1

Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM

Background of the Study

Every nation in the world has fire regulations in place to prevent fires. The

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a global organization that promotes

public and respondent safety, is present in the United States. More than 130 NFPA

codes and standards, including industry benchmarks, give a thorough, integrated

approach to fire code regulation and hazard management (Pauley, 2019).

In America, fires are not just a problem for one department. For instance,

the American Red Cross has begun the "Home Fire Campaign" to minimize home

fire fatalities and injuries by 25% (Harpur et al., 2019).

The Regulatory Reform Order (Fire Safety Order) was in 2005 in England

and Wales. Business owners must avoid penalties like fines and, or jail time.

Additionally, before beginning construction, all building owners must complete a

Fire Risk Assessment to determine the risks and hazards of commercial structures

(Roe, 2019).

Numerous fire safety policies and regulations worldwide have led to

considerable differences in building design, approval, construction techniques,

materials, and operations. Building trust and confidence among the many and

various actors, including the public and finance industries, will help to develop a

shared understanding of building design, construction, and management and how

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the impact of Fire affects these, ultimately supporting improved quality of life and

increased investment in line with U.N. sustainable development goals. Adopting

the International Fire Safety Standards Common Principles (IFSS-CP) will result in

a cohesive and more unified strategy with a significant positive impact. IFSS-CP

establishes overarching, performance-based standard principles for fire safety

engineering and planning (Strong, 2020).

A significant number of the rules and regulations used in the United States

are developed by two organizations. Two organizations create most codes and

standards used in the United States. They are the National Fire Protection

Association (NFPA) and the International Code Council (ICC). Although they are

frequently not legally adopted into law, the codes and standards these two

organizations publish are also used internationally. There are some similarities

between the methods the ICC and NFPA used to create regulations and standards,

but there are also some significant differences. How new papers are made or

existing documents are changed where procedures diverge most. The ICC allows

all interested parties (owners, users, enforcers, contractors, Etc.) to participate in

committees that suggest modifications to existing documents. However, only

enforcers (Authorities Having Enforcement Powers) can vote on the final text

(Leavitt, 2019).

Leading fire protection organizations from the Asia-Pacific Region have

joined forces to form the Confederation of Fire Protection Associations-Asia (CFPA-

Asia), which will pool their resources to address the world's fire problem and
 3

improve life safety. The group aims to strengthen international fire safety rules

and standards while maximizing the effectiveness of fire prevention and protection

through the exchange of experience, research, technical know-how, and fire

statistics. When the General Assembly meets at least every two years, some of the

more difficult worldwide fire problems are discussed. These meetings allow

participants to discuss recent advances in research and development in specific

problem areas. The Executive Committee oversees day-to-day operations and

convenes at least once a year, typically in conjunction with a member's conference

or seminar (Llewellyn, 2022).

Thousands of people were killed when around 30 tons of methyl isocyanate

gas leaked. According to government estimates, this disaster has killed over

15,000 people over the years, and the chemicals are still harming survivors. After

such a severe event, one would imagine that these numbers would have

decreased. According to the ILO's most recent figures, 2.78 million people perish

from workplace accidents or illnesses. This indicates that we continue to place

extremely little importance on the safety and security of industrial facilities. If a

facility is well prepared, many of these explosions and fires can be removed before

they start. Modern fire safety measures are essential due to the nature of the

operations carried out in industrial premises since, as history has shown, industrial

disasters are never small-scale. They destroy by destroying property, taking lives,

contaminating the environment, and occasionally even having long-lasting

impacts. Modern alarm technology is useless if the individuals who use the facility
 4

daily do not know how to operate it. Make it a requirement for anybody using the

building to participate in training and fire safety drills, not just security personnel.

Hold practice drills so that customers are prepared for emergencies. It is also

critical to keep your systems operational (Buwa, 2020).

Nighttime is when fires frequently begin, and if structures comply with the

fire code, a functioning smoke alarm will increase sleeping families' chances of

survival by more than half (Hird, 2020).

Automatic fire sprinkler systems are the most reliable and effective fire

protection for reducing fire risk. The Ministry of Public Security Fire Bureau in China

oversees the nation's fire rules and safety and acknowledges the value of

automatic fire sprinklers. The national fire code in China is often reasonably strict.

It mandates the installation of automatic fire sprinklers, particularly in places where

many people congregate, such as public buildings, offices, malls, and airports.

However, due to changes in the industrial landscape, the code is still being

developed for industrial structures, making sprinklers unnecessary in many

industrial buildings and warehouses. Due to this code gap, facilities in global

developments may be vulnerable to significant industrial and warehouse fires

(Yingzhi, 2018).

According to the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes, the

National Fire Code of Canada 2015 (NFC), which lays out the legislation controlling

the usage, construction, and disposal of buildings and structures, is now

accessible. It specifies the conditions and specifics of buildings and other

 5

structures regarding safety considerations. The NFC 2015 (2020) supplements the

National Building Code of Canada 2015, which serves as Canada's construction,

renovation, and maintenance rules.

In addition, The Building Code of Australia (BCA), which defines structural

sufficiency, including building fire resistance, and includes measures for the health

and amenity of residents, was established, according to the Australian Building

Codes Board (2020).

With the slogan "Ligtas Na Pilipinas Ang Ating Hangad, Pag-Iingat Sa Sunog

Sa Sarili Ipatupad" (We Aim for a Safe Philippines, Observe Fire Safety), the Bureau

of Fire Protection in the Philippines has started fire awareness campaigns across

the whole nation. Any prevention method must thoroughly understand the risk and

repercussions as a critical component. Every firm's integrated fire safety plan must

start with raising awareness of fire safety issues. In addition, the BFP has initiatives

and programs that aim to lower fire incidences in the Philippines. Additionally, they

provide information that can help prevent injuries and save lives (Philippine Primer,

2018).

