THE FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES 2008

DIVISION 4. FIRE SAFETY INSPECTION CERTIFICATE

SECTION 10.2.7.5 ELEVATORS AND ESCALATORS

 Elevator installations shall be in accordance with the PSME Code.
 All new elevators shall conform to the firefighters’ emergency operations requirements of ASME
A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, except buildings of less than 5-storeys in height.
 Elevators shall be subject to periodic inspections and tests by building management, without
prejudice to the power or authority of the BFP to conduct inspections. All elevators equipped
with firefighters’ emergency operation in accordance with paragraph (2) hereof shall be subject
to a monthly operation with a written record of the findings made and kept by the building
management. Such record shall be included in the submission of FALAR 3.

SECTION 10.2.7.6 INSTALLATION CLEARANCE

All equipment/utilities/facilities mentioned in Section 10.2.7.1 to 10.2.7.5 of this IRR shall not be
installed without first securing an installation clearance from the C/MFM having jurisdiction. This
installation clearance shall be a pre-requisite for the issuance of permits required by law for these
installations.

DIVISION 8. PLACES OF ASSEMBLY

SECTION 10.2.8.1 OCCUPANT LOAD
 The occupant load permitted in any assembly building, structure, or portion thereof shall be
determined by dividing the net floor area or space assigned to that use by the square meter per
occupant as follows:
1. As assembly area of concentrated use without fixed seats such as an auditorium, place of
worship, dance floor, and lodge room: sixty-five hundredths (0.65) square meter per person.
2. An assembly area of less concentrated use such as conference room, dining room, drinking
establishment, exhibit room, gymnasium, or lounge: one and four-tenths (1.4) square meters
per person.
3. Standing room or waiting space: twenty-eight hundredths (0.28) square meter per person.
4. The occupant load of an area having fixed seats shall be determined by the number of fixed
seats installed. Required aisle space serving the fixed seats shall not be used to increase the
occupant load.
5. Every room constituting a place of assembly and not having fixed seats shall have the
occupant load of the room posted in a conspicuous place near the main exit from the room.
Approved signs shall be maintained in legible manner. Signs shall be durable and shall indicate
the number of occupants permitted for each room.
6. In theaters and similar places of assembly where person are admitted to the building at times
when seats are not available for them and are allowed to wait in a lobby or similar space until
seats are available, such use of lobby or similar spaces shall not encroach upon the required
clear width of exits. Such waiting spaces shall be restricted to areas other than the required
means of egress. Exits shall be provided for such waiting spaces on the basis of one person for
each one-fourth (0.25) square meters of waiting space area. Such exits shall be in addition to the
exits specified for the main auditorium area and shall conform in construction and arrangement
to the general rules for exits given in this division.
 7. In areas not in excess of nine hundred thirty square meters (930 m2), the occupant load shall
not exceed one person in forty-six tenths square meters (0.46 m2); in areas in excess of nine
hundred thirty square meters (930 m2), the occupant load shall not exceed one person in sixty-
five tenths square meters (0.65 m2).

