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BY AYIN DREAM D. APLASCA
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January 11, 2018
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IT IS SHOCKING to see another fire incident taking place after what happened in Davao City and Cebu City. Those may not be called isolated cases but I believe there was a lack of compliance on safety regulations.
Earlier this week, labor group Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) called on the government to conduct fire safety audits on malls nationwide.
My cousin is working in the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). He told me a fire safety audit is conducted before they issue a certificate that the establishment has complied with all the requirements and regulations in relation to fire safety. In cases of fire, they also conduct fire safety audit to know the cause of the blaze and if the establishment observed fire safety in its premises.
When I was reviewing for the Bar exams and was on the 10th floor of my condominium unit, fire broke out some 500 meters away. The smoke was all dark and fire truck alarms were everywhere. The fire level was declared TF Alpha. Over 20 fire trucks responded.
Conducting a nationwide fire safety audit is a good idea. With all the fire incidents happening these past few days, authorities should ensure people’s safety.
No doubt the authorities will make onsite visits for fire safety audit, which is usually prearranged. The audit is an examination of the place and important documents to check the place’s fire safety.
Employees or whoever works within the place will be interviewed if, among others, they are aware of the fire safety measures surrounding them like the fire exit and fire extinguisher (where are they located), sprinkler and ventilation systems, and proper electrical wiring.
A place should have fire safety arrangements and policy detailing who is responsible for different fire safety measures; fire emergency plans on what to do in case of fire; fire drills and staff fire training records; fire safety maintenance checklist; and awareness on fire safety and dangerous substances.
According to my cousin, they check if a place meets the fire safety requirements as stated in the Fire Code. If it has not, the BFP issues a notice to comply and give them time to comply.
If everything is complied, the BFP will issue a fire safety certificate.
The need to conduct fire investigation also calls for more fire safety inspectors. It is very important to make sure that people are in a safe place when they are working, enjoying recreation, and doing business.
Now is the time to be alarmed with these fire incidents.
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(Atty. Ayin Dream D. Aplasca practices her profession in Iloilo City. She may be reached thru ayindream.aplasca@gmail.com/PN)
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