BAGUIO CITY – A 1950s city ordinance that requires commercial and industrial establishments to provide fire extinguishers needs a major overhaul, a legislative monitoring report showed.
In a report submitted by the City Council Research Division to Vice Mayor Edison Bilog, on the status of Ordinance No. 197 series of 1954, local legislative assistant II Jackie Lou Rondez recommended the adoption of the suggestions made by concerned offices to improve the ordinance and ensure its full implementation.
In his comment, City Fire Marshall C/Insp. Nestor Gorio said some provisions of Ordinance No. 197-54 need to be reconciled with sections of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 9514 or the Revised Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008 to update the same.
He pointed to the sections in the Code which mandate fire marshals to designate the type and number of fire extinguishers to be installed and maintained particularly the portable and wheeled type and require the installation of the same even if the property is equipped with other devices like sprinklers, standpipe and hose.
He also suggested the adoption of the new schedule of fees and fines for violation of the requirement.
For its part, the City Buildings and Architecture Office under Engr. Nazita Banez through Engr. Rommel Pascual recommended the inclusion of the observance of all pertinent fire safety measures in the ordinance.
He asked that an additional section be added specifying the requirements for the provision of appropriate exits to ensure the fast and safe escape of occupants in cases of fire and other emergencies, fire alarm system and devices, enhanced education of occupants on fire prevention and appropriate penalties for violations.
Ordinance No. 197-54 requires owners of factories, warehouses, gasoline stations, theaters, bars, nightclubs and other places of amusement, hotels and lodging houses and other commercial and industrial establishments to provide themselves with fire extinguishers. – Aileen P. Refuerzo
