing Plants shall comply with the requirements
and standards set forth under bulk and bulk plants storage, and the
 requirements and standards on portable storage. In addition, the following
requirements shall also be complied:
i. Mixing or blending rooms or buildings shall meet the design
requirements set forth under the rule on “Design and Construction of
Inside Storage and Handling Rooms.”
ii. Vessels used for mixing or blending of Class I flammable liquids shall
be provided with self-closing, tight-fitting noncombustible lids that will
control fire within such vessels. Where such devices are impracticable,
approved automatic or manually controlled fire-extinguishing
systems/devices shall be provided.
iii. All equipment, such as vessels, machinery, and piping, where an
ignitable mixture could be present shall be bonded or connected to a
ground. The bond or ground or both shall be physically applied or shall
be inherently present by the nature of the installation. Electrically
isolated sections of metallic piping or equipment shall be bonded to the
other portions of the system or individually grounded to prevent the
hazardous accumulation of static electricity.
8. Refineries, Chemical Plants and Distilleries
a. On Storage and Handling
The manner of storage, handling, dispensing and fire protection of flammable
or combustible liquids in Refineries, Chemical Plants and Distilleries shall
comply the requirements and standards for bulk and bulk plants storage,
requirements and standards on portable storage. In addition, the following
requirements shall also be complied:
i. Processing units shall be located to at least one side to make it
accessible for the purpose of fire control. Where topographical
conditions are such that flammable or combustible liquids may flow
from a processing area to constitute a fire hazard to other properties,
provisions shall be made to divert or impound the flow by curbs,
drains or other suitable means.
ii. Water shall be available in pressure and quantity sufficient to provide
cooling streams for any unit of any tank in the processing area. Hoses
and hydrants shall be available in sufficient number to provide
application for cooling streams.
9. Crude Oil Production
a. On Storage and Handling
The manner of storage and fire protection of flammable or combustible liquids
in crude oil production shall comply the standards and requirements for bulk
and bulk plants storage and standards and requirements for portable storage.
In addition, the following requirements shall also be complied:
i. Oil wells shall have a minimum distance of fifty meters (50 m) from a
surface property line.
ii. No oil well shall be drilled within fifty meters (50 m) or one and one half
(1-1/2) times the height of the derrick, whichever is greater from any
road or highway or major aboveground utility line or railroad.
iii. No oil well shall be drilled nor production equipment and storage tank
installed within less than the following setbacks:
a. One hundred sixteen meters (116 m) from an existing occupied
building and/or habitable dwelling
b. One hundred sixteen meters (116 m) from educational facility,
public places assembly and institutional occupancy
iv. No boiler, fired vessel, heater-breather, open flame device or other
potential sources of ignition shall be located nearer than fifty meters
(50 m) to any oil well or storage tank. Vehicles and equipment used in
the drilling and well servicing operations are exempt from the above
provision.
v. No sump or other basin for the retention of oil or petroleum products
shall exceed three hundred seventy centimeters (370 cm) in width.
vi. No sump or other basin for the retention of oil or petroleum products,
larger than one hundred eighty centimeters (180 cm) deep shall be
maintained longer than sixty (60) days after the cessation of drilling
operations.
vii. Sumps, diversion ditches or depressions used as sumps shall be
securely fenced or covered.
viii. Adequate blowout prevention equipment shall be used on all well
servicing operations. Blowout prevention equipment shall contain pipe
rams that enable closure on the pipe being used. The choke line and
 kill lines shall be anchored, tied or otherwise secured to prevent
whipping resulting from pressure surges.
ix. Blowout prevention equipment shall be inspected daily and a preventer
operating test shall be performed on each round trip, but not more than
once every twenty-four (24) hours. Notation of operating tests shall be
made on the daily report.
x. Drilling operations shall not proceed until blowout prevention
equipment are tested and found to be serviceable.
xi. Berms shall be constructed around crude oil and condensate storage
tanks in the absence of remote impounding. It shall enclose an area
sufficient to contain at least one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the
largest single tank.
xii. Not more than two (2) crude oil and condensate storage tanks shall be
located within a single berm.
xiii. Berms shall be inspected at regular intervals to maintain containment
integrity.
xiv. Where soundproofing material is required during oil field operations,
such materials shall be non-combustible. A fire-retardant treated
material may be used and maintained subject to the approval of the
City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction.
10. Tank Vehicles for Flammable and Combustible Liquids
The manner of storage, handling, operation and fire protection in tank vehicle for
flammable or combustible liquids shall comply the following requirements:
a. On Storage, Handling and Operation
i. Design and Construction of Tank Vehicle
a. Tank vehicles shall be designed, constructed, equipped and
maintained in accordance with NFPA 385, “Standard for Tank
Vehicles for Flammable and Combustible Liquid.” Design of the
tank vehicle shall consider the structural relationship between the
cargo tank, propulsion equipment, and the supporting members
with due regard to the weight and temperature of the cargo, road
performance, braking and required ruggedness. The general
design of the cargo tank and vehicle chassis shall be arranged to
 give the best combination of structural characteristics and vehicle
performance.
b. The material used in the construction of cargo tanks shall be
compatible with the chemical characteristics of the flammable and
combustible liquids to be transported.
c. If a single cargo tank is divided into compartments of different
specification construction, each compartment shall conform to the
specification requirements and shall be identified with a
permanent non-corrosive metal plate.
d. Any cargo tank designed for transporting materials at liquid
temperatures above ambient temperatures shall have a non-
corrosive metal warning plate permanently affixed to the tank or
tank frame located conspicuously at the right side near the front
specifying the maximum allowable cargo temperature. Stamped or
embossed characters shall be at least thirteen millimeters (13
mm) in height.
ii. Full Trailers and Semi-Trailers
a. Trailers shall be firmly and securely attached to the vehicle
drawing them, in a manner conforming to accepted engineering
practice.
b. Each full trailer and semi-trailer shall be equipped with reliable
brakes on all wheels, and adequate provision shall be made for
their efficient operation from the driver's seat of the vehicle
drawing the trailer or semi-trailer.
c. Trailer connections shall be such as to prevent the towed vehicle
from whipping or swerving from side to side dangerously or
unreasonably, and shall cause the trailer to follow substantially in
the path of the towing vehicle.
iii. Operation of Tank Vehicles
a. Tank vehicles shall not be operated unless they are in proper
state of serviceability, devoid of accumulation of grease, oil or
other flammable and from leaks.
b. Drivers shall be thoroughly trained in the operation of tank
vehicles and proper procedures for loading and unloading.
 c. Dome covers shall be closed and latched while the tank vehicle is
in transit.
d. No tank vehicle shall be operated with a cargo temperature above
the maximum allowable cargo temperature specified on the
warning sign.
e. Flammable and combustible liquids shall be loaded only into cargo
tanks whose material used in construction shall be compatible
with the chemical characteristics of the liquid being loaded. The
flammable and combustible liquid being loaded shall also be
chemically compatible with the liquid hauled on the previous load
unless the cargo tank compartment, piping, pumps, meters and
hose has been thoroughly cleaned and completely drained.
f. Class II or Class III liquids shall not be loaded into a compartment
adjacent to Class I liquids unless double bulkheads are provided,
nor shall chemically non-compatible chemicals be loaded into
adjacent compartments unless separated by double bulkheads.
g. Repair of tank vehicles shall be made with caution. No repair shall
be made when there is presence of hazard due to combustible
vapors nor any loaded tank vehicle be repaired in a closed
garage.
h. Cargo tank shall not be repaired using any method employing a
flame, arc, or other sources of ignition, unless the tank is
maintained vapor-free or otherwise made safe in an approved
manner.
iv. Loading and unloading tank vehicles
a. Loading and unloading of tank vehicles shall only be done in
approved locations prescribed by the concerned agency.
b. Flammable or combustible liquid shall not be transferred to or from
any tank vehicles, unless the parking brake is securely set and all
other reasonable precautions have been taken to prevent motion
of the vehicle.
c. The driver, operator or attendant of any tank vehicle shall not
leave the vehicle while it is being filled or discharged. Delivery
 hose, when attached to a tank vehicle, shall be considered a part
of the tank vehicle.
d. Engine of tank vehicles shall be shut down during making or
breaking hose connections. If loading or unloading is done without
the use of a power pump, the tank vehicle motor shall be shut
down throughout such operations.
e. Cargo tank or a compartment thereof used for the transportation
of any flammable or combustible liquid shall not be loaded liquid
full. The unfilled space (outage) in a cargo tank or compartment
thereof used in the transportation or combustible liquids shall in no
case be less than one percent (1%). Sufficient space (outage)
shall be left vacant in every case to prevent leakage from or
distortion of such tank or compartment by expansion of the
contents due to rise in temperature in transit.
f. The driver, operator or attendant of any tank vehicle shall, before
making delivery to any tank, determine the unfilled capacity of
such tank by a suitable gauging device. To prevent overfilling, he
shall not deliver in excess of that amount.
g. During loading, hatch covers shall be secured on all
compartments except in the receiving compartments.
h. Delivery of Class I liquids to underground tanks of more than three
thousand eight hundred liters (3,800 ℓ) capacity shall be made by
means of mechanically tight connections between the hose and
the fill pipe.
i. Where a cargo tank is filled through bottom loading, a positive
means shall be provided for loading a predetermined quantity of
liquid and an automatic secondary shut-off control shall be
installed in each compartment to prevent overfill. The secondary
shutoff control system shall be labeled as to manufacturer and
type and any electrical system used for secondary shut-off shall
be in accordance with Philippine Electrical Code.
j. No material shall be loaded into or transported in a tank vehicle at
a temperature above its ignition temperature unless properly
safeguarded in an approved manner.
 k. The cargo tank shall be bonded to the fill stem or to some part of
the rack structure, electrically interconnected with the fill-stem
piping, except tank vehicles loading any flammable or combustible
liquids through bottom connections and tank vehicles used
exclusively for transporting Class II and Class III liquids when
loaded at locations where no Class I liquids are handled.
l. The cargo tank shall be bonded to the fill pipe when loading. The
bond-wire connection shall be made prior to opening the dome
covers. It shall be maintained in place during the entire filling
operation and the dome covers shall be securely closed before
the bond wire is disconnected from the cargo tank.
m. No external bond-wire connection or bond-wire integral to a hose
shall be needed for the unloading of flammable and combustible
liquids into underground tanks or when a tank vehicle is loaded or
unloaded through tight connections to an aboveground or through
bottom connections.
v. Vapor recovery process
a. In all cases where underground tanks are equipped with any type
of vapor recovery system, all connections shall be safe and
designed to prevent release of vapors at grade level and shall
remain connected throughout the loading and unloading process.
b. For bottom loading vehicles, where vapor recovery is not required,
the tank vapor system shall be open to the atmosphere to prevent
pressurization of the tank and the vapor system.
c. The vapor recovery connection of the bottom-loading tank
vehicles equipped with a vapor recovery system shall be used to
lead vapor away from the loading area using terminal vapor
recovery system, discharge standpipe, or by opening the tank fill
opening (manholes).
d. Where a “dry disconnect vapor recovery adapter” is used,
provisions shall be made to ensure that the vapor recovery system
is fully vented before unloading to prevent collapse of the tank.
vi. Parking and Garaging
 a. No person shall leave a tank vehicle unattended on any street,
highway, avenue or alley;
b. No person shall park a tank vehicle at any one point for longer
than one (1) hour except:
• Off a street, highway, avenue of alley.
• Inside a bulk plant and seven and a half meters (7.5 m) from
the property line or within a building approved for such use.
• At other approved locations not less than fifteen meters (15 m)
from any building except those approved for the storage or
servicing of such vehicles.
• When, in case of breakdown or other emergency, the operator
must leave the vehicle to take necessary action to correct the
emergency.
c. Tank vehicles shall not be parked or garaged in any building other
than those specifically approved for such use by the concerned
agency.
b. On Fire Protection and Other Safety Measures
i. Tank vehicles used for the transportation of any flammable or
combustible liquids, regardless of the quantity being transported,
whether loaded or empty shall be conspicuously and legibly marked.
Such markings shall display the following:
a. Vehicle manufacturer;
b. Manufacturer’s serial number;
c. Date of manufacture;
d. Original test date;
e. Certificate date;
f. Design pressure;
g. Head material;
h. Shell material;
i. Weld material;
j. Lining material;
k. Nominal tank capacity by compartment;
l. Maximum product load;
m. Loading limits;
 n. Unloading limits;
ii. These markings shall not be modified, obstructed, made inaccessible
or unreadable by paints or any fixtures.
iii. Installation of any plate onto the tank with these markings shall not
compromise the safety of the tank.
iv. Placards/ warning signs shall comply with NFPA 704, “Standard
System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for
Emergency Response” and/or other internationally accepted standard
for signage. The size of signage shall measure at least two hundred
seventy three millimeters (273 mm) on both sidesand have a thirteen
millimeters (13 mm) inner solid line border. The text indicating the
hazard and the hazard class should be at least forty-one millimeters
(41 mm).
v. In addition to the markings and warning signs, a certification signed by
a responsible official of the manufacturer of the cargo tank, or from a
competent testing agency, certifying that each cargo tank is designed,
constructed, and tested in compliance with NFPA 385, “Standard for
Tank Vehicles for Flammable and Combustible Liquid” and applicable
standards and such certification shall be retained in the files of the
carrier at all times that such cargo tank is engaged in the transport of
flammable and combustible liquids.
vi. Smoking is prohibited while driving, making deliveries, filling or
making repairs to tank vehicles.
vii. While loading or unloading, extreme care shall be taken to keep away
fire and to prevent persons in the vicinity from smoking, lighting
matches, or carrying any flame or lighted cigar, pipe or cigarette.
viii. Each tank vehicle shall have at least one (1) unit of twenty pounds (20
lb) or two (2) units of ten pounds (10 lbs) BC-rating portable fire
extinguisher.
ix. Fire extinguishers shall be kept and maintained in good operating
conditions at all times. They shall be visibly located in an accessible
place on each tank vehicle and shall be protected from damage and
impact.
 x. Trailer/tank vehicle operators, contractors, drivers, handlers and
crews shall have undergone proper qualification by a concerned
agency. Crews shall include repair and maintenance personnel.
B. Fire Safety Clearance
A Fire Safety Clearance shall be obtained from the City/Municipal Fire Marshal
having jurisdiction for the following:
1. Storage, handling or use of Class I flammable liquids in excess of three and eight
tenths liters (3.8 ℓ) in any dwelling or other place of human habitation; or in
excess of nineteen liters (19 ℓ) in any other building or other occupancy; or in
excess of thirty eight liters (38 ℓ) outside of any building, except:
a. Storage or use of flammable liquids in the fuel tank of a motor vehicle,
aircraft, motorboat, mobile power plant or mobile heating plant.
b. Liquids used for building maintenance, painting, or other similar infrequent
maintenance purposes shall be permitted to be stored temporarily in closed
containers safely secured outside of storage cabinets or inside storage area,
limited to an amount that does not exceed six (6) day supply at anticipated
rates of use.
2. Storage, handling, or use of Class II or III liquids in excess of ninety five liters (95
ℓ) in a building; or in excess of two hundred twenty seven liters (227 ℓ) outside a
building except for fuel oil used in connection with oil burning equipment.
3. Installation and use of equipment and premises for the storage, handling, use or
sale of flammable or combustible liquids as herein stipulated. The required permit
shall be obtained prior to the commencement of any work, installation, use of
equipment of premises for the storage and handling and sale of combustible and
flammable liquids.
4. A material safety data sheet (MSDS) shall be a pre-requisite in the application of
such fire clearance.
5. Prior to removal, abandonment, place temporarily out of service or otherwise
disposal of any flammable or combustible liquid tank. For this purpose a proper
disposal and/or abandonment procedure shall be submitted.
6. Where more than one hundred (100) drums of flammable and/or combustible
liquids are to be stored outside of the buildings, plans of storage area and
building structures shall be submitted showing methods of storage, quantities to
 be stored, distance from buildings and property lines, access ways between
group of drums, fire protection facilities, and provisions for drainage and runoff.

SECTION 10.3.4.3 GAS

In order to handle variety of gases effectively, consider classification of gases which
based on the physical property and primary use. Gases are classified as cryogenic,
compressed and liquefied.

SECTION 10.3.4.3.1 CRYOGENIC FLUIDS

Cryogenic fluids except those used as refrigerants in refrigerating systems shall be
stored, handled and transported as follows:
A. Storage and Handling
1. Cryogenic Fluids shall be stored inside containers with the following design:
a. Containers used for the storage and handling of cryogenic fluids shall be in
accordance with the materials and design requirements set forth in the
Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) Code, particularly
Chapter 7 for boilers and pressure vessels, or with the applicable standards
of the Department of Energy (DOE) and/or Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI), or other concerned government agencies.
b. Metallic containers shall be built, inspected and tested in accordance with
applicable provisions of the PSME Code for Design and Construction of
Large, Welded, Low-Pressure Storage Tanks, depending on the
temperature and pressure of the product stored.
c. Concrete containers shall be built in accordance with the applicable
provisions of the National Building Code. Barrier materials used in
connection with concrete but not functioning structurally shall be made of
materials authorized by the PSME Unfired Pressure Vessel Code.
d. Pressurized containers shall be protected by a pressure-relieving device or
devices. If only one pressure relief device is used, it shall be set to operate
a pressure not to exceed the Maximum Allowable Working Pressure
(MAWP). Additional relief devices may be set to operate at a higher
pressure but shall not exceed one hundred ten percent (110%) of the
MAWP.
 i. Containers that may be subjected to an exposure to fire hazards shall
be protected by pressure relieving devices designed to protect against
excessive pressure caused by such exposures. Such devices shall be
set to operate at a pressure not in excess of one hundred ten percent
(110%) of the MAWP, and shall have a relieving capacity sufficient to
prevent the pressure from rising more than twenty percent (20%) above
the MAWP. If only one device is used, it shall be set to operate at a
pressure not to exceed the MAWP.
ii. Relief devices shall be located so that they are readily accessible for
inspection and repair and shall be protected against tampering. All relief
devices shall be so designed or located to prevent accumulation of
moisture and freezing which would interfere with the proper operation of
the device.
iii. No shutoff valves shall be installed between relief valves and container
except that shutoff valves may be used on multiple valve installations
where the arrangement of the valves will provide the required flow
through the relief devices at all times.
iv. Outer containers shall be equipped with pressure and vacuum relief
devices or rupture discs to adequately protect the container.
v. Heat exchangers and similar vessels shall be protected with a relieving
device of sufficient capacity to avoid pressure in case of an internal
failure.
vi. Safety relief valves shall normally be mounted in a vertical position and
shall not be subjected to low temperature except when operating.
e. Containers shall be provided with substantial concrete or masonry
foundations, or structural steel supports on firm concrete or masonry
foundations. Foundations and supports shall be of a material and design to
withstand the low temperature effects of cryogenic fluid spillage. Structural
steel supports, above forty-six centimeters (46 cm) in height, or flammable
cryogenic fluid container shall be protected with protective coating having a
fire-resistance rating of two (2) hours.
f. Horizontal containers shall be so mounted on foundations as to permit
expansion and contraction. Every container shall be supported to prevent
the concentration of excessive loads on the supporting portion of the shell.
 That portion on the container in contact with foundation or saddles shall be
protected against corrosion.
g. Secure anchorage or elevation of container shall be provided in an area that
may be subjected to flooding.
h. Storage containers, piping, valves, regulating equipment, and other
accessories shall be protected against physical damage and against
tampering.
i. Containers shall be secured as may be necessary to prevent shifting or
upset.
2. Containers shall be equipped with drainage, dikes and walls having the
following conditions:
a. The area surrounding a container for cryogenic fluids shall be diked to
prevent accidental discharge of fluids thereby endangering adjacent
containers, buildings and equipment, adjoining property or reaching
waterways.
b. Drainage shall be provided at a slope of not less than one percent (1%)
away from the container towards an impounding basin or an appropriate
means of disposal having a capacity equal to the container being served.
This termination area and the route of the drainage system shall be so
located that a fire occurring in drainage system will not seriously endanger
adjacent containers or property.
c. Where diked areas are utilized to provide the required protection, the
following shall apply:
i. More than one container may be installed in a single area provided:
a. The usable volume of the enclosure shall be at least one hundred
percent (100%) of the capacity of the largest container enclosed,
b. Containers shall be elevated above grade so that cryogenic liquids
will not reach the outside container wall in the event of a liquid
spill, or
c. If cryogenic liquids can reach the outside container wall, the
material that can be wetted by spilled liquid shall be suitable for
use at the temperature of the liquid with the lowest normal boiling
point within the enclosure.
 ii. Dike walls shall be of earth or other materials compatible to the fluid
stored, designed to be liquid tight, and to withstand thermal shock.
iii. The dike and diked area shall be kept clear of all weeds, grass, and
other combustible materials.
iv. Containers of cryogenic fluids shall not be located within dikes
enclosing flammable or combustible liquid containers, liquefied
petroleum gas (LPG) containers or compressed gas containers.
3. Location of Aboveground Containers with Respect to Exposure
a. A cryogenic fluid container or containers with an aggregate capacity in
excess of seven hundred fifteen thousand liters (715,000 ℓ) and their
loading stations shall be located at a minimum of fifteen meters (15 m) from
a building utilized for the production of such fluids. Such container or
containers and their loading stations shall be located a minimum of thirty
meters (30 ℓ) from aboveground storage of flammable or noncombustible
liquids and from any building of such construction or occupancy which
constitute an exposure of hazard to a container in the event of fire or
explosion in said buildings. When the capacity is seven hundred fifteen
thousand liters (715,000 ℓ) or less, the distance required from aboveground
storage of flammable or combustible liquids and buildings which constitute
an exposure to hazard shall be based on the capacity of the container or
containers and the physical features of the installation with three meters (3
m) being the minimum distance allowed.
b. The minimum distance from the edge of a flammable cryogenic container
having a capacity in excess of seven hundred fifteen thousand liters
(715,000 ℓ), to the nearest building or group of buildings not associated with
the cryogenic liquid plant, or to the property line of public way shall be sixty
meters (60 m). In no case shall the distance from the dike surrounding the
container or the distance from a drainage area be less than thirty meters
(30) from the nearest building or group of buildings or the property line or
public way.
c. Flammable cryogenic fluid container with a capacity of eleven thousand
liters (11,000 ℓ) or less shall be located in accordance with NFPA 50A,
“Standard for Gaseous Hydrogen Systems at Consumer Sites.”
 d. Containers and equipment used in the storage and handling of liquid
oxygen shall be installed and maintained in accordance with NFPA 55,
“Standard for the Storage, Use, and Handling of Compressed and Liquefied
Gases in Portable Cylinders.”
4. Installation of Belowground Concrete Containers
a. Belowground concrete containers shall be installed on foundation or support
of concrete, masonry piling, steel or a suitable foundation of aggregate and
shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the National Building
Code of the Philippines.
b. The container storage area shall be fenced or otherwise protected. A
minimum of two (2) access openings shall be provided and they shall be of
sufficient size to accommodate emergency equipment.
5. Installation of Cryogenic In ground Containers
a. Natural materials such as earth shall be proven to have adequate chemical
and physical properties for the construction and operation of the container
at the operating temperature.
b. Containers shall be bottomed out in material naturally impermeable or made
impermeable by other approved means based on internationally accepted
standards.
c. Any foundation, such as those for the superstructure of roof, shall be
properly designed and constructed in accordance with the National Building
Code of the Philippines.
d. The container storage area shall be constructed with masonry fence or
otherwise protected with equally or stronger type of construction. A
minimum of two (2) access openings shall be provided and they shall be of
sufficient size to accommodate emergency equipment.
6. Location of Belowground and In ground Containers with Respect to
Exposure
a. The minimum distance from the edge of belowground and in ground
flammable cryogenic containers to the nearest important building, property
line or public way from aboveground flammable or combustible liquid shall
be in accordance with the Table 24 below:
Table 24: MINIMUM DISTANCE FROM THE EDGE OF BELOWGROUND AND INGROUND
CRYOGENIC CONTAINERS BASED ON CONTAINER CAPACITY
 CONTAINER CAPACITY MINIMUM DISTANCE
a. Less than one thousand nine hundred a. One hundred fifty five (155) centimeters
(1,900) liters
b. One thousand nine hundred (1,900) liters to b. Seven and three-fourth (7.75) meters
three thousand eight hundred (3,800) liters
c. Over three thousand eighthundred (3,800) c. Fifteen and a half (15.5) meters
liters

