BUILDING LAWS in the Philippines

Archt. Maundelito S. Florendo, UAP

September 25, 2005

I.

INTRODUCTION:

"Ignorantia legis non excusat - Ignorance of the laws excuses no one from compliance therewith." - Article 3, New Civil Code of the Philippines It is better to have a grasp of the laws that regulate the practice of the architecture profession than to suffer from the high cost of creating numerous revisions in plans, drawings, and actions caused by inadvertent misperceptions during the process of attempting to create the so-called Architectural Design. II. UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF LAWS:

There are basically two types of laws that the society follows. One is the Statutory Law, the laws and ordinances that are legislated by people in a community that are authorized to do so. Examples, related to our profession, are the provisions under the National Building code, The Fire Code, the Accessibility Law, and other construction and architecture laws. The other type is the Common Law, the laws that are not legislated but are generally accepted by virtue of its historical, cultural, or religious origin and value. We can consider, as examples for this type, the Law on Eminent Domain and the Law on Variance. COMMON LAWS (non-statutory law): Eminent Domain (compulsory purchase or compulsory acquisition): in common law, legal systems is the power of the state to appropriate private property for its own use without the owner's consent. The term eminent domain is used primarily where the term was derived in the mid-19th Century from a legal treatise written by the Dutch jurist Hugo Grotius in 1625. The term compulsory purchase, also originating in the mid-19th Century, is used primarily in England and Wales, and other jurisdictions that follow the principles of English law. Originally, the power of eminent domain was assumed to arise from natural law as an inherent power of the sovereign. wikipedia 2005 LAW ON VARIANCE: In zoning, a variance is an administrative exception to land use regulations, generally in order to compensate for a deficiency in a real property which would prevent the property from complying with the zoning regulation. Britanica 2005 Laws may also be easier understood if it is categorized into classifications. The most simple of such is by jurisdiction. There are laws that are set by the National government through the Congress or the Chief Executive of the land. Examples are Republic Acts, Presidential Decrees, Presidential proclamations, and Executive Orders. There are also laws that are formed in the Local Governments through the sangguniang panlalawigan, the city councils, and the sangguniang barangay. For example, we may consider zoning and land-use ordinances, council resolutions, and Barangay memoranda. The most perfect Law to describe the difference between these laws is the Local Government Code. This code gives the local governments the blanket authority to govern their individual towns and cities, through their own regulations. This is the primary reason that a design for the same type of structure located in different places may not be totally and exactly the same because each are subject to different local regulations that, in turn, affect the totality of the design for the structure. Let us also remember that under our laws, the Homeowners Association in subdivisions and villages can also impose their own standards and regulations in order to protect the welfare of the community where they live.

III.

LIST OF SOME OF THE NATIONAL LAWS CONCERNED WITH ARCHITECTURE AND CONSTRUCTION: A. Republic Acts Philippine Architecture Law (March 15, 2004) Philippine Electronic Engineering Law (April 17, 2004) Philippine Landscape Architecture Act (March 30, 2001) Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (June 22, 1997 / January 1, 1998) Original National Building Code of the Philippines (August 26, 1972) Latest Amendment to PD198 or Provincial Water Utilities Act of 1973 (April 2, 2004) Ecological Waste Management Program Law (January 26, 2001) Professional Regulation Commission Modernization Act (December 5, 2000) Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Professionalization Act (March 10, 2004) Law on Acquisition of Right-of-Way, Site or Location for National Government Infrastructure Projects (November 7, 2000) Home Guarantee Corporation Act (March 7, 2000) Original Architecture Law (1950) Architecture Law (1956) Civil Engineering Law (1950) Real Estate Buyers Protective Act (August 26, 1972) Local Government Code of the Philippines (1991) Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, & Researchers in the Government (December 22, 1997) Creating the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (June 19, 1971) The Condominium Act (June 18, 1966) Philippine Licensing Board for Contractors (June 19, 1965) National Water and Air Pollution Control Commission (June 18, 1964) Allowing the Construction of Multi-Storey Tenement Housing Projects for the Poor and Homeless (June 16, 1962) Code of Ethical Conduct of a Public Official and Employees (1972) Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (1961) National Plumbing Code of the Philippines (January 28, 1959 / latest revision Dec 21, 1999) The Arbitration Law (June 19, 1953) Civil Code of the Philippines (June 18, 1949)

RA9266 RA9292 RA9053 RA8293 RA6541 RA9286 RA9003 RA8981 RA9263 RA8974 RA8763 RA545 RA1581 RA544 RA6552 RA7160 RA8439 RA6234 RA4726 RA4566 RA3931 RA3469 RA6713 RA3019 RA1378 RA876 RA386

B.

Batas Pambansa Standards for Economic and Socialized Housing projects (March 25, 1982) Enhancing the Mobility of Disabled Persons (Feb 25, 1983 / IRR latest rev. = April 30, 2005)

BP220 BP344 C.