The Philippines Fire Code, or Presidential Decree (P.D.) 1185, was adopted

in 1977 and lays out rules and recommended procedures for preventing accidental

and deliberate fires. P.D. Through fire prevention, 1185 seeks to reduce the

occurrence and spread of Fire. The license to operate will be revoked if the

building's owner, manager, or occupant does not remove the structure, premises,

or facilities within the allotted time. Any building or structure deemed a firetrap or
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endangering nearby habitation and establishments with a clear and present fire

risk must be designated as a public nuisance.

On December 19, 2008, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed

and ratified Republic Act (R.A.) 9514, an Act establishing The Comprehensive Fire

Code of the Philippines, which revised 1185. The State's policies are to protect

public safety, advance economic growth by preventing and extinguishing

dangerous fires of all kinds, and advance the professionalization of the fire service.

To ensure adherence to common fire prevention and safety measures and to

encourage accountability in the fire protection and prevention service, the State

shall enforce all laws, rules, and regulations. In addition, RA 9514 virtually lists all

the fire safety precautions that must be taken when creating building structures

and the consequences for breaking the law. The limits for the BFP inspection,

approval, and issuing of the Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) make

discussions concerning fire safety measures crucial. The Bureau of Fire Protection

suggested various fire safety measures to aid firefighting. Controlling and avoiding

frequent fire accidents is still tricky despite these safety measures. The study

assessed the fire suppression issues that Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) workers

faced (Cortes, 2019).

Adhering to the Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008 is essential when

establishing buildings, structures, and facilities. The code offered the framework

for the building code or fire safety compliance in buildings. All property owners

should understand the need to conform to the construction code, as Fire was the
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sixth leading cause of unintentional injury-related death across all ages in 2017

(National Safety Council, 2020).

Programs and education related to fire prevention are crucial for

maintaining community safety. Daily work tasks involve a lot of hazardous and

harmful items and situations. Inspectors can check that businesses are

implementing the essential safety measures to protect their employees and

themselves by working with them throughout the community. Fire prevention aims

to inform the public and workers about adopting proactive measures to prevent

fires before they start and lessen their destructive effects. Fire prevention is the

primary responsibility of fire departments, and each fire station has a fire

prevention officer who disseminates knowledge, demonstrates practices, and

informs the public about fire awareness and fire safety (Ferrer, 2021).

The Bureau of Fire Protection in Central Visayas in Illigan plans to check

more than 200,000 enterprises this year to ensure they comply with fire safety

regulations. Lapu-Lapu City is home to a total of 13,953 enterprises in Cebu

Province. Those situated in and registered under the Philippine Economic Zone

Authority are still not included in the data. Businesses operating in the Mactan

Export Processing Zone are among those that have PEZA registration. One of

themany conditions for their operation is issuing a Fire Safety Inspection Certificate

(FSIC) to those deemed to comply with BFP requirements (Erram, 2020).

Yesterday, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) urged business owners with

expired Fire Safety Inspection Certificates (FSIC) to renew their certificates or face
 8

penalties. According to Senior Fire Officer 3 Reynaldo Maliao, chief of the BFP-

Iligan's fire safety enforcement branch, the FSIC is highly important for business

establishments since it acts as an assurance that they have been officially

examined and considered compliant with the Fire Code of the Philippines, or

Republic Act 9514. If we do not stress fire safety in a community, the economy

will suffer significantly because if Fire destroys buildings and companies, the

economy will suffer greatly. He also advised business owners to strictly adhere to

the BFP's regulations and those who received a "notice of compliance" to fix the

non-compliance within the grace period to avoid penalties (Bagumbaran, 2022).

In January of this year, the provincial Office of the Bureau of Fire Protection

inspected 13,828 buildings in Pangasinan. Provincial Fire Marshal Superintendent

Georgian Pascua stated in his report Thursday that 1,332 of the total number are

newly constructed buildings, while the remainder, 12,496, were reviewed for

renewal of business permits. He added that Dagupan City placed first with 1,752

examined establishments, followed by Alaminos City with 904 inspected buildings,

Rosales with 766, Mangatarem with 750, and San Carlos City with 665 inspected

buildings. The BFP conducts an annual fire safety examination, which is required

to renew and issue business permits (Pasion, 2021).

The Bureau of Fire Protection in Umingan Personnel, in partnership with

Criminology Interns from Urdaneta City University (UCU), conducted fire safety

inspections of business sites within AOR under the direction of SFO3 Harry F. Carig,

OIC/MFM (BFP Umingan, 2020).

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The purpose of this study is to know the level of fire safety compliance of

business establishments in Villasis, Pangasinan, as perceived by the respondents,

and to know if there is any significant difference in the fire safety compliance of

business establishments as perceived by the respondents. It also includes the

problems encountered and their degree of seriousness for the fire safety

compliance of business establishments, as well as recommendations to be made

on the problems encountered or the fire safety compliance of business

establishments. Studying this topic is essential because it is valuable to the

respective business owners and the community in Villasis, Pangasinan.

Theoretical Framework

This study is theoretically premise on the following related theories, which

proved significant in this study.

The "Hazard-Barrier-Target Theory" proposed by William Haddon Jr.