SECTION 10.2.8.2 EXIT DETAILS

 Capacity of Exits
1. The capacity of means of egress shall be in accordance with Section 10.2.5.2 paragraph C or
shall be in accordance with succeeding paragraph for means of egress serving theater-type
seating or similar seating arranged in rows.
2. Minimum clear width of aisles and other means of egress serving theater-type seating, or
similar seating arranged in rows, shall be in accordance with Table 11 below.
Table 11: CAPACITY FACTORS FOR THEATER TYPE SEATING
No. of seats
Clear width per seat served (in mm)
Stairs Passageways, Ramps, and
Doorways
Unlimited 7.6 AB 5.6C
3. The minimum clear widths shown in Table 11 shall be modified in accordance with all of the
following:
a. If risers exceed one hundred seventy-eight millimeters (178 mm) in height, multiply
the stair width in Table 8 by factor A, where
A = 1 + (RISER HEIGHT – 178/125)
b. Stairs without a handrail located within a seven hundred sixty millimeters (760 mm)
horizontal distance shall be 25 percent wider than otherwise calculated, that is, multiply
by factor B = 1.25.
c. Ramps steeper than 1 in 10 slope where used in ascent shall have their widths
increased by 10 percent, that is, multiply by factor C = 1.10.
 Minimum Number of Exit
The number of exits shall be in accordance with Section 10.2.5.2 para “G” of this IRR .
 Location of Exits
1. Main Exit
Every assembly occupancy shall be provided with a main exit. The main exit shall be of sufficient
width to accommodate one-half (1/2) of the total occupant load, but shall be not less than the
total required width of all aisles, exit passageways and stairways leading thereto, and shall
connect to a stairway or ramp leading to a street.
2. Other Exits
Each level of an assembly occupancy shall have access to the main exit and an addition shall be
provided with exits of sufficient width to accommodate two-thirds (2/3) of the total occupant
load served by that level. Such exits shall open directly to a street or into an exit court, enclosed
stairway, outside stairway, or exit passageway leading to a street. Such exits shall be located as
far apart and as far from the main exits as practicable. Such exits shall be accessible from a cross
aisle or a side aisle.
 Minimum Corridor Width
The width of any exit access corridor serving 50 or more persons shall not be less than one hundred
twelve centimeters (112 cm).
 Travel Distance To Exits
Exits shall be so arranged that the total length of travel from any point to reach an exit will not
exceed forty six (46) meters in any place of assembly for spaces not protected by approved,
supervised sprinkler system and sixty one (61) meters in areas so protected.
 Types of Exits
1. Exits of the specified number and width shall be of one or more of the following types, in
accordance with the provisions of Division 5 of this Rule.
a. Doors of the swinging type leading directly outside or through a lobby or passageway
leading to the outside of the building.
b. Horizontal exits
c. Smoke proof enclosures
d. Stairs
e. Ramps
2. Turnstiles
No turnstiles or other devices to restrict the movement of persons shall be installed in any place
of assembly in such a manner as to interfere in any way with required exit facilities. (See Division
5 of this Chapter for further requirements for turnstiles).
 Panic Hardware
An exit door from an assembly occupancy shall not be provided with a latch or lock unless it is panic
hardware.
 Seating, Aisles and Railings
1. Seating
a. The spacing of rows of seats from back to back shall be not less than eighty three
centimeters (83 cm), nor less than sixty eight centimeters (68 cm) plus the sum of the