Presidential Decrees National Building Code of the Philippines (Feb 19, 1977 / IRR latest revision = April 30, 2005) Condominium and Subdivision Buyers Protective Decree (July 12, 1976) Philippine Sanitation Code (December 23, 1975) Penalizing Squatting And Other Similar Acts (1975) Pollution Control Decree (1976) Establishing Environmental Impact Statement System (1998? 1978) Philippine Environmental Policy (1977) Philippine Environmental Code (June 6, 1977) Water Code of the Philippines (1977) Fire Code of the Philippines (1977)

PD1096 PD957 PD856 PD772 PD984 PD1586 PD1151 PD1152 PD1067 PD1185

D.

Executive Orders Creating the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (December 17, 1986) Responsibility of the Public Estate Authority on Reclamation Projects (February 14, 1979) Prescribing the Administration of the Home Development Mutual Funds (June 4, 1979) Creating a Ministry of Public Works and a Ministry of Transportation and Communications (July 23, 1979)

EO90 EO525 EO538 EO546

IV.

Presidential Decree no. 1096 National Building Code of the Philippines (February 19, 1977 / April 30, 2005 latest IRR revision) A. Explanatory Notes WHEREAS, the country's accelerating economic and physical development, coupled with urbanization and population growth, makes imperative the formulation and adoption of a uniform building code which shall embody up-to-date and modern technical knowledge on building design, construction, use occupancy and maintenance; WHEREAS, while there is Republic Act No. 6541, entitled " An Act to Ordain and Institute a National Building Code of the Philippines", the same does not conform with the development goals and infrastructure program of the Government and does not adequately provide for all the technological requirements of buildings and structures, in terms of up-to-date design and construction standards and criteria; WHEREAS, in the formulation of a new national building code, it is the desire and policy of the Governments to avail of and harness the technical expertise and professional know-how to men not only in the public but in the private sectors as well. - DPWH April 30, 2005 B. Review of PD1096 Before 1972, Cebu, Baguio, and Manila cities had their respective building codes mostly from the city ordinances compiled by architects and engineers in practice. Some provisions were extracted from foreign codes. In 1972, congress passed R.A. 6541 entitled An Act to Ordain and Institute a National Building Code of the Philippines. But this code failed to declare its supremacy over city charters and local ordinances, lacked sanctions and penal provisions, and the commission to implement this code was eventually nullified by the abolition of congress from which part of the commission members were drawn. To conform with developmental goals of the govt. and avail of the expertise of men in the private sector also, former Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos ordered the revision of R.A. 6541 and issued on 19 February 1977, PD1096 (the NBC of the Phil.) to safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare consistent with sound environmental management and control. To this end, the Code proposes to provide all buildings a framework of minimum standards to regulate and control their location, site, design, quality of materials, construction, use, occupancy, and maintenance. The Code shall apply to the design, location, use, occupancy, maintenance, moving, demolition of, and additions to public and private structures except to traditional indigenous family dwellings. Angel Lazaro Jr. C. Provisions in Question 1. Page 118 IRR (minimum open space requirement) figure VIII.8 Minimum open space requirement for end lots is 30% to 50%. While it is understood that the open space can not be less than 30%, does this mean that having an open space of more than 50% is also prohibited?

2. 3. 4.

Page 130/131 IRR (easement requirement) figure VIII.G.1 to 3 There is no clear indication on how to determine the corner point to which the measurement of easement width should end or start. This could be confusing since river banks vary in slope. Page 189 of IRR (Distance to exits) item d Minimum distance of any point in a building to the nearest exit or exit way is 45m if building has not AFSS and 60m if building is with AFSS. The Fire Code provides for 46m and 61m respectively. Page 3 of NBC (Enforcement of the Code) sec. 201 NBC provides that the Secretary of Public Works has the responsibility for administration and enforcement of the Code. However, the enactment of RA7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, gives the responsibility of issuing building permits to the LGUs. Which then will prevail?

D. Contents of PD1096 CHAPTER I - General Provisions Section 101. Title Section 102. Declaration of Policy Section 103. Scope and Application Section 104. General Building Requirements Section 105. Site Requirements Section 106. Definitions CHAPTER 2 - Administration and enforcement Section 201. Responsibility for Administration and Enforcement Section 202. Technical Staff Section 203. General Powers and Functions of the Secretary under this Code Section 204. Professional; and Technical Assistance Section 205. Building Officials Section 206. Qualifications of Building Officials Section 207. Duties of a Building Official Section 208. Fees Section 209. Exemption Section 210. Use of Income from Fees Section 211. Implementing Rules and Regulations Section 212. Administrative Fines Section 213. Penal Provisions Section 214. Dangerous and Ruinous Buildings or Structures Section 215. Abatement of Dangerous Buildings Section 216. Other Remedies CHAPTER 3 - Permits and Inspection Section 301. Building Permits Section 302. Application of Permits Section 304. Issuance of Building Permits Section 305. Validity of Building Permits Section 306. Non-Issuance, Suspension or Revocation of Building Permits Section 307. Appeal Section 308. Inspection and Supervision Work Section 309. Certificate of Occupancy CHAPTER 4 - Types of Construction Section 401. Types of Construction Section 402. Changes in Types Section 403. Requirements on Type of Construction CHAPTER 5 - Requirements for Fire Zones Section 501. Fire Zones Defined

