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The Philippines, Occupational Safety and Health Standards

RULE 1940

FIRE PROTECTION AND CONTROL

Source:
Occupational Safety and Health Standards (As Amended).
Bureau of Working Conditions, Department of Labour and
Employment,
Manila, Philippines. Second Publication, as amended, 1990.
Copyright Reserved per P.D. 49

RULE 1940

1941   :  General Provisions:

(1)  All buildings for occupancy used shall be located in areas
     provided for by applicable zoning regulations of the
     locality.

(2)  Specific standards in design and construction, occupancy
     and use of buildings and facilities shall be those
     prescribed by the Building Code of the Philippines.

(3)  Fire tests of building materials and fire protection
     equipment used in any place of employment shall be those
     provided for the Fire Code of the Philippines.

(4)  Standards for the design and installation of indoor,
     outdoor general storage, sprinkler system and fire
     protection system shall be those provided for by Chapter 9
     of the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME)
     Code.

1942   :  Definitions:

     When used in this Rule, the following, unless otherwise
indicated, shall mean:

(1)  "Fire-Rating" - the time duration that a material shall
     withstand a standard fire exposure test.

(2)  "Flash Point" - the minimum temperature in degrees at which
     material will give off flammable vapor

(3)  " Wood-frame Construction " - a construction in which
     wooden frame-work forms the structural support for
     enclosure walls, floors, and doors.

(4)  "Slow-burning Construction" - construction consisting of
     substantial masonry walls and heavy timber interior.

(5)  "Fire-resistant Construction'- construction in which all
     walls, partitions, floors, stairs, roofs, window frames and
     sashes, doors and other interior finish, consist of fire-
     resistant materials designed to withstand, without collapse
     during burning of the contents of the building for a
     specified time.

1943   :  Building Construction and Facilities:

1943.01:  Types of Building Constructions:

(1)  The height of buildings used as places of employment shall
     be as provided in Table 45a.

(2)  Existing buildings not in conformity with Table 45a shall
     be given five years to comply with the Standards.

(3)  The number of stories provided in Table 45a may be
     increased by two if approved automatic sprinkler protection
     is provided. This provision may be applicable to existing
     buildings if the discrepancy is only in the number of
     stories.

1943.02:  Segregation:

Processes involving serious explosions and flash-fire hazards
shall be located in segregated buildings and only a minimum
number of workers required in the process shall be allowed inside
at any given time.

1943.03:  Exits:

(1)  At least two exits shall be provided in every floor and
     basement of every workplace capable of clearing the work
     area in five (5) minutes.

(2)  Additional exits shall be provided if the travel distance
     from any occupied space in a high hazard occupancy exceeds
     twenty-three (23) meters.

(3)  In moderate or low-hazard occupancy, the travel distance
     shall not be more than thirty-one (31) meters for
     industrial establishments, sixty-one (61) meters for
     business establishments and thirty and one-half (30.5)
     meters for mercantile and commercial establishments.

(4)  If approved automatic-sprinkler protection is installed,
     the travel distance in high-hazard occupancy may be
     increased to twenty-five (25) meters and for moderate or
     low-hazard occupancy may be increased to forty-six (46)
     meters.

(5)  The width of the exits shall be computed by dividing the
     total occupants of a floor or a storey (maximum allowable)
     by sixty (60) in industrial and commercial establishments
     by forty-five (45) in service establishments, and by
     seventy-five (75) in places of assembly and the quotient
     multiplied by fifty-five (55) to get the width of the exit
     in centimeters.

(6)  On every floor, except the ground floor, one of the exits
     shall lead to an inside stairway or a smoke-proof tower,
     while the other exits shall lead to inside stairways,
     smoke-proof towers or horizontal exits.

(7)  Slide escapes may be considered as exits in buildings
     housing high hazard occupancies but these shall not
     constitute more than twenty-five (25) percent of the total
     number of the required means of egress.

(8)  Safe, continuous and unobstructed passageways with a
     minimum width of at least one meter, but not less than the
     width of the exist, shall be provided and maintained.

(9)  No steps or stairs shall be used in horizontal exits. When
     there is a difference in level between cemented floor
     areas, ramps or inclines of not more than one to ten (1 to
     10) slopes shall be installed.