(Haddon, 1973) served as the foundation for this investigation. This theory

methodically integrates risk reduction and accident prevention measures. A hazard

is a condition or action that can cause injury or damage, such as human injuries,

damage to equipment, properties, or the environment, or a diminished ability to

function as planned. Procedures that avoid or limit the chance of undesirable

consequences while maintaining the desired State are referred to as barriers. A

person, item, or location may be chosen as the target of an attack. The hazard-

barrier-target technique is a system safety assessment method that detects

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dangers and analyzes measures that can prevent the event from occurring. The

barrier technique represents system control with a potentially dangerous energy

source, which could damage equipment or personnel. The Hazard-barrier-target

theory will assist business owners in complying with the requirements of the

Philippine Fire Code to prevent hazards that may cause a fire. In this hypothesis,

the barriers represent a hazardous energy source that could cause damage to

either equipment or people. However, recognizing the obstacles entering your

organization may also assist your establishment in preventing hazardous

conditions that may harm your business (Haddon, 1980).

Accordingly, Reason (1997) devised a Swiss Cheese Theory to illustrate the

premises of the safety theory. The safety theory was founded on the belief that a

defense-in-depth strategy may prevent mishaps. Put another way, a system with

multiple barriers may have defects and failures. The faults and failures in the

barriers can cause untoward incidents. Reason illustrated this in an intuitive

illustration of a "Swiss Cheese," where the cheese holes presented failure in the

barrier and were rightly called the Swiss Cheese Model. If the hazards transit

through the gaps, it can lead to a severe incident or a system failure. The Reason

is also distinguished between the terms (latent failure and operational failure).

Latent failure is a functional barrier failure due to unknown causes. It is not

observable. On the other hand, operational failure is an operational loss that occurs

during the execution of barrier functions and is observable. To explain the safety

theory in the context of this study, consider the following viewpoint: the
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government prevents fire threats by erecting barriers (fire codes, fire safety

inspections, and so on). However, if fires continue to occur despite the precautions

taken, a system (organization) fails. In other words, whether the breakdown was

latent or active, the system requires a study to introduce an intervention, revamp,

or completely demolish it to make way for a new system, depending on the study's

findings (Reason, 1997).

The Swiss Cheese Theory helps our study address that the failure of the

barriers (fire code and fire safety inspections) can cause a severe incident. The

cheese holes’ present failure in the barrier, so if the hazards transit through the

holes or gaps, it can convert to either a severe incident or a system failure that

can produce Fire. With this theory by James Reason, many companies and

establishments apply it for the fire safety of their properties. Rogers' Protection

Motivation Theory (PMT) was another theory essential to this study. Roger aimed

to define man's motivation to respond to any perceived health hazard. This study

contextualizes PMT as the motive of building owners to comply with building

standards to avoid the looming dangers of fires caused by non-compliance with

the building code. (Rogers, 1975).

The Protection Motivation Theory would assist business owners in

complying with the requirements of the Philippine Fire Code to prevent hazards

such as Fire and ensure the safety of the people in the establishment. This five

domino theory is related to the variables of this study that stated the safety

precaution connected to the five domino disaster theory by Heinrich's Domino, that
 12

lack of safety and preparedness could cause a domino effect. Removing key factors

that directly cause an unsafe condition can reduce or prevent this type of incident

by acquiring training and skills regarding safety measures (Mangaoang, 2020).

This study will help us address the lacking safety and preparedness that

would cause a domino effect and remove critical factors that directly cause an

unsafe condition that may damage establishments. This theory significantly

impacts fire safety compliance nowadays because when business establishments

lack fire safety equipment, it can be dangerous for their customers and their

establishment.

Conceptual Framework

According to the policy of the State to ensure public safety, promote

economic development through the prevention and suppression of all types of

destructive fires, and promote the professionalization of the fire service as a

profession, according to Republic Act 9514 (Known as the Fire Code of the

Philippines of 2008). In Section 2. of the act, it ensures adherence to common fire

prevention and safety measures and to encourage professionalism in the field of

fire protection and prevention service, the State is to enforce all laws, rules, and

regulations. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), a division of the Department of

the Interior and Local Government (DILG), carries out national firefighting and fire

prevention policies as well as Republic Act 9514, or the Fire Code of the Philippines.

According to Republic Act 9514 of 2008, it oversees and manages all municipal
 13

and city Fire and emergency services nationally.

Fires frequently happen at night, and if something complies with the fire

code, an operational smoke alarm will increase sleeping families' chances of

survival by more than half (William Hird & Company, 2020).

The three components of the conceptual paradigm are input, process, and

output models. The input contains the following: difficulties encountered and their

gravity regarding business establishments' fire safety compliance; the

respondents' perceptions of the level of fire safety compliance of business

establishments in Villasis, Pangasinan. Processing and tabulating data are the

procedures that are being used. The final result will be a recommendation that will

be put forth to address the issues with business establishments' compliance with

fire safety regulations.

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INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

1. Level of fire A. Formulation of Proposed

safety compliance of questionnaire recommendations to
business checklist address the
establishment in problems
Villasis, Pangasinan B. Distribution of encountered on the
as perceived by the questionnaire fire safety
respondents. checklist compliance of
business
C. Floated establishment
2. Degree of questionnaire
seriousness on the checklist
problems
encountered on fire
safety compliance of D. Retrieval of
business questionnaire .
establishment. checklist

E. Analysis and .
interpretation of
results

Figure 1. Paradigm of the Study

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Statement of the Problem

This study aims to evaluate the factors and extent of Fire Safety Compliance

in business establishments in Villasis, Pangasinan.

Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:

1. What is the level of fire safety compliance of business establishments in

Villasis, Pangasinan, as perceived by the respondents?

2. Is there any significant difference on the fire safety compliance of

business establishments as perceived by the respondents?

3. What is the degree of seriousness on the problems encountered on the

fire safety compliance of business establishments?

4. What recommendations may be proposed to address the problems

encountered on the fire safety compliance of business establishments?

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study focuses on the fire safety compliance of business establishments

in Villasis, Pangasinan.

Moreover, the researcher considers working on this study to determine the

level of fire safety compliance of business establishments in Villasis, Pangasinan,

and what recommendations should be proposed on the problems encountered in

the fire safety compliance of business establishments. Furthermore, the section of

respondents is limited only to the Business Owners and BFP Officers of Villasis,

Pangasinan. This was chosen since the researchers could easily collect the
 16

information needed for the study.

Significance of Study

According to the researchers, the findings of this study will provide valuable

information and data on business establishment fire safety compliance, helping

them avoid losing some properties.

The findings of this study will be considered significant since they will have

a variety of uses, including the following:

Local Government Unit of Villasis. This study will be an essential tool

in determining the programs that should be conducted to improve and encourage

business owners to be prepared in case of Fire.

The Business Owners. Fire safety compliance will help them be prepared

in an emergency and reduce property damage that can cause business losses.

BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection). The findings of this study will help

them assess the effectiveness and efficiency of their service in terms of fire

prevention and suppression.

The Researchers. The study's findings will answer the current issues that

the researchers want to uncover and may be the basis for future research.

The Future Researchers. The study's findings serve as a basis for future

researchers conducting research similar to this topic.

Definition of Terms

The following terms were defined operationally to have a better

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understanding of the study:

Fire Code of the Philippines. In this research, the regulations and

recommended procedures for preventing accidental and intentional Fire are

referred to in this study.

Business Establishment. This research refers to any structure or building

designated as a firetrap that poses a clear and imminent fire risk to nearby

businesses and residences.

Compliance. The Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008 is of utmost

relevance in building buildings, structures, and facilities.

Encountered. This study refers to the problems they had been

experiencing in a business establishment.

Fire safety. This study refers to the actions of the establishment that will

help protect people, buildings, contents, and the environment from the destructive

effects of Fire.

Measures. The guidelines for the BFP inspection, approval, and issuance

of the Fire Safety Inspection are dealt with in this study.

Business. This study refers to business establishments lacking fire safety

equipment.
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Chapter 2

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the research methods and procedures employed in

this study. Specifically, it discusses the research design we used, the study's

respondents, instruments for gathering data, procedures for gathering data, and

the statistical treatment of the data.

Research Design

The researchers used a method of data analysis called descriptive analysis,

which helps explain, present, or helpfully summarize data points so that patterns

may appear that provide all of the conditions of the data. According to Glass and

Hopkins (1994), the descriptive approach refers to gathering data that describes

and illustrates events and arranging, tabulating, presenting, and describing the

data acquired. Since descriptive studies aim to determine "what is," survey

methods are frequently employed to collect descriptive data (Borg & Gall, 1999).

This research design employed in this study because it finds and

summarizes the fire safety situation by the Philippine Fire Code. The core of the

situation, as it is at a specific time in the research, is described using the descriptive

approach, which gathers information about current events to characterize "what

exists" regarding factors or circumstances in a situation.

Population and Locale of the Study

Subjects of the study would be the 10 BFP Officers and the 30 Business
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Owners in the central business district of Villasis, Pangasinan. Subject of the study

were selected group of business owners and BFP Officers in Villasis, Pangasinan,

on the fire safety compliance of business establishments in Villasis, Pangasinan.

Data Gathering Instrument

The questionnaire checklist used for data collection was adapted from the

Fire Code of the Philippines. The study focused on the compliance with fire safety

regulations of business establishments in Villasis, Pangasinan.

The researchers consult their research adviser, critic reader, statistician,

and validators for advice on improving the questionnaire checklist with the focus

of the study.

There were two sections to the questionnaire checklist. Part one covered

the respondents' perceptions on the level of fire safety compliance of business

establishments in Villasis, Pangasinan, and Part two covered the degree of

seriousness of the problems encountered in the fire safety compliance of business

establishments in Villasis, Pangasinan.

Data Gathering Procedures

The researchers circulated the questionnaire among the respondents to get

the information and data needed for the study.

Researchers coordinated with the BFP officers of the Villasis Fire Station

before questionnaires were given to the respondents of this study. During the

distribution of the questionnaires, the respondents were oriented regarding the

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contents of the questionnaires to ascertain that the terminologies used and the

contents were understood correctly.

The researchers personally administered the survey questionnaires to the

respondents. Afterward, the questionnaires were retrieved to ensure the

respondents received all the information.

Researchers manually tabulated the data after retrieving all the

questionnaires, and they were then converted into statistical tables. The

researchers analyzed and interpreted the data from the statistics tables, comparing

it to the problems identified in the research study.

Statistical Treatment of Data

All the data gathered from this study were presented in tables, which were

the basis for the discussion, interpretation, and analysis. There were two sets of

data presentations: the results of responses from business owners and BFP

personnel.

To answer problems 1 and 3, the weighted mean formula was used as

shown:

∑𝒇𝒙
WM =
𝑛

Where:

f= frequency
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X= weight

n= number of respondents

The responses were classified according to the Four-point Likert Scale in

terms of the level of fire safety compliance.

