DEFINITION OF TERMS

For purposes of this RIRR, the following terms, words and phrases shall mean or be understood
as follows:

Abatement. Any act that would remove or neutralize a fire hazard.

Aerodrome. Any place where flight operations (takeoff, landing and maintenance of civil
aircrafts) can take place.

Aircraft Engine. Any engine used, or intended to be used, for the propulsion of an aircraft. This
includes all parts, appurtenances, and accessories thereof other than propellers.

Aircraft. Any machine that is able to fly by gaining support from the air. It counters the force of
gravity by using either static lift or by using the dynamic lift of an airfoil.

Airfoil. The basic form of the wings, fins, and horizontal stabilizer of most aircraft.

Airport. A complex of runways and buildings for the takeoff, landing, and maintenance of civil
aircraft with facilities for passengers.

Alternative and/or Remedial Fire Safety Measures. Set of fire safety rules, regulations, and standards
specifically applied to existing public or private buildings, structures or facilities and their
premises or portion thereof constructed or erected prior to the implementation of RA 9514,
where compliance with the fire safety requirements as specified in the RIRR of RA 9514 will
compromise the structural stability/integrity of the said buildings, facilities or structures.

Apartment Building. A building containing three (3) or more living units with independent cooking.
and bathroom facilities, whether designated as condominium, row house, apartment
house, tenement, or by any other name.

Approved. Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

Approved, Supervised Sprinkler System (ASSS). An integrated network of hydraulically designed

piping system installed in a building, structure or facility with outlets arranged in a systematic
pattern. It automatically discharges water when activated by heat or combustion products
of fire.

Authorized Government Depository Bank (AGDB) or Authorized Government Servicing Bank

(AGSB). Government servicing banks such as Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), Development
Bank of the Philippines (DBP), United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB), and Philippine Veterans
Bank (PVB), wherein Fire Code revenues are deposited for subsequent remittance to the
Bureau of Treasury (BTr).

Automatic Fire Suppression System (AFSS). An integrated system of underground or overhead

piping connected to a source of extinguishing agent or medium, designed in accordance
with fire protection engineering standards to include, but not limited to Automatic Fire
Sprinkler System which when actuated by its automatic detecting device suppresses fire
within the area protected even without human intervention.

Fire Detection and Alarm System. A system that detects fire at the earliest stage, and gives an
alarm to alert the occupants so that appropriate action can be taken.

Automotive Service Station. That portion of property where liquids used as motor fuels are stored
and dispensed from fixed equipment into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles and shall include
any facilities available for the sale and service of tires, batteries and accessories, and for
minor automotive maintenance work.
Baffle. A non liquid-tight transverse partition in a cargo tank.

Bale. A large bundle or package of hay or a raw material such as cotton, tightly bound with
string or wire to keep it in shape during transportation or storage.

Blasting Agent. Any material or mixture consisting of a fuel and oxidizer used to set off explosives.

Blowout. A sudden release of oil and gas from a well.

Boiling point. The temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals the pressure
surrounding the liquid, and the liquid changes into a vapor.

Brush. Land covered with a dense undergrowth of small trees and brushes.

Building. Any structure built for the support, shelter, or enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or
property of any kind.

Building Administrator. Any person who is authorized to act as an agent or representative of the
owner of the building and performs duties and responsibilities necessary for the effective
management, maintenance, and proper use of said building.

Bulk Oxygen System. An assembly of equipment, such as oxygen storage containers, pressure
regulators, safety devices, vaporizers, manifolds, and interconnecting piping, for supplying
a regulated flow of oxygen to a pipeline.

Bulk Plant. Portion of a property where liquids are received by tank vessel, pipelines, tank cars, or
tank vehicle, and are stored or blended in bulk for the purpose of distributing such liquids by
tank vessels, pipeline, tank car, tank vehicle, portable tank or container.

Bulkhead. A liquid-tight closure between compartments of a cargo tank.

Cargo Tank. Any tank having a liquid capacity more than four hundred fifty liters (450L) used for
carrying flammable and combustible liquids and mounted permanently or otherwise upon
a tank vehicle. The term “cargo tank” does not apply to any container used solely for the
purpose of supplying fuel for the propulsion of the tank vehicle upon which it is mounted.

Cathodic Protection. A technique to resist corrosion o a metal surface by making the surface
cathode of an electrochemical cell.

Cellulose Nitrate or Nitro Cellulose. A highly combustible and explosive compound produced by
the reaction of nitric acid with a cellulose material.

Cellulose Nitrate Plastic (Pyroxylin). Any plastic substance, materials or compound having
cellulose nitrate (nitro cellulose) as base.

City/Municipal Fire Marshal (C/MFM). The duly designated head of the City or Municipal Fire
Station including those designated as “Officer-in-Charge” or in “Acting” capacity. This shall
also apply to highly urbanized Cities and Stations where by its approved organization the
head is the District Fire Marshal or Station Commander as the case may be.

Chemical Plant. A large integrated plant or that portion of such plant other than a refinery or
distillery where flammable or combustible liquids are produced by chemical reactions or
used in chemical reactions.

Closed Container. Any container so sealed by means of a lid or other device that neither liquid
nor vapor will escape from it at ordinary temperatures.
Collecting Officer. An accountable officer responsible in the collection, deposit and remittance
of Fire Code revenues from all Fire Code taxes, fees/charges and fines with AGDB or AGSB.

Combustible Fiber. Any readily ignitable and free-burning fibers, such as but not limited, to
cocoa fiber, cotton, excelsior, hay, hemp, henequen, istle, jute, kapok, oakum, rags, sisal,
Spanish moss, straw, tow, waste cloth, waste paper, certain synthetic fibers commonly used
in commerce, or any material in a fibrous or shredded form that will readily ignite when heat
sources are present.

Combustible Liquid. Any liquid having a flash point at or above thirty-seven and eight tenths
degrees Celsius (37.8 °C), and classified as follows:

Class II Liquid. Any liquid that has a flash point at or above thirty-seven and eight tenths
degrees Celsius (37.8 °C) and below sixty degrees Celsius (60 °C).

