THE Inter-agency Anti-Arson Task Force (IATF) lauded the proposed ordinance which would require all establishments to install photoluminescent or glow-in-the-dark signages on emergency exits.
“It’s a good move at least ma-suportahan natin yong provision sa fire code talaga. Other LGUs are also crafting their own ordinances emphasizing on some fire safety requirements na palaging na-take for granted,” said BFP-IATF spokesperson Fire Superintendent Jerry Candido said in an interview at the sideline of the AFP-PNP press forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel.
He added, “Ito kasing directional signs mga petty things ito na na-take for granted ng building occupants. Very important yan. It will guide you where to go in case na may sunog at dilim yong i-expect natin eh.”
With this, even if there is a total blackout inside the building, the trapped fire victims could still escape and safely evacuate the burning building. It will direct the occupants to safer ground.
Section 10.2.5.11 of RA 9514 or the Philippine Fire Code of the Philippines cited the illumination of means of egress. It states that “illumination of means of egress shall be continuous during the time that the conditions of occupancy require that the means of egress be available for use. Artificial lighting shall be employed at such places and for such periods of time as required to maintain the illumination to the minimum lumen values herein specified”.
It added that the floors of means of egress shall be illuminated at all points including angles and intersections of corridors and passageways, landings of stairs, and exit doors to values of not less than 10.7 lux.
“Kahit dalawa walang problema as long as yung penalty nila will not exceed to the penalty sa Fire Code so okay lang,” Candido said.
Davao City Councilor Maria Belen Acosta, during her privilege speech on Tuesday's regular session, filed the ordinance to avoid the repeat of the fatal incident that claimed the lives of 37 employees of Sampling Survey International (SSI) and one NCCC regular employee to address not only emergency situations.
“Survivors of the NCCC fire recalled that a few seconds after the electricity went out, dark smoke from the fire was already blurring their vision and not all of them could recall the way to the nearest exits," she said.
Based on the accounts of the NCCC Mall fire survivors, they have evacuation plan and they followed it when they were notified that there was an ongoing fire. However, the fire exits on the fourth floor where their offices were located could hardly be passed through due to zero visibility and intense heat.