thickness of the back and inclination of the back. There shall be a space of not less than
thirty centimeters (30 cm) from the back of one seat and the front of the seat
immediately behind it as measured between plumb lines.
b. Rows of seats between aisles shall have not more than fourteen (14) seats.
c. Rows of seats opening onto an aisle at one side only shall have not more than seven
(7) seats.
d. Seats without dividing arms shall have their capacity determined by allowing sixty
centimeters (60 cm) per person.
2. Aisles
Every portion of any assembly building which contains seats, tables, displays, equipment, or
other materials shall be provided with aisles leading to exit as follows:
a. When serving more than sixty (60) seats; every aisle shall be not less than nine
hundred fifteen millimeters (915 mm) when serving seats on one side only and not less
than one hundred twenty-two centimeters (122 cm) when serving seats on both sides.
Such minimum width shall be measured at the point farthest from an exit, cross aisles,
or foyer and shall be increased in width by two and a half centimeters (2.5 cm) for each
meter in length toward the exit, cross aisles, or foyer.
b. When serving sixty (60) seats or less, aisles shall be not less than seventy six
centimeters (76 cm) wide.
c. Aisles shall terminate in a cross aisle, foyer, or exit. The width of such cross aisle,
foyer, or exit shall be not less than the sum of the required width of the widest aisle plus
fifty (50%) percent of the total required width of the remaining aisles which it serves.
d. No dead-end aisle shall be greater than six and one-tenth meters (6.1 m) in length. In
arena or thrust stage theaters, dead-end aisles at the stage shall not exceed five rows
beyond a cross aisle.
 e. The length of travel to an exit door by any aisle shall be not greater than forty six
meters (46 m).
f. Steps shall not be placed in aisles to overcome differences in level unless the gradient
exceeds twelve and a half (12.5%) percent.
Steps in aisles shall conform to the requirement for stairs as to rise end tread.
g. The gradient of sloping aisles shall not exceed twelve and a half (12.5%) percent.
3. Railings
a. The fasciae of boxes, balconies and galleries shall have substantial railings not less
than sixty six centimeters (66 cm) high above the floor.
b. The railings at the ends of aisles extending to the fasciae shall be not less than
seventy six centimeters (76 cm) high for the width of the aisle, or ninety one
centimeters (91 cm) high if at foot of steps.
c. Cross aisles shall be provided with railings not less than sixty-six (66) centimeters high.
 Lighting and Signs
1. All places of assembly shall have exit lighting in accordance with Section 10.2.5.11 and signs in
accordance with Section 10.2.5.12 of this IRR. All places of assembly shall be provided with
emergency lighting.
2. In every auditorium or other places of assembly where pictures, motion pictures or other
projections are made by means of directed light, the illumination projections are made by
means of directed light, the illumination of the floors of exit access may be reduced during such
period projection to values of not less than two ten-thousandths (0.0002) lumen per square
centimeter.
 Exits Common to Other Occupancies
1. Places of assembly in building of other occupancy may use exits common to the place of
assembly and the other occupancy provided that the assembly area and the other occupancy
considered separately each have exits sufficient to meet the requirements of this Chapter.
2. Exits shall be sufficient for simultaneous occupancy of both the place of assembly and other
parts of the building.