Section 502. Building located in more than One Fire Zone Section 503. Moved Building Section 504. Temporary Buildings Section 505. Center lines of Streets Section 506. Restrictions on Existing Buildings Section 507. Designation of Fire Zones CHAPTER 6 - Fire Resistive Requirements in Construction Section 601. Fire-Resistive Rating Defined Section 602. Fire-Resistive Time Period Rating Section 603. Fire-Resistive Standards Section 604. Fire-Resistive Regulations CHAPTER 7 - Classification and General Requirement of all Buildings by Use or Occupancy Section 701. Occupancy Classified 1. Group A - Residential Dwellings 2. Group B - Residential, Hotels and Apartments 3. Group C - Education and Recreation 4. Group D Institutional 5. Group E - Business and Mercantile 6. Group F - Industrial 7. Group G - Storage and Hazardous 8. Group H - Assembly Other Than Group I 9. Group I - Assembly Occupant Load 1000 or more 10. Group J - Accessory Section 702. Change in Use Section 703. Mixed Occupancy Section 704. Location on Property Section 705. Allowable Floor Areas Section 706. Allowable Floor Area Increases Section 707. Maximum Height of Buildings Section 708. Minimum Requirements for Group A Dwellings Section 709. Requirements for Other Group Occupancies CHAPTER 8 - Light and Ventilation Section 801. General Requirements of Light and Ventilation Section 802. Measurement of Site Occupancy Section 803. Percentage of Site Occupancy Section 804. Size and Dimensions of Courts Section 805. Ceiling Heights Section 806. Size and Dimensions of Rooms Section 807. Air Space Requirements in Determining the Size of Rooms Section 808. Window Openings Section 809. Vent Shafts Section 810. Ventilation Skylights Section 811. Artificial Ventilation CHAPTER 9 - Sanitation Section 901. Genera Section 902. Water Supply System Section 903. Wastewater Disposal System Section 904. Storm Drainage System Section 905. Pest and Vermin Control Section 906. Noise Pollution Control Section 907. Pipe Materials

CHAPTER 10 - Building Projection Over Public Streets Section 1001. General Requirements Section 1002. Projection into Alleys or Streets Section 1003. Projection of Balconies and Appendages Over Streets Section 1004. Arcades Section 1005. Canopies (Marquees) Section 1006. Movable Awnings or Hoods Section 1007. Doors, Windows, and the like Section 1008. Corner Buildings with Chaflans CHAPTER 11 - Protection of Pedestrians During Construction or Demolition Section 1101. General Requirement Section 1102. Storage in Public Property Section 1103. Mixing Mortar on Public Property Section 1104. Protection of Utilities Section 1105. Walkway Section 1106. Pedestrian Protection Section 1107. Maintenance and Removal of Protective Devices CHAPTER 12 - General Design and Construction Requirements Section 201. General Requirements Section 1202. Excavation, Foundation, and Retaining Walls Section 1203. Veneer Section 1204. Enclosure of Vertical Openings Section 1205. Floor Construction Section 1206. Roof Construction and Covering Section 1207. Stairs, Exits and Occupant Loads SECTION 1208. Skylights SECTION 1209. Bays, Porches, and Balconies SECTION 1210. Penthouse and Roof Structures SECTION 1211. Chimneys, Fireplaces, and Barbecues SECTION 1212. Fire-Extinguishing Systems SECTION 1213. Stages and Platform SECTION 1214. Motion Picture Projection Rooms SECTION 1215. Lathing, Plastering, and Installation of Wall Boards CHAPTER 13 - Electrical and Mechanical Regulations SECTION 1301. Electrical Regulations SECTION 1302. Mechanical Regulations CHAPTER 14 - Photographic and x-ray Films SECTION 1401. Storage and Handling SECTION 1402. Classes of Film Exempted SECTION 1403. Fire Extinguishing System CHAPTER 15 - Pre-Fabricated Construction SECTION 1501. Prefabricated Assembly CHAPTER 16 - Plastics SECTION 1601. Approved Plastics SECTION 1602. Installation \SECTION 1603. Glazing of Openings SECTION 1604. Skylights SECTION 1605. Light-Transmitting Panels in Monitors and Sawtooth Roofs SECTION 1606. Plastic Light Diffusers in Ceilings SECTION 1607. Partitions