7. Pressure Relief Vent Piping

a. The piping of all relief vents shall be at least equal to the area of opening of
the relief valve and so arranged as not to unduly restrict the flow.
b. Relief devices and/or relief device vents shall be so arranged that escaping
gas will discharge unobstructed to the open air and not impinge on
personnel, containers, equipment and structures or enter enclosed spaces.
c. Vents shall be installed in such a manner as to exclude or remove moisture
and condensate, and to prevent malfunction due to freezing or icing. Drains
shall be so installed as to prevent possible flame impingement on the
container, piping, equipment and structures.
8. Dispensing of flammable cryogenic fluids, liquefied, or liquid oxidizers shall be
at a locations not less than one and a half meter (1.5 m) in any direction away
from any exterior source of ignition, openings into direct-vent (sealed
combustion system) appliances, or mechanical ventilation air intakes.
9. Piping, Materials and Construction
a. All piping and materials such as gaskets, thread compound, etc., shall be
suitable for the intended use through the full range of pressure and
temperature to which they will be subjected, maintaining a safety factor of
four (4) to one (1).
b. The piping system shall be designed and constructed to provide adequate
allowance for expansion, contraction, vibration, settlement, and fire
exposure.
c. Joints on all container piping and tubing over five (5) centimeters in nominal
diameter shall be made by welding or with welded flanges.
 d. Piping outside buildings may be either buried or aboveground. In either
case, it shall be well supported and protected against physical damage and
corrosion.
e. All piping and tubing shall be tested after installation, at not less than one
and one-half (1 ½) times hydraulically, or one and one fourth (1 ¼) times
pneumatically, the maximum working pressure and proven free of leaks.
B. Equipment and Devices
1. All cryogenic containers, equipment and devices used for the storage, handling
and transportation of cryogenic fluids shall be of approved type. Approved types
are those covered with appropriate certification from its manufacturers and/or
certifying authority concerned.
2. Electrical Equipment
a. Electrical installations and equipment shall conform to the provisions of the
Philippine Electrical Code, equipment manufacturers’ instruction and/or
other applicable international standards as deemed necessary.
b. Proper lighting, including emergency lights shall be provided for fire
protection appliances and operating facilities such as walkways, control
valves, gauges, and similar devices or servicing facilities for the cryogenic
fluids.
3. Electrical Grounding or Bonding
a. Containers, systems, and equipment used for flammable cryogenic fluids
shall be grounded and/or bonded in accordance with NFPA 77,
“Recommended Practice on Static Electricity,” and the Philippine Electrical
Code. Suitable means shall be taken to protect the system against
corrosion, including corrosion caused by stray electric currents.
b. Containers and systems containing cryogenic fluids shall be equipped with
lightning protection when installed outside the building/ structure.
4. Valves and Accessory Equipment
a. All valves and equipment shall be suitable for the intended use at the
temperature of the application and shall be designed for not less than the
maximum pressure and the minimum temperature to which they may be
subjected, maintaining a safety factor and four (4) to one (1).
b. Shutoff valves shall be provided on all container connections. Shutoff valves
shall be located as close as practicable to the container.
 c. All liquids and vapor connections on flammable cryogenic fluid containers,
except relief and gauging connections over twelve millimeters (12 mm) pipe
size, shall be equipped with check valves, or remotely controlled automatic
quick-closing valves, and shall remain closed except during operating
periods.
d. Shutoff valves shall be installed in the piping system as needed to limit the
volume of liquids discharged in the event of piping or equipment failure.
Relief valves shall be installed between shutoff valves in all pipelines.
e. All inlet and outlet connections, except relief valves, liquid level gauging
devices, and pressure gages on any container, shall be labeled to designate
whether they are connected to vapor or liquid space.
C. Warning Labels
1. Warning labels and signs shall be posted visibly from any direction of approach
on cryogenic containers and equipment. In addition, they shall be properly
marked with the name of the specific cryogenic fluid, manufacturer/ supplier
and contact details.
2. The name of the specific cryogenic fluid shall be conspicuously affixed at the
entrances to locations where they are stored, handled, used, or dispensed, and
at such other locations as may be designated by the City/Municipal Fire
Marshal having jurisdiction.
3. Warning labels and signs shall adopt the hazard identification signs as set forth
in NFPA 704, Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials
for Emergency Response.
4. Signs and markings shall not be obscured or removed,
5. Markings on Containers
Each container shall be identified by the attachment of a nameplate in an
accessible place marked with the following information:
a. Builder's name and date built
b. Nominal capacity, in liters
c. MAWP
d. Maximum permissible specific gravity of liquid to be stored
e. Maximum level to which container may be filled with stored liquid
f. Maximum level to which container may be filled with water for container was
designed
 g. Minimum temperature in degrees Celsius (Centigrade) for which container
was designed
6. Vehicles transporting cryogenic fluids shall be labeled at the front, rear and on
each side identifying the product. Labels/placards shall have letters not less
than four inches (4 in) in height using approximately a five-eight inch (5/8 in)
stroke. Abbreviations shall not be used. In addition to the label/placard
identifying the product, vehicles shall also bear "FLAMMABLE GAS”, or
“OXIDIZER".
D. Safety Measures
1. Insulation shall be non-combustible and shall be non-reactive with oxygen-
enriched air.
2. A positive alarm or other approved device based on internationally accepted
standard shall be provided to warn against overfilling.
3. Vehicles transporting cryogenic fluids shall be equipped with at least one (1)
unit of approved type fire extinguisher, with a minimum rating 20-B, C; and with
adequate chock blocks.
E. Fire Safety Clearance
1. A Fire Safety Clearance shall be obtained from the City/Municipal Fire Marshal having
jurisdiction, for the following:
a. Manufacture, storage or sale of cryogenic fluids;
b. Transportation on the highway of flammable cryogenic fluids in excess of four hundred fifty
liters (450 ℓ);
c. Transportation on the highway of liquefied oxygen or cryogenic oxidizers in excess of four
hundred fifty liters (450 ℓ).
d. Storage and transporting of non-flammable nontoxic cryogenic fluids in excess of one
thousand nine hundred liters (1,900 ℓ).
e. Storage or use of more than thirty eight liters (38 ℓ) of liquefied oxygen, flammable cryogenic
fluids or cryogenic oxidizers.
2. Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) shall be a pre-requisite to the issuance of the required
Fire Safety Clearance.
Table 25: PROPERTIES OF CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
GAS BOILING POINT VOLUME FLAMMA TOXIC ODOR
EXPANSION
°C °F BLE
TO GAS
HELIUM-3 -269.9 -453.8 757 TO 1 NO NO(A) NO
HELIUM-4 -268.9 -452.0 757 TO 1 NO NO(A) NO
HYDROGEN -252.7 422.9 851 TO 1 YES NO(A) NO
DEUTERIUM -249.5 -417.1 … YES RADIOAC NO
TIVE
TRITIUM -248.0 -414.4 … YES RADIOAC NO
TIVE
NEON -245.9 -410.6 1,438 TO 1 NO NO(A) NO
NITROGEN -195.8 -320.4 696 TO 1 NO NO(A) NO
CARBON MONOXIDE -192.0 -313.6 … YES NO NO
FLUORINE -187.0 -304.6 888 TO 1 NO YES SHARP
ARGON -185.7 -302.3 847 TO 1 NO NO(A) NO
OXYGEN -183.0 -297.4 860 TO 1 NO NO(A) NO
METHANE -161.4 258.5 578 TO 1 YES NO(A) NO
KRYPTON -151.8 -241.2 700 TO 1 NO NO NO
TETRAFLUOROMETHANE -128.0 -198.0 … NO YES NO
OZONE -111.9 -169.4 … YES YES YES
XENON -109.1 -164.4 573 TO 1 NO NO(A) NO
ETHYLENE -103.8 -154.8 … YES NO(A) SWEET
BORON TRIFLUORIDE -100.3 -148.5 … NO YES PUNGENT
.
NITROUS OXIDE -89.5 -129.1 666 TO 1 NO NO(A) SWEET
ETHANE -88.3 -126.9 … YES NO(A) NO
HYDROGEN -85.0 -121.0 … NO YES PUNGENT
CHLORIDE
ACETYLENE -84.0 -119.2 … YES YES GARLIC
FLUOROFORM -84.0 -119.2 … NO NO(A) NO
1,1-DIFLUOROETHYLENE -83.0 -117.4 … YES NO(A) ETHER
CHLOROTRIFLUOROMETHANE -81.4 -114.5 … NO YES MILD
CARBON DIOXIDE -78 -109.3 553 TO 1 NO YES PUNGENT
5(B)

0°C = 32°F.
(A) NONTOXIC, BUT CAN ACT AS AN ASPHYXIANT BY DISPLACING AIR NEEDED TO
SUPPORT LIFE. AS WITH MOST CHEMICALS, EVEN HARMLESS MATERIALS CAN BE TOXIC
OR POISONOUS IF TAKEN IN SUFFICIENT QUANTITIES UNDER THE RIGHT
CIRCUMSTANCES.
(B) SUBLIMES

SECTION 10.3.4.3.2 MEDICAL AND RELATED COMPRESSED GASES

Medical and related compressed gasses such as flammable anesthetic; nonflammable
medical gases in hospitals, medical schools, laboratories and similar facilities; bulk
oxygen in industrial and healthcare consumer sites; and other compressed gases of
similar and related uses shall be stored, handled, transported and manufactured as
follows:
A. On Storage and Handling
1. All compressed gas containers, shall be stored in an upright position with the
valve end up. For non-liquefied gases, the axis of the container shall be limited to
forty-five degrees (45°) from the vertical provided that it is properly secured
except, when it is empty, its content is less than five liters (5 ℓ) or the container is
designed for use in a horizontal position.
2. Racks or fastenings shall be made to protect cylinders from accidental damage
or dislocation.
3. Indoor and outdoor storage of compressed gases shall comply with the material-
specific requirements provided in the MSDS or manufacturer’s technical
specifications/ data or other applicable provisions of this IRR.
4. Indoor storage, use areas and storage buildings shall be provided with
mechanical exhaust ventilation or natural ventilation. When mechanical
ventilation is provided, the system shall be operational during such time as the
building or space is occupied.
5. Compressed gases shall be stored in areas dedicated to the storage of such
gases without other storage or uses. If containers of compressed gases in
quantities greater than the maximum allowable quantity per control area, said
containers shall be stored in a room or a gas cabinet with two (2) hour resistance
rating located inside buildings or structures, with the following conditions:
a. For rooms:
i. Openings between the room and interior spaces shall be protected by self-
closing smoke and draft-control assemblies having a fire protection rating of not
less than 2 hours.
ii. Rooms having exterior walls shall be provided with at least two vents in such
walls, each having not less than twenty three hundredths square meter (0.023
m2) free area. One vent shall be within one hundred fifty two millimeters (152
mm) of the floor and one shall be within one hundred fifty two millimeters (152
mm) of the ceiling.
iii. Rooms with no exterior walls shall be exhausted through a duct to the
outdoors. Supply and exhaust ducts shall be enclosed in a one (1) hour rated
shaft enclosure from the room to the outdoors.
iv. Approved mechanical ventilation shall comply with the requirements of the
Philippine Mechanical Code and be provided at a minimum rate of five hundred
eight thousandth cubic meter per second per square meter [0.00508 m3/(s·m2)]
of the area of the room.
v. Rooms shall be protected by an approved, supervised sprinkler system.
b. For gas cabinets:
i. The average velocity of ventilation at the face of access ports or windows
shall not be less than sixty one meters per second (61 m/s), with a minimum
of forty six meters per second (46 m/s) at any point of the access port or
window to maintain the temperature of the cylinders at fifty four degree
Celsius (54°C).
ii. Connected to an exhaust system.
iii. Internally protected by a sprinkler system.
6. The storage of compressed gases located outdoors in quantities greater than the
allowable amount shall be located as shown in the figure;
7. Cylinders on Medical Gas Storage containing compressed gases and containers
for volatile liquids shall be kept away from radiators, steam piping, and like
sources of heat. When cylinder valve protection caps are supplied, they shall be
secured tightly in place unless the cylinder is connected for use. Containers shall
not be stored in a tightly closed space such as a closet.
8. Compressed gas systems shall be suitable for the intended use, designed and
installed by qualified practitioners recognized by the BFP. For this purpose,
 training certificate of the person in charge shall be required prior to the issuance
of the fire clearance by the BFP.
9. Materials, devices and appurtenances used in compressed gas systems shall
comply with the DTI Product Standards or covered by an International
Commodity Clearance (ICC). This does not limit the use of other materials,
devices and appurtenances that are legally acquired and complying with other
internationally accepted standards, qualified and recognized by the Chief, BFP.
10. Compressed gas system controls shall be so designed to prevent materials from
entering or leaving process or reaction systems at other than the intended time,
rate or path. Automatic controls shall be designed to be fail-safe.
11. Piping, including tubing, valves, fittings and pressure regulators, shall comply
with the requirements of hazardous materials and chemicals handling. Piping,
tubing, pressure regulators, valves and other apparatus shall be kept gas-tight to
prevent leakage. Adequate pressure-relief devices shall be provided where
refrigerated liquefied gas can become trapped in the piping.
12. Valves utilized on compressed gas systems shall be suitable for the use intended
and shall be accessible. Valve handles or operators for required shutoff valves
shall not be removed or otherwise altered to prevent access or hinder operation.
13. Venting of gases shall be directed to an approved location. Venting shall comply
with the requirements of the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineering
(PSME) Code.
14. Compressed gas containers, except those designed for use in a horizontal
position, and all compressed gas containers containing non-liquefied gases, shall
be used in an upright position with the valve end up. The axis of a container
being used in an upright position may be inclined as much as forty-five degrees
(45°) from the vertical provided that it is properly secured. Use of nonflammable
liquefied gases in the inverted position when the compressed gas is in the liquid
state shall be allowed provided that the container is properly secured and the
dispensing apparatus is designed for such liquefied gas use.
Exception: compressed gas containers with an internal volume less than five
thousandth cubic meter (0.005 m3) may be used in a horizontal position.
15. The handling of compressed gas containers shall comply with the following
requirements:
 a. Carts and trucks. Containers shall be moved using an approved method.
Where containers are moved by hand cart, hand truck or other mobile device,
such carts, trucks or devices shall be designed for the secure movement of
containers. Carts and trucks utilized for moving compressed gas containers
outdoors shall be so designed that the containers will be secured against
dropping or otherwise striking against each other or other surfaces.
b. Lifting of containers. Ropes, chains or slings shall not be used to suspend
compressed gas containers unless such containers have been designed for
such handling. Valves of compressed gas containers shall not be used for
lifting.
16. Compressed gas containers, equipment and devices used for the storage,
handling and transportation of compressed gases shall be of approved type.
17. Approved containers, equipment or devices are those covered with appropriate
certification from its manufacturers and/or certifying authority concerned.
18. Electrical installations and equipment shall conform to the provisions of the
Philippine Electrical Code, equipment manufacturers’ instruction and/or other
applicable international standards as deemed necessary.
19. Proper lighting, including emergency lights shall be provided to illuminate fire
protection appliances and operating facilities such as walkways, control valves,
gauges, and similar devices or servicing facilities for the compressed gas
20. Lighting equipment and facilities shall be of explosion proof type.
21. Container design and construction shall be maintained as follows:
a. Compressed gas containers shall be designed and fabricated in accordance
with the specifications of the PSME Boiler and Pressure Vessels Code or
shall comply with appropriate standards of the DOE and DTI.
b. Compressed gas containers that are not designed for refillable use shall not
be refilled after use of the original contents.
c. Partially full compressed gas containers containing residual gases shall be
considered as full for purposes of the controls required.
B. On Manufacturing
1. The compressor air intake shall be located where no contamination from engine
exhausts, fuel storage vents, vacuum system discharges, particulate matter, or
odor of any type is anticipated.
2. The intake to medical air compressors shall be located outdoors above roof level
at a minimum distance of three meters (3 m) from any door, window, exhaust,
other intake, or opening in the building, and a minimum distance of six meter (6
m) above the ground. Intakes shall be turned down and screened or otherwise be
protected against the entry of vermin or water, with screening that shall be
fabricated or composed of a non-corrosive material such as stainless steel or
other suitable material.
3. Ventilating systems having fans with motors or drive belts located in the air
stream shall not be used as a source of medical air intake.
4. Two or more compressors shall be installed as alternate for simultaneous
demand. Compressors shall be sized to serve peak demand with the largest
compressor out of service.
5. A device shall be provided to automatically activate the additional compressors if
the unit in operation is incapable of adequately maintaining pressure. A signal
indicating that the reserve compressor is running shall operate a local audio and
visual alarm and serve to activate remote master alarms.
6. Compressors shall be provided with automatic or manual alternation to allow
division of operating time. If automatic alternation of compressors is not provided,
the facility shall arrange a proper schedule for manual alternation.
7. Each compressor shall be provided with a dedicated disconnect switch, motor
starting device, and overload protection. The disconnect switches shall be
installed in the electrical circuit ahead of each motor starter. Where compressor
systems having two or more compressors employ a control transformer or other
voltage control power device, at least two such devices shall be provided. Control
circuits shall be arranged in such a manner that the shutdown of one compressor
does not interrupt the operation of another compressor.
8. Inflatable equipment, devices or balloons shall be pressurized or filled only with
nonflammable gases.
9. Containers, systems, and equipment used for flammable compressed gases
shall be grounded and/or bonded in accordance with the Philippine Electrical
Code. Suitable means shall be taken to protect the system against corrosion
including corrosion caused by stray electric currents.
10. Containers and systems containing compressed gas under pressure are not
required to be equipped with lightning protection.
11. Compressed gas containers and systems shall be secured and protected against
physical damage and tampering, and unauthorized entry and safeguarded in
accordance with the
12. following:
a. Physical protection. Compressed gas containers and systems that could be
exposed to physical damage shall be protected. Barriers, posts and/or other
approved means of protection shall be provided to protect containers,
systems indoors, and outdoors from any hazards and/or damages.
b. Securing compressed gas containers. Compressed gas containers shall
be secured to prevent movement from contact, vibration or seismic activity,
utilizing one or more of the following methods:
i. Securing containers to a fixed object with one or more
noncombustible restraints. Containers shall not be secured to
plumbing systems or electrical conduits.
ii. Securing containers on a cart or other mobile device designed for the
movement of compressed gas containers.
iii. Nesting of compressed gas containers at container filling or servicing
facilities or in seller’s warehouses not accessible to the public shall be
allowed provided the nested containers, if dislodged, do not obstruct
any required means of egress.
iv. Securing of compressed gas containers to or within a rack,
framework, cabinet or similar assembly designed for such use, except
when the containers are in the process of examination, filling,
transport or servicing.
v. Securing stationary compressed gas containers to a foundation
designed for such use in accordance with the construction codes.
c. Valve protection. Compressed gas container valves shall be protected from
physical damage by means of protective caps, collars, plugs or similar
devices provided for the purpose. These devices shall always be in place
except when the containers are in use or are being serviced or filled.
d. Separation from hazardous conditions. Compressed gas containers and
systems in storage or use shall be separated from materials and conditions
that present potential hazards to them, or to which they present potential
 hazards. Separation shall be by fire barrier of two (2) hours fire resistance
rating and /or distance as shown Figure 1.
C. On Fire Protection and Markings
1. A written emergency plan to be implemented in the event of spill or leak shall be
prepared, maintained on the premises and made available at all times.
2. Automatic fire extinguishment and fire detection systems, where required, shall
be connected to the facility fire alarm system and shall be arranged to
immediately sound an alarm.
3. Vehicles shall be labeled at the front, rear and on each side identifying the
product labels/placards which shall have letter not less than one hundred two
millimeters (102mm) in height using approximately a sixteen millimeters (16mm)
stroke. Abbreviations shall not be used. A sign bearing the words
“COMPRESSED GAS” or similar wording small be posted on vehicles
transporting compressed gases.
4. Vehicles shall be equipped with not less than one (1) approved type of fire
extinguisher with a minimum rating of 20-B and C.
5. Vehicles shall be equipped with adequate chock blocks.
6. Outdoor storage shall display precautionary sign, readable from a distance of
one and five tenths meter (1.5 m) the following words: “CAUTION OXIDIZING
GASES STORED WITHIN NO SMOKING NO OPEN FLAME”
7. Stationary compressed gas containers shall be properly marked as follows:
a. The name of the gas shall be visible from any direction of approach.
b. Hazard identification signs as set forth in NFPA 704, “Standard System for
the Identification pf the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response” for
the specific material contained shall be conspicuously affixed on stationary
containers and aboveground tanks and at entrances to locations where
compressed gases are stored, handled or used, including dispensing.
c. Signs reading “COMPRESSED GAS” shall be conspicuously posted at the
entrance to rooms or on cabinets containing compressed gases.
8. Portable compressed gas containers shall be marked in accordance with the
standards prescribed by DTI and DOE.
9. Markings used for piping systems shall consist of the name of the contents and
include an arrow indicating direction of flow. Markings shall be provided at each
valve; at wall, floor or ceiling penetrations; at each change of direction; and at a
 minimum of every six thousand ninety six millimeters (6096 mm) or fraction
thereof throughout the piping run.
10. Piping that is designed or intended to carry more than one compressed gas at
various times shall have appropriate signs or markings posted at the manifold,
along the piping and at each point of use to provide clear identification and
warning.
11. Piping within gas-manufacturing plants, gas-processing plants and similar
occupancies shall be marked in an approved manner.
12. Out-of-service compressed gas containers shall be marked to indicate that they
are no longer available for service.
D. Fire Safety Clearance
A Fire Safety Clearance shall be obtained from the City/Municipal Fire Marshal
having jurisdiction, for the following:
1. Manufacture, storage or sale of compressed gases.
2. Transportation on the highway of flammable compressed gases in excess of four
hundred fifty liters (450 ℓ).
3. Transportation of non-flammable compressed gases in excess of one thousand
nine hundred liters (1,900 ℓ).
4. A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a prerequisite in the application of such
Fire Safety Clearance.
SECTION 10.3.4.3.3 LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES
The storage, handling, transportation and protection of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
and the installation of all equipment related to its use shall comply the following
requirements
A. On Storage and Handling
1. Storage containers for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shall be designed,
fabricated, tested and marked or stamped in accordance with the applicable
Philippine National Standards (PNS) and/or U.S. Department of Transportation
(DOT) regulations, or ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII,
“Rules for the Construction of Unfired Pressure Vessels”, or API-ASME Code for
Unfired Vessels for Petroleum Liquids and Gases for bulk, stationary and
portable containers.
2. No person shall install or maintain any LPG container, or operate any tank
vehicle used for the transportation of LPG without a permit from the Department
of Energy (DOE) and other concerned government agencies.
3. For the installation of portable LPG containers exceeding four hundred fifty four
liters (454 ℓ) water capacity but not more than four thousand five hundred forty
liters (4,540 ℓ) water capacity, the installer shall secure a Fire Safety Clearance
from the City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction. In case of a single
container or the aggregate of interconnected containers exceeding four thousand
five hundred forty liters (4,540 ℓ) water capacity, the installer shall submit plans to
the same BFP Official concerned.
4. No person shall install or maintain an LPG container with a capacity of four
thousand five hundred forty liters (4,540 ℓ) or less, within seven and a half meters
(7.5 m) of any open flame device outside of buildings, nor shall any person install
or maintain any such container with a capacity in excess of four thousand five
hundred forty liters (4,540 ℓ) within fifteen meters (15 m) of any such open flame
device.
5. Installers shall maintain a record of all installations including those for which
permits are not required by para “A” 3 above, but not including the installation of
gas burning appliances and the replacement of portable cylinders and have it
available for inspection by the City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction.
6. In heavily populated or congested commercial areas, the aggregate capacity of
LPG shall not exceed eight thousand liters (8,000 ℓ) water capacity except that in
particular installations, this capacity limit may be altered at the discretion of the
City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction, after consideration of special
features such as proximity to building, capacity of proposed tanks, degree of
private fire protection to be provided, facilities of the Local BFP Office, and
provisions of local zoning ordinances.
7. Multiple container installation with a total storage of more than six hundred eighty
thousand liters (680,000 ℓ) water capacity or approximately five hundred sixty
seven thousand liters (567,000 ℓ) LPG capacity, shall be subdivided into groups
of six hundred eighty thousand liters (680,000 ℓ) or five hundred sixty seven
thousand liters (567,000 ℓ) LPG capacity in each group. Such groups shall be
separated by a distance of not less than fifteen meters (15 m) unless the tanks
are:
 a. Mounted in an approved manner;
b. Protected with approved insulation on such areas that may be subject to
impingement of ignited gas from pipelines or other leakage;
c. Protected by firewalls of approved construction,
d. Protected by an approved system for the application of water; or
e. Protected by other approved means. Where one of these forms of
protection is provided, the separation shall not less than seven and a half
meters (7.5 m) between such container groups.
8. Storage and transportation of LPG, and the installation of all pertinent equipment
shall be installed and maintained in accordance with NFPA 58, “Liquefied
Petroleum Gas Code.”
9. Containers installed outside of buildings, whether of the portable type replaced
on a cylinder exchange basis or permanently installed and refilled at the
installation, shall be located with respect to the adjacent containers, important
building, group of buildings, or line of adjoining property that can be built upon, in
accordance with Table 26:
Table 26: MINIMUM DISTANCES OF LPG CONTAINERS OUTSIDE BUILDINGS, BY WATER
CAPACITY
WATER CAPACITY MINIMUM DISTANCES (in meters)
PER CONTAINER (in Mounded or Aboveground Between Containers
liters) Underground Containers
Containers
Less than 500 3 0 0
500 to 1,000 3 3 0
Above 1,000 to 1,900 3 3 1
Above 1,900 to 7,600 3 7.6 1
Above 7,600 to 11,400 15 15 1.5
Above 11,400 to 26,500 15 23 ¼ of sum of diameters
Above 26,500 to 34,100 15 30 of adjacent containers
Above 34,100 to 45,400 15 38
Above 45,400 to 75,700 15 61
Above 75,700 to 378,500 15 91
Above 75,700 to 378,500 15 122
Above 378,500 15