SECTION 10.2.8.3 STAGE AND ENCLOSED PLATFORM

 Definitions
1. Enclosed Platform – is a partially enclosed portion of an assembly room the ceiling of which is
not more than one hundred fifty five centimeters (155 cm) above the proscenium opening of
which is designed or used for the presentation of plays, demonstrations, or other entertainment
wherein scenery, drops, decorations or other effects may be installed or used.
2. Stage – is partially enclosed portion of an assembly building which is designed or used for the
presentation of plays, demonstrations, or other entertainment wherein scenery, drops or other
effects may be installed or used, and where the distance between the top of the proscenium
opening and the ceiling above the stage in more than one hundred fifty two centimeters (152
cm).
3. Thrust Stage – is that portion of a stage which projects into the audience on the audience side
of a proscenium wall or opening.
4. Arena stage – is a stage of platform open on at least three (3) sides to audience seating. It
may be with or without overhead scene handling facilities.
5. Proscenium wall – is a fire resistive wall which separates a stage or enclosed platform from
the public or spectators' area of an auditorium or theater.
 Every stage equipped with fly galleries, gridirons, and rigging for movable theater-type scenery,
and every enclosed platform larger than forty six and a half square meters (46.5 m2) in area
 shall be protected with the automatic fire suppression system at the ceiling, under the gridiron,
in usable spaces under the stage or platform and in auxiliary spaces and dressing rooms,
storerooms, and workshops.
When opening are provided in the stage floor for stage lifts, trap doors or stairs, automatic fire
suppression system shall be provided around the opening at the ceiling below the stage, and
baffles at least thirty (30)centimeters in depth shall be installed around the perimeter of the
opening.
 Every stage and every enclosed platform larger than forty six and a half square meters (46.5 m2)
shall have ventilators in or above it, operable from the stage floor by hand and also opening by
fusible links or other approved automatic heat actuated device, or heat and smoke actuated
device, to give a free opening equal to at least five (5) percent of the area floor of the stage or
enclosed platform. Where mechanical ventilation is provided it shall be so arranged that natural
ventilation, at least equal to the above, will be available. Make up air for mechanical ventilation
shall not be obtained from the audience (seating) areas.
 The proscenium opening of every stage shall be provided with a fire resistant curtain
constructed and mounted so as to intercept hot gases, flames, and smoke, and to prevent glow
from a severe fire on the stage showing on the auditorium side within a five (5) minute period.
The curtain shall be automatic closing without the use of applied power.
 Every stage shall be provided with a fire control station located on or adjoining the stage. The
fire control station shall have the following:
1. Lights to indicate the operations of all emergency lights and power circuits.
2. Manual operating devices to actuate automatic spray heads at proscenium, proscenium
curtain, and smoke vents.
3. Indicator light to show that the automatic fire suppression system is operating, or sprinkler
system valves are open and system is charged with water under pressure.
4. A public address system energized from normal and emergency light and power sources.
5. An alarm system connected to the manager's office, dressing rooms, and auxiliary stage
spaces. It shall not sound an alarm audible in the audience or seating portion of the theater.
 Auxiliary stage spaces such as under-stage areas, dressing rooms, workshops and similar spaces
associated with the functioning of a stage shall comply with the following:
1. No point within any auxiliary space shall be more than fifteen and one fourth meters (15.25
m) from a door providing access to an exit.
2. There shall be at least two (2) exits available from every auxiliary stage space, one of which
shall be available within a travel distance of twenty three meters (23 m). A common path of
travel of six meters (6m) to the two (2) exits shall be permitted.
3. Auxiliary stage spaces shall be protected as provided under this Section.
4. No workshop involving the use of combustible or flammable paint, liquids, or gases, or their
storage shall open directly upon a stage.
 Where approved, supervised sprinkler system is not required, the proscenium wall of every
theater using movable scenery or decorations shall not have more than two (2) openings
entering the stage, exclusive of the proscenium opening. Such opening shall not exceed two
square meters (2 m2) each and shall be fitted with self-closing fire doors.
 Each stage shall be equipped with a one and a half inch (38.1 millimeters) wet-standpipe
equipped with at least 30 meters hose on -each side of the stage.

SECTION 10.2.8.8 PROTECTION

  Protection of Vertical Opening
Any vertical opening shall be enclosed or protected in accordance with Section 10.2.5.2 of this IRR.
 Interior Finish
1. The interior finish requirements of this Section shall be in accordance with Section 10.2.6.3 of
this IRR and subject to modifications specified therein.
2. Interior finish in all means of egress in all places of assembly shall be Class A.
3. Interior finish in general assembly areas shall be Class A.
4. Screen on which pictures are projected shall comply with requirements of Class A or Class B
interior finish, as the case maybe.
 Protection from Hazards
Rooms or spaces used for hazardous equipment, operations and process, such as but not limited to
rooms containing high –pressure vessels, refrigerating machineries, large transformers, or other
service equipment; rooms or spaces used for the storage, processing or use of boilers or furnaces,
combustible supplies, hazardous materials or flammable or combustible liquids; laundries; and
maintenance shops including woodworking and painting areas; shall not be directly located under or
abutting required exits and shall be separated from other parts of the building by fire barriers by
construction of not less than 1 hour fire resistance rating.
 Fire Detection and Alarm System
1. All assembly occupancies shall be provided with fire alarm system with manual initiation,
provided, however that where occupants of the building exceed 300 persons, the initiation shall
be through an automatic detection system.
2. The required fire alarm system shall activate an audible and visible alarm in a constantly
attended receiving station within the building when occupied for purposes of initiating
emergency action.
 Extinguishing Requirement
1. The following assembly occupancies shall be protected throughout by an approved,
supervised automatic sprinkler system:
a. bars with live entertainment;
b. dance halls;
c. discotheques; and
d. assembly occupancies with festival seating.
2. Buildings containing assembly occupancies with occupant loads of more than 300 shall be
protected by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system:
a. throughout the storey containing the assembly occupancy;
b. throughout all storeys below the storey containing the assembly occupancy;
c. in case of an assembly occupancy located below the level of exit discharge,
throughout all storeys intervening between that storey and the level of exit discharge,
including the level of exit discharge.
3. The provisions of para “E” (1) and (2) above shall not apply to assembly occupancies
consisting of single multipurpose room of less than 1115 square meters that are not used for
exhibition or display and are not part of a mixed occupancy, all assembly occupancy with all
sides open and places of worship at the level of exit discharge with sufficient means of egress.

