Basis and Reference to Standards
- The Philippine Bureau of Standards issued Standards Administrative Order No. 375.
- Implementing Rules and Regulations were published on December 11, 1980.
- The order is grounded on these standards to ensure compliance and public safety.
Scope of Procurement Restrictions
- Procurement of portable fire extinguishers by government entities including agencies, government-owned or controlled corporations, provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays is regulated.
- Only extinguishers falling under the following categories may be procured:
a. Locally manufactured portable fire extinguishers by firms licensed by the PBS and authorized to use the PBS mark.
b. Original imports from foreign manufacturers listed and authorized to use proof marks of their national standards organizations, or those manufactured per standards accepted by the PBS.
Required Labels and Markings
- All procured portable fire extinguishers must not be prohibited types.
- They must bear labels and markings as required under Rule 37 of the Fire Code (PD 1185).
- They must also comply with the Rules and Regulations implementing Standards Administrative Order No. 375.
Certification Requirements for Chemical Contents
- Suppliers must submit certification stating the chemical name and formula of the extinguishing agents.
- Weight or volume of agents must be indicated.
- If the agent is a mixture, percentage composition must be specified.
- This certification is an additional documentary requirement prior to payment authorization.
Certification of Existing Portable Fire Extinguishers
- Agencies must require similar certifications from suppliers of existing extinguishers and from firms/persons who performed refilling or recharging.
- Failure or refusal to submit certifications within 15 days of notice bars suppliers from future transactions with the agency.
- The agency head is obliged to inform the Director of the Bureau of Supply Coordination about such refusal for possible cancellation of Suppliers Identification Certificate.
Enforcement and Implementation
- The Director of the Bureau of Supply Coordination is directed to ensure strict implementation of this Executive Order.
Summary of Legal Obligations and Penalties
- Government entities are legally obligated to procure only compliant portable fire extinguishers.
- Suppliers must provide chemical certifications to substantiate safety and compliance.
- Non-compliant suppliers risk exclusion from government transactions and cancellation of certificates.
- This legal framework aims to protect public safety, uphold fair competition, and ensure the quality of fire extinguishing equipment used by the government.