SECTION 1608. Exterior Veneer SECTION 1609. Awnings and Canopies CHAPTER 17 - Sheet Metal Paint Spray Booths SECTION 1701. Sheet Metal Paint Spray Booths SECTION 1702. Fire Protection SECTION 1703. Light SECTION 1704. Ventilation CHAPTER 18 - Glass and Glazing SECTION 1801. General Requirements SECTION 1802. Area Limitation SECTION 1803. Glazing SECTION 1804. Louvered Windows SECTION 1805. Impact CHAPTER 19 - The Use of Computers SECTION 1901. General Rule SECTION 1902. Program Documentation SECTION 1903. Submission of Computer-Generated Computers CHAPTER 20 - Signs SECTION 2001. General Requirements SECTION 2002. Maintenance SECTION 2003. Design and Construction SECTION 2004. Supports and Anchorages SECTION 2005. Projections and Clearances SECTION 2006. Lighting CHAPTER 21 - Transitory and Final Provisions SECTION 2101. Existing Buildings and Structures SECTION 2102. Interim Rules and Regulations SECTION 2103. Separability Clause SECTION 2104. Repealing Clause SECTION 2105. Effectivity

V.

Presidential Decree no. 1185 Fire Code of the Philippines (August 26, 1977) A. Explanatory Notes WHEREAS, death and injury to persons and loss and damage to property by fire have reached alarming proportion that the economic and social gains of the society are being continually undermined; WHEREAS, in order to effect a meaningful reduction of the alarming fire losses, there is a need to develop national consciousness and involvement of all persons in the prevention and suppression of fires; WHEREAS, fire prevention and suppression require the adoption of uniform fire safety standards, the incorporation of fire safety construction and provision of protective and safety devices in buildings and structures;

WHEREAS, there is an urgent need for an agency primarily responsible for the implementation and coordination of the activities of all sectors of society on fire safety, prevention and suppression; WHEREAS, in order to effectively implement all efforts to minimize the occurrence of fires and their destructive effects, full financial, equipment and personnel support by the government and the private sector is necessary; Archives 1977 B. Contents of PD1185 Section 1. Section 2. Section 3. Section 4. Section 5. Section 6. Section 7. Section 8. Section 9. Section 10. Section 11. Section 12. Section 13. Section 14. Section 15. Section 16. Section 17. Title Declaration of Policies Definition of Terms Applicability of The Code Grace Period Responsibility for the Enforcement of this Code Technical Staff Inspections, Safety Measures, Fire Safety, Constructions, and Protective and/or Warning Systems Prohibited Acts Abatement of Fire Hazard Enforcement of the Lien Penalties Appropriation and Sources of Income. Collection of Taxes, Fees and Fines Separability Clause Repealing Clause Effectivity

VI.

Batas Pambansa blg. 344 Law Enhancing the Mobility of Disabled Persons (February 25, 1983) A. Explanatory Notes In order to promote the realization of the rights of disabled persons to participate fully in the social life and the development of the societies in which they live and the enjoyment of the opportunities available to other citizens, no license or permit for the construction, repair or renovation of public and private buildings for public use, educational institutions, airports, sports and recreation centers and complexes, shopping centers or establishments, public parking places, work-places, public utilities, shall be granted or issued unless the owner or operator thereof shall install and incorporate in such building, establishment, institution or public utility, such architectural facilities or structural features as shall reasonably enhance the mobility of disabled persons such as sidewalks, ramps, railings and the like. If feasible, all such existing buildings, institutions, establishments, or public utilities may be renovated or altered to enable the disabled persons to have access to them: Provided, however, That buildings, institutions, establishments, or public utilities to be constructed or established for which licenses or permits had already been issued may comply with the requirements of this law: Provided, further, That in case of government buildings, street and highways, the Ministry of Public Works and Highways shall see to it that the same shall be provided with architectural facilities or structural features for disabled persons. In the case of the parking place of any of the above institutions, buildings, or establishment, or public utilities, the owner or operator shall reserve sufficient and suitable space for the use of disabled persons. In case of public conveyance, devices such as the prominent display of posters or stickers shall be used to generate public awareness of the rights of the disabled and foster understanding of their special needs.