10. No stationary storage tank shall be less than three meters (3 m) from the nearest
street line or sidewalk.
11. No person shall fill or maintain an LPG container with LPG in excess of the fixed
outage gauge installed by the manufacturer or the weight stamped on the tank.
12. Outside bulk LPG storage and filling stations
a. All LPG cylinders shall be provided with pressure relief valves, valve stem
caps, protective collars and foot rings and shall be able to withstand the
internal pressures in accordance with ASME Code on Unfired Pressure
Vessels.
b. Filling empty cylinders or transferring of LPG from one container to
another is prohibited in areas outside authorized LPG bulk storage and
filling facilities.
c. Each delivery of LPG cylinders/tanks to replace empty ones at the end
user’s premises shall be accompanied by duly qualified technicians by
concerned government agencies, who shall conduct a thorough test of
the operable condition of the LPG appliance/set and the integrity of all its
components/assemblies. If a defect is found, the empty LPG tank shall
not be replaced, unless the defect is corrected.
B. On Transportation
1. The parking and garaging of tank vehicles used for the transportation of LPG
shall comply with the provisions on parking and garaging of Tank Vehicles for
Flammable and Combustible Liquids.
2. During the unloading or transfer of LPG, the tank truck shall be located or parked
clear of a public thoroughfare, unless:
a. The failure to transfer would create a hazard; or
b. It is impossible due to topography.
3. LPG tank/cylinders shall be stacked in upright position and tied securely to the
vehicle. Where two or more layers of cylinders are transported, such layers shall
be provided with damage protection to separate one layer from the other. In no
case shall filled cylinders be loaded on its side.
 4. Trailer/tank vehicle operators, contractors, drivers, handlers and crews shall
undergo proper qualification by concerned agency. Crews shall include repair
and maintenance personnel.
C. Equipment and Appliances
1. All LPG equipment including such equipment installed at utility gas plants shall
be installed in accordance with the provisions of NFPA 59, "Liquefied Petroleum
Gases at Utility Gas Plant", manufacturer’s instructions, applicable codes or
practices and other internationally accepted standards, in addition to those
explicitly prescribed in this IRR.
2. LPG shall not be used for operating any device or equipment unless such
equipment or device is approved for use with LPG.
3. Delivery of LPG stove, burner, rotisseries and other LPG appliances to an end-
user shall be accompanied by a technician duly trained and qualified by the
Philippine Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association (PLPGA), Liquefied Petroleum
Gas Industry Association (LPGIA) and/or the manufacturer, who shall personally
install the equipment/appliance and teach the user on its safe use and
maintenance.
4. LPG shall not be released to the atmosphere except through an approved liquid
level gauge or other approved device.
5. Whenever the use of LPG equipment has been discontinued, they shall be
abandoned in an approved manner within a period of thirty (30) days after
securing a fire clearance from the City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction.
6. Recommended abandonment procedures, which shall have prior approval of the
City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction, shall be as follows:
a. Removal of all LPG equipment.
b. Burn-off of the contents of containers.
d. Venting contents of containers to the atmosphere when the discharge of gas
can lead to a safe point of discharge,
e. All service openings shall be capped or plugged after contents have been
removed from the container.
D. On Fire Protection and Other Safety Measures
1. No person shall smoke nor install nor maintain any open flame devices outside of
buildings within seven and a half meters (7.5 m) of any LPG container of four
thousand five hundred forty liters (4,540 ℓ) capacity or less, nor within fifteen
 meters (15 m) of any such container over four thousand five hundred forty liters
(4,540 ℓ) capacity.
2. No person shall tamper with or make ineffective the safety devices of any LPG
container.
3. All weeds, grass, brush, trash or other combustible materials shall be kept at a
minimum of three meters (3 m) away from all LPG tanks or containers.
4. In some installations, LPG cylinders are placed in compartments near the
appliances. Such compartments, whether or not integral to the appliance, shall
be aired/ventilated periodically during the day. No combustible or spark-
producing objects shall be stored within the said compartments.
5. LPG cylinders shall not be placed directly adjacent to electrical convenience
outlets and/or switches.
6. As a precaution, if the burner does not have an automatic igniter, a lighted
matchstick shall be placed on the burner before the gas knob is turned on.
7. Tank/cylinder valves/regulators shall be closed after the LPG appliance is used.
8. All provisions of the Safety Code of the PLPGA, which are not inconsistent with
this IRR shall be adopted. In case of variance, the stricter provision shall be
applied.
9. The City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction shall inspect LPG installations
to determine if the provisions of this IRR are being complied with.
E. Fuel Gas Applications
In addition to the above cited provisions on LPG, the fire safety measures for fuel
gas applications shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 11 of NFPA
58 “Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code”, Philippine National Standards (PNS) No.
PNS/DOE FS 3:2006 ICS 75.200 “Auto-LPG Dispensing Station”; Department of
Energy (DOE) Circular No. DC2007-02-
0002 “Providing for the Rules and Regulations Governing the Business of Supplying,
Hauling, Storage, Handling, Marketing and Distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas
(LPG) for Automotive Use” and applicable Department of Transportation and
Communications (DOTC) Rules and Regulations, and Standards that cover the
following:
1. Power units to drive automotive vehicles and trucks and to operate forklifts or
other industrial equipment;
 2. Portable engines, such as floor maintenance machines or portable electrical
generators; and
3. Stationary engines, such as gas or electric turbines.
F. Fire Safety Clearance
A Fire Safety Clearance for the installation, storage, handling, sale, maintenance and
transportation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) shall be obtained from
City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction.
SECTION 10.3.5.3.4 COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS AS VEHICLE FUEL
This Section shall govern the storage, installation, operation, repair and maintenance,
fire protection and other safety measures of compressed natural gas (CNG) engine fuel
systems on vehicles of all types, including the following:
 Original equipment manufacturers (OEM);
 Vehicle converters; and
 Vehicle fuelling (dispensing) systems.
A. General CNG and Equipment Qualifications
1. Containers shall be for CNG service, and its repair or alteration in accordance
with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and/or manufacturer’s
instruction. It shall be fabricated either of steel, aluminum, or composite
materials, designed and permanently marked “CNG” by the manufacturer.
2. Each container or cylinder shall be fitted with one or more pressure relief devices
of approved type and whose discharge flow rate shall not be reduced below that
required for the capacity of the container upon which the device is installed.
3. Pressure relief devices shall be appropriately installed, located, protected,
repaired, adjusted, and tested in accordance with the aforementioned ASME
Code and manufacturer’s instruction.
4. A pressure gauge, if provided, shall be capable of reading at least 1.2 times the
system design pressure. Such gauge shall have an opening not to exceed one
and four-tenths millimeters (1.4 mm) (No. 54 drill size) at the inlet connection.
5. A pressure regulator inlet and each chamber service pressure shall be with a
pressure safety factor of at least 4. Its low-pressure chambers shall provide for
overpressure relief or shall be able to withstand the service pressure of the
upstream pressure chamber.
6. Pipes, tubing, fittings, gaskets, and packing material for fuel lines shall be
compatible with the fuel under the service conditions. Such shall be capable of
 withstanding a hydrostatic test of at least four times the rated service pressure
without structural failure. The fabrication and testing shall be in accordance with
ANSI/ASME B31.3, “Chemical Plant and Petroleum Refinery Piping”. Piping
components such as strainers, snubbers, and expansion joints shall be
permanently marked by the manufacturer to indicate the service ratings.
7. Valves or shutoff valves shall have a rated service pressure not less than the
rated service pressure of the entire system and shall be capable of withstanding
a hydrostatic test of at least four times the rated service pressure without rupture.
Leakage shall not occur at not less than one-and-a-half (1.5) times the rated
service pressure, using dry air as the test medium. The valve body shall bear the
permanent marking of “CNG”, service ratings and ASTM or internationally
accepted standards adopted by the manufacturer.
8. Hose, metallic hose, flexible metal hose, tubing, and their connections shall be
resistant to corrosion and exposure to natural gas and can resist the most severe
pressures and temperatures expected under normal operating conditions with a
burst pressure of at least four (4) times the service pressure. Hose and metallic
hose shall be distinctly marked by the manufacturer indicating its name or
trademark, applicable service identifier, and design pressure.
9. Vehicle fuelling connection devices shall be of the approved type complying with
applicable ASME Code and other internationally accepted standards. The use of
adapters shall be prohibited.
B. Engine Fuel Systems
1. Storage and Installation
a. The storage, installation, inspection, testing, repair and maintenance, and
safety measures of CNG fuel supply systems for vehicular internal
combustion engines shall comply with NFPA 52, Vehicular Fuel Systems
Code, manufacturer’s instructions and other internationally accepted
standards.
b. Aluminum or copper pipe, tubing, or fittings shall not be used between the
fuel container and the first-stage pressure regulator.
c. Fuel supply containers its piping, fittings, and valves located within, below or
above the driver or passenger compartment shall be protected with a means
to prevent damage that can occur due to road hazards, loading, unloading,
 direct sunlight, exhaust heat, and vehicle use including accidental cargo
leakage.
d. No portion of a fuel supply container or container appurtenance shall be
located ahead of the front axle or behind the point of attachment of the rear
bumper to the vehicle. Container valves shall be protected from physical
damage using the vehicle structure, valve protectors, or a suitable metal
shield. The cylinder shall also be protected from accidental contact with
overhead electrical wiring by metallic or non-metallic covers.
e. Containers that are installed behind a rear axle of a CNG vehicle shall be
installed transversely.
Exception: Containers shall be permitted to be installed in other orientations
where the container valve and fittings are located at the end of the container
most protected from a source of impact.
f. Each container rack shall be secured to the vehicle body, bed, or frame to
prevent damage from road hazards, slippage, loosening, or rotation using a
method capable of withstanding a static force in the six principal directions of
eight times the weight of a fully pressurized container(s). The container
weight shall not be supported by outlet valves, manifolds, or other fuel
connections.
g. Each fuel supply container in the rack shall be secured to its cradle in such a
manner that it is capable of withstanding a static force applied in the six
principal directions of eight times the weight of the fully pressurized container
with a maximum displacement of thirteen millimeters (13 mm).
h. Fuel supply containers located less than two hundred millimeters (200 mm)
from the exhaust system shall be shielded against direct heat.
i. The mounting system shall minimize fretting corrosion between the container
and the mounting system. A resilient gasket that does not retain water shall
be installed between metal clamping bands and their supports and container.
The resilient gasket shall provide insulation to protect clamping bands from
galvanic corrosion in contact with carbon fiber containers.
j. Containers located in a vehicle compartment capable of accumulating natural
gas shall install a pressure relief device vented to the outside through a
metallic tube or hose and shall be maintained to prevent it from being blocked
by debris.
 k. The minimum clearance from the road to a container, its housing, or fittings,
whichever is lowest where the container is installed below the frame and
between the axles of a CNG vehicle, with the vehicle loaded to its gross
weight rating, shall be in accordance with the Table 27.
Table 27: CONTAINER (AND CONTAINER HOUSING AND FITTING) ROAD CLEARANCE
Vehicle Wheel Base Minimum Road Clearance
3230 mm 180 mm
> 3230 mm 230 mm