(10) The construction of the exits, including stairs and means
     of illumination, shall be in accordance with the provisions
     of the Building Code and the Electrical Code of the
     Philippines. In the absence of such provisions, the Fire
     Code of the Philippines shall apply.

1943.04:  Stairways:

(1)  Stairs, platforms, stairways and landings in buildings of
     any type of construction over three (3) stories in height
     used as fire exits shall be constructed of incombustible
     materials.

(2)  Building over three (3) stories in height of non-fire
     resistant construction and with roofs having a slope of
     less than 1 in 4, at least one stairway shall extend
     through the roof.

(3)  All stairways used as fire exits shall lead directly to the
     street or through fire resistant passages with a width of
     at least equal to the aggregate width of all exits
     discharging through such passages.

(4)  All approaches to fire exits shall be cleared of any
     obstruction and properly marked to make the direction of
     egress clear.

1943.05:  Fire Doors:

(1)  Stairway enclosures, fire exits and partitions shall be
     provided with fire doors of the self-closing type and
     easily opened from either side towards the line of travel
     in leaving the building except the last floor which should
     open away from the exit.

(2)  Doors giving access to stairways shall not open directly on
     stairs, but shall open on landings leaving a path of travel
     equal to at least the width of the door at any point during
     its swing.

(3)  Doors swinging on both sides, vertical-sliding doors,
     rolling shutters and revolving doors shall not be allowed
     as exits.

(4)  Where for practical reasons swinging doors are not
     suitable, horizontal sliding doors may be used.

(5)  Doors from stairways to the outside of the building shall
     have a width equal to at least the effective width of the
     stairs.

(6)  Doors leading into or out of any building or floor shall
     not be locked or fastened during period of occupancy.

1943.06:  Installation of Facilities:

Installation of building facilities like hot water pipes,
chimneys, or heat producing appliances shall be ad provided in
this Standards

1943.07:  Storage:

(1)  Significant quantities of commodities with fire hazards
     greater than ordinary combustible commodities shall be
     separated from the main bulk by fire walls.

(2)  Commodities which may be hazardous when combined with each
     other shall be stored separately to prevent contact with
     each other.

(3)  Water absorbed during fire fighting operations shall be
     considered in the determination of safe floor loads.

1944   :  Fire-Fighting Facilities:

1944.01:  General Requirements:

(1)  Portable installations, vehicles, except those for public
     utility, are subject to the provisions of this Standards.

1944.02:  Water Supply:

(1)  Where connection from a public water supply system is not
     available, an adequate private water supply reservoir
     capable of supplying all fire fighting systems for eight
     (8) hours shall be provided.  

(2)  Supply system, including tanks or reservoirs and pumps,
     shall be located and protected that their operation or use
     will not be impaired by a fire in the workplace.

1944.03:  Hydrants:      

(1)  Hydrants shall be of the same types and sizes as those used
     by the local public fire department and located or
     protected that they will not be exposed to mechanical
     damage from vehicles.    
     
1944.04:  Hose:

(1)  Hose couplings, outside hydrants or standing nipples shall
     be of the same type and size as those used by the local
     public fire department.

(2)  Hose shall be thoroughly drained and dried after each use,
     and tested at frequent intervals or at least once every
     four (4) months.

1944.05:  Portable Extinguisher:

(1)  General Requirement:

a.   all places of employment, including those where
     automatic-sprinkler protection system is installed, shall
     be provided with portable fire extinguishers for protection
     against incipient fires;

b.   portable extinguishers shall be maintained in fully charged
     and operable condition and kept in their designated places
     at all times when not in use;

c.   approved fire extinguishers shall be used;

d.   extinguishers shall be installed on hangers or brackets
     conspicuously located in unobstructed areas readily
     accessible in the event of fire;

e.   extinguishers having group weight not exceeding 18
     kilograms shall be installed so that the top is not more
     than l.5 meter above the floor. Those exceeding 18 kgs,
     except wheeled types, shall be installed not more than 1 m.
     above the floor;

f.   extinguishers shall be inspected monthly or at more
     frequent intervals when circumstances require to ensure
     they are in their designated places, to determine physical
     damages and that they are in good operable condition;

g.   at regular intervals of not more than one year, or when
     specifically indicated by an inspection, extinguishers
     shall be thoroughly examined, recharged or repaired; and

h.   on the place where extinguishers are located, the type and
     use of the extinguishers and instructions on its proper use
     shall be marked in visible and easily readable letters.