SECTION 10.2.8.9 BUILDING SERVICE EQUIPMENT

 Elevators
 Elevators shall not constitute required means of exit. When places of assembly are more than three
(3) storeys above ground level and equipped with automatic elevators, at least one elevator shall be
designed and equipped for fire emergency use by members of the BFP, or as may be determined by
the City/Municipal Fire Marshal. Key operation shall transfer automatic elevator operation to
manual and bring elevator to ground or first floor use by said members. The elevator shall be
situated so as to be readily accessible.
 Air Conditioning
All air conditioning, heating, and ventilation installations shall comply with the provisions of Division
7 of this Chapter.
 Special Provisions for Food Service Establishments
1. All devices in connection with the preparation of food shall be installed and operated to avoid
hazard to the safety of occupants and shall be installed and maintained in accordance with good
engineering practice.
2. Cooking equipment shall be protected by automatic kitchen hood fire suppression in
accordance with NFPA 96, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial
Cooking Operations.

SECTION 10.2.8.10 PLAN OF EXIT WAYS AISLES

 A plan showing the capacity and location of the exit ways and aisles thereto shall be submitted
for approval by the City/Municipal Fire Marshal, and approved copy of such plan shall be kept
prominently on display in the premises.
 In all theaters, nightclubs, dance halls and similar occupancies, an audible announcement and
other means of announcement shall be made prior to the performance describing the location
of exits to be used in case of fire or other emergencies.

SECTION 10.2.8.11 OVERCROWDING

No person shall permit the overcrowding or admittance of any person beyond the approved capacity of
any place of public assemblage. The City/Municipal Fire Marshal, upon finding any overcrowding
condition or obstruction in aisles, passageways or other means of egress; or upon finding any condition
which constitutes a serious menace of life, shall cause the performance, presentation, or entertainment
to be stopped until the condition or obstruction is corrected.

SECTION 10.2.8.12 STANDBY FIREMEN

 The City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction whenever in his judgment, it is essential for
public safety to deploy standby firemen in any place of public assembly, or any other place
where people congregate, due to the number of persons, or the nature of the performance,
exhibition, display contest or activity, is authorized to detail standby firemen at such place.
 The said firemen shall be in uniform and remain on duty during the time such places are open to
the public, or when the activity is being conducted. Before each performance or the start of the
activity, the said firemen shall inspect the required fire appliances provided, to see that they are
in proper place and in good working order, and shall keep diligent watch for fires during the
time such place is open to the public or such activity is being conducted and take prompt
measures for the extinguishment of fire that may occur.

SECTION 10.2.8.13 OUTDOOR ASSEMBLY

  All grandstands, tents, and other places of outdoor assembly shall comply with the requirements
of NFPA Pamphlet No. 102, “Standards for Tents, Grandstands, and Air-Supported Structures
used for Public Assembly”.
 Grandstand and bleacher type seating may be used as indoor type seating only when it meets
with the requirements of this Division.

SECTION 10.2.8.14 UNDERGROUND STRUCTURE AND WINDOWLESS BUILDINGS

The requirements of underground structures and windowless buildings used as places of assembly shall
be in accordance with Division 17 of this Chapter.