Special bus stops shall be designed for disabled persons. Discriminating against disabled persons in the carriage or transportation of passengers is hereby declared unlawful. - Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific For the sake of fairness and politeness, some disregard the use of the term disabled in addressing or referring to those described under the batas pambansa bilang 344. Instead, the term physically challenged was used in the end of the 20 th century that eventually evolved to the term differently-abled that is currently most acceptable to various organizations of disabled people. This term shall also be used in the following discussion. The most common mistake in dealing with the term is that it is often referred only to those who are in wheelchair. Blind people get the second largest acknowledgement share. Those with walking problems but are not seated on wheelchair, those who are hearing impaired, those who have weak vision, and those who have problems on comprehension are practically out of the limelight. The code agrees that these people are differently-abled. However, in actuality, they are discriminated from those who are riding the wheeled seats and from those who wear dark glasses. If we agree that people having problems with walking, hearing, seeing, and understanding are differently-abled, although not quite clear in the BP344, we must also agree that the elders who are suffering or experiencing not one but almost all of the mentioned difficulties are differently-abled, and should enjoy the benefit of and be treated in the same manner as of those provided in the BP344. C. Contents of BP344 IRR Rule I - Scope and Application 1. 2. 3. 4. a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. 1. Purpose Definition of Terms Scope Application Public and private buildings and related structures for public use Buildings and related structures to be repaired or renovated including those proposed for a change of occupancy If feasible, barrier-free facilities and accessibility features Streets, highways and transport related structures to be constructed Existing streets and highways to be repaired and renovated Transport vehicles for public use Existing Public Transport Vehicles Public Telephones Public Transport Terminals Special Standards of Accessibility

Rule II - Minimum Requirements for Accessibility 1. a. b. c. Design Criteria: CATEGORIES OF DISABLED PERSONS ANTHROPOMETRICS AND DIMENSIONAL DATA AS GUIDES FOR DESIGN BASIC PHYSICAL PLANNING REQUIREMENTS

Rule III: Specific Requirements for Buildings and Related Structures for Public Use 1. CLASSIFICATION OF BUILDING BY USE OF OCCUPANCY

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES AND FACILITIES CATEGORY I CATEGORY II CATEGORY III CATEGORY IV STANDARD OF ACCESSIBILITY FOR SPECIAL TYPE OF FACILITIES COMPUTATION OF ACCESSIBLE UNITS APPLICATION OF BARRIER-FREE FACILITIES AND FEATURES

Rule IV - Requirements for Public Transportation 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Classification of public conveyances by mode of transport shall be as follows No franchise or permit to operate public transportation units shall be granted If feasible, all owners or operators of existing public transport utilities shall modify The construction or renovation of public transport utilities Posters or stickers shall be conspicuously displayed inside the units Public transportation shall have designated seats for disabled persons The designated seats shall be identified by the International Symbol of Access. Owners or operators of city buses operating in highly urbanized cities At least one deck in passenger ships shall be provided

Rule V - Administration and Enforcement 1. 2. Responsibility for Administration and Enforcement Criminal Liability

VII.

Republic Act no. 9266 Philippine Architecture Law (February 25, 1983) A. Explanatory Notes -

The Practice of Architecture is governed by Republic Act No. 545 which was enacted in 1950, and amended by R.A. 1581 in 1956. At that time, there were only around three hundred and fifty (350) architects in the Philippines. More than fifty (50) years after its original enactment, there are now about fifteen thousand (15,000) registered and licensed architects in the Philippines. Today, the regulation of the practice of the architectural profession needs to respond to the needs and realities of the times. In particular, this bill: 1. 2. 3. 4. Recognizes the Architect as the master builder and the person professionally responsible for proposed structures intended for human habitation and related activities; Enumerates the particular acts falling under the scope of the practice of Architecture; Differentiates the different functions, responsibilities and liabilities of architects in relation to a project; Integrates the architectural profession to promote self regulation and for their mutual protection and the development of the profession;

5. 6. 7. 8.

Protects architects from abuse by requiring a service agreement prior to the performance of predesign and regular design services; Provides for the registration and regulation of architectural corporations, joint ventures and consortiums; Requires counterpart liability and/or malpractice insurance or its acceptable equivalent for foreign practitioners in the Philippines; and Requires that technical positions in government to be filled by architects be filled only by architects registered and licensed under this Act. - Senate Bill no. 2426 by Senator Aquilino Q. Pimentel Jr.