(2)  Selection of Extinguishers:

     Extinguishers shall be selected for the specific class or
     classes or hazards to be protected against in accordance
     with the following:

a.   Extinguishers for Class "A" hazards, such as wood, cloth,
     paper, rubber and other similar ordinary materials, shall
     be selected from foam, loaded stream, multipurpose dry
     chemical and water types;

b.   Extinguishers for Class "B" hazards, fires in flammable
     liquids, gases and greases, shall be selected from carbon
     dioxide, dry chemical, foam, loaded stream and
     multi-purpose dry chemical;

c.   Extinguishers for Class "C" hazards, fires which involve
     energized electrical equipment where the electrical
     non-conductivity of the extinguishing media if of
     importance, shall be selected from carbon dioxide, dry
     chemicals, and multi-purpose dry chemicals;

When the electrical energy is disconnected. Class "C" fire may
be treated as either Class "A" or Class "B";

d.   Extinguishers for protection of Class "D" hazards fire in
     combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium,
     sodium and potassium, shall be of types approved for use on
     the specific combustible metal hazard. Only suitable dry
     powder extinguishers shall be used for metal fires;

e.   Toxic vaporizing extinguisher is not recommended for any
     type of fire;
     
f.   Extinguishers which need to be inverted to operate are not
     recommended for use;
     
g.   Soda acid fire extinguishers are not recommended for use.

(3)  Distribution of fire extinguishers:

a.   Extinguishers for light hazards Class "A" fires, where the
     amount of combustible or flammable materials present are of
     such quantity that fires of small size may be expected in
     offices, schoolrooms, churches, assembly halls and other
     similar places shall be located that a person will not
     travel more than thirty (30) meters from any point to reach
     the nearest extinguisher. One (1) unit of five to six (5 to
     6) quarts (1 1/4 to 1 1/2 gal.) foam extinguisher for every
     250 sq. meters (2,500 sq. ft.) of floor area or a greater
     fraction thereof shall be provided;

b.   Extinguishers for ordinary hazards Class "A" fires,where
     the amount of combustible of flammable material present are
     such that fires of moderate size may be expected in
     mercantile storage and displays auto showrooms, parking
     garages, light manufacturing, warehouses not classified as
     extra hazard, school shops and other similar places shall
     be provided and located that a person will not travel for
     more than fifteen (15) meters from any point to reach the
     nearest extinguishing capacity for every 125 sq. meters of
     floor area or a greater fraction thereof;

c.   Extinguishers for extra hazard Class "B" fires, where the
     amount of combustible or flammable materials present is
     such that fires of severe magnitude may be expected in
     woodworking auto repair, air craft servicing, warehouses
     with highpiled (5 meters or over) combustible processes,
     such as flammable liquid handling, painting and other
     similar areas shall be provided with a 2.7 kgs dry chemical
     for every sixty (60) sq. meters of floor area or a greater
     fraction thereof;

d.   For deep-layer flammable liquid Class "B" fires in deep or
     quench tanks, at least one numerical unit of extinguishing
     potential shall be provided for every sixty (60) sq. meters
     of floor area or a greater fraction thereof. The travel
     distance to reach the nearest extinguisher shall not be
     more than fifteen (15) meters. Multiple smaller
     extinguishers shall not be used in lieu of larger units
     required;
     
e.   Extinguishers suitable for Class "B" fires are not
     acceptable in lieu of the required extinguishers for Class
     "A" fires unless it has also a Class "A" rating An
     extinguisher carrying both Class "A" and "B" ratings may be
     accepted for area requirements under each individual letter
     classification and at the numerical rating for that class;

f.   Extinguishers with Class "C" rating shall be required where
     energized electrical equipment may be encountered. The size
     and location shall be on the basis of the anticipated Class
     "A" or "B" hazards;

g.   Extinguishers shall have a durable tag securely attached to
     show the maintenance and re-charge data and containing the
     signatures of persons performing the service;

h.   Extinguishers shall be properly marked to indicate the
     suitability of the extinguishers for particular class of
     fires;

i.   Extinguishers shall be hydrostatically tested before use
     and periodically tested at least once in every five (5)
     years or as may be required by the enforcing authority
     when inspection indicate the need for such examination,

1945   :  Flammable and Combustible Liquids:

(1)  This requirement shall apply to liquids with a flash point
     of not more than 93.3°C.