Class IIIA Liquid. Any liquid that has a flash point at or above sixty degrees Celsius (60 °C),
but below ninety-three degrees Celsius (93 °C).

Class IIIB Liquid. Any liquid that has a flash point at or above ninety-three degrees
Celsius (93 °C).

Combustible Waste. Also known as loose waste material, are those generated by an establishment
or process and, being salvageable, are retained for scrap or reprocessing on the premises
where generated. These include, but not limited to, all combustible fibers, hay, straw, hair,
feathers, down, wood shavings, turnings, styrofoam, all types of plastics, all types of paper
products, soiled cloth trimmings and cuttings, rubber trimmings and buffing, metal fines,
used oil and any mixture of the above items, or any other salvageable combustible waste
material.

Common Atmosphere. A common atmosphere exists between rooms, spaces or area within a
building, which are not separated by an approved smoke partition.

Compressed Air Foam (CAF). A homogeneous foam produced by the combination of water,
foam concentrate, and air or nitrogen under pressure.

Compressed Gas. One that exists solely in the gaseous state under pressure in the range of
two hundred seventy-three kilopascals (273 kPa) to twenty-four thousand nine hundred
twenty-three kilopascals (24,923 kPa) at all normal atmospheric temperature ranging from
twenty degrees Celsius (20 °C) to thirty-seven and eight tenths degrees Celsius (37.8 °C)
inside its container.

Compressed Gas Container. A pressure container designed to hold compressed gases at

pressures greater than one (1) atmosphere at twenty degrees Celsius (20 °C).

Compressed Gas System. An assembly of components, such as containers, reactors, pumps,

compressors and connecting piping and tubing, designed to contain, distribute or transport
compressed gases.

Concourse. A large open passageway in a public building, such as in a rail station or airport
terminal that people meet in or pass through.

Container. Any vessel of less than two hundred twenty-seven liters (227 L) capacity used for
transporting or storing liquids.

Control Area. A building or portion of a building or outdoor area within which hazardous materials
are allowed to be stored, dispensed, used or handled in quantities not exceeding the
maximum allowable quantities (MAQ).

Conservation. All the processes and measures of maintaining the cultural significance or value
of a cultural heritage or property, including but not limited to, preservation, restoration,
reconstruction, protection, adaptation, documentation, examination, research, treatment,
education, or any combination thereof.

Corrosive Liquid. Any liquid which causes fire when in contact with organic matter or with certain
chemicals.

Crude Oil. Any naturally-occurring, unrefined petroleum liquid.

Cryogenic. Any material which, by its nature or as a result of its reaction with other elements,
produces a rapid drop in temperature of the immediate surroundings.

Cryogenic Container. A pressure or low-pressure or atmospheric container of any size designed

or used for the transportation, handling or storage of a cryogenic fluid, and which utilizes
venting, insulation, refrigeration or a combination thereof to maintain the pressure within
the design parameters for such container and to keep the contents in a liquid state.

Cryogenic Fluids. Fluids produced or stored at very low temperatures and that have normal
boiling point below negative fifty-five degrees Celsius (-55 °C).

Cryogenic Inground Container. A container in which the maximum liquid level is below the normal
surrounding grade and is constructed of natural materials, such as earth and rock and
pendent upon the freezing of water-saturated earth materials for its tightness or impervious
nature.

Curtain Board. A vertical panel of non-combustible or fire resistive materials attached to and
extending below the bottom chord of the roof trusses to divide the underside of the roof into
separate compartments so that heat and smoke will be directed upwards to a roof vent.

Customer Relations Officer (CRO). An organic member of the BFP who is tasked to attend to the
immediate needs and concerns of the customer, applicant or any taxpayer transacting
business with a unit/station/office.

Damper. A device used in heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts to prevent the
spread of fire or smoke inside the ductwork. It automatically closes upon detection of heat
and smoke. They can be opened or closed from a remote fire command station if required.

Fire Damper. A device used to interrupt migratory airflow, resist the passage of flame, and
maintain the integrity of the fire rated separation. Its primary function is to prevent the
passage of flame from one side of a fire-rated separation to the other, upon detection
of flame via duct temperature.

Smoke Damper. A device used to prevent the passage of smoke from one side of a firerated
separation to the other, upon detection of smoke via smoke detector.

Combination Fire and Smoke Damper. A device that meets both the heat and smoke
damper requirements where a wall, floor, or ceiling is required to have both a fire
damper and smoke damper.

Derrick. A framework that is constructed over a mine or oil well for the purpose of boring or
lowering pipes.
Detearing. A process for rapidly removing excess wet coating material from a dipped or coated
object or material by passing it through an electrostatic field.

Dip Tank. A tank, vat or container of flammable or combustible liquid in which articles or materials
are immersed for purposes of coating, finishing, treating, or similar processes.

Dispensing Device. An equipment used to deliver petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel
and kerosene: installed in a fore court/curve area within the retail outlet. Dispensing device
can either be a self-contained or with a remote/submersible pump.

Distillation. The process of first raising the temperature to separate the more volatile from the
less volatile parts, and then cooling and condensing the resulting vapor so as to produce a
nearly purified substance.

Distillery. A plant or that portion where liquids produced by fermentation and distillation are
concentrated, and where the concentrated products may also be mixed, stored, or
packaged.

Dormitories. 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.

Drum. A container which has a total capacity of two hundred twenty-seven liters (227 L) used in
storing liquid.

Dry Standpipe. A type of standpipe system in which the pipes are normally not filled with water.
Water is introduced into the system thru Fire Service connections when needed.

Duct System. A continuous passageway for the transmission of air.

Dust. Any finely divided solid, four millimeters (4 mm) or less in diameter (that is, material capable
of passing through a U.S. No. 40 standard sieve) which, if mixed with air in proper proportion,
becomes explosive and may be ignited by a flame, spark or other source of ignition.

Electrical Arc. An extremely hot luminous bridge formed by the passage of an electric current
across a space between two conductors or terminals.

Electrostatic Fluidized Bed. A container holding powder coating material that is aerated
from below so as to form an air-supported and expanded cloud of such material that is
electrically charged with a charge opposite to that of the object to be coated. Such object
is transported through a container immediately above the charged and aerated materials
in order to be coated.