l. The venting system for the discharge of pressure relief devices (pressure
relief device channels) shall be constructed of metallic tubing with threaded
compression, or flare fittings and shall be secured at the outer end. It shall
not exit into a wheel well nor restrict the operation of a container pressure
relief device or pressure relief device channel. It shall also be protected by
caps, covers, or other means to keep water, dirt, and insects from collecting
in the lines, but shall not restrict the flow of gas.
m. Fuel lines shall be mounted, braced, and supported to minimize vibration and
shall be protected against damage, corrosion, or breakage due to strain or
wear. A fuel line shall be installed, supported, protected, and secured in such
a manner as to minimize the possibility of damage, corrosion, or breakage
due to expansion, contraction, vibration, strains, or wear and to preclude any
loosening while in operation. Where a fuel supply container is located on a
trailer, the fuel supply line shall contain an emergency breakaway device
designed to retain CNG on both sides of the breakaway point.
n. Every cylinder shall be equipped with either a manual valve or a normally
closed, remotely actuated shutoff valve connected directly to the cylinder.
Remotely actuated valves shall be equipped to bleed the cylinder manually.
In addition, a shutoff valve shall be installed that allows isolation of the
container(s) from the remainder of the fuel system.
o. A valve that automatically prevents the flow of gaseous fuel to the engine
when the engine is not running, even if the ignition is switched on, shall be
provided in the system. Where multiple fuel systems are installed on the
vehicle, automatic valves shall be provided, as necessary, to shut off the fuel
system not being used.
 p. The fuel system shall be equipped with a backflow check valve that prevents
the return flow of gas from the container(s) to the filling connection.
q. A pressure gauge located inside the driver or passenger compartment shall
be installed in such a manner that no gas flows through the gauge in the
event of failure.
r. An automatic pressure reducing regulator(s) shall be installed to reduce the
fuel container pressure to a level consistent with the service pressure
required by the gas-air mixer and provided with support so that their weight is
not placed on the gas lines, as well as means to prevent malfunctioning due
to refrigeration effects.
s. The fueling connection receptacle shall be mounted to withstand the
breakaway force not greater than sixty-eight kilograms (68 kg) when applied
in any horizontal direction. The receptacle shall be installed in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions. The clearance around the fueling
connection shall be free of interference that prevents the connection of the
fueling nozzle.
2. Maintenance, Fire Protection and Other Safety Measures
a. Safety Testing, Maintenance and Repair
i. The complete assembly shall be leak-tested using natural gas or non-
flammable gas. Before use, every connection shall be verified leak-free
with a non-corrosive leak detector solution or a leak detector instrument
after the equipment is connected and pressurized to its service pressure.
The testing shall be done under adequately ventilated conditions.
ii. Where a vehicle is involved in an accident or fire causing damage to the
CNG container, or if the container is subjected to a pressure greater than
one hundred twenty five percent (125%) of service pressure, the CNG
container shall be replaced or removed, inspected, and retested in
accordance with the document under which it was originally manufactured
before being returned to service.
iii. Where a vehicle is involved in an accident or fire causing damage to any
part of the CNG fuel system, the system shall be repaired and retested
before being returned to service.
iv. All containers, container appurtenances, piping systems, venting
systems, and other components shall be maintained in a safe condition.
 Damaged fuel lines shall be replaced and not be repaired. It shall be
verified that the container retest date or expiration date is current.
v. All pressure relief devices on the cylinder shall be maintained in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and only qualified
personnel shall be permitted to service pressure relief devices.
vi. Fire and other safety measures during vehicle maintenance:
a. Close the quarter turn fuel delivery valve nearest the engine unless
engine operation is required.
b. Prohibit torches, welding, or grinding equipment on or near high-
pressure fuel lines and containers.
c. Prevent damage to containers, including actions such as dropping,
dragging, or rolling of the container.
d. Prevent exposure of composite wrapped containers to strong
chemicals such as battery acid or metal cleaning solvents.
e. Prevent hoists or jacks from coming into direct contact with
containers.
f. Provision of at least a stand-by 20B:C type of fire extinguisher readily
available to provide first aid fire protection.
vii. A regulated and safe discharge of CNG from vehicle containers shall
comply with the following:
a. The venting or depressurization of a compressed natural gas
container shall be performed only by trained personnel using written
procedures. The gas to be removed from the container shall be
discharged into a closed transfer system and shall be vented by an
approved atmospheric venting method.
b. Personnel performing container depressurization shall:
 Use grounding to prevent static electrical charge build-up;
 Limit the rate of gas release from plastic-lined containers to a value
not greater than that specified by the container manufacturer; and
 Restrain containers during depressurization to prevent container
movement.
viii. Direct gas venting shall be done through a vent tube that will divert the
gas flow to the atmosphere. The vent tube shall have a gas-tight
connection to the container prior to venting, and all components shall be
 properly grounded. The vent tube shall be constructed of Schedule 80
pipe of at least five centimeter (5 cm) diameter. The vent tube shall not be
provided with any feature that would limit or obstruct gas flow.
b. Electrical Safety
All wiring Installations shall be secured and protected from abrasion and
corrosion to the same standard as the original wiring on the vehicle. In
addition, it shall be sized and fuse-protected.
c. Markings and Safety Labelling
i. Fuel-carrying components shall be labelled or stamped with the
following:
a. The manufacturer’s name or symbol;
b. The model designation;
c. The design service pressure;
d. The direction of fuel flow where necessary for correct installation; and
e. i.e. The capacity or electrical rating, as applicable.
ii. Where a manual valve is used, the valve location shall be indicated with
the words “MANUAL SHUTOFF VALVE.” A weather-resistant decal or
label with red, blue, or black letters on a white or silver reflective
background shall be used.
iii. A vehicle equipped with a CNG fuel system shall bear the following
durable labels.
a. A label readily visible and located in the engine compartment shall
include the following:
 Identification as a CNG-fueled vehicle;
 System service pressure;
 Installer’s name or company;
 Container retest date(s) or expiration date; and
 Total container water volume in liters (gallons).
b. A label located at the fuelling connection receptacle shall include the
following:
 Identification as a CNG-fuelled vehicle;
 System working pressure; and
 Container retest date(s) or expiration date.
 Exception: If both labels are located in one of the above areas, the
labels shall be permitted to be combined into a single label.
iv. Each vehicle shall be identified with a weather-resistant, diamond-
shaped label located on an exterior vertical surface or near-vertical
surface on the lower right rear of the vehicle inboard from any other
markings. The label shall be a minimum of one hundred twenty
millimeters (120 mm) in length and eighty-three (83 mm) in height. The
marking shall consist of a border and the letters “CNG”, twenty five
millimeters (25 mm) minimum height centered in the diamond, of silver or
white reflective luminous material on a blue background.
C. CNG Compression, Storage, and Dispensing Systems
1. Compression equipment shall be designed for use with CNG and for the
pressures and temperatures to which it can be subjected under normal operating
conditions. It shall have pressure relief devices that limit each stage pressure to
the maximum allowable service pressure for the compression cylinder and piping
associated with that stage of compression. Compression equipment shall
incorporate a means to minimize liquid carryover to the storage system.
2. Unattended CNG compression equipment shall be equipped with a high
discharge and a low suction pressure automatic shutdown control.
3. Engine-driven compressor installations shall conform, where applicable, to NFPA
37, Standard for the Installation and Use of Stationary Combustion Engines and
Gas Turbines.
4. Control devices shall be installed so that internal or external icing or hydrate
formation does not cause vehicle or fueling station malfunction.
5. The fueling connection shall prevent the escape of gas where the connector is
not properly engaged or becomes separated. Fueling nozzles shall be listed in
accordance with ANSI/IAS NGV1, Standard for Compressed Natural Gas Vehicle
(NGV) Fueling Connection Devices.
6. Locations
a. Outdoors
i. A facility in which CNG compression, storage, and dispensing equipment
are sheltered by an enclosure that is constructed of non-combustible or
limited-combustible materials and that has at least one side
 predominantly open and a roof designed for ventilation and dispersal of
escaped gas shall be considered located outdoors.
ii. Compression, storage, and dispensing equipment located outdoors shall
be:
a. Above ground and not be beneath electric power lines, located at
least three meters (3.0 m) from the nearest important building or line
of adjoining property that a building can be built upon or from any
source of ignition
b. More than three meters (3.0 m) from the nearest public street or
sidewalk line and at least fifteen meters (15 m) from the nearest rail of
any railroad main track;
c. Provided with a clear space of at least one meter (1) m for access to
all valves and fittings of multiple groups of containers;
d. Provided with a minimum separation of three meters (3.0 m) from
readily ignitable material of any stationary container;
e. Provided with a minimum separation of six hundred ten centimeters
(610 cm) between containers and aboveground tanks containing
flammable or combustible liquids.
iii. During outdoor fueling operations, the point where the fueling connection
is made shall be located at least three meters (3.0 m) from any important
building, mobile home, public sidewalk, highway, street, or road and at
least one meter (1 m) from storage containers
iv. A lesser distance shall be from buildings or walls constructed of concrete
or masonry materials or of other material having a fire resistance rating of
at least two (2) hours, but at least three meters (3.0 m) from any building
openings.
b. Indoors
i. Compression, dispensing equipment, and storage containers connected
for use shall be permitted to be located inside of buildings reserved
exclusively for these purposes or in rooms within or attached to buildings
in accordance hereof.
ii. Storage shall be limited to not more than two hundred eighty three cubic
meters (283 m3) of natural gas in each building or room.
Exception: CNG stored in vehicle-mounted fuel supply containers.
 iii. Deflagration venting shall be provided in exterior walls or roof only.
iv. Rooms within or attached to other buildings shall be constructed of non-
combustible or limited-combustible materials. Interior walls or partitions
shall be continuous from floor to ceiling, shall be securely anchored, and
shall have a fire resistance rating of at least two (2) hours. At least one
wall shall be an exterior wall.
v. Indoor locations shall be ventilated utilizing air supply inlets and exhaust
outlets arranged to provide uniform air movement to the extent practical.
Inlets shall be uniformly arranged on exterior walls near floor level.
Outlets shall be located at the high point of the room in exterior walls or
the roof. A ventilation system for a room within or attached to another
building shall be separate from any ventilation system for the other
building.
vi. Ventilation shall be by a continuous mechanical ventilation system or by a
mechanical ventilation system activated by a continuously monitoring
natural gas detection system where a
vii. gas concentration of not more than one-fifth (1/5) of the lower flammable
limit is present. The ventilation rate shall be at least 1 m3/min·12 m3 of
room volume. In either case, the system shall shut down the fueling
system in the event of failure of the ventilation system. Reactivation of the
fueling system shall be by manual restart and shall be conducted by
trained personnel.
viii. Where installed, a gas detection system shall be equipped to sound an
alarm and visually indicate when a maximum of one-fifth (1/5) of the lower
flammable limit is reached.
ix. Buildings and rooms used for compression, storage, and dispensing shall
be classified in accordance with Table 28. No electrical sources of
ignition, other than electrical installations as permitted by the preceding
provision, shall be permitted.
x. Pressure relief devices on storage systems shall have pressure relief
device channels to convey escaping gas to the outdoors and then upward
to a safe area to prevent impinging on buildings, other equipment, or
areas open to the public (e.g., sidewalks).
 xi. Access doors shall have warning signs with the words “WARNING—NO
SMOKING—FLAMMABLE GAS”. Such wording shall be in plainly
legible, bright red letters on a white
xii. background with letters not less than twenty-five millimeters (25 mm) in
height.
xi. Fast-fill fueling indoors is permitted where storage and compression
equipment is located outdoors complying the aforementioned indoor
requirements. In addition, an emergency manual shutdown device
shall be installed as prescribed hereto and a gas detection system
equipped to sound an alarm and visually indicate when a maximum of
one-fifth (1/5) of the lower flammable limit is reached shall be
installed. The detector shall shut down the compressor and stop the
flow of gas into the structure.
7. Installation of Containers and Container Appurtenances (Other Than
Pressure Relief Devices)
a. Storage containers shall be installed above ground on stable, noncombustible
foundations or in vaults with ventilation and drainage. Horizontal containers
shall have no more than two points of support longitudinally. Where flooding
can occur, each container shall be securely anchored to prevent floating.
b. Containers shall be provided with corrosion protection in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions. Horizontally installed containers shall not be in
direct contact with each other.
c. Means shall be provided to prevent the flow or accumulation of flammable or
combustible liquids under containers, such as by grading, pads, or diversion
curbs.
8. Installation of Pressure Relief Devices
a. Pressure relief valves shall discharge to a safe area and escaping gas shall
not impinge on buildings, other equipment, or areas subject to occupancy.
b. Pressure relief valves on pressure vessels shall be in vertical positions and
fitted with rain caps.
c. An overpressure protection device, other than a rupture disc, shall be
installed in the fueling transfer system to prevent overpressure in the vehicle.
The set pressure of the device shall not exceed one hundred twenty five
percent (125%) of the service pressure of the fueling nozzle it supplies.
9. Installation of Pressure Regulators
Regulators shall be installed so that their operation is not affected by weather,
mud, insects, or debris.
10. Installation of Pressure Gauges
Gauges shall be installed to indicate compression discharge pressure, storage
pressure, and fuel supply container fill pressure.
11. Installation of Piping and Hoses
a. Piping and hose shall be run as directly as practical and with adequate
provisions for expansion, contraction, jarring, vibration, and settling. Exterior
piping shall be either buried or installed above ground and shall be supported
and protected against mechanical damage. Underground piping shall be
buried not less than four hundred sixty millimeters (460 mm) below the
surface of the ground unless otherwise protected from damage by movement
of the ground. Underground and aboveground piping shall be protected from
corrosion in compliance with recognized practices. Threaded pipe and fittings
shall not be used underground.
b. Manifolds connecting fuel containers shall be fabricated to minimize vibration
and shall be installed in a protected location, or shielded to prevent damage
from unsecured objects.
c. Piping installation, including its fittings and methods of jointing shall comply
with the applicable Plumbing Code of Practice for CNG Vehicles.
d. Natural gas shall be vented only to a safe point of discharge. A vent pipe or
stack shall have the open end protected to prevent entrance of rain, and solid
material. Vertical vent pipes and stacks shall have provisions for drainage.
e. The use of hose in an installation shall be limited to the following:
i. A vehicle fueling hose;
ii. An inlet connection to compression equipment; or
iii. A section of metallic hose not exceeding nine hundred ten millimeters
(910 mm) in length in a pipeline to provide flexibility where necessary.
Each section shall be so installed that it is protected against mechanical
damage and is readily visible for inspection. The manufacturer’s
identification shall be retained in each section.
f. At public fueling stations, provision shall be provided to recycle gas used for
calibration and testing.
12. Testing
a. Piping, tubing and hose, and hose assemblies shall be leak tested after
assembly to prove them free from leaks at a pressure equal to at least the
normal service pressure of that portion of the system.
b. Pressure relief valves shall be tested at least every five (5) years.
13. Installation of Emergency Shutdown Equipment
a. A manually operated container valve shall be provided for each DOT or TC
storage cylinder. Each group of ASME storage vessels up to a maximum
combined capacity of two hundred eighty three cubic meters (283 m3) shall
be provided with a manually operated shutoff valve.
b. The fill line on a storage container shall be equipped with a backflow check
valve to prevent discharge of natural gas from the container in case of the
rupture of the line, hose, or fittings.
c. A manually operated shutoff valve shall be installed in a manifold as close to
a container or group of containers as practical.
d. Gas piping from an outdoor compressor or storage system into a building
shall be provided with shutoff valves located outside the building.
e. An emergency manual shutdown device shall be provided at the dispensing
area and at a location remote from the dispensing area. This device, when
activated, shall shut off the power supply and gas supply to the compressor
and the dispenser.
f. A breakaway device shall be installed at every dispensing point. Such device
shall be arranged to separate using a force not greater than sixty-eight
kilograms (68 kg) when applied in any horizontal direction.
g. Control circuits shall be arranged so that, when an emergency shutdown
device is activated or electric power is cut off, systems that shut down shall
remain down until manually activated or reset after a safe condition is
restored.
h. Each line between a gas storage facility and a dispenser at a fast-fill station
shall have a valve that closes when one of the following occurs:
i. The power supply to the dispenser is cut off; or
ii. Any emergency shutdown device at the refueling station is activated.
 i. A fast-closing, “quarter turn” manual shutoff valve shall be provided at a fast-
fill station upstream of the breakaway device, readily accessible to the person
dispensing natural gas.
j. A self-closing valve shall be provided on the inlet of the compressor that
shuts off the gas supply to the compressor.
14. Installation of Electrical Equipment
Fixed electrical equipment and wiring, within areas specified in Table 28 below,
shall comply with same table and shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 70,
National Electrical Code®. Electrical equipment on internal combustion engines
shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 37, Standard for the Installation and
Use of Stationary Combustion Engines and Gas Turbines.
Table 28: ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS IN CNG SERVICE STATIONS
Location Division or Zone Extent of Classified Area
Containers (other than mounted fuel 2 Within 3 m of container
supply containers
Area containing compression and ancillary equipment
Outdoors 2 Up to 4.6 m from equipment
Indoors 2 Up to 4.6 m from equipment
Dispensing equipment
Outdoors 1 Inside the dispenser
enclosure
Outdoors 2 From 0 to 1.5 m from the
dispenser
Indoors 1 Inside the dispenser
enclosure
Indoors 2 Entire room, with adequate
ventilation
Outdoors
Discharge from relief valves or 1 1.5 m in all directions from the
point source

2 Beyond 1.5 m but within 4.6 m

in all directions from point of
 discharge

Valves, flanges of screwed fittings None Unclassified

Discharge from relief valves within 15 1 4.6 m

degrees of the line of discharge

Exception: Listed dispensers shall be permitted to be installed using classified

areas in accordance with the terms of the listing.
15. Stray or Impressed Currents and Bonding
a. Where stray or impressed currents are present, ignition shall be taken in
accordance with API RP 2003, Protection Against Ignitions Arising Out of
Static, Lightning, and Stray Currents.
b. Static protection shall not be required where CNG is loaded or unloaded by
conductive or nonconductive hose, flexible metallic tubing, or pipe
connections where both halves of the metallic couplings are in contact.
c. A cylinder shall not be charged in excess of the design pressure at the
normal temperature for that cylinder as per manufacturer’s instructions.
d. A fuel supply container shall not have a settled pressure above the service
pressure that is stamped on the container and displayed on a label near the
filling connection, corrected for the ambient temperature at the time of filling.
e. CNG dispensing systems shall be equipped to stop fuel flow automatically
when a fuel supply container reaches the temperature-corrected fill pressure.
Where an overpressure incident that results in operation of the overpressure
protection system occurs, the dispenser pressure control system shall be
examined and certified by a qualified technician prior to being returned to
service.
f. The transfer of CNG into a fuel supply container shall be performed in
accordance with instructions posted at the dispensing station.
g. Where CNG is being transferred to or from a motor vehicle, the engine shall
be turned off.
h. During the transfer of CNG to or from cargo vehicles, the hand or emergency
brake of the vehicle shall be set, and chock blocks shall be used to prevent
rolling of the vehicle.
 i. Transfer systems shall be capable of depressurizing to facilitate
disconnection. Bleed connections shall lead to a safe point of discharge.
j. Sources of ignition shall not be permitted within three meters (3.0 m) of any
filling connection during a transfer operation.
k. A warning sign with the words “STOP MOTOR, NO SMOKING,
FLAMMABLE GAS” shall be posted at dispensing station and compressor
areas. The location of signs shall be determined by local conditions, but the
lettering shall be large enough to be visible and legible from each point of
transfer.
16. Fire Protection
A portable fire extinguisher having a rating of not less than 20-B:C shall be
provided at the dispensing area.
17. Maintenance
a. Containers and their appurtenances, piping systems, compression
equipment, controls, and devices shall be maintained in proper operating
condition.
b. After the original installation, vehicle-fueling hoses shall be examined visually
at such intervals as are necessary to ensure that they are safe for use. Hose
shall be tested for leaks per manufacturer’s requirements, but at least
annually, and any unsafe leakage shall be reason for rejection.
c. While in transit, fueling hose and flexible metal hose on a cargo vehicle to be
used in a transfer operation, including their connections, shall be
depressurized and protected from wear and injury.
d. Pressure relief valves shall be maintained in proper operating condition.
18. Vehicle Fueling Appliances in Nonresidential Occupancies
a. Vehicle fueling appliances (VFAs) shall be of the approved type and shall not
exceed a gas flow of 10 scm/min (0.28 standard cubic meter/min).
b. VFAs shall be permitted to be used to fill stationary containers at vehicle
fueling locations.
c. The installation of VFAs shall comply with the requirements of the provisions
set forth for Residential Fueling Facility.
d. VFAs shall not be installed within three meters (3.0 m) of any storage.
Exception: Storage in the vehicle fuel supply container
 e. Where installed indoors in public assembly and educational occupancies, a
VFA shall be located in a portion of the occupancy where NFPA 101®, Life
Safety Code®, or the local building code permits the installation of hazardous
equipment.
C. Residential Fueling Facility
The capacity of a residential fueling facility (RFF) shall not exceed 0.14 standard
cubic meter/min of natural gas. Storage of CNG shall be prohibited; however, CNG
shall be permitted to be stored in the vehicle fuel supply container.
1. All equipment related to RFF installation shall be protected to minimize the
possibility of physical damage and vandalism.
2. All equipment related to RFF installation shall be designed for the pressure,
temperature, and service expected.
3. Vehicles shall be considered as unclassified electrically with respect to NFPA 70,
National Electrical Code, Article 500.
4. Natural gas shall not be vented to the atmosphere under normal operation.
5. Unless specifically permitted by the installation instructions, multiple VFAs shall
not be manifolded together on the discharge side.
6. Where more than one VFA are located in a common area, spacing between
VFAs shall not be less than one meter (1 m) unless permitted by the installation
instructions.
7. Installation
a. CNG compression and dispensing shall be located and conducted outdoors
wherever practical. However, where not practical (e.g., where inclement,
compression and dispensing shall be permitted to be located indoors.
b. All RFF equipment shall be installed in accordance with the equipment
manufacturer’s instructions.
c. The RFF shall have a nameplate marked with minimum and maximum gas
inlet pressure and flow rate, gas outlet maximum pressure, and electrical
requirements.
d. Indoor Installations
i. Where it is necessary to install the compression unit and refueling
connections indoors, the compression unit shall be mounted or otherwise
located such that the compression unit is vented outdoors.
 ii. Where the RFF or the vehicle being fueled is located indoors, a gas
detector set to operate at one-fifth the lower limit of flammability of natural
gas shall be installed in the room. The detector shall be located within
one hundred fifty millimeters (150 mm) of the ceiling or the highest point
in the room. The detector shall stop the compressor and operate an
audible or a visual alarm.
e. Outdoor Installations
The RFF shall be installed on a firm, noncombustible support to prevent
undue stress on piping and conduit.
f. Installation of Pressure Relief Valves
Pressure relief valves shall have pressure relief device vents or vent lines to
convey escaping gas to the outdoors and then upward to a safe area to
prevent impinging on buildings, other equipment, or areas open to the public.
g. Installation of Pressure Gauges
For measurement and test purposes, pressure gauges shall be permitted to
be installed but shall not be required.
h. Pressure Regulation
An RFF shall be equipped to stop fuel flow automatically when the
container(s) reaches the temperature-corrected fill pressure.
i. Piping and Hose
i. All piping and hose from the outlet of the compressor shall be supplied as
part of the RFF.
ii. All gas piping to the RFF shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 54,
National Fuel Gas Code.
iii. The use of hose in an installation shall be restricted to the following:
a. A fueling hose that shall be limited to a maximum length of seven
hundred sixty centimeters (760 cm) and shall be supported above the
floor/ground level or otherwise protected from mechanical damage
from abrasion and being driven over by a vehicle
b. A maximum of one meter (1 m) in length where used to prevent
abrasion damage resulting from vibration on the inlet or outlet, or both
iv. Transfer systems shall be capable of depressurizing to facilitate
disconnection. Bleed connections shall lead to a safe point of discharge.
j. Testing
 All piping and tubing shall be tested after assembly to be proven free of leaks
at a pressure equal to the maximum service pressure of that portion of the
system.
k. Installation of Emergency Shutdown Equipment
i. An RFF shall be equipped with emergency manual shutdown of the gas
supply and electric power. The emergency electrical switch shall be at
least one hundred fifty centimeters (150 cm) from the RFF and in view of
the RFF.
ii. Breakaway protection shall be provided in a manner so that, in the event
of a pull away, natural gas would cease to flow.
iii. A breakaway device shall be installed at every dispensing point. Such a
device shall be so arranged as to separate using a force not greater than
sixty-eight kilograms (68 kg) when applied in any horizontal direction.
l. Operation
i. An RFF shall be operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
ii. A fuel supply container shall not be charged in excess of its maximum
allowable service pressure at normal temperature. DOT and TC
containers shall be charged in accordance with DOT and TC regulations.
iii. Where CNG is being transferred to a motor vehicle, the engine shall be
stopped.
m. Maintenance and Inspection
i. All RFF equipment shall be inspected and maintained in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions.
ii. After installation, all hoses shall be examined visually as part of this
inspection. Hoses that are kinked or worn shall be replaced.
iii. All safety relief valves shall be maintained in proper operating condition in
accordance with the manufacturer or supplier’s recommendation.

