Question & AnswerQ&A (Resolution NO. FCTS-01-2017)
The resolution emphasizes the constitutional principle that the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and the promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment of the blessings of democracy by all people (Sec. 5, Art. 11, 1987 Philippine Constitution).
The Bureau of Fire Protection is responsible for the prevention and suppression of all destructive fires on buildings, houses, structures, forest, land transportation vehicles, equipment, ships or vessels docked at piers or anchored in seaports, petroleum industry installations, plane crashes, and other similar incidents, as well as the enforcement of the Fire Code and other related laws (Sec. 54, R.A. 6975).
The FCTS is mandated to study, review, and evaluate the latest developments and standards on fire technology and advise the Chief of the BFP on any matter brought to its attention pursuant to Section 6 of RA 9514 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.
It limits the number of seats between aisles to fourteen (14) and rows of seats opening onto an aisle at one side only to seven (7) rows.
NFPA 101 allows more than fourteen seats between aisles provided that the aisle access way is increased as a function of row length, with specific measurements for aisle width and maximum row length to ensure safety during evacuation.
The National Building Code allows the number of seats between aisles to increase to thirty (30) if exit doors are provided along each side aisle at a rate of one pair of exit doors for every five rows of seats, with at least 1.00 meter distance between seats back to back and exit doors having a minimum clear width of 1.70 meters.
Because increased seating leads to more occupants and potentially slower evacuation, smoke management systems are necessary to protect occupants from the adverse effects of smoke inhalation during fire emergencies by controlling contaminated atmosphere in the fire area.
The amendments provide that aisle width shall be a minimum of 305 mm and increased by 7.6 mm for every seat over 14, but not to exceed 560 mm; rows served by aisles at both ends shall not exceed 100 seats; and rows served by an aisle or doorway at one end only shall have a travel path not exceeding 9 meters.
Such buildings must be provided with a smoke management system that ensures contaminated atmosphere emanating from fire does not exceed one percent by volume to protect occupant safety during evacuation.
The amendment takes effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.