B. Contents of RA9266 ARTICLE 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS SECTION 1. Short Title SEC. 2. Statement of Policy SEC. 3. Definition of Termsng ARTICLE II - PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF ARCHITECURE SEC. 4. Creation and Composition of the Professional Regulatory Board SEC. 5. Qualifications of Members of the Professional Regulatory Board SEC. 6. Term of Office. The members of the Board shall hold office for a term of three SEC. 7. Powers and Functions of the Board. SEC. 8. Administrative Supervision of the Board, Custodian of its Records, Secretariat and Support Services. SEC. 9. Grounds for Suspension or Removal of Members of the Board. SEC. 10. Compensation and Allowances of the Board SEC. 11. Annual Report. ARTICLE III - EXAMINATION, REGISTRATION AND LICENSURE SEC. 12. Examination Required SEC. 13. Qualifications of Applicant for Examinationd. SEC. 14. Subjects for Examination. SEC. 15. Rating in the Licensure Examination SEC. 16. Report of Ratings SEC. 17. Oath. SEC. 18. Issuance of Certificates of Registration and Professional Identification Card . SEC. 19. Roster of Architects. SEC. 20. Seal, Issuance and Use of Seal SEC. 21. Indication of Certificate of Registration/Professional Identification Card and Professional Tax Receipt. SEC. 22. Refusal to Issue Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card . SEC. 23. Suspension and Revocation of Certificates of Registration, Professional Identification Card or the Special/Temporary Permit. SEC. 24. Re-issuance or Replacement of Revoked or Lost Certificates of Registration Professional Identification Card or Special and Temporary Permit ARTICLE IV - PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE SEC. 25. Registration of Architects Required SEC. 26. Vested Rights: Architects Registered When this Law is Passed. SEC. 27. Reciprocity Requirements.

SEC. 28. Continuing Professional Development (CPD). SEC. 29. Prohibition in the Practice of Architecture and Penal Clause Sec. 30. Prohibition in the Practice of Architecture Sec. 31. Liability of Representatives of Non-Registered Persons Sec. 32. Signing of Architectural Plans, Specifications and Other Contract Documents. Sec. 33. Ownership of Plans, Specifications and other Contract Documents. Sec. 34. Non-Registered Person Shall Not Claim Equivalent Service S ec. 35. Positions in Government Requiring the Services of Registered and Licensed Architects. Sec. 36. Collection of Professional Fees. Sec. 37. Limitation to the Registration of a Firm, Company, Partnership, Corporation or Association. Sec. 38. Coverage of Temporary/Special Permits. Sec. 39. Liability Insurance of a Person or Entity Allowed to Practice under a Temporary/Special Permit. ARTICLE V - Final Provisions Sec. 40. Integration of the Architecture Profession Sec. 41. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Sec. 42. Appropriations.. Sec. 43. Act Not Affecting Other ProfessionalsSec. 44. Enforcement of the Act Sec. 45. Separability Clause. Sec. 46. Repealing Clause. Sec. 47. Effectivity. VII. TERMINOLOGY Accessoria or Row House A house of not more than two storeys, composed of a row or dwelling units entirely separated from one another by party wall or walls and with an independent entrance for each dwelling units. Accessory Building A building subordinate to the main building on the same lot and used for purposes customarily incidental to those of the main building such as servants quarters, garage, pump house, laundry, etc. Agricultural Building A building designated and constructed to house farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock or other horticultural products. This structure shall not be a place of human habitation or a place of employment where agricultural products are processed, treated or packaged; nor shall it be place used by the public. Alley Any building space or thoroughfare which has been dedicated or deeded to the public or for public use as a passageway with a width of not more than three meters. Alter or Alteration Any change, addition, or modification in construction of occupancy. Apartment A room or suite of two or more rooms, designed and intended for, or occupied by one family for living, sleeping, and cooking purposes. Apartment House Any building or portion thereof, which is designed, built, rented, leased, let or hired out to be occupied, or which is occupied as the home or residence of three or more families living independently of each other and doing their own cooking in the building, and shall include flats and apartments. Arcade Any portion of a building above the first floor projecting over the sidewalk beyond the first storey wall used as protection for pedestrians against rain or sun. Assembly Building or Hall A building or a portion of a building used for the gathering together of fifty or more persons for such purposes as deliberation, workshop, entertainment, amusement, or awaiting transportation or of a hundred or more persons in drinking and dining establishments. Attic Storey Any storey situated wholly or partly in a roof, so designed, arranged, or built as to be used for business, storage, or habitation. Awning A movable shelter supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building and of a type which can be retracted, folded, or collapsed against the face of a supporting building. Backing The surface or assembly to which veneer is attached. Balcony A portion of the seating space of an assembly room, the lowest part of which is raise 1.20 meters or more above the level of the main floor.