SECTION 10.3.4.4 OTHER HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND CHEMICALS

SECTION 10.3.4.4.1 SCOPE

This Division shall apply to the storage, handling, transport and protection of hazardous
materials and chemicals not covered on Chapter 3 of this Rule.
SECTION 10.3.4.4.2 OXIDIZING MATERIALS
a. Packaged oxidizing materials shall be stored in dry locations and separated from stored
organic materials. Bulk oxidizing materials shall not be stored on or against wooden
surfaces.
b. Oxidizing materials shall be stored separately from flammable solids, combustible
materials, hazardous chemicals, corrosive liquids and such other non-combustible
materials.
SECTION 10.3.4.4.3 RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
A. Durable, clearly visible signs of warning of radiation dangers shall be placed at all
entrances to areas or rooms where radioactive materials are used or stored. In addition,
each container in which radioactive materials are used, stored, or transported shall bear
a durable, clearly visible, appropriate warning sign. Such signs shall bear the three-
bladed radiation symbol in magenta or purple on a yellow background in accordance
with the Rules of the Philippine Atomic Energy Commission.
B. Except for liquids, signs are not required for the storage of manufactured articles of
which radioactive materials are a component part, and luminous compounds, when
securely packed in strong containers, provided the gamma radiation at any surface of
the package is less than ten (10) milliroentgen in 24 hours.
C. When not in use, radioactive materials shall be kept in adequately shielded fire-resistant
containers of such design that the gamma radiation will not exceed 200 milliroentgens
per hour or its equivalent at any point of readily accessible surface.
D. The opinion of the Philippine Atomic Energy Commission shall be obtained in all cases
of doubt as to the safety of radioactive materials. The Commission's ruling shall be final
and non-appealable.
SECTION 10.3.4.4.4 POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE CHEMICALS
A. Potentially explosive chemicals shall be stored away from all heat producing appliances
and electrical devices and shall be protected from external, hat, fire and explosion.
B. Explosives and blasting agents shall not be stored in the same building or in close
proximity to such materials except in accordance with this Code.
C. Good housekeeping shall be maintained uncontaminated of broken or cracked bags,
packages or other containers shall be transferred to new and clean container before
storing.
D. Other spilled materials and discarded containers shall be promptly gathered and
destroyed in an approved manner.
 E. All electric bulbs shall be equipped with guards to prevent breakage.
F. Open lights or flames and smoking shall be prohibited in or near storage areas.
G. Internal combustion motor vehicles or lift trucks shall not be parked in the room or
compartment where such chemicals are located.
SECTION 10.3.4.4.5 ORGANIC PEROXIDES
A. A detached, well isolated, ventilated and un-heated storage building constructed with
walls having a fire resistance rating of not less than two (2) hours, a non-combustible
floor, and a light weight insulated roof shall be provided for the storage of twenty two
kilograms (22 kg) or more of organic peroxides. If not adequately protected by a fast-
acting deluge type automatic fire-fighting system, the storage building shall be located at
the following minimum distances from flammable or combustible liquid, building or
highway.
WEIGHT OF ORGANIC PEROXIDES
(Kilograms)
DISTANCE
(Meters)
22 to 45
45 to 227
227 to 445
445 to 1364
1363 to 2270
23.00
30.00
38.00
60.00
92.00
B. The organic peroxides shall be stored in the original shipping containers.
C. Care shall be taken to avoid rough handling or contamination of these chemicals.
D. Readily legible warning signs and placards as prescribed in Chapter 3 Division 2 of this
Rule. Signs shall be prominently placed in the storage and processing areas.
SECTION 10.3.4.4.6 NITROMETHANE
A. A suitable isolated outdoor storage are shall be provided for nitromethane.
B. Hazardous processing shall not be permitted in the vicinity of this storage area.
 C. Nitromethane shall be stored in the drums in which it is received or in an underground
tank with suitable corrosion protection and a minimum of sixty centimeters (60 cm) or
earth over the tank or in barricaded tanks above-ground shall be provided. If the drum
storage is not adequately protected by a fast-acting deluge automatic type fire-fighting
system/the storage of nine hundred nine kilograms (909 kg.) or more shall be located at
the following minimum distances from inhabited buildings.
WEIGHT (Kilograms) APPROXIMATE DISTANCE (meters)
NUMBER OF DRUMS
Beginning of 908 kg 4 30
909 kg to 4546 kg 20 60
4547 kg to 9091 kg 40 90
9092 kg to 18,182 kg 80 120
18,183 kg to 36,364 kg 160 150

D. Care shall be taken to avoid rough handling or contamination of this chemical.

E. Readily legible warning signs and placards as prescribed in this Rule shall be
prominently placed in the transport, storage and processing area.

SECTION 10.3.4.4.7 AMMONIUM NITRATE

A. All flooring in storage and handling areas shall be of non-combustible material and shall
be without drains, traps, pits or pockets into which any molten ammonium nitrate could
flow and be confined in case of fire.
B. Each storage pile of bags or other authorized packages and container of such materials
shall not exceed three hundred sixty five centimeters (365 cm) in height, three hundred
sixty five (365 cm) centimeters in width and nine meters and fifteen centimeters (9.15
cm) in length.
C. Pile units shall be separated by a clear space of not less than ninety two centimeters (92
cm) in width from the top of piles, serving as cross aisles in the storage is which shall not
be less than one hundred twenty centimeters (120 cm) in width.
D. A clearance of not less than seventy six centimeters (76 cm) shall be maintained from
building walls and partitions, and not less than ninety centimeters (90 cm)from ceilings of
roof structural members with a minimum of forty five centimeters (45 cm) from sprinklers.
 E. Ammonium nitrate storage shall be separated by a space of nine meters (9m) or by tight
non-combustible partition where storage of such materials is permitted with ammonium
nitrate.
F. Quantities of ammonium or ammonium nitrate fertilizers having no organic coating, in the
form of crystals, flakes, grains or pills including fertilizers, dynamic grade, nitrous oxide
grade and technical grade ammonium nitrate and ammonium nitrate phosphate
(containing 60% of ammonium nitrate by weight) or more than fifty (50) metric tons of
total weight, shall be stored in well-ventilated building of fire-resistive or noncombustible
construction, or in a building of other type of construction equipped with an approved
automatic sprinkler system.
G. In populated areas, quantities of two thousand five hundred (2,500) tons or more shall
be stored in well-ventilated buildings of one-hour fire-resistive or non-combustible
construction equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system. No combustible
material or ammonium nitrate sensitizing contaminants shall be stored in this building.
H. Storage of ammonium nitrate, coated or mixed with organic anti-caking materials, except
compounded blasting agent shall not be permitted in populated and congested areas.
Outside such areas, quantities of five hundred (500) metric tons or less may be stored in
well-ventilated buildings of fire-resistive or non-combustible construction equipped with
an approved automatic firefighting system.
SECTION 10.3.4.4.8 HIGHLY TOXIC MATERIALS
A. Highly toxic materials shall be segregated from other chemicals and combustible and
flammable substances in a room or compartment separated from other areas by walls
and floor and ceiling assemblies having a fire-resistive rating of not less than one (1)
hour.
B. The storage room shall be provided with adequate drainage facilities and natural or
chemical ventilation to the outside atmosphere.
C. Readily legible warning signs and placards as prescribed in this Rule shall be
prominently placed in the transport, storage and processing area.
SECTION 10.3.4.4.9 POISONOUS GASES
A. Storage of poisonous gases shall be in rooms of at least one-hour fire-resistive
construction and having natural or mechanical ventilation adequate to remove leaking
gas. Such ventilation shall not discharge to a point where gases may endanger any
person.
 B. Readily legible warning signs and placards as prescribed in this Rule shall be
prominently placed in the transport, storage and processing area.
SECTION 10.3.4.4.10 CORROSIVE LIQUIDS
A. Satisfactory provision shall be made for containing and neutralizing or safely flushing
away leakage of corrosive liquids which may occur during storage or handling.
B. Readily legible warning signs and placards as prescribed in this Rule shall be
prominently placed in the transport, storage and processing area.
SECTION 10.3.4.4.11 STORAGE CABINETS FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
A. Cabinets for the storage of hazardous materials shall be approved and substantially
constructed of one-eighth (1/8) centimeters thick sheet iron or a minimum of two
hundred fifty four millimeters (254 mm) plywood or equivalent.
B. Doors shall be self-closing and self-latching.
C. Cabinets shall be painted with luminescent type paint and shall be conspicuously labeled
in red letters: "Hazardous - Keep Fire Away."
SECTION 10.3.4.4.12 DESIGNATION OF CARGO
A. No person shall operate any tank vehicle transporting any corrosive cryogenic,
hypergolic, or phyrophoric materials unless at all time of such transportation there is
displayed upon each side and the rear of the tank vehicle a sign in letter not less than
seven hundred sixty-two millimeters (762 mm) in height upon a background of sharply
contrasting color.
B. Readily legible warning signs and placards as prescribed in this Rule shall be
prominently placed in the transport, storage and processing areas.
SECTION 10.3.4.4.13 HAZARDOUS INSULATOR/CUSHIONING MATERIALS
A. The storage areas for plastic-based, fire-supporting, fire-conductive, smoke generating,
or toxic gas producing materials that are used as insulators or cushioning material shall
be provided with automatic fire extinguishing systems of an approved type.
SECTION 10.3.4.4.14 FIRE PROTECTION
All hazardous materials enumerated in this Chapter shall be protected by approved
supervised sprinkler system and other appropriate fire protection appliances.

CHAPTER 4. FIRE SAFETY FOR HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS

DIVISION 1. SCOPE
A. This Chapter shall govern the Fire Safety Measures for the following Hazardous
Operations:
 1. Salvage Yards;
2. Bowling Alleys Resurfacing and Refinishing;
3. Dust Producing Machines;
4. Explosives, Ammunitions and Blasting Agents;
5. Fire Works;
6. Application of Flammable Finishes;
7. Ripening Processes;
8. Fumigation and Insecticidal Fogging;
9. Repair Garages;
10. Lumber Yards, Wood Processing and Woodworking Facilities;
11. Mechanical Refrigeration;
12. Motion Picture Projection;
13. Oil Burning Equipment;
14. Organic Coatings;
15. Industrial Ovens;
16. Hot works Operations; and
17. Safeguarding Building Construction, Demolition and Alteration Operations

DIVISION 2. SALVAGE YARDS

SECTION 10.4.2.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
A. Salvage yards shall be operated and maintained with the following requirements:
1. No salvage yard shall be so located as to seriously expose adjacent properties to
fire. Serious exposure shall include situations where materials are stored or
operations performed within four and a half meters (4.5 m) of an adjacent private
property line.
2. The entire premises devoted to such yard or plant shall be enclosed with a chain-
linked fence not less than two and a half meters (2.5 m) in height, with two (2) gates
of four and a half meters (4.5 m) width for fire department access.
3. No roof of any building located in a salvage yard shall be used for storage. This
applies to all buildings on a property where salvage work is performed or waste
materials are handled, including those used for storage, vehicle shelters,
administration and sales.
4. No motor vehicles, or any part thereof, junk, or other waste materials, shall be
stored, displayed or kept in such a manner as to unnecessarily hinder or endanger
 firefighting operations. Aisles or passageways of four and a half meters (4.5 m) wide
shall be provided to permit access for firefighting equipment and personnel.
SECTION 10.4.2.2 FIRE SAFETY CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR HOTWORK
OPERATIONS
No welding and cutting operations in salvage yards shall be conducted without a fire
safety clearance issued by the City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction for hot
works operations.
SECTION 10.4.2.3 CONSTRUCTION
A. Vertical openings in such building shall be enclosed with approved automatic self-
closing fire doors in accordance with Section 10.2.5.3 of this IRR.
B. Picking shall be done in rooms separated from storage rooms or other occupancies
by fire resistive walls and doors having a fire resistance of not less than one (1) hour.
Picking rooms shall be provided with exhaust systems to adequately and safely
remove dust and dirt.
SECTION 10.4.2.4 OPERATION
A. The storage and handling of flammable and combustible materials shall be in
accordance with Division 4, Chapter 3, Rule 10 of this IRR.
B. Welding and cutting operations shall conform to the provisions of Division 17 of this
Chapter.
SECTION 10.4.2.5 PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE
A. In no case shall smoking, or open flame be permitted in any area where combustible
fibers or other combustible waste materials are stored or handled. "NO SMOKING"
signs shall be provided in accordance with Division 3, Chapter 5, Rule 10 of this IRR.
B. The burning of wrecked or discarded motor vehicles or of junks, or of any waste
materials shall be done only in locations and in a manner approved or prescribed for
such purpose by the City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction.
DIVISION 3. BOWLING ALLEYS RESURFACING AND REFINISHING
SECTION 10.4.3.1 GENERAL
Bowling alleys shall conform to applicable requirements of this IRR, as well as the
provisions of this Division.
SECTION 10.4.3.2 FIRE SAFETY CLEARANCE REQUIRED
The operator/owner of a bowling establishment shall secure a fire safety clearance from
the City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction, before performing any refinishing and
 alley resurfacing operations involving the use of flammable liquids or materials on the
premises.
SECTION 10.4.3.3 CONSTRUCTION
Pin finishes involving the application of flammable or combustible finishes, or sanding or
buffing operations if done within a building, shall be done only in a fire resistive room
having a fire resistance rating of two (2) hours.
SECTION 10.4.3.4 OPERATION
A. Resurfacing and refinishing operations shall not be carried on while the
establishment is open for business.
B. Proper ventilation shall be provided. Heating, ventilating, or cooling systems
employing recirculation of air shall not be operated during resurfacing and refinishing
operations or within one (1) hour following the application of flammable finishes.
C. All electric motors or other equipment in the area, which is a potential source of
ignition, shall be shut down and all smoking and use of open flames shall be
prohibited during the application of flammable finishes and for one (1) hour
thereafter.
SECTION 10.4.3.5 PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE
A. Sanding and buffing machines shall be provided with approved equipment for
collecting dust during such operations. Contents shall be removed daily and
disposed of safely.
B. All power tools shall be effectively grounded.
C. Storage of flammable or combustible liquids in any room shall not exceed a
combined aggregate of two hundred twenty-five liters (225ℓ), and it shall be in
flammable liquid storage cabinet or in approved safety containers not exceeding
nineteen liters (19ℓ) individual capacity. An approved metal waste bin with a self-
closing cover shall be provided for all waste rags and materials with the contents to
be removed daily. Smoking shall be prohibited at all times in pin refinishing rooms.

DIVISION 4. DUST PRODUCING MACHINES

SECTION 10.4.4.1 FIRE SAFETY CLEARANCE REQUIRED
No person shall operate any grain elevator, flour, starch or feed mill, saw mill, or plant
pulverizing aluminum, coal, cocoa, magnesium, spices, or other material producing dust
without a fire safety clearance issued by the City/Municipal Fire Marshal having
jurisdiction.
SECTION 10.4.4.2 CONSTRUCTION
A. Approved magnetic of pneumatic separators shall be installed ahead of all shelters,
crackers, crushers, grinding machines, pulverizer and similar machines in which the
entrance of metallic or other foreign materials may cause sparks to be generated.
B. Suitable dust collecting equipment shall be installed and accumulation of dust shall
be kept at a minimum in the interior of the buildings.
SECTION 10.4.4.3 OPERATION
Properly designed and located vents equipped with explosion proof exhaust fans which
will relieve the pressure resulting from dust accumulation or an explosion and prevent or
reduce damage to buildings or equipment, shall be required in all buildings where
flammable or explosive dusts are manufactured, processed or generated. The design of
such equipment shall be in accordance with internationally accepted standards or NFPA
68, “Explosion Venting.”
SECTION 10.4.4.4 PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE
A. All dust-producing or dust-agitating machinery such as grinding mills and separators,
and all elevators, elevator legs, spouts, hopper and other conveyors shall be
provided with casing or enclosures maintained as nearly dust-tight as possible
B. All machinery and metal parts of the crushing, drying, pulverizing and conveying
systems shall be provided with grounding system in accordance with the Philippine
Electrical Code.
C. Smoking and the carrying of matches, the use of heating or other devices employing
open flames, or use of any spark-producing equipment is prohibited in areas
containing dust-producing or dust-agitating operators. All wiring and electrical
equipment of artificial lighting installed in such areas shall be in accordance with the
provisions of the Philippine Electrical Code.
D. Static electricity shall be removed from all machinery and other component parts by
permanent grounds and/or bonds. The design of such equipment shall be in
accordance with internationally accepted standards or NFPA 77, “Static Electricity.”