Point value Classification Mean Descriptive Equivalent

4 3.26 - 4.00 Very Much Complied (VMC)

Very Much Serious (VMS)

3 2.51 - 3.25 Much Complied (MC)

Serious (S)

2 1.76 - 2.50 Slightly Complied (SC)

Slightly Serious (SS)

1 1.00 – 1.75 Not Complied (NC)

Not Serious (NS)

To answer problem two (2), the researchers utilized a t-test:

𝑥̅ − 𝜇
t= 𝜎
√𝑛

Where:

x bar = mean of the sample

𝜇 = assumed mean

𝜎 = standard deviation

n = number of observations

Ethical Considerations

The study is being conducted in a variety of circumstances. Respect for the

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study participants is, by far, the most essential ethical principle that is followed in

this investigation. This is because study participants provide the groundwork for

various ethical concepts. The right of those involved to be treated as individuals

with the right to meaningful respect are based on this ethical issue. Participants

are typically more than just a means of gathering the necessary data.

The study also adhered to the ethical principles of informed consent and

free will regarding interview participation. They were requested to fill out a specific

consent form before being allowed to attend an interview. This form offers details

about the study's purpose and what participation entails. They can be given

complete discretion about how they participate in the research process as an

aspect of this (E. Symthe, 2000).

Additionally, the authority of the inquiry gives them a way to guarantee the

effectiveness and correctness of the research. The decision of each individual to

engage in the research or not can be respected by the researchers.

Another significant ethical focus embraced in the study is privacy and anonymity.

These provide direction for the research and goal-achieving activities. More

emphasis is placed on privacy and confidentiality by the researcher. It is because

this is the research's most essential and initial factor.

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Chapter 3

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This chapter presented the results obtained from the data-gathering

procedure in response to the research problems. The collected, summarized, and

organized data were further presented and analyzed in this study chapter to find

answers to the presented research problems.

Level of fire safety complianceof business establishment in Villsis,

Pangasinan as perceived by the respondents

Table 1 presents the level of fire safety compliance of business

establishments in Villasis, Pangasinan, as perceived by the Business Owners and

the BFP Personnel. The overall average weighted mean on the table is 3.76, with

a descriptive equivalent of "Very Much Complied." It indicates that business owners

are very compliant because they wanted to operate and continue their businesses

while protecting their customers' safety.

According to the National Safety Council, the Fire Code 2008 is critical when

constructing structures and facilities. As a result, all building owners should be

aware of the need to adhere to building codes, as Fire was the sixth-greatest cause

of accidental injury-related death among all ages in 2017. If you own a small

business, the ability of an organization to function is critical to survival. A workplace

fire can be terrible for an organization, which is just one of the many reasons why

it is critical to prevent a fire from starting (Gordon, 2019).

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Table 1

Level of Fire Safety Compliance of Business Establishment in Villasis,

Pangasinan as perceived by the respondents
(N=40)

BFP Personnel Business Owners

INDICATORS WM DE WM DE AWM DE

1. There are number of active exit 3.9 VMC 3.70 VMC 3.80 VMC
in the establishment.
2. Maintenance of egress 3.9 VMC 3.53 VMC 3.71 VMC
components such as doors and
enclosed stairways.
3. Maintenance and testing of fire 3.9 VMC 3.67 VMC 3.79 VMC
pumps, portable extinguishers,
standpipes and other fire
suppression system.
4. Maintenance of fire alarm 4 VMC 3.33 VMC 3.67 VMC
system.
5. Maintenance and testing records 3.9 VMC 3.47 VMC 3.69 VMC
of the system components of the
emergency power supply.
6. Occupancy classifications of its 3.9 VMC 3.70 VMC 3.80 VMC
structures and interiors.
7. The classification of building as 3.9 VMC 3.70 VMC 3.80 VMC
fire resistive.
8. Proper storage, handling and/or 3.9 VMC 3.77 VMC 3.83 VMC
use of explosives or of
combustible, flammable, toxic and
other hazardous materials.
9. Separation of business 4 VMC 3.63 VMC 3.81 VMC
establishment spaces.
10. There are active exit lights and 3.9 VMC 3.50 VMC 3.70 VMC
emergency lighting system.
Overall Average Weighted Mean 3.76 VMC

Legend:
Point Value Classification Mean Descriptive Equivalent (DE)
4 3.26 - 4.00 Very Much Complied (VMC)
3 2.51 - 3.25 Much Complied (MC)
2 1.76 – 2.50 Slightly Complied (SC)
1 1.00 – 1.75 Not Complied (NC)
 25

In addition, the average weighted mean of 3.83, "Proper storage, handling

and, or use of explosives or of combustible, flammable, toxic and other hazardous

materials," got the highest average weighted mean. At the same time, the business

owners have the highest weighted mean of 3.77, which means Very Much

Complied. This is because having proper storage prevents fire occurrence.

According to the National Fire Protection Association 400 (2022), hazardous

materials include "different substances with chemicals that are found in waste or

usage formats of storage and handling that may tolerate physical and health

hazards to occupants." Office property managers should ensure that compatible

products are housed separately. They should also guarantee that compressed gas

storage rooms are labeled. Furthermore, according to the Bureau of Labor

Statistics, Fire and explosions caused 3% of occupational fatalities in 2011.

In relation, fires influence more than just the health and safety of personnel.

Their consequences can be disastrous for property and corporate interests.

Employers should address three major areas connected to fire safety: 1) fire

prevention, 2) emergency procedures, and 3) protecting personnel with

firefighting responsibilities. Regular inspections of workplace inspections to identify

potential fire dangers are part of fire prevention. Employers should ensure that

combustible substances are appropriately stored and that electrical systems are

not overloaded. General safe work rules help reduce the risk of unintended fires.