(2)  Liquids of flash points above 93.3°C which may assume the
     characteristic of lower flash points liquids when heated
     shall be covered by this provision.

1945.01:  Tank Storage:

(1)  Tanks used for flammable and combustible liquids shall be
     built of steel.

(2)  Tanks may be built of materials other than steel for
     underground installation or if required by the properties
     of the liquid stored shall be designed to specifications
     approved for the purpose.

(3)  Unlined concrete tanks may be used for storing flammable or
     combustible liquids having a gravity of 40 degrees or
     heavier.

(4)  Tanks located above ground or inside buildings shall be of
     non-combustible construction.

1945.02:  Design and Fabrication:

(1)  The design and specification used in the construction and
     installation of tanks shall be as provided under applicable
     regulations of the American Petroleum Institute and the
     ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessels Code, which are adopted
     for this purpose

(2)  Plans for fabrication and fabrication processes shall be
     approved and supervised by the Bureau.

1945.03: Installation of Outside Tanks:

(1)  Every above ground tank for the storage of flammable or
     combustible liquids, except those liquids operating at
     pressures not in excess of 2.5 psig. and equipped with
     emergency venting which will not permit the pressure to
     exceed 2.5 psig., shall be located in accordance with Table
     45b.

(2)  Every above ground tank for the storage of flammable or
     combustible liquids, except those liquids with boil-over
     characteristics and unstable or combustible liquids
     operating at pressures exceeding 2.5 psig. and equipped
     with emergency venting which will permit pressure to exceed
     2.5 psig. shall be located in accordance with Table 45 c.

(3)  Every above ground tank for the storage of flammable or
     combustible liquids with boil-over characteristics shall be
     located in accordance with Table 45 d.

(4)  Every above ground tank for the storage of unstable liquids
     shall be located in accordance with Table 45 e.

(5)  Reference distances for use in Table 45b-e shall be as
     provided in Table 45 f.

(6)  The distance between two storage tanks shall not be less
     than three (3) ft., except two tanks of diverse ownership
     where the Regional Office or authorized representative may
     substitute the distances provided in Tables 45b-e on the
     written request and consent of the owners.

1945.04:  Drainage, Dikes and Walls of the Above Ground Tanks:

(1)  The area surrounding a tank or group of tanks shall be
     provided with drainage to prevent the accidental discharge
     of liquid to adjoining property or reaching waterways. When
     the tanks under consideration do not constitute a hazard to
     adjoining property, the Regional Office or authorized
     representative may waive or suspend this provision.

(2)  The volumetric capacity of the drainage shall not be less
     than the amount of the full liquid content of the largest
     tank within the diked area.

1945.05:  Installation of Tanks Inside of Buildings:

Tanks shall not be installed inside buildings except service or
supply tanks with a capacity of not more than six (6) gals.

1945.06:  Installation of Underground Tanks:

(1)  The distance from any part of tanks storing liquids having
     flash points below 37.77°C (100°F) to the nearest wall of
     a building, basement or pit shall not be less than 30.50
     cm. (l ft.); and the property line, not less than 91.50 cm.
     (3 ft.).

(2)  The distance from any part of a tank storing liquids having
     flash points at or above 37.77°C (100°F.) to the nearest
     wall of a building basement pit or property line shall not
     be less than 30.50 cm. (1 ft.)

(3)  Underground tanks shall be set on firm foundations and
     surrounded with at least six (6) inches of non-corrosive
     inert material well tamped in place. Tanks shall be covered
     with a minimum of two feet of earth or four inches
     reinforced concrete slab on top of one foot of earth.

(4)  Vent pipes shall terminate outside of buildings and higher
     than the fill opening. The size of the vent shall depend on
     the filling or withdrawal rate to prevent the pressure in
     tank to exceed, 2.5 psig.

1945.07:  Service Stations:

(1)  Tank used in automotive service stations shall be buried as
     provided in Rule 1945.06 but with at least six inches thick
     reinforced concrete slab over one foot of earth.

(2)  There shall be only a maximum of three tanks in one service
     station containing 6,000 gallons per tank and a total
     aggregate of 18,000 gallons.

(3)  Above ground tanks used in automotive stations shall be as
     provided in Rule 1945.05.