DIVISION 5. EXPLOSIVES, AMMUNITION AND BLASTING AGENTS

SECTION 10.4.5.1 APPLICATION
A. This Division shall not apply to:
1. Explosives, ammunition and blasting agents used by the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP);
 2. Transportation and use of explosives, ammunition, or blasting agents by the
Bureau of Mines, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine
National Police (PNP) acting in their official capacity.
SECTION 10.4.5.2 FIRE SAFETY INSPECTION CERTIFICATE (FSIC) REQUIRED
No person shall manufacture, store, handle and/or use any blasting agents, explosives
and special and industrial explosive materials, blasting caps, black powder, liquid nitro-
glycerin, dynamite, nitro cellulose, fulminates of any kind, and plastic explosives
containing ammonium salt or chlorate, without securing a Fire Safety Inspection
Certificate (FSIC) from the City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction, which is a pre-
requisite for the granting of manufacturer’s, dealer’s, purchaser’s, foreman’s license and
permit to unload issued by the PNP in accordance with R.A. 1866, as amended.
SECTION 10.4.5.3 STORAGE
A. The manufacture of explosives or blasting agents shall be prohibited unless such
manufacture is authorized by law.
B. Explosives, including special industrial high explosive materials, shall be stored in
magazines that meet the requirement of the Fire Code and this IRR.
C. Smoking, matches, open flames, spark-producing devices, firearms and combustible
materials shall be prohibited inside or within fifteen meters (15 m) from the
magazine.
D. The land surrounding magazines shall be kept clear or brush, dried grass, leaves,
trash and debris for a distance of at least fifteen meters (15 m).
E. Magazines shall be kept locked except when being inspected or when explosives are
being placed therein or removed therefrom.
F. Magazines shall be kept clean, dry and free of grit, paper, empty packages and
rubbish.
G. Magazines shall not be provided with other than approved artificial heat or light.
Approved electric safety flashlights or safety lanterns may be used.
H. Blasting caps, electric blasting caps, detonating primers and primed cartridges shall
not be stored in the same magazine with other explosives.
I. Packages of explosives shall not be unpacked or repacked in a magazine nor within
forty-five and eight-tenths meters (45.8 m) of a magazine or in close proximity to
other explosives. Opened packages of explosives shall be securely closed before
being returned to a magazine.
 J. Magazines shall not be used for the storage of any metals, tools nor any commodity
except explosives, blasting agents and oxidizers used in compounding blasting
agents. The quantity of blasting agents and oxidizers shall be included when
computing the total quantity of explosives for determining distance requirements.
K. Floors of magazines shall be securely fastened in place and shall be capable of
withstanding the loads imposed.
L. The roofs and exterior sides of building-type magazines shall be made of concrete
materials with fire resistance rating of two (2) hours.
M. Magazines shall be ventilated to minimize dampness and heating of stored
explosives. Ventilation openings shall be screened with 14 mesh, no.21 protected in
a manner that will maintain the bullet resistance of the magazine.
N. Doors and warning signs shall be in accordance with the provision of RA 1866 and
its IRR, as amended.
SECTION 10.4.5.4 USE AND HANDLING
A. Use, handling and blasting operation of explosives shall be in accordance with
RA 1866 and its IRR, as amended, and the following conditions:
1. No person shall handle explosives while under the influence of intoxicants or
narcotics;
2. No person shall smoke or carry matches while handling explosives or while in
the vicinity thereof;
3. No open flame light shall be used in the vicinity of explosives;
4. Whenever blasting is being conducted in the vicinity of gas, electric, water,
fire alarm, telephone, telegraph or steam utilities, the blaster shall notify the
appropriate representative of such utilities at least twenty four hours (24 hrs.)
in advance of blasting, specifying the location and intended time of such
blasting. In an emergency, this time limit may be waived by the City/Municipal
Fire Marshal having jurisdiction;
5. Blasting operations shall be conducted in accordance with internationally
recognized good practice;
6. Before a blast is fired, the person in charge shall make certain that all surplus
explosives are in a safe place, all persons and vehicles are at a safe distance
or under sufficient cover, and a loud warning signal has been sounded;
7. Due precautions shall be taken to prevent accidental discharge of electric
blasting caps from current induced by radio or radar transmitters, lightning,
 adjacent power lines, dust storms, or other sources of extraneous electricity.
These precaution shall include;
a. The suspension of all blasting operations and removal of persons
from the blasting area during the approach and progress of an electrical
storm;
b. The posting of signs warning against the use of mobile radio
transmitters on all roads within one hundred seven meters (107 m) of the
blasting operations;
c. Compliance with internationally recognized good practice when
blasting within two and a half kilometers (2.5 km) of broadcast or high
power short wave transmitters.
d. When blasting is done in a congested area or in close proximity to
a building, structure, railway, highway or any other installation that may
be damaged by material being thrown into the air, the blast shall be
covered with an adequate blasting mat;
e. Tools used for opening packages of explosives shall be
constructed of non-sparking materials;
f. Empty boxes and paper and fiber packing materials which have
previously contained high explosives shall not be used again for any
purpose, but shall be disposed of in a manner approved by the
City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction; and
g. Explosives shall not be abandoned.
SECTION 10.4.5.5 TRANSPORTATION
A. Every vehicle, when used for transporting explosives, shall be equipped with not less
than two (2) fire extinguishers. Extinguishers shall be so located as to be readily
available for use.
B. Every vehicle transporting explosives shall be marked or labeled on both sides and
rear with the word "EXPLOSIVES" in letters not less than eight centimeters (8 cm) in
height a contrasting background.
C. Vehicle transporting explosives traveling in the same direction shall not be given
within one hundred meters (100 m) of each other.
D. Vehicles transporting explosives shall not be left unattended at any time within
inhabited or populated areas.
E. Unauthorized persons shall not ride vehicles transporting explosives.
 F. Delivery shall only be made by authorized persons into approved magazines or
approved temporary storage or handling area.
G. Other safety measures in transporting of explosive shall be in accordance with the
IRR of RA 1866, as amended.
DIVISION 6. FIREWORKS
SECTION 10.4.6.1 APPLICATION
This Division shall not apply to the use of fireworks by railroads or other transportation
agencies for signals or purposes of illumination, or the sale or use of blank cartridges for
a show on theater, or for signal or ceremonial purpose in athletics or sports or for use of
military organizations.
SECTION 10.4.6.2 FIRE SAFETY INSPECTION CERTIFICATE (FSIC) REQUIRED
No person shall manufacture, store, handle and/or use any firework materials of any kind
or form without securing a Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) from the
City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction, which is a prerequisite for the granting of
permit issued by the PNP in accordance with R.A. 7183, as amended.
SECTION 10.4.6.3 MANUFACTURING PLANTS/PROCESSING STATIONS
A. Fireworks manufacturing plants/processing stations shall be made of concrete
materials and shall be provided with the following:
a. Fire extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with Section 10.2.6.7of this
IRR;
b. Two (2) means of egress separate and remote from each other and terminates
along safe refuge area;
c. Wet stand pipe of 1 ½ hose line;
d. Emergency plan; and
e. All electrical wiring installations shall be explosion proof and dust tight in
accordance with Philippine Electrical Code.
B. Smoking within the premises of the manufacturing plant/processing station is strictly
prohibited. Conspicuous signs that read “WARNING — NO SMOKING — NO
TRESPASSING” shall be posted at frequent intervals around the plant perimeter.
C. All plant buildings containing pyrotechnic composition, explosive composition, or
fireworks shall be locked securely at the end of the workday, or wherever plant
personnel are not present to provide security.
D. The City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction shall be permitted inside the plant
without special permission of the person in charge;
 E. No employee or other person shall be permitted to enter the plant while in
possession of, or under the influence of, alcohol, drugs, or narcotics.
F. Each plant shall designate a safety officer who shall be responsible for general
safety, fire prevention and protection, and employee safety training.
G. Stoves, exposed flames, and portable electric heaters shall be prohibited.
SECTION 10.4.6.4 STORAGE
Storage of fireworks and other pyrotechnics shall be in accordance with Republic Act
No. 7183.
SECTION 10.4.6.5 DISPLAY CENTER
A. Display centers for selling firecrackers and pyrotechnics shall be separated from
each other by a firewall with a fire resistance rating of not less than two (2) hours;
B. All malls and other similar establishments shall not be utilized as display centers for
selling of firecrackers and pyrotechnics unless done through media presentation or
other means without necessarily displaying the said firecrackers therein;
C. Fire extinguisher/s shall be provided in accordance with Section 10.2.6.7 of this IRR;
D. Smoking within fifteen meters (15 m) from a display center shall not be allowed;
E. Testing of firecrackers and pyrotechnics shall be prohibited; and
F. Stoves, exposed flames, and portable electric heaters shall be prohibited.
SECTION 10.4.6.6 CLEARANCE FOR FIREWORKS EXHIBITION
No person shall be allowed to conduct firework exhibition without first securing a
clearance from the City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction.
SECTION 10.4.6.7 REQUIREMENTS FOR FIREWORKS EXHIBITION
A. That a permit to possess and display fireworks shall first be secured from the
Philippine National Police;
B. That fireworks be fired at a distance of one hundred feet (100 ft) away from people;
C. That all fireworks shall project upwards;
D. That a responsible person of at least twenty one years (21 yrs) and with adequate
knowledge of handling fireworks shall be assigned to supervise fireworks display;
E. That sufficient approved type of first aid fire protection equipment shall be on hand at
the site during fireworks exhibitions; and
F. That the nearest fire station shall be notified of such exhibitions.
SECTION 10.4.6.8 DISPOSAL OF UNFIRED FIREWORKS
Any fireworks that remain unfired after the display is concluded shall be immediately
disposed properly.
DIVISION 7. APPLICATION OF FLAMMABLE FINISHES
SECTION 10.4.7.1 FIRE SAFETY CLEARANCE
A Fire Safety Clearance from the City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction shall be
issued for spraying and dipping operations utilizing flammable liquid, and powders
included within the scope of this IRR.
SECTION 10.4.7.2 SPRAY FINISHING OPERATION OR PROCESSES
A. Construction
1. Electric wiring and equipment shall conform to the applicable provisions of the
Philippine Electric Code.
2. Spray finishing operations shall not be conducted in buildings classified and used
for assembly, educational, health care or residential occupancies except in a
room-designed for the purpose, protected with an approved automatic fire control
and extinguishing system and separated vertically and horizontally from other
areas.
3. In other occupancies, all spraying operations performed inside a building shall be
conducted in an approved spray booth, spray room or in spraying areas
approved for such use.
4. Spray booths shall be substantially constructed of steel not less than one and
two-tenths millimeters (1.2 mm) in thickness, securely and rigidly supported, or of
concrete masonry except for aluminum or other approved substantial
noncombustible materials, which may be used for intermittent or low volume
spraying.
5. The interior surfaces of spray booths shall be smooth, continuous without edges
and otherwise designed to prevent pocketing of residue and facilitate ventilation,
cleaning, and washing without injury. Spray booths shall be designed to allow the
free passage of exhaust air from all parts of the interior as well as to sweep air
currents toward the exhaust outlet.
6. The floor of the spray booth and operator's working area shall be
noncombustible, non-sparking material of such character as to facilitate the safe
cleaning and removal of residue.
7. Distribution or baffle plates, if installed to promote an even flow of air through the
booth or cause the deposits of overspray before it enters exhaust ducts, shall be
of non-combustible material and readily removable or accessible on both sides
for cleaning.
 8. Each spray booth having a frontal area larger than one square meter (1 m2) shall
have a metal deflector or curtain not less than eleven and four tenths centimeter
(11.4 cm) deep installed at the upper outer edges of the booth over the opening.
9. Each spray booth shall be separated from other operations by not less than
ninety one and five tenths centimeters (91.5 cm), or by a greater distance, or by
such partition, wall, or floor/ceiling assembly having a minimum fire resistance of
one (1) hour to reduce the danger of juxtaposition of hazardous operations as the
City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction may require, except for spray
enclosures used for drying at elevated temperature.
10. Spray booths shall be installed that all portions are readily accessible for
cleaning. A clear space of not less than ninety-one and five tenths centimeters
(91.5 cm) on sides shall be kept clear of any storage or combustible materials.
11. When spraying areas are illuminated through glass panels or other transparent
materials, only fixed lighting units shall be used as a source of illumination.
Panels shall effectively isolate the spraying area from the area in which the
lighting unit is located, and shall be of noncombustible material of such a nature
or so protected that breakage will be unlikely. Panels shall be arranged so that
normal accumulations of residue on the exposed surface of the panel will not be
raised to a dangerous temperature by radiation or conduction from the source of
illumination.
B. Operation
1. Spraying operations, except electrostatic spraying operations, shall be designed,
installed and maintained that the average air velocity from the spray impeller over
the open face of the booth shall not be less than thirty meters (30 m) per minute.
Dry spray booths equipped with a filter roll that automatically advances when the
air velocity is reduced to that specified in this paragraph shall be arranged to
cause shutdown of spraying operations if the filter roll fails to advance
automatically. Visible gauges or audible alarm devices shall be installed to
indicate that the required air velocity is maintained.
2. Electrostatic spraying operations may be conducted with an air velocity over the
open face of the booth of not less than eighteen meters (18 m) per minute or
more depending on the volume of the finishing material being applied and its
flammability and explosion characteristics. Visible gauges or audible alarm or
 pressure-activated devices shall be installed to indicate or ensure that the
required air velocity is maintained.
3. All discarded filter pads and filter rolls shall be immediately removed to a safe,
well-detached location or placed in water-filled metal containers and disposed at
the close of the day's operation unless maintained completely in water.
4. The storage and handling of flammable or combustible liquids in connection with
spraying operations shall be in accordance with this Division.
5. The quantity of flammable and combustible liquids kept in the vicinity of spraying
operations shall be the minimum required for operations and should not exceed a
supply of one (1) day or one (1) shift. Bulk storage of portable containers of
flammable and combustible liquids shall be in separate, constructed building
detached from other important building or cut off in a standard manner.
6. Originally sealed containers, approved portable tanks, approved safety cans, or a
properly arranged system of piping shall be used for bringing flammable or
combustible liquids into spray finishing room. Open or glass containers shall not
be used.
7. Drying, curing or fusion apparatus in connection with spray application of
flammable and combustible finishes shall conform to NFPA 86, “Standard for
Ovens and Furnaces”, and the requirements of this IRR.
8. Spray booths, rooms or other enclosures used for spraying operations shall not
be alternately used for drying by any arrangements, which will cause a material
increase in the surface temperature of the spray booth, room, or enclosure.
9. Except as specifically provided in paragraph “B” (7) of this Section, drying curing,
or fusion units utilizing a heating system having open flames or which may
produce sparks shall not be installed in a spraying area as defined. However, it
may be installed adjacent thereto when equipped with an interlocked ventilating
system arranged to:
a. Thoroughly ventilate the drying space before the heating system can be
started;
b. Maintain a safe atmosphere at any source of ignition; and
c. Automatically shut down the heating system in the event of failure of the
ventilating system.
10. Automobile refinishing spray booths or enclosures, otherwise installed and
maintained in conformity with this Division, may alternately be used for drying
 with portable electrically infrared drying apparatus when conforming with the
following:
a. The procedures shall be restricted to low-volume, occasional spray
application;
b. The interior (especially floors) of spray enclosures shall be kept free of
overspray deposits;
c. During spray operations, the drying apparatus and electrical connections and
wiring thereto shall not be located within the spray enclosure nor in any other
location where spray residue may be deposited;
d. Spraying apparatus, drying apparatus and ventilating systems of the spray
enclosure shall be equipped with suitable interlocks so arranged that:
i. The spraying apparatus cannot be operated while the drying apparatus is
inside the spray enclosure.
ii. The spray enclosure will be purged of spray vapors for a period of not
less than three minutes (3 min) before drying apparatus can be
energized.
iii. The ventilating system will maintain a safe atmosphere within the
enclosure during the drying process and the drying apparatus will
automatically shut off in the event of failure of the ventilating system.
G. Protection and Maintenance
1. The filters in a spray booth shall be located in such a manner as not to reduce the effective
booth enclosure of the articles being sprayed.
2. Space within spray booths on the downstream and upstream sides of filters shall be protected
with approved automatic sprinklers and/or fire control and extinguishing systems.
3. Filters or filter rolls shall not be used when applying a spray material known to be highly
susceptible to spontaneous heating and ignition.
4. Clean filters or filter rolls shall be non-combustible or of approved type having
combustibility not in excess of Class 2 filters as listed by Underwriters
Laboratories, Inc. Filters. Filter rolls shall not be alternately used for different
types of coating materials, where the combination of materials may be
susceptible to spontaneous ignition.
5. Smoking and open flames shall be prohibited in any spray booths.
6. Finishing areas in the vicinity of dip tanks and paint storage rooms, “No smoking
and open flames" signs in large letters on contrasting color background shall be
conspicuously posted in such areas.
7. There shall be no open flames or spark-producing equipment or processes that
may expose the surface and exceed the auto-ignition temperature of the material
being sprayed in any spraying area or within six meters (6 m) therefrom, unless
separated by a partition.
8. Space heating appliances, steam pipes or hot surfaces shall not be located in
spraying areas where deposits of combustible residues may readily accumulate
unless specifically approved for locations containing both deposits of readily
ignitable residue and explosive vapors. There shall be no electrical equipment in
any spraying area where deposits of combustible residue may readily
accumulate, except in rigid conduits, boxes, or fittings containing no taps, splices
or terminal connections, and except as hereinafter provided.
9. Electrical wiring, motors and other equipment capable of producing sparks or hot
metal particles not subject to deposits of combustible residues but located above
or adjacent to spraying area shall be of explosion-proof type approved for use in
such hazardous location or shall be of the totally enclosed type or construction to
prevent the escape of sparks or hot metal particles.
10. Electrical wiring, motors, and other equipment outside of, but within six meters (6
m) horizontally and three meters (3 m) vertically of an enclosed spraying area
and not separated by partitions, shall not make sparks under normal operating
conditions.
11. Electric lamps outside, but within six meters (6 m), of any spraying area and not
separated by a partition, shall be totally enclosed to prevent the falling of hot
particles and shall be protected from physical damage by suitable guards or by
location.
12. Portable electric lamps shall not be used in any spraying area during spraying
operations. Portable electric lamps, if used during cleaning or repairing
operations, shall be of the type approved for hazardous locations in accordance
with the Philippine Electrical Code.
13. All metal parts of spray booths, exhaust ducts and piping systems conveying
flammable or combustible liquids shall be properly electrically grounded in an
 effective and preventive manner in accordance with the Philippine Electrical
Code.
14. All spraying areas shall be provided with mechanical ventilation adequate to
prevent the dangerous accumulation of vapors as well as in removing flammable
vapors, mists or powders to a safe location and capable of confining and
controlling combustible residues, dusts and deposits.
15. Mechanical ventilation shall be kept in operation at all times, while spraying
operations are being conducted and for a sufficient time thereafter to allow
vapors from drying coated particles and dry finishing material residues to be
exhausted. Where spray operations are conducted automatically without an
operator constantly on duty, the operating controls shall be arranged that the
spray apparatus cannot function unless exhaust fans are operating.
16. Each spray booth shall have an independent exhaust duct system discharging to
the exterior of the building. However, multiple cabinet spray booths in which
identical spray finishing material is used with a combined frontal area of not more
than one and sixty-seven hundredths square meters (1.67 m2) may have a
common exhaust. If more than one (1) fan serves one (1) booth, all fans shall be
interconnected that one (1) fan cannot operate without operating all.
17. Electric motors driving exhaust fans shall not be placed inside booths or ducts.
Fan rotating elements shall be non-ferrous or non-sparking or the casing shall
consist of, or be lined with, such material. There shall be ample clearance
between the fan-rotating element and the fan casing to avoid a fire by friction,
necessary allowance being made for ordinary expansion and loading to prevent
contact between moving parts and the duct or fan housing. Fan blades shall be
mounted on a shaft sufficiently heavy to maintain perfect alignment even when
the blades of the fan are heavily loaded, with the shaft preferably to have
bearings outside the duct and booth. All bearings shall be of the self-lubricating
type, or lubricated from the outside duct.
18. Belts shall not enter the duct or booth unless belt and pulley within the duct or
booth are tightly enclosed.
19. Exhaust ducts shall be constructed of steel having a thickness not less than that
indicated in Table 29 and shall be substantially supported:
Table 29: MINIMUM THICKNESS OF SPRAY BOOTH EXHAUST DUCTS, BY DIAMETER
 Diameter of duct Minimum thickness
20 cms or less (0.60 mm)
20 to 46 cms inclusive (0.75 mm)
46 to 76 cms inclusive (0.90 mm)
Over 76 cms (1.20 mm)

20. Unless the spray booth exhaust duct terminal is from a water-wash spray booth,
the terminal discharge point shall be not less than one and eight tenths meters
(1.80 m) from any combustible exterior wall or roof, nor discharge in the direction
of any combustible construction or unprotected opening in any noncombustible
exterior wall within seven and six tenths meters (7.60 m).
21. Exhaust ducts without dampers are preferred. However, if dampers are installed,
exhaust ducts shall be maintained so that they will be in a full open position at all
times the ventilating system is in operation.
22. Exhaust ducts shall have a clearance from unprotected combustible construction
or material of not less than forty-five centimeters (45 cm). If combustible
construction is provided with the following protection applied to all surfaces within
forty-five centimeters (45), clearance may be reduced to the distances indicated
in Table 30:
Table 30: CLEARANCE REQUIRED FROM EXHAUST DUCTS AND
UNPROTECTEDCOMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION FOR SPRAY BOOTHS, BY TYPE OF
PROTECTION USED
Protection Used Clearance required
cm in
Gauge 28 sheet metal on ¼ -inch asbestos 30.48 12

millboard.
Gauge 28 sheet metal on 1/8-inch asbestos 22.86 9
millboard space out 1 inch (2.54 cm) on
noncombustible spacers.
Gauge 22 sheet metal on 1-inch (2.54 cm) coated 7.62 3
batts reinforced with wire mesh or the
equivalent.
Where ducts are protected with an approved 15.24 6
automatic
sprinkler system, the clearance required in
section “V” of this section may be reduced.