A routine safety precaution is to keep work areas free of combustible dust and

volatile chemicals.
 26

Furthermore, the lowest average weighted mean is 3.67 for "Maintenance

of Fire Alarm System," which means very much complied, and it has a lowest

weighted mean for business owners which is 3.33 which means very much

complied. However, for bfp personnel, it is considered as the highest weighted

mean which is 4 together with “Separation of business establishment spaces”,

which means very much complied. This indicates that every business

establishment and bfp personnel are compliant in maintaining a fire alarm system.

Fire alarm systems have become an increasingly vital lifesaving technology

in many areas, including applications to detect, monitor, and control any fire

hazard. Annually, a significant amount of money is spent to install and maintain

fire alarm systems in buildings to protect property and lives from the unforeseen

spread of Fire. Several approaches have previously been created and are

constantly being improved to lower costs while increasing quality. Anwar et al.

(2017) investigated an integrated Fire Detection and Alarm (FDA) system with

building automation to minimize costs and enhance reliability by preventing false

alarms.

According to Automation in Construction (2020), an inspection and

maintenance schedule are required to ensure that equipment functions well during

crises and that fire damage is minimal. FSE (Fire Safety Equipment) maintenance

and inspection must follow the standards and techniques defined by fire safety

rules, necessitating appropriate files and drawings.

Likewise, the lowest weighted mean for BFP Personnel is 3.9 to here as
 27

follows: "There is the number of exits in the establishment," "Maintenance of

egress components such as doors and enclosed stairways," "Maintenance and

testing of fire pumps, portable extinguishers, standpipes, and other fire

suppression systems," "Maintenance and testing records of the system

components of the emergency power supply," "Occupancy classifications of its

structures and interiors," "The classification of the building as fire-resistive,"

"Proper storage, handling, and, or use of explosives or combustible, flammable,

toxic, and other hazardous materials" and "There are active exit lights and

emergency lighting system" which means Very Much Complied. This indicates that

the bfp personnel are following the law.

To mitigate firefighter life-safety concerns and achieve successfully

fireground outcomes, it is critically important for firefighters to have the necessary

preparedness capabilities to respond. Firefighter preparedness consists of

technical and environmental/contextual knowledge, specialized/focused training,

and firefighter experience (Coulthard, 2018).

Moreover, adequate provisions of fire service facilities are essential to

ensure sustainability through life safety, property protection, continuity of

operations, environmental protection, and heritage conservation. With the aim to

assess sustainable urbanization with the adequacy of fire service provision is

essential to identify the substantial service gaps for up-gradation in the fire service

facility (Singh, Sabnani, & Kapse, 2021).

 28

Significant Difference on the Level of Fire Safety Compliance of Business

Establishmnets as Perceived by the Respondents

Table 2 shows the significant difference between the level of fire safety

compliance of business establishments in Villasis, Pangasinan, as perceived by the

respondents.

As observed in Table 2, there is a significant difference between the level

of fire safety compliance of business establishments in Villasis, Pangasinan, as

perceived by the respondents, as visible in the t-values of -3.146 with a

significance of.003, which is less than the set significance of.05. Therefore, the

null hypothesis is rejected.

Table 2
Difference between the Level of Fire Safety Compliance of Business
Establishment as Perceived by the Respondents

95% Confidence
Interval of the
Difference
Sig. (2-
t df tailed) Mean Std. Error
Difference Difference Lower Upper

Significant
difference of
the fire -3.146 37.330 .003* -.25667 .08159 -.42193 -.09141
safety
compliance of
business
establishment

*. The mean difference is significant at the 0.05 level

 29

Degree of Seriousness on the Problems Encountered in Fire Safety

Compliance of Business Establishment

Table 3 shows the result of finding the problems encountered in fire safety

compliance of business establishments with an overall average weighted mean of

1.25 which means not serious. This shows that the issues they encountered with

fire safety compliance are controllable and do not pose a concern.

According to Gandia et al.'s research, in the course of conducting fire

protection inspections as an expectation for the grant of licenses and permits for

the occupancy of the building and the installation of Fire Protection and fire safety

equipment, personnel and residents. BFP Personnel rate the level of efficacy of the

Fire Prevention Program on fire safety regulations for enterprises, structures, and

their premises or facilities as high, while citizens rate it as moderate. The BFP

Personnel graded the compliance requirements as highly conformity with the

Philippine Fire Code.

In addition, the average weighted mean of 1.33, "Occupants' lack of

information regarding fire safety program implementation," got the highest

average weighted mean. In comparison, the business owners got the highest

weighted mean of 1.47, "Occupants' lack of information regarding fire safety

program implementation," which means Not Serious. This indicates that the

occupants know the implementation of the fire safety program.

According to the Netherlands Institute for Safety (2009), the possibility of

a safe escape is essential to a building's safety in the event of a fire. A prerequisite

 30

is that its fire safety amenities allow the building's occupants to undertake tasks

autonomously and perform adequate fire response. The current legal requirements

only sometimes provide the assistance people in burning buildings require. As a

result, understanding how humans behave in the event of a fire and fire evacuation

is critical if we align fire safety measures with the demands of the inhabitants

during an incident.

In addition, according to the National Fire Protection Association, proper

egress arrangements ensure that exits are always available to occupants and are

located in the building where they can be accessed without traveling too far, for

too long, or risking the exits being compromised during an emergency.