SECTION 10.2.8.15 SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR EXHIBITIONS HALLS

 No display or exhibit shall be so installed or operated as to interfere in any way with access to
any required exit or with visibility of any required exit or of any required exit sign, nor shall any
display block access to firefighting equipment.
 All displays or exhibits of combustible material or construction and all booths and temporary
construction in connection therewith shall be so limited in combustibility or protected as to
avoid any undue hazard of fire which might endanger occupants before they have opportunity
to use available exits.
 Any place of assembly used for exhibition or display purposes shall be equipped with a complete
automatic fire suppression system, when the exhibition or display area exceeds one thousand
three hundred ninety four square meters (1394 m2). For combustible materials not on display,
storage room having an enclosure with a fire resistance rating of at least two (2) hours and
protected by an automatic fire extinguishing system shall be provided.

SECTION 10.2.8.16 EXISTING PLACES OF ASSEMBLY

 Capacity Limitations
In existing places of assembly, the Chief, BFP or his duly authorized representative may permit
occupancy by number of persons not to exceed that for which the existing exits are adequate
provided that measures are established satisfactory to the Chief, BFP or his duly authorized
representative to prevent occupancy by any greater number of persons based on the calculated
occupant load of the building.
 INTERIOR FINISH
Provisions of Section 10.2.6.3 of this IRR shall apply in existing places of assembly where interior
finish does not conform to the requirements for new assembly buildings.

SECTION 10.2.8.17 PROJECTION ROOMS FOR SAFETY FILM

 Every projection room shall be of permanent construction consistent with the construction
requirements for the Type of building in which the projection room is located. The room shall
have a floor area of not less than seven and four-tenths square meters (7.4 m2) for a single
machine and at least three and three-fourths square meters (3.75 m2) for each additional
machine. Each motion picture projector, floodlight, spotlight, or similar piece of equipment shall
have a clear working space not less than two and one-fourth square meters (2.25 m2).
 Each projection room shall be at least one out-swinging, self-closing door not less than seventy
six centimeters (76 cm) wide by two meters (2 m) high.
 The aggregate of ports and openings for projection equipment shall not exceed twenty-five
percent (25%) of the area of the wall between the projection room and the auditorium. All
 opening shall be provided with glass or other approved materials, so as to completely close the
opening.
 Projection booth room ventilation shall be not less than the following:
1. Supply Air
Each projection room shall be provided with two or more separate fresh air inlet ducts with
screened openings terminating within thirty centimeters (30 cm) of the floor, and located at
opposite ends of the room. Such air inlets shall be of sufficient size to permit an air change every
three minutes. Fresh air may be supplied from the general building air conditioning system,
providing it is so arranged that the projection booth will continue to receive one change of air
every three (3) minutes, when no other air is supplied by the general air conditioning system.
2. Exhaust Air
Each projection room shall be provided with one or more exhaust air outlets which may be
manifold into a single duct outside the booth.
Such outlets shall be so located as to ensure circulation throughout the room. Projection room
exhaust air system shall be independent of any other air systems in the buildings. Exhaust air
ducts shall terminate at the exterior of the building in such a location that the exhaust system
shall be mechanically operated and of such a capacity as to provide a minimum of one change of
air every three minutes. The blower motor shall be outside the duct system. The projection
room ventilation system may also appurtenant rooms, such as the generator room and the
rewind room.
 Each projection machine shall be provided with an exhaust duct which will draw air from each
lamp and exhaust it directly to the outside of the building in such a fashion that it will not be
picked up by supply inlets.
Such a duct shall be of rigid materials, except for a continuous flexible connector approved for
the purpose. The lamp exhaust systems shall not be interconnected with any other system.
1. Electric Arc Projection Equipment
The exhaust capacity shall be five and two-thirds cubic meters (5.66 m3) per minute for each
lamp connected to the lamp exhaust system or as recommended by the equipment
manufacturer, whichever is greater. Auxiliary air may be introduced into the system through a
screened opening to stabilize the arc.
2. Xenon Projection Equipment
The lamp exhaust shall exhaust not less than eight and one-half (8.5) cubic meters per minute
per lamp, nor less than that exhaust volume required or recommended by the equipment
manufacturer, whichever is greater. The external temperature of the lamp housing shall not
exceed fifty four and one-half (54.5°C) degrees Celsius when operating.
 Each projection room shall be provided with rewind and film storage facilities.
 A maximum of four (4) containers for flammable liquids not greater than one-half liter (0.5ℓ)
capacity and of a non-breakable type may be permitted in each projection booth.
 Appurtenant electrical equipment such as rheostats, transformers, and generators may be
located within the booth or in a separate room of equivalent fire resistance construction.