23. Air exhaust from spray operations shall not be directed so that it will not
contaminate makeup air being introduced into the spraying area or other
ventilating intakes.
24. Exhaust ducts shall be permitted to be round, rectangular, or other suitable
shape. They shall be provided with doors, panels or other means to facilitate
inspection, maintenance, cleaning and access to fire protection devices.
25. Containers supplying spray nozzles shall be of closed type or provided with
closed metal covers. Containers not resting on floors shall be on non-
combustible supports or suspended by wire cables. Containers supplying spray
nozzles by gravity flow shall not exceed thirty eight liters (38ℓ) capacity.
26. All containers or piping to which a hose or flexible connection is attached shall be
provided with a shut-off valve at the connection. Such valve shall be kept shut
when not in use.
27. When pump is used to deliver products, automatic means shall be provided to
prevent pressure in excess of the design working pressure of accessories, piping
and hose.
28. All pressure hoses and couplings shall be inspected at regular intervals
appropriate to its intended use. The hose and coupling shall be tested with the
hose extended, and using the “in-service maximum operating pressures.” Any
hose showing material deformations, signs of leakage, or weakness in its
carcass or at the couplings, shall be withdrawn from service and repaired or
discarded.
29. Piping systems conveying flammable and combustible liquids shall be of steel or
other materials having comparable properties of resistance to heat and physical
damage. Piping systems shall be properly bonded and grounded.
30. Heaters shall not be located in spray booths nor other locations subject to the
accumulation of deposits or combustible residue.
31. If flammable or combustible liquids are supplied to spray nozzles by positive
displacement pumps, the pump discharge lines shall be provided with an
approved relief valve discharging to a pump suction or a safe detached location,
or a device provided to stop the prime mover if the discharge pressure exceeds
the safe operating pressure of the system.
32. Whenever flammable or combustible liquids are transferred from one container to
another, both containers shall be effectively bonded and grounded to prevent the
discharge sparks of static electricity.
33. In addition to the automatic fire control extinguishing equipment provided for
above, suitable portable fire protection equipment shall be provided near all
spraying areas as required for extra hazardous occupancies. For continuous
spray application, activation of fire extinguishing system shall automatically
accomplish all the following:
a. Activate a local alarm in the vicinity of the spraying operation and activate the
facility’s alarm system, if such is provided.
b. Shut down the coating material delivery system.
c. Terminate all spray application operations.
d. Stop conveyors into and out of the spray area.
34. A manual fire alarm and emergency system shut-down station shall be installed
to serve each spray area. When activated, this station shall accomplish all the
functions listed above. At least one (1) such station shall be within ready access
of operating personnel. If access to this station is likely to involve exposure to
danger, additional station shall be located adjacent to an exit from the area.
35. Automatic sprinklers protecting each spray booth (together with its connecting
exhaust) shall be under an accessibly located separate outside stem and yoke
(OS & Y) (gate valve mechanism) sub-control valve.
36. Sprinklers protecting spraying areas shall be kept as free from deposits or
overspray residue as practical by cleaning daily if necessary. If covered,
cellophane bags having a thickness of 0.076 mm or less, or thin paper bags shall
be used. Coverings shall be replaced frequently so that heavy deposits of
residue do not accumulate. Sprinklers that have been painted or coated, except
by the sprinkler manufacturer, shall be replaced with the new listed sprinklers
having the same characteristics.
37. All spraying areas shall be free from accumulation of deposits of combustible
residue as practical, with cleaning conducted daily if necessary. Scrapers, spuds,
or other tools used for cleaning purposes shall be of non-sparking material.
38. Residue scraping and debris contaminated with residue shall be immediately
removed from the premises and properly disposed of. An approved metal waste
cans shall be provided whenever rags or waste are impregnated with finishing
 material and all such rags or waste deposited therein are disposed of
immediately after use. The contents of waste cans shall be properly disposed of
at least once a day or at the end of each shift.
39. The use of solvents for cleaning operations shall be restricted to Class II and III
liquids as defined in this IRR and those having flashpoints not less than 100ºF,
except that the solvents with flash points not less than those normally used in
spraying operations may be used for cleaning spray nozzles and auxiliary
equipment, provided that such cleaning is conducted inside spray booths and
ventilating equipment is operating during cleaning.
40. Spray booths shall not be alternately used for different types of coating materials
where the combination of the materials may be conducive to spontaneous
ignition, unless all deposits of the first material used are removed from the booth
and exhaust ducts prior to spraying with the second material.
41. Spraying shall not be conducted outside of predetermined spraying areas.
42. Clothing of spray finishing employees shall not be left on the premises overnight
unless kept in metal lockers.
43. All electrical wiring and equipment of drying apparatus shall conform to the
provisions of this IRR and shall otherwise be installed in accordance with the
provisions of the Philippine Electrical Code. Only equipment of a type approved
for hazardous locations as provided for in this IRR shall be located within forty
five centimeters (45 cm) of the floor level. All metallic parts of drying apparatus
shall be properly, electrically bonded and grounded.
44. The drying apparatus shall contain a prominently located, permanently attached
warning sign indicating that ventilation should be maintained during the drying
period and that spraying should not be conducted in the vicinity that spray will
deposit on apparatus.
SECTION 10.4.7.3 DIPPING AND COATING PROCESSES
A. Construction
A. It shall be separated from other operations, materials, or occupancies by location,
firewalls, fire partitions, or by other means allowed in this IRR.
B. Dipping and coating tanks shall be constructed of steel, reinforced concrete,
masonry or other non-combustible materials and shall be securely and rigidly
supported. Supports for tanks that exceed one thousand eight hundred nine five
 liters (1895 ℓ) capacity or one square meter (1 m2) of liquid surface shall have a
minimum fire resistance rating of one (1) hour.
C. To prevent the overflow of burning liquid from the dipping and coating tank should a
fire in the tank actuate automatic sprinklers, the following requirements shall be
done:
a. Drain boards shall be arranged so that sprinkler discharge will not flow into the tank.
b. Tanks shall be equipped with automatic closing covers and overflow pipes.
c. The level of liquid in the dipping and coating tank shall be maintained not less than
one hundred and fifty two millimeters (152 mm) below the top of the tank to allow the
effective application of extinguishing agents in the event of fire.
d. Dipping and coating tanks that exceeds five hundred seventy liters (570 ℓ) in capacity
or ninety three-hundredths square meters (0.93 m2) in liquid surface area shall be
equipped with a properly trapped overflow pipe leading to a safe location.
e. The connection of the overflow pipe to the tank shall be made not less than
one hundred and fifty two millimeters (152 mm) below the top of the tank.
D. Dipping and coating tanks that exceed one thousand eight hundred nine five
liters (1,895 ℓ) in liquid capacity shall be equipped with bottom drains
automatically and manually arranged/operated to quickly drain the tank in
the event of fire, unless the viscosity of the liquid at normal atmosphere
makes this impractical. Manual operation shall be from a safe and
accessible location. Where gravity flow is not practicable, automatic pumps
shall be provided.
E. Such drains shall be trapped and discharged to a closed, properly vented
salvage tank or to a safe outside location.
F. The diameter of the bottom drain pipe or pipes shall be sized to empty the
dipping and coating tank within five (5) minutes, but in no case shall be
less than that indicated in Table 31:
Table 31: DIAMATER OF BOTTOM DRAIN PIPES, BY TANK CAPACITY
Tank capacity (liters) Pipe diameter (cm)

1900 to 2850 8
 2851 to 3800 10
3801 to 9500 13
9501 to 15000 15
Over 15000 20

G. Where salvage tank or tanks are employed, their capacity shall be greater
than the capacity of the dipping and coating tanks to which they are
connected. Pumping arrangement shall be provided for the retrieval of the
contents. The salvage tanks shall be emptied before the dipping and coating
tank is refilled.
H. Dipping and coating process utilizing conveyor systems shall be arranged to
automatically stop or cease motion in the event of fire and if the required
rate of ventilation is not maintained.
I. Open flames, spark-producing equipment/devices, or equipment whose exposed
surfaces exceed the auto-ignition temperature of dipping or coating liquid,
shall not be located in the process area unless the said equipment or
apparatus is of totally enclosed type and construction to prevent the
escape of sparks or particles of hot metal.
J. Electrical wiring and equipment that is located in the process area and is subject to
deposits of combustible residues shall be of explosion-proof type approved for use in
such hazardous locations in accordance with the Philippine Electrical Code.
K. Unless specifically approved for locations containing both deposits of readily
ignitable residue and explosive vapors, there shall be no electrical equipment in the
vicinity of dip tanks or associated drain boards or drying operations which are subject
to splashing or dripping or dip tank liquids, except wiring in rigid conduits or in
threaded boxes or fittings containing no taps, splices or terminal connections and
except as hereinafter specifically permitted relating to electrostatic apparatus.
L. Open flames or spark producing equipment, which is not separated by tight
partitions, shall not be located within six meters (6 m) in any floor space outside the
process area. Drying and fusion apparatus may be installed adjacent to process
areas subject to applicable provision of this rule.
M. In order to prevent sparks from the accumulation of static electricity, all persons and
all electrically conductive objects, including any metal parts of the process equipment
or apparatus, containers of material, exhaust ducts, and piping systems that convey
flammable or combustible liquids, shall be electrically grounded.
N. Hardening and tempering tanks shall conform to all applicable provisions of this
Section and the following:
a. Tanks shall be located as far as practicable from furnaces and shall not be
located on or near combustible floors.
b. Tanks shall be provided with a non-combustible hood and vent or other equally
effective means, venting to the outside of the building to serve as a vent in case
of fire. All such vent ducts shall be treated as flues and be kept away from
combustible roots or materials.
c. Tanks shall be equipped with a mechanical high temperature limit switch
arranged to sound the alarm when the temperature of the quenching medium
reaches ten degrees (10°C) Celsius below flash point.
d. Hardening and tempering tanks of over one thousand eight hundred ninety five
liters (1,895 ℓ) capacity or two and thirty-two hundredths square meters (2.32 m2)
surface area shall be protected as specified in section.
e. Air under pressure shall not be used to fill or to agitate oil in tanks, unless the air
feed system is provided with a mechanical shut off device that shall be activated
to effectively eliminate airflow once the mechanical alarm system required above
is actuated.
O. Dipping and coating processes of over five hundred seventy liters (570 ℓ) capacity or
ninety three hundredths square meters (0.93 m2) liquid surface area and containing
liquids having a flash points above 93°C shall be protected with an approved
automatic fire extinguishing system.
P. Covers arranged to close automatically in the event of fire shall be actuated by
approved automatic mechanical devices and shall be arranged for remote manual
operation.
Q. Covers shall be made of non-combustible materials with overlap sides by at least
twenty-five millimeters (25 mm) and have a recess or flange that extends downward
around the tank when it is closed.
R. Chains or wire ropes shall not be used to support the cover or operating mechanism
where the burning of a cord could interfere with the action of a device. All pulleys,
 catches, and other fasteners shall be made of metal and shall be attached to
noncombustible mountings.
S. Dipping and coating process areas shall be provided with mechanical ventilation that
is capable of confining the vapor area to not more than one thousand five hundred
twenty five millimeters (1525 mm) from the vapor source and removing the vapors in
a safe location. The concentration of the vapors in the exhaust stream of the
ventilation system shall not exceed twenty five percent (25%) of the lower flammable
limit. However, if the physical size of a process does not allow adequate removal of
vapors by mechanical ventilation alone, a properly designed enclosure shall be
provided and the ventilation shall be capable of confining all vapors to the enclosure.
H. Operation
1. Mechanical ventilation shall be kept in operation at all times while dipping and
coating processes are being conducted and for a sufficient time thereafter to
allow all vapors to be exhausted until the vapor area no longer constitutes a
vapor source. Where dipping and coating processes are conducted automatically
without an attendant constantly on duty, the operating controls shall be arranged
so that the apparatus cannot function unless the exhaust fans are operating.
3. Flow coat operations shall conform to the requirements for dipping and coating
tanks, considering the area of the sump and any area on which paints flow as the
surface area of a dipping and coating tank.
4. Paint shall be supplied by direct low pressure pumping arranged to automatically
shut down by means of approved heat mechanical devices in case of fire, or by
gravity tank not exceeding thirty-eight liters (38 ℓ) in capacity.
5. The processes of roll coating, spreading, and impregnating, in which fabrics,
paper or other materials are passed directly through a tank or through containing
flammable liquids, or over the surface of a roller that revolves partially
submerged in a flammable liquid, shall conform to the succeeding paragraph and
to the other applicable provisions of the foregoing sections of this IRR.
6. The storage and handling of flammable liquids shall be in accordance with
Section 10.3.4.2.1 and other pertinent provisions of the Fire Code of this
Philippines and this IRR.
B. Protection and Maintenance
1. Dipping and coating processes shall only be conducted in a building designed for the
purpose, protected with an approved automatic sprinkler system that is designed and
 installed in accordance with Section 10.2.6.5 of this IRR, and is separated vertically
and horizontally from other areas by construction of non-combustible material with a
fire resistance of two (2) hours.
2. It shall be located so that in the event of fire originating at the process of equipment,
access to means of egress will not be impaired.
3. Controls shall be provided to automatically shut down the dipping or coating process
and sound an alarm if the ventilating system fails.
4. Areas in the vicinity of dipping and coating operations, especially drain boards and
drip pans, shall be cleaned on a regular basis to minimize the accumulation of
combustible residues and unnecessary combustible materials. Combustible
coverings and strippable coatings shall be permitted to be used to facilitate cleaning
operations in dipping and coating areas. If residue accumulates in work areas, ducts,
duct discharge points, or other adjacent areas, all dipping and coating operations
shall be discontinued until conditions are corrected. Cleaning operations shall be
conducted with ventilating equipment in operation.
5. Approved waste container shall be provided for rags or waste impregnated with
flammable or combustible material, and all such rags or waste shall be deposited
therein immediately after use. The contents of waste cans shall be properly disposed
of at least once a day or at the end of each shift.
6. Periodic inspections or tests shall be made of all process tanks including covers,
overflow pipe inlets, outlets and discharges, bottom drains, pumps and valves,
electrical wiring and utilization equipment, grounding and bonding connections,
ventilation systems, and all extinguishing equipment. Any defects found shall be
promptly corrected. Inspection shall be conducted at least monthly.
7. Areas in the vicinity of dipping and coating processes shall be provided with suitable
portable fire extinguishers in accordance with Section 10.2.6.7 of this IRR.
8. Covers shall be kept closed when tanks are not in use.
9. Adequate arrangements shall be made to prevent sparks from static electricity by
electrically bonding and grounding all metallic rotating parts and other parts of
machinery and equipment and by the installation of static collectors or maintaining a
conducive atmosphere by means such as high relative humidity.

SECTION 10.4.7.4 ELECTROSTATIC APPARATUS

A. Construction
 1. A safe distance of six meters (6 m) shall be maintained between goods being
painted or treated and electrodes, electrostatic atomizing heads or conductors of
at least twice the sparkling distance. A suitable sign indicating this safe distance
shall be conspicuously posted near the assembly.
2. Electrostatic apparatus shall be equipped with automatic controls which will
operate without time delay to disconnect the power supply to the high voltage
transformer and to signal the operator under any of the following conditions:
a. Stoppage of ventilation fans or failure of ventilating equipment from any
cause.
b. Stoppage of the conveyor carrying goods through the high voltage.
c. Occurrence of a ground or of an imminent ground at any point on the high
voltage system.
d. Reduction of clearance below that specified in para "A" (1) of this Section.
3. Adequate booths, fencing, railing, or guards shall be placed around the
equipment so that, by either their location or character, or both, they assure that
a safe isolation of the process is maintained from plant storage or personnel.
Such railings, fencing, and guards shall be of conductive material, adequately
grounded, and shall be at least one and a half meters (1.5 m) from processing
equipment.
4. Electrodes and electrostatic atomizing heads shall be adequately supported in
permanent locations, and shall be effectively insulated from the ground.
Electrodes and electrostatic atomizing heads which are permanently attached to
their bases, supports, or reciprocators, shall be deemed to comply with this
Section. Insulators shall be nonferrous and non-combustible.
5. High-voltage leads to electrodes shall be properly insulated and protected from
mechanical injury or exposure to destructive chemicals. Electrostatic atomizing
heads and any exposed elements shall be effectively guarded against accidental
contact or grounding. Automatic means shall be provided for grounding the
electrode system when it is electrically de-energized for any reason.
B. Operation
1. Electrostatic apparatus and devices used in connection with paint spraying and
paint detearing operations shall be of a type conforming to internationally
approved standards.
 2. Transformers, power packs, control apparatus, and all other electric portions of
the equipment, shall be located outside of the spraying or vapor areas, and shall
conform to the requirements of the other provisions of this IRR.
C. Protection and Maintenance
1. Designate the process zone as dangerous with regard to fire and accident.
2. Signs designating the process zone as dangerous because of fire and accident
hazards shall be conspicuously posted.
3. Identify the grounding requirements for all electrically conductive objects in the
spray are, including persons.
4. Restrict access to qualified personnel only.
5. All insulators shall be kept clean and dry.
6. Drip plates and screens subject to paint deposits shall be removed and taken to
a safe place for cleaning.
7. The spraying area shall be adequately ventilated.
SECTION 10.4.7.5 AUTOMOBILE UNDERCOATING
A. Operation
1. When approved by the City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction,
automobile undercoating spray operations conducted in areas having adequate
natural or mechanical ventilation may be exempted from the requirements
pertaining to spray finishing operations when using undercoating materials which
are not more hazardous than kerosene, undercoating materials using only
solvents having a flash point in excess of thirty seven and eight-tenths degrees
Celsius (37.8°C), or no flames are within six thousand one hundred millimeters
(6100 mm) while such operations are conducted.
2. Undercoating spray operations not conforming to this provision are subject to all
applicable provisions of this IRR.
SECTION 10.4.7.6 POWDER COATING
A. Construction
A. Electrical equipment and other sources of ignition shall conform to the
requirements of the Philippine Electrical Code.
B. Exhaust ventilation shall be sufficient to maintain the atmosphere below the
lowest explosive limits for the material being applied. All non-deposited air-
suspended powders shall be safely removed via exhaust ducts to the powder
 recovery cyclone or receptacle. Powders shall not be released to the outside
atmosphere.
C. The provisions of internationally recognized standards for ovens and furnaces
shall apply.
D. Electrostatic fluidized beds and associated equipment shall be of approved
types. The maximum surface temperature of this equipment in the coating area
shall not exceed sixty-five and six-tenths degrees Celsius (65.6°C). High voltage
circuits shall be designed so as not to produce a spark of sufficient intensity to
ignite any powder-air mixture nor result in shock hazard upon coming in contact
with a grounded object under normal operating conditions.
E. Transformers, power packs, control apparatus and all other electrical portions of
the equipment, with the exception of the charging electrodes and their
connections to power, shall be located outside of the power coating area or shall
otherwise conform to the requirements of this IRR.
F. All electrically conductive objects within the charging influence of the electrodes
shall be adequately grounded. The powder coating equipment shall carry a
prominent, permanently installed warning sign regarding the necessity for
grounding these objects.
G. Objects being coated shall be maintained in contact with the conveyor or other
support in order to insure proper grounding. Hangers shall be regularly cleaned
to ensure effective contact, and areas of contact shall be sharp point or knife's
edges where possible.
H. Electrical equipment shall be so interlocked with the ventilation system, such that
the equipment cannot be operated unless the ventilation fans are in operation.
B. Operation
1. Powder coating operations shall be conducted in:
a. Completely enclosed rooms made of non-combustible materials/construction
with smooth surfaces designed to prevent accumulation of powder and to
facilitate cleaning; or
b. Enclosed powder coating facilities which are adequately ventilated, or
c. Adequately ventilated spray booths meeting the requirements of this IRR.
2. The application of powders by means of non-electrostatic fluidized bed or powder
spray gun normally requires the part to be preheated. Preheating is also
sometimes used with electrostatic equipment. Care must be taken to insure that
 the temperature of the part to be coated does not exceed the ignition
temperature of the powder being used.
3. Precaution shall be taken to minimize the possibility of ignition by static electrical
sparks through static grounding, where possible, of powder transport, application
and recovery equipment.
4. All areas shall be free from accumulation of powder coating dusts, particularly
such horizontal surfaces.
5. Surfaces shall be cleaned in such manner as to avoid scattering dust to other
places or creating dust clouds. Vacuum sweeping equipment, when used, shall
be of approved type for use in hazardous locations.
6. Care shall be exercised to prevent iron or spark-producing metals from being
introduced into the powder being applied. Magnetic and filter type separators are
recommended.
7. "NO SMOKING OR OPEN FLAMES" signs in letters on contrasting color
background shall be conspicuously posted at all powder coating areas and
powder storage rooms.
8. These provisions shall apply to finely ground particles protective finishing
material applied in dry powder form by one of the following methods:
a. Fluidized bed
b. Electrostatic fluidized bed
c. Powder spray guns
d. Electrostatic powder spray guns
9. Each method requires certain essential protective measures, which
shall be compatible with the method employed.
SECTION 10.4.7.7 ORGANIC PEROXIDES AND DUAL COMPONENT COATINGS
A. Operation
1. Extreme care should be exercised at all times in preventing the contamination of
organic peroxide formulations with any foreign substance. Only spray guns and
related handling equipment specifically manufactured for use with organic
peroxide formulations shall be used. Separate pressure vessels/air handling fluid
equipment shall be used for the resin and for the catalyst and they shall not be
interchanged.
2. The wetted portion of the equipment and apparatus that handle organic
peroxides formulations shall be made of stainless steel (300 series),
 polyethylene, Teflon, or other materials specifically recommended for the
application.
B. Protection and Maintenance
1. Organic peroxides shall be stored in a cool detached building apart from other
finishing materials. Only minimum daily requirements shall be brought to the
processing area. Such material remaining at the spraying station at the end of a
day's operation shall be carefully disposed of. Organic peroxides shall be kept
away from all sources of heat
2. Care shall be exercised in handling organic peroxide formulations to avoid shock
and friction, which can cause decomposition and violent reaction.
3. Organic peroxides shall not be mixed directly with any cobalt compounds or other
accelerators or promoters as violent decomposition or explosion may result. To
avoid the possibility of such accidental mixing, these materials shall not be stored
adjacent to each other.
4. Smoking shall be prohibited and "NO SMOKING" signs shall be prominently
displayed and only non-sparking tools shall be used in any area where organic
peroxides are stored, mixed or applied.
5. Only designated personnel trained to use and handle organic peroxide
formulations shall be permitted to work with such materials.
6. Extra care shall be exercised to prevent contamination of organic peroxide
formulations with dusts or overspray residue resulting from the sanding or spray
application of finishing materials. Such mixing can result in spontaneous fire or
explosion.
7. All spilled organic peroxides formulations shall be promptly removed. Spilled
material shall be absorbed by using a non-combustible absorbent and then
promptly disposed of in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation.
8. All spraying operations involving the use of organic peroxide formulations and
other dual component coatings shall be conducted in spray areas that are
protected by approved automatic sprinkler systems meeting the requirements of
Section 10.2.6.5.