Furthermore, the lowest average weighted mean is 1.17, "Insufficient active

exits in the establishment," which means “Not Serious”. In comparison, the lowest

weighted mean for business owners is 1.23. This is because the business owners

have enough fire exits in their facilities.

Suppose multiple exits (as well as exit accesses and exit discharges) are

required in a building. In that case, they must be separate and remote from one

another and arranged to minimize the possibility that more than one will be

blocked by any fire or other emergency condition (Birda, 2021).

According to the National Fire Protection Association, proper egress

arrangements ensure that exits are always available to occupants and are located

in the building where they can be accessed without traveling too far, for too long,

or risking the exits being compromised during an emergency.

 31

Table 3
Degree of Seriousness and Problem Encountered in Fire Safety
Compliance of Business Establishment
(N=40)

BFP Personnel Business Owner

Indicators WM DE WM DE AWM DE
1. Insufficient knowledge in utilizing 1.2 NS 1.43 NS 1.31 NS
fire extinguishers by establishment
owners.
2. Damaged system components of 1.1 NS 1.30 NS 1.20 NS
an emergency power supply.
3. Damaged alarm system, including 1.1 NS 1.37 NS 1.23 NS
the fire alarm control panel.
4. Lacking of fire exits during period 1.1 NS 1.33 NS 1.21 NS
when people are inside the building.
5. Lack of exit light and emergency 1.1 NS 1.47 NS 1.29 NS
light and emergency lighting system.
6. Insufficient active exits in the 1.1 NS 1.23 NS 1.17 NS
establishment.
7. Inappropriate storage and/or use 1.1 NS 1.37 NS 1.23 NS
of explosives of combustible,
flammable, toxic and other hazardous
material.
8. Lack of awareness of relevant 1.1 NS 1.43 NS 1.27 NS
regulatory codes by the
establishment owners.
9. Occupants lack of information 1.2 NS 1.47 NS 1.33 NS
regarding fire safety program
implementation.
10. Lack of interests of business 1.2 NS 1.33 NS 1.27 NS
establishments owners in attending
orientation regarding safety
compliance.
Overall Average Weighted Mean 1.25 NS

Legend:
Point Value Classification Mean Descriptive Equivalent (DE)
4 3.26 - 4.00 Very Much Serious (VMS)
3 2.51 - 3.25 Much Serious (MS)
2 1.76 - 2.50 Slightly Serious (SS)
1 1.00 – 1.75 Not Serious (NS)
 32

On the other hand, the highest weighted mean for BFP Personnel is 1.2 for

"Insufficient knowledge of utilizing fire extinguishers by establishment owners,"

"Occupants' lack of information regarding fire safety program implementation,"

and "Lack of interest of business establishment owners in attending orientation

regarding safety compliance," which means “Not Serious”. This indicates that BFP

Personnel follow the implementation of fire safety.

The BFP Aparri concluded that the implementation of fire prevention

programs was generally greatly implemented with some minor glitches on the

implementation of some safety policies. Stricter monitoring and supervision on the

implementation of the fire safety policies of the agency must be given utmost

priority (Ferrer, 2022).

Additionally, according to the study of Arnilla et.al, the BFP personnel’s at

Novaliches Quezon City, in terms of the seminar, actual demonstration, issuance

of certificate, and community relation are evaluated as highly implemented.

Likewise, the lowest weighted mean for BFP Personnel is 1.1 to here as

follows: "Damage to system components of an emergency power supply,"

"Damage alarm system, including the fire alarm control panel," "Lacking fire exits

during periods when people are inside the building, "Lack of exit lights, emergency

lights, and emergency lighting systems," "Insufficient active exits in the

establishment," "Inappropriate storage and, or use of explosives of combustible,

flammable, toxic, and other hazardous materials" and "Lack of awareness of

relevant regulatory codes by the establishment owners" which means “Not

 33

Serious”. This indicates that BFP Personnel are implementing the rules of law.

According to the Philippine Fire Code, the Bureau of Fire Protection has

several initiatives to strengthen the battle against destructive fire events. To meet

the plan's objectives, each city and municipal BFP office must establish and

administer localized Fire Prevention Programs. Furthermore, the execution of the

Fire Prevention Program of the Bureau of Fire Protection in Urdaneta City received

a "High" grade (Gandia, 2008).

In addition, the according to the study of Urriza et.al, the fire safety

program’s implementation level has a remark of “very much implemented”.

Proposed Recommendations to Address the Problems Encountered in

Fire Safety Compliance of Business Establishment
The following are the proposed recommendations to address the problem

encountered in the fire safety compliance of business establishments:

1. Business owners and BFP personnel must organize programs, workshops,

or seminars on properly using a fire extinguisher.

2. Business owners and BFP Personnel must check the power supply

regularly.

3. Business owners and BFP personnel must regularly check the fire alarm

control panel.

4. The business owners and BFP personnel should have at least two fire

exits in their establishments.

5. The Business owners and BFP personnel should provide exit lights,
 34

emergency lights, and an emergency lighting system to prevent accidents and

ensure a smoother rescue process.

6. Business owners and BFP personnel should keep the Fire exits open and

not lock them.

7. Business owners and BFP personnel must know about hazardous

materials and how to store them properly to prevent accidents.

8. Business owners must inform workers about the relevant regulatory

codes.

9. Occupants must gain knowledge regarding fire safety implementation.

10. BFP personnel should encourage the business owners to attend

orientation regarding fire safety compliance.

 35

Chapter 4

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter discusses the overview of the study's results that address the

research questions, including the study's conclusions and recommendations, which

were presented in a way that responds to how the research questions were

presented in the previous chapters.