Ember. A hot piece or lump that remains after a material has partially burned, and is still oxidizing
without the manifestation of flames.

Enclosed Platform. A partially enclosed portion of an assembly room the ceiling of which is not more
than one and fifty-five hundredths meters (1.55 m) 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.

Explosive. Any chemical compound or mechanical mixture that is commonly used or intended
for the purpose of producing an explosion.
Exit. That portion of means of egress that is separated from all other spaces of a building or
structure by construction, location, or equipment as required to provide a protected way
of travel to the exit discharge.

Exit Access. That portion of means of egress that leads to an exit.

Exit Discharge. That portion of a means of egress between the termination of an exit and a public
way.

Finishes. Materials used as final coating of a surface for ornamental or protective purposes.

Fire. The active principle of burning, characterized by the heat and light of combustion.

Class A Fire. Fires involving ordinary combustible materials such as wood, cloth, rubber and
plastics.

Class B Fire. Fires involving flammable liquids and gases.

Class C Fire. Fires involving energized electrical equipment.

Class D Fire. Fires involving combustible materials, such as sodium, magnesium, potassium,
and other similar materials.

Class K Fire. Fires in cooking appliances that involve combustible cooking media (vegetable
or animal oils and fats).

Fire Alarm. Any visual or audible signal produced by a device or system to warn the occupants
of the building or firefighting elements of the presence or danger of fire.

Fire Alerting System. A fire alarm system activated by the presence of fire, where the signal is
transmitted to designated locations instead of sounding a general alarm.

Fire Area. The aggregate floor area enclosed and bounded by fire walls, fire barriers, exterior
walls or fire resistance-rated horizontal assemblies of a building.

Fire Barrier. A continuous membrane or a membrane with discontinuities created by protected

openings with a specified fire protection rating, where such membrane is designed and
constructed with a specified fire resistance rating to limit the spread of fire, that also restricts
the movement of smoke.

Fire Barrier Wall. Interior wall that extends from floor to floor or floor to roof, including concealed
and interstitial spaces. They are designed to sub-divide portions of the building, and can be
supported by structures, such as roofs, columns or floors. All support structures should have
a fire-resistance rating no less than that of the fire barrier they support. Fire barriers restrict
the initial flow of heat within the area of origin, which provides building occupants with
adequate time to evacuate to safe areas. These walls shall have at least three (3) hours fire
resistance rating.

Fire Brigade. A collective term that refers to a group of firefighters, primarily performing fire
suppression activities in specified areas such as, but not limited to, community/barangay,
company, and other government and non-government establishments.

Fire Code Fees/Charges. Charges for regulation, inspection and other Fire Service activities in the
enforcement of RA 9514 and its RIRR.
Fire Code Fines. Amount imposed for violators of RA 9514 and its RIRR.
Fire Code Fee Collection/Revenues. Collective income derived from the collection of Fire Code
taxes, fees/charges and fines.

Fire Code Taxes. Taxes prescribed in para A.1 through A.6 of Section 12.0.0.2 of this RIRR.

Fire Compartment. A space within a building that is enclosed by fire barriers on all sides, including
the top and bottom.

Fire Department Access Road. The road or other means developed to allow access and
operational setup for firefighting and rescue apparatus.

Fire Door. A fire resistive door prescribed for openings in fire separation walls or partitions.

Fire Exit Drill. A practice drill for the orderly and safe evacuation of occupants in the buildings.

Fire Hazard. Any condition or act which increases or may cause an increase in the probability
of the occurrence of fire, or which may obstruct, delay, hinder or interfere with firefighting
operations and the safeguarding of life and property.

Fire Lane. The portion of a roadway or public way that should be kept open and unobstructed
at all times for the expedient conduct of firefighting operations.

Fire Protective and Fire Safety Device. Any device intended for the protection of buildings or
persons to include, but not limited to, built-in protection system such as sprinklers and other
automatic extinguishing system, detectors for heat, smoke and combustion products, and
other warning system components, personal protective equipment such as fire blankets,
helmets, fire suits, gloves and other garments that may be put on or worn by persons to
protect themselves during fire.

Fire Protective Assembly. An assembly incorporated in the structure designed to prevent the
spread of fire, such as dampers, curtain boards, fire stoppers and the like.

Fire Resistance Rating. The duration that a material or construction can withstand the effect of
a standard fire test.

Fire Safety Compliance Report (FSCR). A written report composed of plans, specifications
and design analysis per building prepared by its Engineer/Architect-of-Record and
Fire Safety Practitioner.

Fire Safety Compliance and Commissioning Report (FSCCR). A compilation report of all approved
submittals, test and acceptance forms of all fire protection and life safety features, which
shall form part of the “as-built” documents turned over by the contractor to the building
owner.

Fire Safety Construction. Refers to the design and installation of walls, barriers, doors, windows,
vents, means of egress and other elements integral to and incorporated into a building
or structure in order to minimize danger to life from fire, smoke, fumes or panic before the
building is evacuated. These features are also designed to achieve, among others, safe
and rapid evacuation of people and properties through means of egress on construction,
which are sealed from smoke or fire; and confinement of fire or smoke in the room or floor of
origin and delay their spread to other parts of the building by means of smoke-sealed and
fire resistant doors, walls and floors. It shall also mean to include the treatment of building
components or contents with flame retardant chemicals.

Fire Safety Evaluation Clearance (FSEC). A document issued by the BFP as a prerequisite for
the grant of Building Permit by the Office of Building Official having jurisdiction upon
determination that the evaluated plans are compliant with RA 9514 and its RIRR.

Fire Safety Inspector (FSI). A uniformed/non-uniformed personnel of the BFP responsible for
fire safety inspection and assessment of fire hazards, and whose function, duties and
responsibilities are defined under Division 1, Chapter 2, Rule 8 of this RIRR.

Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC). A document issued by the BFP as a prerequisite for the
grant of Certificate of Occupancy, Business Permit, Certificate of Annual Inspection from
PEZA and other licenses and permits being issued by other government agencies upon
determining that the required fire safety construction are in place, and fire protective and/
or warning systems are properly installed in accordance with the approved plans and
specifications and in compliance with RA 9514 and its RIRR.