(4)  There shall be no smoking or open flames in the area and
     the motors of all equipment being fueled shall be shut off.

1945.08:  Processing and Bulk Plants:

All buildings, installations and operations in processing and
bulk plants shall be as provided in Rule 1160 and the Philippine
Electrical Code.

1945.09:  Other Installations:

All other tanks intalled not in conformity with this Rule shall
reduce their contents to comply with the distance requirements.
Those to be installed shall be with the prior approval of the
Department.

1946   :  Combustible Solids:

1946.01:  Nitrate Motion Picture Film:  

(1)  Nitrate picture film shall be stored or handled in
     buildings of fire-resistant construction.

(2)  All rooms where nitrate motion picture films are stored or
     handled, except motion picture projection rooms and film
     vaults, shall be separated from each other and from all
     other parts of the building by partition of suitable
     stability and fire-resistance. The jig partitions shall be
     continuous from the floor to ceiling and securely anchored
     to walls, floor and ceiling.

(3)  Opening in partitions shall be protected by approved fire
     door of a type suitable for the purpose.

(4)  Rooms in which nitrate motion picture films are handle
     through which workers pass, shall be provided with a
     minimum aisle of 80 cm. (31.24) width.

(5)  Explosion vents shall be provided in rooms or vaults used
     for storing and handling nitrate films.

(6)  There shall be ,at least 3.25 sq. m. of floor area alloted
     to each worker in every room and not more than 15 persons
     shall work at any one time in a room where nitrate film is
     handled.

(7)  Tables and racks used in connection with the handling of
     film (joining, inspection and assembling tables) shall be
     non-combustible, or shall be of wood construction with no
     member less than 3.75 cm. and kept at least 10 cm. away
     from any radiator or heating apparatus.

(8)  In rooms where nitrate film is stored or handled,
     artificial illumination shall be restricted to incandescent
     or fluorescent electric lights. Light fixture shall be
     firmly set in place and provided with guards to avoid
     mechanical injury.

1946.02:  Pyroxylin Plastics:

(1)  Buildings used in the fabrication of pyroxylin plastics
     shall be of fire-resistant materials. However, building for
     factory use may be of non-fire-resistant construction but
     shall not exceed four stories or 17 meters in height.

(2)  All portions of buildings used in whole or in part for the
     fabrication of pyroxylin plastics shall be provided with
     adequate aisle space and have at least two exits remote
     from each other.

(3)  No pyroxylin plastic shall be stored within 1 meter from
     steam pipes, chimneys and other heating apparatus nor
     within 6 meters from any manufacturing operations. Heating
     equipment containing ignition sources shall not be
     permitted in any room used for storage.

(4)  Smoking is prohibited in any establishment handling and
     storing pyroxylin plastics and conspicuous "No Smoking"
     signs shall be posted in prominent places.

(5)  Fire fighting equipment of the right type and number shall
     be provided.

1946.03:  Magnesium :

A.   Melting and Casting:

(1)  Melting operation shall be done in buildings of
     non-combustible materials preferably with a high roof for
     adequate ventilation.

(2)  Pots and crucibles shall be inspected regularly and
     discarded as soon as there is an!/ evidence of possible
     failure. Safety run-off containers shall be provided for
     melting pots and crucibles.

(3)  Ladles, skimmers and sludge pans must be thoroughly
     predried and not before contacting molten metal.

(4)  Flame-resistant clothing, high foundry shoes, and adequate
     face protection shall be used by employees working in
     melting and casting operations.

B.   Rough Finishing and Castings:

(1)  Provisions shall be made for the proper removal of dust
     produced by grinders and for the immediate quenching of
     sparks produced. Cuttings from band saws should be swept
     up-at regular intervals to prevent excessive accumulation
     in the work area.

(2)  Work benches and other equipment shall be non-combustible
     materials. If wood table tops or other fixtures of wood or
     combustible materials are considered necessary, these shall
     be treated to render them fire retardant and free from
     cracks or recesses in which magnesium dust can accumulate.

(3)  Operators shall wear caps and hard finished or
     fire-resistant outer clothing without pockets or cuffs.

C.   Heat Treating:

(1)  Thermocouples used to operate the temperature devices shall
     be properly maintained to prevent overheating.