Balcony Exterior Exit A landing or porch projecting from the wall of a building, and which serves as a required means of egress. The long size shall be at least fifty percent open, and the open area above the guardrail shall be so distributed as to prevent the accumulation of smoke or toxic gases. Barbecue A stationary open hearth or brazier, either fuel-fired or electric, used for food preparation. Basement A portion of a building between floor and ceiling which is partly below and partly above grade but so located that the vertical distance from grade to the floor is less than the vertical distance from grade to ceiling. Bay or Panel One of the intervals or spaces into which the building front is divided by columns, buttresses, or division walls. Boarding House A house with five or more sleeping rooms where boarders are provided with lodging, and meals for fixed sum paid by the month, or week, in accordance with previous arrangement. Boiler Room Any room containing a stream or hot-water boiler. Buildable Area The remaining space in a lot after deducting the required minimum open spaces. Building Any structure built for the support, shelter, or enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or property of any kind. Building Height The vertical distance from the established grade elevation to the highest point of the coping of a flat roof; to the average height of the highest gable or a pitch or hip roof, or to the top of the parapet if the roof is provided with a parapet. In case of sloping ground, the average ground level of the buildable area shall be considered the established grade elevation. Building Length Its general lineal dimensions usually measured in the direction of the bearing wall for girders. Building Width Its shortest linear dimensions usually measured in the direction of the floor, beams or joints. Cellar The portion of a building between floor and ceiling which is wholly or partly below grade and so located that the vertical distance from grade to the floor below is equal to or greater than the vertical distance from grade to ceiling. Chimney Classifications: a. Residential Appliance Type. A factory-built or masonry chimney suitable for removing products of combustion from residential type appliance producing combustion gases not in excess of 538C measured at the appliance flue outlet. b. Low-Heat Appliance Type. A factory-built masonry or metal chimney suitable for removing the product with combustion from full-burning low-heat appliances producing combustion gases not in excess of 538C under normal operating conditions but capable of producing combustible gases of 760C during intermittent forced firing for periods up to one hour. All temperatures are measured at the appliance flue outlet. c. Low-Heat Appliance Type. A factory-built masonry or metal chimney suitable for removing the products of combustion from fuel-burning medium-heat appliances producing combustion gases not in excess of 1093C measured at the appliance flue outlet. Chimney Connector The pipe which connects a flue burning appliance to a chimney. Chimney Linear The lining materials of fire clay or other approved material. Chimney Masonry The chimney of solid masonry units bricks, stones, listed hollow unit masonry units, or reinforced concrete. Concrete Block A hollow or solid concrete masonry unit made from portland cement and suitable aggregates such as sand, gravel, crushed stone, bituminous or anthracite cinders, burned clay, pumice, volcanic scoria, air cooled or expanded blast furnace slags. Coping The material or units used to form a cap of finish on top of a wall, pier, or pilaster. Corrosion-Resistant The non-ferrous metal, or any metal having an unbroken surface on non-ferrous metal, or steel with not less than 10 percent chromium or with less than 0.20 percent copper. Corrosion-Resistant Material Materials that are inherently rust-resistant or materials to which an approved rustresistive coating has been applied either before or after forming or fabrication. Course A continuous horizontal layer of masonry units. Court An occupied space between building lines and lot lines other than a yard; free, open, and unobstructed by appendages from the ground upward. Dispersal Area (Safe) An area which will accommodate a number of persons equal to the total capacity of the stand and building it serves, in such a manner that no person within the area need be closer than 15.00 meters from the stand or building. Dispersal areas shall be based upon an area of not less than 0.28 square-meter per person. Dwelling Any building or any portion thereof which is not an "apartment house", "lodging house", or a "hotel" as defined in this Code which contained one or two "dwelling units" or "guest rooms", used, intended or designed to be built, used, rented, leased, let or hired out to be occupied, or which are occupied for living purposes.