Fire Safety Maintenance Report (FSMR). A written report prepared by the building owner, his/her
fire safety practitioner or authorized representative. This is a compilation of the maintenance
and testing records kept by the building’s engineering and maintenance department, as
a prerequisite for the issuance of FSIC for Business or Mayor’s Permit renewal, Certificate of
Annual Inspection, Permit to Operate, PHILHEALTH Accreditation for Hospitals, DOH License
to Operate and other permits or licenses being issued by other government agencies.

Fire Safety Practitioner. Any qualified person, recognized by the BFP, engaged in, but not
limited to, the design, construction, installation, repair and maintenance, assessment, and
rehabilitation of fire safety construction, suppression and control systems, protective and
warning systems and life safety related services, or employed as a safety officer of public
and private establishments/companies.

Fire Trap. A building unsafe in case of fire because it will burn easily or because it lacks adequate
exits or fire escapes.

Fire Volunteer Organization (FVO). An organized group of private firefighters recognized by the
BFP, who have voluntarily formed themselves to perform fire-related activities.

Fire Volunteer. A person who voluntarily enters into firefighting service through a Fire Volunteer
Organization (FVO) and undergoes the same discipline as that of BFP firefighters.

Fire Wall. An exterior wall designed to prevent the spread of fire, having a fire resistance rating
of not less than four (4) hours with sufficient structural stability to remain standing even if
construction on either side collapses under fire condition. Fire walls particularly erected
above or along property lines shall have absolutely no openings and shall extend above
the roof to one meter (1 m).

Fixed Guideway Transit System. An electrified transportation system, utilizing a fixed guideway,
operating on right-of-way for the mass movement of passengers within a metropolitan
area, and consisting of its fixed guideways, transit vehicles, and other rolling stock; power
systems; buildings; stations; and other stationary and movable apparatus, equipment,
appurtenances, and structures.

Flame Retardant. Any compound or mixture which when applied properly improves the resistivity
or fire resistance quality of fabrics and other materials.

Flame Spread Rating. The time in which flame will spread over the surface of a burning material.

Flammability. The characteristic of a material on how easily it will burn or ignite, causing fire or
combustion.
Flammable Cryogenic Fluids. Cryogenic fluids which are flammable in their vapor state.
Flammable Finishes. Material coatings in which the material being applied is a flammable liquid,
combustible liquid, combustible powder, or flammable or combustible gel coating.

Flammable Liquids. Liquids having flash points below thirty-seven and eight tenths degrees Celsius
(37.8 °C), except any mixture having components with flash points of thirty-seven and eight
tenths degrees Celsius (37.8 °C) or higher, the total of which make up ninety-nine percent
(99%) or more of the total volume of the mixture. Flammable liquids are classified as follows:

Class IA Liquid. Liquid having flash points below twenty-two and eight tenths degrees Celsius
(22.8 °C), and having a boiling point below thirty-seven and eight tenths degrees
Celsius (37.8 °C).

Class IB Liquid. Liquid having flash points below twenty-two and eight tenths degrees Celsius
(22.8 °C), and having a boiling point at or above thirty-seven and eight tenths degrees
Celsius (37.8 °C).

Class IC Liquids. Liquid having flash points at or above twenty-two and eight tenths degrees
Celsius (22.8 °C), and below thirty-seven and eight tenths degrees Celsius (37.8 °C).

Flammable Vapor Area. An area in which the concentration of flammable constituents (vapor,
gas, fume, mist or dust) in air exceeds twenty-five percent (25%) of their Lower Flammable
Limit (LFL) because of the flammable finish processes operation. It shall include the interior of
spray booths; the interior of ducts exhausting from spraying processes; any area in the direct
path or any area containing dangerous quantities of air-suspended powder, combustible
residue, dust, deposits, vapor or mists as a result of spraying operations; and the area in
the vicinity of dip tanks, drain boards or associated drying, conveying or other equipment
during operation or shutdown periods.

Flash Point of a Liquid. The lowest temperature a liquid at which sufficient vapor is given off to
form an ignitable mixture with air, near the surface of the liquid or within the vessel used.

Flexible Plan Buildings. Buildings that have movable corridor walls and movable partitions of
full height construction with doors leading from rooms to corridors. Flexible plan buildings
without exit access doors between rooms and corridors shall be classified as open plan
buildings.

Fogging. The creation of a cloud of ultra-fine droplets, which are airborne and readily picked up
by the insect as it flies through the swathe of insecticide, fog or mist.

Forging. A process where a piece of metal is heated prior to changing its shape or dimensions.

Fluidized Bed. A container holding powder coating material that is aerated from below so as
to form an air-supported expanded cloud of such material through which the preheated
object to be coated is immersed and transported.

Fulminate. A kind of stable explosive compound which explodes by percussion.

Fumigant. Any substance which, by itself or in combination with any other substance, emits or
liberates a gas, fume or vapor used for the destruction or control of insects, fungi, vermin,
germs, rats, or other pests, and shall be distinguished from insecticides and disinfectants
which are essentially effective in the solid or liquid phases. Examples are methyl bromide,
ethylene dibromide, hydrogen cyanide, carbon disulphide and sulfuryl fluoride.

Fumigation. The utilization within an enclosed space of a fumigant in concentrations that are
hazardous or acutely toxic to humans.
Fumigators. Persons or establishments engaged in fumigation and thermal insecticidal fogging.

Globally Harmonized System (GHS). A system developed by the United Nations that defines
and classifies the hazards of chemical products, and communicates health and safety
information on labels and safety data sheets.

Gross Floor Area. The floor area within the inside perimeter of the outside walls of the building
under consideration with no deduction for hallways, stairs, closets, thickness of interior
walls, columns, elevator and building services shafts, or other features, but excluding floor
openings associated with atriums and communicating spaces.

Hangar. A large building in which aircrafts are kept or repaired.

Hazard Evaluation. Identification of potential hazards which includes risk evaluation that takes
into account the likelihood of the hazard resulting in a fire or explosion.