(2)  Furnace should be tested initially and at regular intervals
     to locate undesirable high temperature areas

(3)  Furnace shall be properly and tightly constructed. Gas or
     oil-fired furnaces shall be provided with combustion safety
     controls. All furnaces shall have two sets of temperature
     controls operating independently, one maintaining the
     desired temperature and the other for high temperature
     limit control The high temperature limit control shall be
     adjusted to operate at a temperature slightly above the
     controller. In case the latter fails, the limit switch
     shall cut off the power preventing ignition of the
     magnesium.

(4)  Magnesium to be put in a heat treating furnace should be
     carefully freed of magnesium turnings, chips and sawdust.

(5)  Magnesium billets, castings and wrought products must not
     be placed in a heat treating furnace with wood spacers or
     other materials below the normal heat treating ranges of
     magnesium.

(6)  Aluminum parts, sheets or separators must not be included
     in a furnace load of magnesium.

(7)  The heat treating temperature cycle recommended by the
     alloy manufacturer shall be strictly adhered to.

(8)  Molten salts containing nitrates shall not be used for heat
     treating magnesium alloys.

D.   Machining Magnesium:

(1)  Tools used for machining shall not be allowed to ride on
     the metal without cutting.

(2)  When holes with depths greater than five times the drill
     diameter are being drilled in magnesium, a high helix drill
     (45) degrees shall be used to prevent the packing of chips
     causing resultant frictional heating and possible flash
     fire in the fine chips.

(3)  Machinery used for machining and drilling shall be provided
     with pans to catch the chips or turnings so installed that
     the pans can be readily withdrawn from under the machine in
     case of fire.

1946.04:  Titanium :

(1)  Buildings in which reaction chambers and furnaces are used
     in the processing of titanium, shall be fire-resistant or
     of non-combustible materials.

(2)  The main building shall have adequate ventilation and doors
     at more than one location shall be remote from each other.
     Dry rooms shall be of fire resistant materials.

(3)  Floors in furnace rooms and dry rooms shall be of
     noncombustible materials, preferably of concrete, brick or
     steel plates. Floors shall be slightly crowned or sloped to
     prevent accumulation of water in the vicinity of the
     reactors or furnaces and safety run-offs shall be provided
     to direct or contain any spills of molten metal into safe
     channels.

B.   Storage:

(1)  Containers of titanium tetrachloride shaD be stored in a
     cool, well ventilated dry place away from the areas of
     acute fire hazards. Containers shaD be labelled plainly and
     stored carefully to avoid mechanical injury.

C.   Mechanical Equipment:

(1)  Furnaces and reaction chambers shall be inspected and
     checked regularly to detect defects and leaks. No equipment
     found to be defective shaD be used until the damaged parts
     are replaced or repaired and properly tested to ensure safe
     operation.

(2)  Furnace setting must be kept dry and free of iron scales.

(3)  Fuel supply lines shall have the control valves at an
     accessible location remote from the reactors.

(4)  Benches, stands, and tables used in furnace rooms where
     special fire hazards exist shaD be of noncombustible
     materials.

D.   Fire Prevention

(1)  The process that produces titanium sponge shall be carried
     out in enclosed oxygen-free containers.

(2)  An inert-gas dispensing system shall be installed for
     processing inert-gas requirement.

(3)  All pipes, fittings, and valves in the inert gas-dispensing
     or distributing system shall be checked to ensure an
     uninterrupted flow of gas to the reactors.

(4)  All containers used to receive molten metal shall be
     thoroughly dried before using. AD metals added to melting
     pots containing molten metal shaD be thoroughly pre-dried

(5)  Good housekeeping is essential. Supplies shaD be stored in
     an orderly manner with properly maintained aisles to permit
     regular inspection and segregation of incompatible
     materials.

(6)  Ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood, cartons
     and packing materials must not be stored or allowed to
     accumulate near furnaces or other ready sources of
     ignition.

(7)  Supplies or materials in the reactor building and dry rooms
     shall be limited to the amount needed for normal eight-hour
     operation

E.   Fire Protection:

(1)  Only extinguishers of the type developed especially for
     combustible metal fires shall be used for controlling and
     containing small titanium fires.

(2)  Portable fire extinguishers of appropriate size and type
     shall be provided at locations where the presence of
     ordinary combustibles constitute the principal hazard.