SECTION 10.2.8.18 OPEN FLAME

No person shall cause or permit any open flame to be used in any place of public assemblage, or
drinking or eating establishments, except when used in conjunction with approved heating or cooking
appliances or under a written permit from the City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction.
 DIVISION 12. RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES

SECTION 10.2.12.1 CLASSIFICATION

Residential occupancies shall include all occupancies so classified in Division 3 of this IRR. They shall be
classified in the following groups, subject to determination by the Chief, BFP or his duly authorized
representative.
 Hotels – includes buildings or groups of building under the same management in which there
are more than fifteen (15) sleeping accommodations for hire, primarily used by transients who
are lodged with or without meals, whether designated as a hotel, inn, motel, or by any other
name. So-called appartelle, condotel or pension houses shall be classified as hotels, because
they are potentially subject to transient occupancy like that of hotels.
 Dormitories – includes buildings where group sleeping accommodation are provided for
persons, not members of the same family group in one room or in series of closely associated
room under joint occupancy and single management, as in college dormitories, convents,
fraternity houses, military barracks, and the like.
 Apartment Buildings – includes buildings containing three (3) or more living units independent
cooking and bathroom facilities, whether designated as condominium, row house, apartment
house, tenement, garden apartment, or by any other name.
 Lodging or Rooming Houses – includes building in which separate sleeping rooms are rented
providing sleeping accommodations for a total of fifteen (15) or less persons, on either a
transient or permanent basis; with or without meals, but without separate cooking facilities for
individual occupants.
 Single-and-Two Family Dwellings – includes detached dwellings in which each living unit is
occupied by members of a single family.

SECTION 10.2.12.2 REQUIREMENTS

 Occupant Load
The occupant load of residential occupancies in number of persons for whom exits are to be
provided except in detached single-and-two-family dwellings shall be determined on the basis of
one (1) person per eighteen and six-tenths square meters (18.6 m2) gross floor area, or the
maximum probable population of any room or section under consideration, whichever is greater.
The occupant load of any open mezzanine or balcony shall be added to the occupant load of the
floor below for the purpose of determining exit capacity.
 Capacity of Exits
Capacity of means of egress shall be in accordance with Section 10.2.5.2 paragraph “C” of this IRR.
 Maintenance of Exits
1. No door in any means of egress shall be locked against egress when the building is occupied.
2. No residential occupancy shall have its means of egress pass through any nonresidential
occupancy in the same building, except in buildings provided with approved, supervised
sprinkler system provided that the means of egress shall not pass through a high hazard content
area as determined by the City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction and the means of
egress shall be separated by a construction of not less than 1 hour.
3. No guest room or guest suite shall be permitted to be located above a nonresidential
occupancy except when the guest room or guest suite and its exits are separated from the
nonresidential occupancy by construction having a fire resistance rating of not less than 1 hour
or when the nonresidential occupancy is protected throughout by approved, supervised
sprinkler system.
 DIVISION 19. SPECIAL PROVISION FOR HIGH RISE BUILDINGS

SECTION 10.2.19.1 SCOPE

This Division deals with life safety from fires and similar emergencies in high risebuildings. It covers fire
safety features in construction and protection of exitsand passageways, and provisions for fire
protection.