Hazardous Fire Area. Any area covered with dry grass, cogon, reeds, brush, and other highly
combustible growth or any area used for stockpiling of used or waste materials that, by
virtue of exposure to environment, may cause its deterioration, decomposition or other
conditions that fires are likely to occur therein and hard to suppress.

Hazardous Operation/Process. Any act of manufacturing, fabrication, conversion, or other similar

operations that use or produce materials which are likely to cause fires or explosions.

Heavy Casting. Casting greater than eleven and three tenths kilograms (11.3 kg) with walls of
large cross-sectional weights six and four tenths millimeters (6.4 mm). Castings less than
eleven and three tenths kilograms (11.3 kg) are considered light.

Heliport. An area of land, water or a structural surface that is used or intended for landing and
taking off of helicopters, and any appurtenant areas which are used or intended for use as
heliport buildings and other heliport facilities.

Helistop. Same as “heliport” except that fueling, defueling, maintenance, repairs or storage of
helicopters are not permitted.

High Piled Storage. Combustible materials on pallets or in racks more than four meters (4 m)
high. For highly combustible materials such as rubber goods and certain plastics, the critical
height of piling may be as low as two and four tenths meters (2.4 m). Buildings shall be
deemed to be used for the storage of high piled combustible stock when the floor area
used for such purpose exceeds either one tenth (0.1) of the total floor area, or at least two
hundred thirty-two square meters (232 m2).

High Rise Building. Building, structure or facility 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.

Historic Center. Historic zone, district, core, precinct, town, legacy zones, heritage area, zone
or town; a designated area with historical and other special significance, consisting of
buildings or group of buildings, and their environs that collectively contribute to the area’s
importance and character; a place where a significant event in history occurred; any town,
district or ancient settlement site with special historic and/or cultural significance. Historic
centers are sometimes called living museums, outdoor museums or museum preserves
whether inhabited or uninhabited, historic centers and preservation areas.
Horizontal Channel. Any uninterrupted space between horizontal layers of stored commodities.
Such channels may be formed by pallets, shelves, racks or other storage arrangements.

Horizontal Exit. A passageway from one building to another, or through or around a wall in
approximately the same floor level. A way of passage from one building to an area of
refuge and another building on approximately the same level, or a way of passage through
or around a fire barrier to an area of refuge on approximately the same level in the same
building that affords safety from fire and smoke originating from the area incidence and
areas communicating therein.

Hose Box. A box or cabinet where fire hoses, valves and other equipment are stored and
arranged for firefighting.

Hose Reel. A cylindrical device turning on an axis around which a fire hose is wound and
connected.

Hospital. A place devoted primarily to the maintenance and operation of health facilities for
the diagnosis, treatment and care of individuals suffering from illness, disease, injury or
deformity, or in need of obstetrical or other surgical, medical and nursing care. It shall also
be constructed as any institution, building or place where there are installed beds, cribs or
bassinets for twenty-four hour (24-hr) use or longer by patients in the treatment of diseases.

Hotels. Buildings or group of buildings 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.

Interior Room. A room whose only means of egress is through an adjoining or intervening room
which is not an exit.

Interstitial. Any concealed space between the ceiling and the floor or roof above shall be
fire-stopped for the full depth of the space along the line of support of the floor or roof
structural members and, if necessary, at other locations to form areas not to exceed
ninety-three square meters (93 m2) for any space between the ceiling and floor, and two
hundred eighty square meters (280 m2) for any space between the ceiling and the roof.

Industrial Baking and Drying. Industrial process of subjecting materials to heat for the purpose of
removing solvents or moisture from the same, and/or to fuse certain chemical salts to form
a uniform glazing on the surface of materials being treated.

Jumper. Any piece of metal or an electrical conductor used to bypass a safety device in an
electrical system.

Level of Exit Discharge. The lowest storey from which not less than fifty percent (50%) of the required
number of exits and not less than fifty percent (50%) of the required egress capacity from
such a storey discharge directly outside at grade; or the storey with the smallest elevation
change needed to reach grade where no storey has fifty percent (50%) or more of the
required number of exits and fifty percent (50%) or more of the required egress capacity
from such a storey discharge directly outside at grade.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). A group of flammable hydrocarbon gases that are liquified
through pressurization and commonly used as fuel heating appliances, cooking equipment,
and vehicles. It is produced during natural gas processing and petroleum refining. LPG is
more dense than air, at a relative density of 1.5219:1.
Lodging or Rooming Houses. 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.

Loose Fibers. Fibers that are not bundled or packaged in suitable bales.

Loose House. A separate detached building in which unbaled combustible fibers are stored.

Machinery Room. A specific room which is permanently installed and used for the operation
of machineries. Closets solely contained within and opening only into a room shall be
considered a part of such room.

Magnesium. A highly flammable metal which burns to over two thousand nine hundred
eighty degrees Celsius (2,980 °C). It is used as a principal element of aluminum alloy for
the manufacture of mobile phones, laptop computers, cameras, and other electronic
components, beverage cans, flashlight photography, flares, pyrotechnics, fireworks
sparklers, automotive and truck components.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Also known as Safety Data Sheet (SDS). A form that contains
data and information regarding the properties of a particular substance.

Maximum Allowable Quantity (MAQ). The quantity of hazardous material permitted in a

control area.

Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP). The maximum pressure permissible at the top of
a container in its operating position for a designated temperature, as established by the
container manufacturer.

Means of Egress. A continuous and unobstructed route of exit from one point in a building,
structure or facility to a public way consisting of three (3) distinct parts: exit, access and exit
discharge.

Medical Air. A type of air product produced through the blending of compressed nitrogen and
oxygen and used in variety of patients’ application. It is also used during anesthesia as a
substitute for nitrous oxide to reduce the high concentration of oxygen exposure.

Medical Gas. A type of gas used in medical and similar facilities, including oxygen, nitrous oxide,
nitrogen, carbon dioxide, helium, medical air and mixtures of these gases.

Nacelle. A cover housing that houses all of the generating components in a wind turbine,
including the generator, gearbox, drive train, and brake assembly.