(3)  Where automatic sprinkler protection is provided, a
     deflecting shield or hood shall be provided for the
     furnaces, reactors or other places where hot or molten may
     be present.

F.   Safety Precautions for Personnel:

(1)  Special clothing of the type worn by foundry workers,
     including high foundry man shoes, shall be worn by
     employees engaged in tapping operations at the furnaces in
     titanium sponge plants. Clothing shall be fire retardant,
     easily removable with snap fasteners and without cuffs or
     pockets. Caps, or hoods and standard type face protectors
     shall be worn by workers tapping furnaces. Persons working
     with titanium or transferring it into or out of the storage
     shall wear protective clothing designed to provided
     protection against skin contact and of the approved
     respirators and chemical goggles.

G.   Casting:

(1)  All titanium furnace crucibles molds shall be designed to
     avoid the contact of molten metal with water.

(2)  When titanium is being cast, provisions shall be made to
     retain spilled metal under vacuum or inert gas protection
     and contact with water shall be prevented.

(3)  As in other casting operations, molds shall be predried and
     heated to remove volatiles before molten metal is poured
     into them.

H.   Forging:

(1)  Fire protection in forging areas may be of the type
     generally provided for fires in ordinary combustibles,
     electrical or oil fires.

1946.05:  Zirconium :

(1)  Good housekeeping shall be maintained. Periodic cleaning,
     collection of dust at the point of operation and removal of
     dust and fine scrap from the premises shall be considered
     important steps in any fire prevention program.

(2)  Machining operation shall be conducted under controlled
     conditions to prevent dust dispersion and excessive heating
     that may lead to ignition of the zirconium

1947:     Electrical Installation:

1947.01:  General Requirements:

All electrical installations shall be in accordance with the
provisions of Rule 1210.

1947.02:  Emergency Systems:

Emergency lighting system shall be provided to automatically
light emergency exits in case of failure of the main electrical
power line.

1948   :  Alarm Systems and Fire Drills:

1948.01:  Sounding Devices:

(1)  All buildings having two or more stories in height shall be
     equipped with fire alarm system and signals clearly audible
     to all persons inside the building

(2)  Hand-operated sending stations of fire alarm boxes shall be
     provided on every floor and located that the travel to
     reach a station is not more than thirty (30) meters.

(3)  Fire-alarm stations shall be conspicuous, readily
     accessible, and in the natural path of escape from fire.

(4)  Hand operated sending stations of fire alarm boxes shall be
     provided on every floor and located such that the travel to
     reach a station is not more than sixty-one (61) meters.

1948.02:  Fire-fighting Drills:

(1)  Every place of employment depending on the magnitude of
     potential fires and the availability of assistance from the
     public fire department shall organize a fire brigade to
     deal with fires and other related emergencies

(2)  The members of the fire brigade shall be physically
     qualified for the job and properly trained on
     fire-fighting, use of hose, line, ventilation of buildings,
     salvage operations, rescue operations, first aid, and other
     relared activities.

1948.03:  Fire Exit Drills:

(1)  Fire-exit drills shall be conducted at least twice every
     year to maintain an orderly evacuation of buildings, unless
     the local fire department requires a higher frequency of
     fire drills.

(2)  Fire exit drills shall only include evacuation of persons
     and shall not include salvage operation.

(3)  In buildings where the population is of a changing
     character, the fire-exit training of the regular employees
     shall include the proper procedure to direct other
     occupants to safety.

(4)  Occupants of each department, floor or portion of the
     building shall be designated a particular place to assemble
     outside of the building and in places that will not hamper
     fire-fighting.

(5)  When two or more establishments occupy a building, fire
     exit drills shall be planned as if there is only one (l)
     establishment.

(6)  The organization and the composition of a fire-exit drill
     committee shall be as provided by the requirements of the
     local fire department

(7)  Fire brigade as required by the local department or the
     Fire Code shall be organized.

                          Table 45 a

                                    Occupancy Hazards
Type of Construction

                              Low      Moderate       High
: Wood - Frame         : 3 stories   : 2 stories   : 1 storey 
: Slow - Burning       : 7 stories   : 6 stories   : 4 stories
: Fire - Resistant     : No limit    : No limit    : 5 stories

The International Labour Organization is a United Nations specialized agency.

Updated by PAP/SUT/TRS. Approved by BKL. Last updated on 6 March 2001