SUMMARY

This study is entitled Fire Safety Compliance of Business Establishments in

Villasis, Pangasinan. It aims to know the level of fire safety, the significant

difference in fire safety compliance, the degree of seriousness of the problems

encountered, and the proposed recommendations to address the problems

encountered. Researchers used a descriptive research design with a total

respondent count of forty (40), conducted at Villasis, Pangasinan. The primary tool

used in gathering data is a survey questionnaire checklist, which consisted of two

parts: (1) the Level of Fire Safety Compliance of Business Establishments in Villasis,

Pangasinan; and (2) the Degree of Seriousness and Problems Encountered in Fire

Safety Compliance of Business Establishments.

Salient Findings

According to the findings of this study, which were presented in the

preceding chapter, the researchers came to the following conclusions:

1. Level of fire safety compliance of business establishments in Villasis,

 36

Pangasinan, as perceived by the respondents, is “Very Much Complied”, with an

overall average weighted mean of 3.76.

2. There is a significant difference on the fire safety compliance of business

establishments as perceived by the respondents.

3. Degree of seriousness on the problems encountered on the fire safety

compliance of business establishments is “Not Serious”, with an overall average

weighted mean of 1.25.

4. There are proposed recommendations to address the problems

encountered on the fire safety compliance of business establishments.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the salient findings of the study, the respondents have drawn the

following conclusions:

1. The business establishment is compliant with fire safety.

2. Respondents perception of the fire safety compliance of business

establishments varies.

3. Problems encountered on the fire safety compliance are manageable and

not considered as a problem.

4. Proposed recommendations to address the problems encountered with

fire safety compliance in business establishments are beneficial.

 37

RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on this finding, the researchers make the following

recommendations:

1. BFP officer should continue implementing fire safety compliance for

business establishments in Villasis, Pangasinan.

2. Business owners should continue to cooperate in complying with Business

establishments in Villasis, Pangasinan.

3. Future researchers should focus on the study's results to improve it in

the future.

4. BFP Officers and the Business Owners should continue to build a good

relationship to ensure the fire safety compliance of business establishments in

Villasis, Pangasinan.

5. Local government of Villasis, Pangasinan, must adhere to the provisions

of the code that, before issuing a business permit, a fire safety inspection

certificate (FSIC) must be secured first.

 38

BIBLIOGRAPHY

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 39

Strong G. (2020). UNECE International Fire Safety Standards. Retrieved on

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 40

APPENDIX F
SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE

Name (Optional):
Classification: __Business Owner ___BFP Personnel
PART I. Level of fire safety compliance of business establishment in Villasis,
Pangasinan.
General Direction: Read carefully the question provided by the researchers. The following
question provided by the researchers tackled about “Fire Safety Compliance of Business
Establishment in Villasis Pangasinan” that your corresponding answer to the following question will
be the result of this study. Put check (/) mark to the space provided according to your choice using
the scale shown below as:
Point Value Classification Mean Descriptive Equivalent
4 3.26 - 4.00 Very Much Complied (VMC)
3 2.51 - 3.25 Much Complied (MC)
2 1.76 - 2.50 Slightly Complied (SC)
1 1.00 – 1.75 Not Complied (NC)

Level of fire safety compliance of business VMC MC SC NC

establishments in Villasis, Pangasinan (4) (3) (2) (1)
1. There are number of active exit in the
establishment.
2. Maintenance of egress components such as doors
and enclosed stairways.
3. Maintenance and testing of fire pumps, portable
extinguishers, standpipes and other fire suppression
system.
4. Maintenance of fire alarm system
5. Maintenance and testing records of the system
components of the emergency power supply
6. Occupancy classifications of its structures and
interiors
7. The classification of building as fire resistive
8. Proper storage, handling and/or use of explosives
or of combustible, flammable, toxic and other
hazardous materials
9. Separation of business establishment spaces
10. There are active exit lights and emergency lighting
system
Excerpt from: IRR of RA 9514 Section 9.0.3.3, of Falar 1, 2, and 3
 41

PART II: Problems encountered and its degree of seriousness in the fire safety
compliance of business establishment.
DIRECTION: Please put a check (/) mark on the appropriate bow that corresponds to your honest
assessment of the given statements regarding the degree of seriousness of the problem
encountered in the Fire Safety in Compliance with Fire Code of the Philippines in Business
Establishment using the scale shown below as:
Point Value Classification Mean Descriptive Equivalent

4 3.26 – 4.00 Very Much Serious (VMS)

3 2.51 – 3.25 Much Serious (MS)
2 1.76 – 2.50 Slightly Serious (SS
1 1.00 – 1.75 Not Serious (NS)

Degree of seriousness and problem VMS MS SS NS

encountered in fire safety compliance of (4) (3) (2) (1)
business establishment
1. Insufficient knowledge in utilizing a fire
extinguishers by establishment owners
2. Damaged system components of an emergency
power supply
3. Damaged alarm system, including the fire alarm
control panel
4. Locking of fire exits during period when people are
inside the building
5. Lack of exit light and emergency light and
emergency lighting system
6. Insufficient active exits in the establishment
7. Inappropriate storage and/or use of explosives or
of combustible, flammable, toxic and other
hazardous materials
8. Lack of awareness of relevant regulatory codes by
the establishment owners
9. Occupants’ lack of information regarding fire
safety program implementation
10. Lack of interests of business establishment
owners in attending orientation regarding safety
compliance
Excerpt from: IRR of RA 9514 Section 9.0.3.3, of Falar 1, 2, and 3
42