Nesting. A method of securing flat-bottomed compressed gas containers upright in a tight mass
using a contiguous three-point contact system whereby all containers within a group have
a minimum of three points of contact with other containers, walls or bracing.

Normally Unmanned Installation (NUI). A type of automated offshore oil/gas platform designed
to be primarily operated remotely, without the constant presence of personnel. These
generally are characterized by their small size, often consisting of just a well bay with a
helipad on top.

Nursing Home. A building or part thereof used for the lodging, boarding and nursing care, on a
twenty-four hour (24-hr) basis, of four (4) more persons who, because of mental or physical
incapacity, maybe unable to provide for their own needs and safety without the assistance
of another person. Nursing home, wherever used in this RIRR, shall include nursing and
convalescent homes, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, and infirmaries of
homes for the aged.

Occupancy. The purpose for which a building or portion thereof is used or intended to be used.

Occupant. Any person actually occupying and using a building or portions thereof by virtue of a
lease contract with the owner or administrator or by permission or sufferance of the latter.

Occupant Load. The maximum number of persons that may be allowed to occupy a particular
building, structure, or facility, or portions hereof.

Occupiable Storey. A portion or area in a building accessible to occupants and intended for use
in accordance with occupancy classification defined under the RIRR of RA 9514. However,
roof deck that is accessible to occupant(s) and is used mainly for providing maintenance
on equipment/facilities installed therein shall not be counted for purposes in measuring the
building height

Oil Burning Equipment. An oil burner of any type together with its tank, piping, wiring controls,
blower, and related devices, and shall include all oil-fired units, heating and cooking
appliances.

Open Plan Buildings. Buildings that have rooms and corridors delineated by use of tables, chairs,
desks, bookcases, counters, low height partitions, or similar furnishings.

Organic Coating. A liquid mixture of binders such as alkyd, nitrocellulose, acrylic, or oil, and
flammable and combustible solvents such as hydrocarbon, ester, ketene or alcohol, which
when spread on a surface becomes a durable protective and decorative finish.

Organic Peroxide. A strong oxidizing organic compound which releases oxygen readily. It
causes fire when in contact with combustible materials especially under conditions of high
temperature.

Overloading. The use of one (1) or more electrical appliances or devices which draw or consume
electrical current beyond the designed capacity of the existing electrical system.

Owner. The person who holds the legal right of possession or title to a building or real property.

Oxidizing Material. A material that readily yields oxygen in quantities sufficient to stimulate or
support combustion.

Ozone Depleting Substance/Refrigerant. Any group of halogenated hydrocarbon chemicals

which photochemically reacts in the stratosphere in a way which destroys the ozone layer.

Panic Hardware. A mechanical device consisting of linkages and horizontal bars across a door,
which when pushed from the inside will cause the door to open and facilitates exit from the
building, structure or facility.

Passenger Rail System. A transportation system, utilizing a rail guideway, operating on right-of-way
for the movement of passengers within and between metropolitan areas, and consisting of
its rail guideways, passenger rail vehicles, and other rolling stock; power systems; buildings;
stations; and other stationary and movable apparatus, equipment, appurtenances, and
structures.

Picking Rooms. Rooms where baled, bundled or piled materials are segregated into desired sizes
or groups.
Plastics
Group A Plastics. Plastic materials having heat of combustion much higher than that of
ordinary combustibles and burning rate higher than that of Group B plastics. Examples
of Group A plastics include, but are not limited to, the following:
• ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer)
• Acetal (polyformaldehyde)
• Acrylic (polymethyl methacrylate)
• Butyl rubber
• EPDM (ethylene propylene rubber)
• FRP (fiberglass-reinforced polyester)
• Natural rubber (expanded)
• Nitrile rubber (acrylonitrile butadiene rubber)
• PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate)
• Polybutadiene
• Polycarbonate
• Polyester elastomer
• Polyethylene
• Polypropylene
• Polystyrene (expanded and unexpanded)
• Polyurethane (expanded and unexpanded)
• PVC (polyvinyl chloride greater than fifteen (15%) percent plasticized, e.g.,
coated fabric unsupported film)
• SAN (styrene acrylonitrile)
• SBRr (styrene butadiene rubber)
Group B Plastics. Plastic materials having heat of combustion and burning rate higher than
that of ordinary combustibles, but not as high as those of Group A plastics. Examples of
Group B plastics include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Cellulosics (cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate butyrate, ethyl cellulose)
• Chloroprene rubber
• Fluoroplastics (ECTFE, ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer; ETFE, ethylenetetrafluoroethylene
copolymer; FEP, fluorinated ethylene-propylene copolymer)
• Natural rubber (nonexpanded)
• Nylon (nylon 6, nylon 6/6)
• PVC (polyvinyl chloride greater than five percent (5%), but not exceeding fifteen
percent (15%) plasticized)
• Silicone rubber
Group C Plastics. Plastic materials having heat of combustion and burning rate similar to
those of ordinary combustibles. Examples of Group C plastics include, but are not
limited to, the following:
12
• Fluoroplastics (PCTFE, Polychlorotrifluoroethylene; PTFE, polytetrafluoroethylene)
• Melamine (melamine formaldehyde)
• Phenol
• PVC (polyvinyl chloride, rigid or plasticized less than five percent (5%), e.g., pipe,
pipe fittings)
• PVDC (polyvinylidene chloride)
• PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride)
• PVF (polyvinyl fluoride)
• Urea (urea formaldehyde)
Limited quantities of Group A plastics in mixed commodities shall be used to determine
the quantity of Group A plastics allowed that can be stored in a package or carton, or on
a pallet without increasing the commodity classification.

Plenum. An air compartment or chamber to which one (1) or more ducts are connected and
which form part of an air distribution system.
Portable Tank. Any closed vessel having a liquid capacity over two hundred twenty-seven liters
(227 L) and not intended for fixed installation.

Pressurized/Forced-Draft Burning Equipment. Any type of burner where the fuel is subjected to
pressure prior to discharge into the combustion chamber and/or which includes fans or
other provisions for the introduction of air at above normal atmospheric pressure into the
same combustion chamber.

Propeller. An inclusive term for all parts, appurtenances, and accessories of a propeller.