SECTION 10.2.19.2 DEFINITION

A high rise building is one in which the distance between the floor of the topmost storey and the ground
level is fifteen meters (15 m) or more. Building height shall be measured from the lowest level of fire
department vehicle access to the floor of the highest occupiable storey.

SECTION 10.2.19.3 SMOKE CONTROL

High rise buildings shall be designed in such a manner that the levels of smoke concentration in
protected spaces can be maintained within values that can be tolerated by occupants. The protected
spaces shall include stairwells, at least one elevator shaft, and floor spaces readily accessible to all
occupants and large enough to accommodate them. In the spaces to which the requirement for control
of smoke level applies, the atmosphere shall not include more than one (1%) percent by volume of the
contaminated atmosphere emanating from the fire area.

SECTION 10.2.19.4 SPRINKLER SYSTEMS PROTECTION

High rise buildings shall be protected with approved, supervised sprinkler systems designed and
installed in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems. The approved,
supervised sprinkler systems must protect all floor spaces including every closet and concealed spaces
and plenums of certain configuration and construction – particularly where combustible materials are
located such as exposed electrical wiring, combustible duct work, and combustible sound/thermal
insulation. The system shall be interconnected to a fire command center of the building.

SECTION 10.2.19.5 FIRE COMMAND CENTER

 For buildings ten (10) storeys or more, a fire command center shall be provided in a location
approved by the City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction and shall contain the following
features:
1. The emergency voice/alarm communication system unit must have the following features:
a. Provide a predetermined message to the fire area where the alarm originated,
actuated by a smoke detector, sprinkler head, water flow device, or manual fire alarm.
The message must provide applicable information and directions to occupants.
b. The fire department two-way communication system must operate between the fire
command center and every elevator, elevator lobby, exit stairway, and exit access
corridor. A telephone station or jack shall be provided in each fire pump room.
2. The fire department communication unit.
3. Fire detection and alarm system annunciator unit
4. Elevator floor location and operation annunciator.
5. Sprinkler valve and water flow display panels.
6. Emergency generator supervision devices, manual start and transfer features. Emergency
power must be available within ten (10) seconds to operate the following:
a. Emergency voice/alarm communication systems.
b. Fire alarm systems.
c. Automatic fire detection systems.
 d. Elevator car lighting.
e. Escape route lighting.
f. Exit sign illumination.
g. Stairway doors
7. Controls for unlocking stairway doors simultaneously.
8. Telephone for fire department use with controlled access to the public telephone system.
9. Fire pump status indicators.
10. Status indicators and controls for air handling systems.
11. The fire fighters control panel for smoke control systems.
12. Emergency power and standby power status indicators.
13. Schematic building plans indicating the typical floor plan and detailing the building core,
means of egress, fire protection systems, firefighting equipment and fire department access.
14. Public address system, where specifically required by other rules of this code.
 Shut off valves and water flow devices at the riser connection must be provided on each floor.
Combined sprinkler/standpipe systems must have an individual control valve and check valve at
each sprinkler connection.

SECTION 10.2.19.6 STAIRWELLS

 All stairwells shall be enclosed and protected in accordance with Rule 3.
All doors on stairwells shall be kept closed. Stairway doors, which can be locked, must be provided
with automatic electrical unlocking from the fire command center.
 All interior stairwells used as a means of egress shall be pressurized. In no case shall stairwells in
high rise buildings be allowed to be unprotected.

SECTION 10.2.19.7 FIRST-AID PROTECTION

 In addition to the other requirements of this Code, each floor shall be provided with at least
thirty eight (38) to nineteen (19) millimeters lightweight flexible hose equipped with a spray
nozzle and connected to the wet standpipe system or other water supply capable of providing
nineteen (19) to thirty eight (38) liter per minute of water for a period of thirty minutes.
 Portable fire extinguisher installed in accordance with Section 10.2.6.7 shall be provided.