DIVISION 8. RIPENING PROCESSES

SECTION 10.4.8.1 FSIC REQUIRED
 A Fire Safety Inspection Certificate shall be issued by the City/Municipal Fire Marshal
having jurisdiction as required for any fruit and crop ripening processes using
combustible or flammable gas.
SECTION 10.4.8.2 CONSTRUCTION
A. The location of buildings in which fruit ripening processes utilizing combustible or
flammable gas are conducted shall be approved by the City/Municipal Fire Marshal
having jurisdiction. In towns or municipalities without existing fire stations, the
approving authority is the Provincial Fire Marshal having jurisdiction.
B. Containers storing the gas or materials from which they are generated shall be built
in accordance with internationally recognized practice.
C. Electrical wiring and equipment shall be installed in accordance with the standards of
the Philippine Electrical Code.
D. Lighting shall be by approved electric lamps or fixtures.
E. Ethylene generators shall be listed and labeled including documentation that
ethylene concentration gas does not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the Lower
Explosive Limit (LEL).
SECTION 10.4.8.3 OPERATION
A. Gas piping shall be of iron pipe. Flexible connectors and hose, when used, shall be
of approved type. Tubing shall be of brass or copper with not less one-eight
centimeters (0.125 cm) wall thickness.
B. Ethylene gas shall be discharged only into approved rooms or enclosures. Valves
controlling discharge shall be provided by positive and fail-closed control of flow.
C. Ripening room shall be open for at least twenty minutes (20 min) every twelve hours
(12 hr) of operation.
D. Heating of ripening rooms shall be by indirect means utilizing low pressure steam,
hot water, or warm air. Approved electric heaters or approved gas or kerosene
heaters shall have sealed combustion chambers.
E. Steam, hot water pipes and radiators, shall have a clearance of at least two and a
half centimeters (2.5 cm) to combustible material.
F. Gas heaters and their vents shall be installed in accordance with internationally
recognized practice. Gas heaters shall be equipped with an automatic pilot device to
shut off the gas supply whenever the flame is extinguished.
 G. Burners for gas or kerosene heaters shall be installed in such a manner that the air
for combustion is taken from outside the ripening room and the products of
combustion are discharged to the outside.
H. Kerosene heaters shall be installed in accordance with the applicable provisions of
Rule 10, Chapter 4, Division 14, “Oil Burning Equipment”, of this IRR.
I. Electric heaters shall be of a type having no exposed surface at a temperature higher
than four hundred twenty six degrees Celsius (426oC) and with thermostatic
elements that produce no sparks and shall be of a type approved for use in
hazardous locations.
J. Protective guards shall be provided around heaters to prevent the possibility of their
being knocked over.
SECTION 10.4.8.4 PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE
A. Portable fire extinguisher shall be installed in building or structure with ripening
rooms.
B. Ripening rooms shall be cleared of all combustible materials at all time. Waste
materials shall be disposed of properly.
C. The combustible or flammable gas shall be introduced by some means under
positive control and measured so that the quantity introduced does not exceed one
(1) part of gas to one thousand (1,000) parts of air.
D. Containers other than those in actual use shall be stored outside of the building or in
a special building, except that not more than two portable approved containers not in
actual use may be stored inside the building premises. Such inside rooms or portions
of a building used for storage of these containers shall be constructed of fire resistive
walls and doors with a fire resistive rating of not less than two (2) hours.
E. Open flame heaters and open lights shall be prohibited in the ripening rooms.
F. "NO SMOKING" signs shall be posted at every entrance and smoking shall be
prohibited in the ripening rooms.
G. Approved warning signs indicating the danger involved and necessary precautions
shall be posted in conspicuous places.
DIVISION 9. FUMIGATION AND THERMAL INSECTICIDAL FOGGING
SECTION 10.4.9.1 FIRE SAFETY CLEARANCE
No person shall engage in fumigation or thermal insecticidal fogging without a fire safety
clearance from the City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction. An operational license
for fumigators from the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) is a prerequisite for the
 issuance of such clearance. For the issuance of clearance, the following must be
complied with:
A. The City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction shall be notified in writing at least
three (3) days before closing any structure or ship for fumigation or opening spaces
for fogging.
B. Notification shall provide the following information:
1. Business name of the applicant, its address and contact number;
2. Location or name of establishment/address to be fumigated or where fogging
operations are to be conducted;
3. Fumigants or insecticides, as well as thermal devices, to be used;
4. Person(s) responsible for the operation; and
5. Date and time of operation
C. Notice of any fumigation or thermal insecticidal fogging shall be served at least one
(1) day to the occupants involved in the premises to give them sufficient time for
evacuation or appropriate preparation for the operation.
SECTION 10.4.9.2 SOURCES OF IGNITION
A. All fires, open flames and similar sources of ignition shall not be allowed in spaces
under fumigation or thermal insecticidal fogging. Heating shall be done by indirect
means with steam or hot water.
B. Electricity shall be shut off during operations, except where circulating fans are used.
Such equipment shall be designed and installed in accordance with the Philippine
Electrical Code.
SECTION 10.4.9.3 WATCH PERSONNEL
A. During operation, the premises shall be sealed to keep the fumigant suspended in
the air. The owner/building administrator shall be responsible for the supervision of
the operation. Indoor fogging operations shall be supervised within three (3) to five
(5) hours from the time the premises are fumigated/fogged until all ventilation work is
completed.
B. For outdoor operations, the requesting party shall be the one responsible for the
supervision.
SECTION 10.4.9.4 SEALING OF BUILDING
Depending on the construction of the building, doors, windows, and all crevices, cracks
or openings in the building, or portion thereof shall be sealed with tape and plastic sheet
before fumigation materials are applied. In case of houses, a rubber tent shall be placed
 over the entire house to confine the poisonous gases or prevent them from escaping.
Irrespective of the type of fumigant employed, paper or other similar non-fire retardant
materials used as sealing or cover materials for buildings, except for approved
tarpaulins, in excess of that required is prohibited.
SECTION 10.4.9.5 WARNING SIGNS
Whenever fumigants are used or stored, conspicuous warning signs bearing the “skull
and crossbones” emblem with the words “DANGER, POISON GAS! KEEP OUT!” shall
be posted on all doors and entrances to the premises and upon all gangplanks and
ladders from the deck, pier or land to the ship. The signs shall also include the name of
the fumigant used; the fumigator’s name and his/her address and telephone number;
and the date and time of operation. Notices shall be printed in red ink on white
background. Letters in the headlines must be at least 2 inches (51 mm) in height. A
warning shall state that the occupied premises must be vacated at least two (2) to three
(3) hours before the operation begins and shall not be reentered until the danger signs
are removed by the proper authorities.
SECTION 10.4.9.6 VENTING AND CLEANUP
At the end of the exposure period, fumigators shall safely and properly ventilate the
premises and contents and properly dispose all fumigant containers, residues, debris
and other materials used in the fumigation.
SECTION 10.4.9.7 THERMAL INSECTICIDAL FOGGING LIQUIDS
No thermal insecticidal fogging liquid with a flash point below thirty-eight degrees Celsius
(38°C) shall be used. During operation, fog shall not be blasted directly against any
combustible object or materials.
SECTION 10.4.9.8 RESTRICTED FUMIGANTS
Use of Carbon Disulfide (CS2) and Hydrocyanic Acid (HCN) shall be used only in
agricultural fumigations.

DIVISION 10. REPAIR GARAGES

SECTION 10.4.10.1 CONSTRUCTION
A. Repair garages shall be built in accordance with the National Building Code, and the
provisions of this Section.
B. A repair garage shall not be located within or attached to a building or structure used
for any purpose other than a repair garage unless separated by walls and floor or
floor-ceiling assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than two (2) hours.
C. Any single area occupied for salesrooms, showrooms, offices, or similar spaces shall
be separated from vehicle repair or parking areas by walls and floor or floor-ceiling
assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than two (2) hours.
D. Ceiling assemblies shall be constructed in such a manner as to restrict the passage
of smoke, vehicle exhaust gases, and odors from the repair or parking area to these
spaces.
E. In cases of parts storage areas, it shall also be separated from all other portions of
the building by walls or partitions and floor or floor-ceiling assemblies having a fire
resistance rating of not less than two (2) hours.
F. In areas of repair garages used for repair or servicing of vehicles, floor assemblies
shall be constructed of noncombustible materials or, if combustible materials are
used in the assembly, shall be surfaced with approved noncombustible material.
Floors shall be liquid tight to prevent the leakage or seepage of liquids and shall be
sloped to facilitate the movement of water, fuel, or other liquids to floor drains.
G. In areas of repair garages where motor fuels are dispensed or where vehicles are
serviced, floor drains shall be provided. They shall be properly trapped and shall
discharge through an oil separator to the sewer or to an outside vented sump.
H. The contents of oil separators and traps of floor drainage systems shall be collected
at sufficiently frequent intervals to prevent oil from being carried into the sewers.
Disposal of which shall be in accordance with Rule 10, Chapter 4, Division 2 and
Section 10.3.4.2.1 of this IRR.
I. Pits and sub-floor work areas shall comply with the following:
1. Walls, floors, and piers shall be constructed of masonry, concrete, or other
suitable noncombustible material.
2. Pits shall have a minimum of two unobstructed means of egress. Steps shall be
noncombustible, slip resistant, and constructed with no accessible storage space
beneath.
3. Pits and sub-floor areas shall be provided with an individual ventilating system
capable of providing a complete air change every five minutes (5 min) with the
intake located near floor level.
J. Repair garages shall be limited in height and area, depending on the type of
construction, and shall be provided with proper ventilation fire protective system in
accordance with this IRR.
 K. Below-grade areas occupied for repairing, or communicating areas located below a
repair garage, shall be continuously ventilated by a mechanical ventilating system
having positive means for exhausting indoor air at a rate of not less than 1 m3/min
per m2 of floor area. An approved means of ventilation shall be provided for
introducing an equal amount of outdoor air.
SECTION 10.4.10.2 OPERATION
A. Welding, Cutting and Hot works Operations
1. Welding, cutting and hot works operations shall be in accordance with Rule 10,
Chapter 4, Division 17 of this IRR.
2. Electric arc welding generators or transformers, electrical wiring for light, power,
heat, and signal or control circuits, as well as electrically operated equipment,
tools, portable appliances, and devices shall be in accordance the Philippine
Electrical Code.
B. Spray Painting And Undercoating
A. Spray application operations, and processes shall be confined to spray booths,
spray rooms, or spray areas. There shall be no open flame devices or spark-
producing electrical equipment or appliances within six and one-tenth meters (6.1
m) radial distance horizontally while such operations are conducted.
B. Undercoating materials shall be dry before starting the engine of the undercoated
vehicle.
C. Where only a small portion of a vehicle is spray painted and no accumulations of
paint residues are allowed to form, such occasional painting shall be permitted in
an open area located not less than six and one-tenth meters (6.1 m) radial
distance horizontally from all open flame devices or spark-producing electrical
equipment or appliances.
SECTION 10.4.10.3 PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE
A. Fire Protective System
1. Approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in repair
garages in accordance with Section 10.2.6.5 of this IRR and under the
following conditions:
a. Repair garages more than one (1) storey in height or located beneath
another occupancy wherein such repair garage exceeds an area of
seventy hundred forty three square meters (743 m2).
 b. One-storey repair garages exceeding an area of one thousand one
hundred fifteen square meters (1,115 m2).
c. All below-grade floors of repair garages, the ceilings of which are less
than sixty-one hundredths meter (0.61 m) above grade.
2. Approved portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in all repair garages
conforming to the provisions of Section 10.2.6.7 of this IRR.
3. All repair garages that exceed a height of fifteen and two tenths meters (15.2
m), have parking levels below grade, or are unsprinklered and more than one
(1) storey in height shall be provided with one or more standpipes conforming
to the provisions Section 10.2.6.6.
B. Housekeeping
1. An authorized employee/ officer of the firm, or the owner shall make daily
inspections of the garage and shall be responsible for the prompt removal
or repair of any hazardous condition.
2. Clear aisle space shall be maintained to permit ready access to and the
use of fire-fighting equipment.
3. The contents of oil separators and traps of floor drainage systems shall
be collected at sufficiently frequent intervals to prevent oil from being
carried into the sewers.
4. Floors shall be kept clean and free of oil and grease. Only approved
water solutions or detergents, floor-sweeping compounds, and grease
absorbents shall be used for cleaning floors.
5. Metal lockers shall be provided for employees’ clothes.
6. Approved metal receptacles with self-closing covers shall be provided for
the storage or disposal of oil-soaked waste or clothes.
7. Combustible rubbish shall be placed in covered metal receptacles until
removed to a safe place for disposal. Contents of such containers shall
be removed daily.
8. “NO SMOKING” signage’s shall be conspicuously posted on hazardous
areas in accordance to Division 3, Chapter 5, Rule 10 of this IRR.

DIVISION 11. LUMBER YARDS, WOOD PROCESSING AND WOODWORKING FACILITIES

SECTION 10.4.11.1 CONSTRUCTION
A. Open Yard Storage
 1. Driveways between and around lumber piles shall be at least four and a
half meters (4.5 m) wide and maintained free from the accumulation of
rubbish, equipment or other articles or materials. Driveways shall be so
spaced that a maximum grid system unit of fifteen meters (15 m) by forty-
five meters (45 m) is produced.
2. Permanent lumber storage, operating under a permit from appropriate
government agencies, shall be surrounded with a suitable fence at least
one and eight tenths meters (1.8 m) in height, unless storage is within a
building.
B. Wood Processing and Woodworking Facilities
1. Building constructions shall be in accordance with the National Building
Code (NBC) and other accepted international standards.
2. Processing and wood working facilities shall be properly
compartmentalized and protected through fire walls and fire barriers to
prevent spread of fire and explosions or both between sections of the
facility with different hazards in accordance with Section 10.2.6.8 of this
IRR.
3. Fire protection features shall include separation of adjacent building by
open space, or separation of adjoining building areas by firewalls and fire
partitions, or draft curtain boards as well as elimination of unnecessary
opening through floors.
4. Raw material storage, finish product storage, manufacturing areas, non-
manufacturing areas and high hazard occupancies shall be considered as
different hazards.
5. Walls, floor, doors and openings shall comply with the following:
a. If walls are erected as firewalls between adjoining buildings, then they
shall be designed for a minimum of four (4)-hour fire resistance rating.
b. Interior walls erected as fire barrier between adjoining areas shall be
designed for a minimum of one (1)-hour fire resistance rating.
c. All penetrations of floors and walls shall be provided with fire-stopping
having a fire resistance rating equal to that of the floor or wall.
d. Piping and ductwork shall not be embedded in firewalls.
e. Interior walls erected to isolate dust explosion hazards shall be
designed for sufficient explosion resistance to preclude damage to
 these walls before the explosion pressure can be safely vented to the
outside.
f. Where there are openings in fire-rated assemblies such shall be
protected by approved, automatic-closing fire doors or fire dampers
that have a fire resistance rating equivalent to the fire-rated assembly.
g. Fire doors shall be installed in accordance with Section 10.2.5.3 of
this IRR.
h. Where there are openings in walls designed to be explosion resistant,
such shall be protected by doors that provide the same degree of
explosion protection as the walls. Such doors shall be
i. kept closed at all times when not in use. Such doors shall not be
considered as part of a means of egress. Such doors shall bemarked
“NOT AN EXIT.”
6. Surfaces and ledges in dusty areas shall comply with the following:
a. Interior surfaces and ledges shall be designed to minimize dust
accumulation.
b. Surfaces not readily accessible for cleaning shall be inclined at an
angle of not less than forty-five degrees (45°) from the horizontal to
minimize dust accumulation.
SECTION 10.4.11.2 OPERATION
A. Open Yard Storage
1. Lumber shall be piled with due regard to stability of piles, and in no case
higher than three meters (3 m). Where lumber is piled next to a property line,
it shall not be less than three meters (3 m) in distance.
2. The burning of shavings, sawdust, and refuse materials shall be permitted
only under boilers, in furnaces, or in incinerators or refuse burners safely
constructed which will eliminate the danger from sparks such as an
expansion chamber. At boilers or other points where sawdust of shavings are
used as fuel, a storage bin of non-combustible, with raised sill, shall be
provided.
3. Smoking shall be prohibited except in specified safe locations in buildings.
Large "NO SMOKING" signs shall be painted on exterior buildings walls and
on signs, erected at driveways' edges. "NO SMOKING" signs shall be posted
 throughout all buildings except in specified locations designated as safe for
smoking purposes.
4. Weeds shall be kept down throughout the entire year and shall be sprayed as
often as needed with a satisfactory weed killer or grubbed out. Dead weeds
shall be removed.
5. Debris such as sawdust, chips and shorts shall be removed daily. Proper
housekeeping shall be maintained at all times.
B. Wood Processing and Woodworking Facilities
1. Dust collecting system shall be designed in accordance with the Philippine
Mechanical Code and the latest edition of NFPA 664.
2. Thermal oil heating system shall be in accordance with the Philippine
Mechanical Code and the latest edition of NFPA 664.
3. Wood pulverizing operations shall be in accordance with the Philippine
Mechanical Code and the latest edition of NFPA 664.
4. Composite board plants shall be in accordance with the Philippine
Mechanical Code and the latest edition of NFPA 664.
SECTION 10.4.11.3 PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE
A. Open Yard Storage
An approved yard hydrant system or water barrels and pails shall be provided for
in open storage yards. Yard hydrant systems shall be installed in accordance
with internationally accepted standards. Water barrels with three pails each shall
be located at driveways so that a travel distance of at least ten meters (10 m) but
not more than twenty-three meters (23 m) along driveways is needed from any
part of the open yard to reach a barrel. Portable fire extinguishers shall be
provided in accordance with Section 10.2.6.7 of this IRR.
B. Wood Processing and Woodworking Facilities
A. Deflagration venting
a. If a dust explosion hazard exists in equipment, rooms, buildings, or
other enclosures, such areas shall be provided with deflagration
venting. An approved fire suppression system installed in accordance
with Section 10.2.6.5 of this IRR.
b. Where room or building dust accumulations exceed three millimeters
(3 mm) or where visible dust clouds exist, it shall be considered an
explosion hazard. In such rooms or buildings, an explosion hazard
 shall be provided with damage-limiting construction, including
deflagration venting to a safe outside location
B. Housekeeping
a. Removal of static dust shall be made for systematic, thorough cleaning of
the entire plant at sufficient intervals to prevent the accumulations of
finely divided wood dust that might be dislodged and lead to an explosion.
b. The use of compressed air or other similar means to remove dust
accumulations from areas that are not readily accessible for cleaning by
other methods shall be permitted only if done frequently enough to
prevent hazardous concentrations of dust in suspension. Any open flame
or spark-producing equipment shall not be used during blowdown.
c. Any metal scrap shall be separately collected and disposed so that it will
not enter the wood-handling or processing equipment, the dust-collecting
system, or the scrap wood hog.
C. Electrical installation and maintenance
a. All electrical installation and maintenance shall comply with the provisions
of Philippine Electrical Code.
b. Static electricity shall be prevented from accumulating on machines or on
equipment that is subject to accumulation of static electric charge by the
following methods:
i. Permanent grounding and bonding wires
ii. Grounded metal combs
iii. Other effective means
c. Lightning protection, if necessary, shall be installed in accordance
with the Philippine Electrical Code.
D. Fire Protective System
a. Portable fire extinguishers, and standpipes and hose systems, where
required, shall be provided in accordance with Section 10.2.6.7 of this
IRR. Hose stations of three and eight tenths centimeters (3.8-cm or 1
½ inch) diameter shall be provided throughout all woodworking
facilities.
b. Automatic sprinklers, where required, shall comply with Section
10.2.6.5 of this IRR. Deluge heads shall be used to protect hard-
toreach areas, such as spaces between press cylinders.
DIVISION 12. MECHANICAL REFRIGERATION
The principal applications of refrigeration systems include, but not limited to, the
following:
A. Industrial, refining, and chemical
1. Controlling vapor pressure of volatiles during distillation, separation, or
processing.
2. Shifting solubility relationships to permit segregation and removal of undesired
contents, such as asphalt or wax, in lubricating oils.
B. Manufacture, freezing, preservation, and distribution of food products
C. Air conditioning
D. Manufacture, preservation, and distribution of medicine and drugs
E. Environment testing chambers
F. Cold treatment of metals
G. Industrial testing
H. Miscellaneous
1. Cold storage of flowers and furs.
2. Ice making and skating rinks

SECTION 10.4.12.1 CONSTRUCTION

All mechanical refrigeration systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with
the provisions of this Division, PSME Code, IMC, NBC and other related acceptable
codes.
SECTION 10.4.12.2 OPERATION
A. Operating Instructions
1. An operating instruction shall be posted conspicuously and as near as
practicable to the refrigerant condensing unit.
2. The operating instruction shall include the following:
a. Instructions for shutting down the system in case of emergency;
b. Mechanical and substance specification;
c. The name, address and contact numbers for obtaining technical services;
and
 d. The name, address and telephone number of the local building official and
the City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction for notification.
B. Ammonia Diffusion Systems
1. Ammonia refrigerating plants containing more than thirteen and one half
kilograms (13.5 kg) of refrigerant shall be equipped with facilities for diffusing the
ammonia vapors.
2. Systems containing more than thirteen and one half kilograms (13.5 kg) of
refrigerant shall be discharged to the outside of the building at least sixty one
centimeters (61 cm) above the roof and so located that discharged refrigerants
will not cause discomfort or harmful effects to persons or such discharge shall be
directed into a tank of fresh water having a capacity of eight and a half liters (8.5
ℓ) for each kilogram of refrigerant and used for no other than ammonia
absorption.
3. Systems containing more than forty-five kilograms (45 kg) of refrigerant shall be
provided with an approved diffuser consisting of sixty-three and one half
millimeters (63.5 mm) hose connections, mixing chamber and a permanent
discharge connection to the sewer or drainage system.
4. Control valves for diffusers shall be outside of the machinery room in a box
protected against tampering. Such valve control box shall be plainly marked
“FOR FIRE SERVICE USE ONLY – AMMONIA CONTROL VALVES.”

SECTION 10.4.12.3 PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE

A. All refrigeration equipment shall be kept clean, free from accumulations of oil, dirt,
waste and other debris, and shall be easily accessible at all times and shall undergo
preventive maintenance program.
B. Each refrigerating system shall be provided with a legible metal sign permanently
attached and easily noticeable, indicating thereon the name and address of the
manufacturer or installer, the kind and total number of kilograms (pounds) of
refrigerant contained in the system, and the field test pressure applied.
C. Systems containing more than forty-five kilograms (45 kg) of refrigerant shall be
provided with signs having letters not less than one and one fourth centimeters (1.25
cm) in height designating the main shut-off-valves to each vessel, main steam or
electrical control, remote control switch and pressure limiting device.
D. Valve control box shall be plainly marked “FOR FIRE SERVICE USE ONLY –
REFRIGERANT CONTROL VALVES.”
E. No person shall be allowed to use any ozone depleting refrigerants in any
mechanical refrigeration system.