Proscenium wall. A fire resistive wall which separates a stage or enclosed platform from the
public or spectators’ area of an auditorium or theater.

Public Way. Any street, alley or other strip of land unobstructed from the ground to the sky,
deeded, dedicated or otherwise permanently appropriated for public use.

Pyrophoric. Any substance that ignites spontaneously when exposed to air.

Refining. A process where impurities and/or deleterious materials are removed from a mixture in
order to produce a pure element or compound. It shall also refer to partial distillation and
electrolysis.

Refrigerating System. An assembly of four (4) major components, namely the compressor,
condenser, expansion valve, the evaporator, through which a very low boiling point
substance (refrigerant) flow in cycle, and absorbs heat from the immediate surroundings,
thereby producing the cooling effect (also known as the refrigerating effect).

Residential-Custodial Care Facility/Institution. A building, or part thereof, used for the lodging
or boarding of four (4) or more persons who are incapable of self-preservation because
of age, or physical or mental limitation. This includes facilities such as homes for the aged,
nurseries (custodial care for children under six (6) years of age), and mentally retarded care
institutions.

Roll Coating. A process of coating, spreading and impregnating fabrics, paper or other materials
as they are passed directly through a tank or trough containing flammable or combustible
liquids, or over the surface of a roller revolving partially submerged in a flammable or
combustible liquid.

Safety Can. An approved container, of not more than eighteen and nine tenths liter (18.9 L)
capacity having a spring-closing lid and spout cover and so designed that it will safely
relieve internal pressure when subjected to fire exposure.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS). A document that describes composition of a material, hazardous
properties and hazard mitigation, and disposal information.

Safety Factor. The ratio of the design burst pressure to the maximum working pressure and shall
not be less than four (4).

Safety Officer. Any employee or officer of the company trained by the Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE); and tasked by the employer to implement an occupational safety
and health program, and ensure that it is in accordance with the provisions of Occupational
Safety and Health Center (OSHC) standards.

Salvage Yards. An inclusive term that refers to wrecking yards, junk yards or waste material
handling plants/shops, which can be used interchangeably.
Self-Closing Fire Doors (or Self-Closing Fire-Resistive Doors). Automatic closing doors that are
designed to confine smoke and heat and delay the spread of fire.

Separate Atmosphere. A separate atmosphere exits between rooms, spaces area, that are
separated by an approved smoke partition
.
Separate Means of Egress. A means of egress separated in such a manner from other means
of egress as to provide an atmosphere separation which preclude contamination of both
means of egress by the same fire. (See Section 10.2.6.7 of this RIRR).

Single and Two -Family Dwellings. Detached dwellings in which each living unit is occupied by
members of a single family.

Smelting. The process of melting or fusing metallic ores or compounds so as to separate impurities
from pure metals.

Smoking Area. A designated area where smoking is permitted within premises where smoking is
otherwise generally prohibited.

Smoke Barrier. A continuous membrane, or a membrane with discontinuities created by

protected openings, designed and constructed to restrict the movement of smoke.

Smoke Compartment. A space within a building enclosed by smoke barriers on all sides, including
the top and bottom.

Solvents or Liquid Classifications. A method of classifying solvents or liquids according to the

following:

Class I Solvents. Liquids having a flash point below thirty-seven and eight tenths degrees
Celsius (37.8 °C).

Class II Solvents. Liquids having a flash point at or above thirty-seven and eight tenths
degrees Celsius (37.8 °C) and below sixty degrees Celsius (60 °C).

Class IIIA Solvents. Liquids having a flash point at or above sixty degrees Celsius (60 °C) and
below ninety-three and three tenths degrees Celsius (93.3 °C).

Class IIIB Solvents. Liquids having a flash point at or above ninety-three and three tenths
degrees Celsius (93.3 °C).

Class IV Solvents. Liquids classified as non-flammable.

Source of Ignition. A source of energy sufficient to ignite a flammable atmosphere and includes
open flames, smoking, incandescent material, electrical welding arcs, and electrical or
mechanical equipment not suitable for use in a particular hazard zone.

Special Bank Receipt (SBR). An accountable form transferred to the AGDB or AGSB thru a
Memorandum Receipt (MR) which shall be issued as a proof of payment in the collection of
the fees and charges imposed in pursuit of the statutory and regulation functions of the BFP.

Spray Booth. A mechanically ventilated appliance of varying dimensions and construction

provided to enclose or accommodate a spraying operation and to confine and limit the
escape of spray vapor and residue and to exhaust it safely.

Spraying Area. Any area in which dangerous quantities of flammable vapors or mists, or
combustible residues, dusts or deposits are present due to the operation of spraying
processes.

Sprinkler System. An integrated network of hydraulically designed piping system installed in a

building, structure or area with outlets arranged in a systematic pattern which automatically
discharges water when activated by heat or combustion products from a fire.

Stage. A partially enclosed portion of an assembly building which is designed or used for the
presentation of plays, demonstrations, or other entertainment activities 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 is more than one and fifty-two
hundredths meters (1.52 m).

Staircase or stairway. One (1) or more flights of stairs or steps leading from one floor to another.

Stairwell. A compartment extending vertically through a building in which stairs are placed.

Standpipe System. A system of vertical pipes in a building to which fire hoses can be attached
on each floor, including a system by which water is made available to water outlets as
needed.

Street Floor. A storey or floor level accessible from the street outside the building at the finished
ground level, with the floor level at the main entrance located not more than three (3) risers
above or below the finished ground level, and arranged and utilized to qualify as the main
floor.

Tank Truck. Any single self-propelled motor vehicle equipped with a cargo tank mounted thereon
and used for the transportation of flammable and combustible liquids.

Tank Vehicle. Any vehicle carrying or towing a cargo tank used for transporting flammable fluids
or hazardous chemicals.

Tank, Full-Trailer. Any vehicle with or without auxiliary motive power, equipped with a cargo
tank mounted thereon or built as an integral part thereof, used for the transportation of
flammable and combustible liquids, and so constructed that practically all of its weight and
load rests on its own wheels.

