Dear PAO,

I want to start a business, and one of my concerns is the safety of everyone who will either be working inside or outside of our premises. May I know what are considered hazardous operations/processes where fire safety measures are required?

Lon

Dear Lon,

Please be informed of Section 3 of Republic Act 9514, “An Act Establishing a Comprehensive Fire Code of the Philippines, Repealing Presidential Decree No. 1185 and for Other Purposes,” which states that:

“SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. As used in this Fire Code, the following words and phrases shall mean and be construed as indicated: xxx

“Hazardous Operation/Process Any act of manufacturing, fabrication, conversion, etc., that uses or produces materials which are likely to cause fires or explosions.

“In relation thereto, Section 7(c) of the same law enumerates hazardous operations or processes as follows:

“SECTION 7. Inspections, Safety Measures, Fire Safety, Constructions and Protective and/or Warning Systems. As may be defined and provided in the rules and regulations, owners, administrators or occupants of buildings, structures and their premises or facilities and other responsible persons shall be required to comply with the following, as may be appropriate: xxx

“c) Safety Measures for Hazardous Operations/Processes Fire safety measures shall be required for the following hazardous operations/processes:

“(1) welding or soldering;

“(2) industrial baking and drying;

“(3) waste disposal;

“(4) pressurized/forced-draft burning equipment;

“(5) smelting and forging;

“(6) motion picture projection using electrical arc lamps;

“(7) refining, distillation and solvent extraction; and

“(8) such other operations or processes as may hereafter be prescribed in the rules and regulations.”

Once it is determined or ascertained that the business is involved in a hazardous operation or process, a fire safety measure is required. Please also be reminded that penalties and/or fines are imposable on those who would be proven to be guilty of violating any of the provisions of Republic Act 9514.

We hope that we were able to answer your queries. This advice is based solely on the facts you have narrated and our appreciation of the same. Our opinion may vary when other facts are changed or elaborated on.

Editor’s note: Dear PAO is a daily column of the Public Attorney’s Office. Questions for Chief Acosta may be sent to [email protected]