Tank, Semi-Trailer. Any vehicle with or without auxiliary motive power, equipped with a cargo
tank mounted thereon or built as an integral part thereof, used for the transportation of
flammable and combustible liquids, and so constructed that, when drawn by a tractor by
means of a fifth wheel connection, some part of its load and weight rests upon the towing
vehicle.

Thermal Insecticidal Fogging. The utilization of any insecticidal liquids passed through thermal
fog-generating units where, by means of heat, pressure and turbulence, such liquids are
transformed and discharged in the form of fog or mist blown into an area to be treated.

Thermal Insecticidal Fogging Liquid. Any insecticidal liquid specifically designed for emission from
a thermal fog-generating unit in the form of an aerosol fog which is lethal to pest organisms
and insects. Examples of thermal insecticidal fogging liquids are permethrin, deltamethrin,
cyfluthrin, malathion, pirimiphos methyl and fenithrothion.

Thrust Stage/Arena Stage. The portion of a stage which projects into the audience on the
audience side of a proscenium wall or opening.

Tote Box. A box constructed for use in the handling of stocks in process or finished stocks while in
tote box store rooms.
Toxicity. The degree to which a substance is able to damage an exposed organism.

Type Designation of Powered Industrial Trucks. A system for identifying types of powered industrial
trucks for operation in non-classified and classified areas.

Type Designation CGH. A compressed hydrogen powered unit utilizing a fuel cell that has
minimum acceptable safeguards against inherent fire and electrical shock hazards.

Type Designation CN. A compressed natural gas–powered unit that has minimum
acceptable safeguards against inherent fire hazards.

Type Designation CNS. A compressed natural gas–powered unit that, in addition to meeting
the requirements for Type CN units, is provided with additional safeguards to the
exhaust, fuel, and electric systems.

Type Designation D. A diesel-powered unit that has minimum acceptable safeguards

against inherent fire hazards.

Type Designation DS. A diesel-powered unit that, in addition to meeting all the requirements
for Type D units, is provided with additional safeguards to the exhaust, fuel, and electric
systems.

Type Designation DX. A diesel-powered unit in which the diesel engine and the electric
fittings and equipment are so designed, constructed, and assembled that the unit
can be used in atmospheres that contain specifically named flammable vapors, dusts,
and, under certain conditions, fibers.

Type Designation DY. A diesel-powered unit that has all the safeguards of Type DS units
and, in addition, any electric equipment is completely enclosed and equipped with
temperature-limitation features.

Type Designation E. An electrically powered unit that has minimum acceptable safeguards
against inherent fire and electrical shock hazards.

Type Designation EE. An electrically powered unit that, in addition to meeting all the
requirements for Type E and ES units, has its electric motors and all other electric
equipment completely enclosed.

Type Designation ES. An electrically powered unit that, in addition to meeting all the
requirements for Type E units, is provided with additional safeguards to the electric
system to prevent the emission of hazardous sparks and to limit surface temperatures.

Type Designation EX. An electrically powered unit in which the electric fittings and
equipment are so designed, constructed, and assembled that the unit can be used
in atmospheres containing specifically named flammable vapors, dusts, and, under
certain conditions, fibers.

Type Designation G. A gasoline-powered unit that has minimum acceptable safeguards

against inherent fire hazards.

Type Designation G/CN. A unit that operates on either gasoline or compressed natural gas
that has minimum acceptable safeguards against inherent fire hazards.

Type Designation G/LP. A unit that operates on either gasoline or liquefied petroleum gas
and that has minimum acceptable safeguards against inherent fire hazards.
Type Designation GS. A gasoline-powered unit that, in addition to meeting all the
requirements for Type G units, is provided with additional safeguards to the exhaust,
fuel, and electric systems.

Type Designation GS/CNS. A unit that operates on either gasoline or compressed natural
gas and, in addition to meeting all the requirements for Type G/CN units, is provided
with additional safeguards to the exhaust, fuel, and electric systems.

Type Designation GS/LPS. A unit that operates on either gasoline or liquefied petroleum gas
and, in addition to meeting all the requirements for the Type G/LP units, is provided
with additional safeguards to the exhaust, fuel, and electric systems.

Type Designation LP. An LP-Gas-powered unit that has minimum acceptable safeguards
against inherent fire hazards.

Type Designation LPS. An LP-Gas-powered unit that, in addition to meeting the requirements
for Type LP units, is provided with additional safeguards to the exhaust, fuel, and electric
systems.

Used Water. Liquid waste generated by treatment plants, housekeeping, operation and
maintenance, and laboratory activities, including but not limited to washing, flushing, and
cleaning activities. It also includes the cleaning, flushing and draining water that bear dirt
and sludge from sedimentation basin, settling tank, and other treatment processes and unit
operation facilities, and backwash water generated in the backwashing, cleaning and
flushing of filter media or beds.

Ventilation. The process of supplying or removing air by natural or mechanical means to or from
any space. Such air may or may not have been conditioned. Also refers to the copious
flushing of an area with fresh air for the mitigation of explosion and other fire hazards.

Vertical Shaft. An enclosed vertical space of passage that extends from floor to floor, as well as
from the base to the top of a building.

Vestibule. A passage hall or antechamber between the outer doors and the interior parts of a
house or building.

Water Treatment Plants. Single or compact or multi-stage units and/or combination of unit
processes and operation systems, including but not limited to their facilities, appurtenances,
service areas and premises, for the purification or treatment of raw water or water from a
source that requires the removal and/or reduction of impurities or improvement of its quality
to comply with water quality standards, as prescribed by the concerned government
agency, intended for public use or for specific industrial applications.

Waste Water. Liquid waste generated by human activities that use water and/or those water
that come from residential, commercial, institutional, recreational, industrial, agricultural
and other facilities, similar occupancies and related activities.

Waste Water Treatment Plants. Single or compact or multi-stage units and/or combination
of unit processes and operation systems, including but not limited to their facilities,
appurtenances, service areas and premises, for the treatment of used water or waste
water generated by residential, recreational, institutional, commercial and industrial and
other similar occupancies and related activities that required the removal and/or reduction
of contaminants and/or pollutants or improvement of its quality to comply with effluent
water quality standards of receiving body of water or environment as prescribed by the
concerned government agency.