Dwelling, Indigenous Family A dwelling intended for the use and occupancy by the family of the owner only. It is one constructed of native materials such as bamboo, nipa, logs, or lumber, the total cost of which does not exceed fifteen thousand pesos. Dwelling, Multiple A building used as a home or residence of three or more families living independently from one another, each occupying one or more rooms as a single housekeeping unit. Dwelling, One-Family A detached building designated for, or occupied exclusively by one family. Dwelling Unit One or more habitable rooms which are occupied or which are intended or designated to be occupied by one family with facilities for living, sleeping, cooking, and eating. Exit A continuous and unobstructed means of egress to a public way, and shall include intervening doors, doorways, corridors, exterior exit balconies, ramps, stairways, smoke-proof enclosures, horizontal exits, exit passageway, exit courts, and yards. An exit shall be deemed to be that point which opens directly into a safe dispersal area or public way. All measurement are to be made to that point when determining the permissible distance of travel. Exit Courts A yard or court providing egress to a public way for one or more required exits. Exit Horizontal A means of passage from one building into another building occupied by the same tenant through a separation wall having a minimum fire resistance of one-hour. Exit Passageway An enclosed means of egress connecting a required exit of exit court with a public way. Facing Any masonry, forming an integral part of a wall used as a finished surface (as contrasted to veneer, see definition). Firebrick A finely ground clay used as a plasticizer for masonry mortars; varies widely in physical properties. Fireplace A hearth and fire chamber or similarly prepared place in which a fire may be made and which is built in conjunction with a chimney. Fire Retardant Treated Wood Lumber of plywood impregnated with chemicals and when tested in accordance with accepted fire standards for a period of 30 minutes shall have a flame spread of not over 25 and show no evidence of progressive combustion. The Fire-retardant properties shall not be considered permanent when exposed to the weather. First Storey The storey the floor of which is at or above the level of the sidewalk or adjoining ground, the remaining storeys being numbered in regular succession upward. Floor Area An area included within the surrounding exterior walls of a building or portion thereof, exclusive of vent shafts and courts. The floor area of a building or portion thereof not provided with surrounding exterior walls shall be the usable area under the horizontal projection of the roof or floor above. Footing That portion of the foundation of a structure which spreads and transmits loads directly to the soil or the pile. Foundation All the portions of the building or structure below the footing, the earth upon which the structure rests. Garage A building or portion thereof in which a motor vehicle containing gasoline, distillate, or other violative, flammable liquid in its tank, is stored, repaired, or kept. Garage Commercial A garage where automobiles and other motor vehicles are housed, cared for, equipped, repaired or kept for remuneration, hire, or sale. Garage, Open Parking A structure of one or more tiers in height which is at least 50 percent open on two or more sides and is used exclusively for the parking or storage of passenger motor vehicles having a capacity of not more than nine persons per vehicle. Open parking garages are further classified as either ramp-access or mechanicalaccess. Ramp-access, open parking garages are those employing a series of continuously rising floors permitting the movement of vehicles under their own power from and to the street level. Mechanical access parking garages are those employing parking machines, lifts, elevators, or other mechanical services for vehicles moving from and to street level and in which public occupancy is prohibited above the street level. Garage Private A building or a portion of a building in which only motor vehicles used by the tenants of the building or buildings on the premises are stored or kept. Girder A horizontal structural piece which supports in end of the floor beams or joists or walls over opening. Grade (Adjacent Ground Elevation) The lowest point of elevation of the finished surface of the ground between the exterior wall of a building and a point 1.50 meters distant from said wall, or the lowest point of elevation of the finished surface of the ground between the exterior wall of a building and a property line if it is less than 1.50 meters distant from sidewall. In case walls are parallel to and within 1.50 meters of a public sidewalk, alley, or other public way, the grade shall be the elevation of the sidewalk, alley, or public way. Ground Floor The storey at or near the level of the grade, the other storeys, beginning with second, for the first next above, shall be designated by the successive floor number counting upward.

Guest Room Any room or rooms used, or intended to be used by a guest for sleeping purposes. Every 9.30 square meters of superficial floor area in a dormitory shall be considered to be guest room. Habitable Room Any room meeting the requirements of this Code for sleeping, living, cooking or dining purposes, excluding such enclosed spaces as closets, pantries, bath or toilet room, service rooms, connecting corridors, laundries, unfinished attics, storages, space cellars, utility rooms, and similar spaces. Hall, Common A corridor or passageway used in common by all the occupants within a building. Hall, Stair A hall which includes the stair, stair landings, and those portions of the common hall through which it is necessary to pass in going between the entrance floor and the room. Heliport An area of land or water or a structural surface which is used, or intended for use, the landing and take off helicopters and any appurtenant areas which are used, or intended for use, for heliport buildings and other heliport facilities. Helistop The same as a heliport except that no refueling, maintenance repairs, or storage of helicopters is permitted. Hotel A building or a part thereof with rooms occupied or intended to be occupied for hire as temporary boarding place of individuals with a general kitchen and public dining room service, but no provision for cooking in any individual suite or room. Hotel Apartment An apartment house which may furnish dining room service and other services for the exclusive use of its tenants. Incombustible As applied to building construction material, as material which, in the form it is used, is either one of the following: a. Material having an structural base of incombustible material as defined in item (2), above, with a surfacing material not over 3.2 millimeter s thick which has a flame-spread rating of 50 or less. b. "Incombustible" does not apply to surface finish materials. Material required to be incombustible for reduced clearance to flues, heating appliances, or other materials shall refer to material conforming to the provisions of this Code. No material shall be classed as incombustible which is subject to increase in combustibility or flame-spread rating beyond the limits herein established, through the effects of age, moisture, or other atmospheric condition. Incombustible Material When referred to as structural material, means brick, stone, terracotta, concrete, iron, steel, sheet, metal, or tiles, used either singly or in combination. Incombustible Stud Partition A partition plastered on both sides upon metal lath or wire cloth for the full height, and fire-topped between the studs with incombustible material 20 centimeters above the floor and at the ceiling. Line, Building The line formed by the intersection of the outer surface of the enclosing wall of the building and the surface of the ground. Lintel The beam or girder placed over an opening in a wall, which supports the wall construction above. Load, Dead The weight of the permanent portions of a building or structure; it includes the weight of the walls permanent partitions, framing floors, roofs, and all other permanent and stationary fixtures mechanism, and other construction entering into the becoming a part of a building or structure. Load, Lateral That load cased by winds, earthquakes, or other dynamic forces. Load, Live The weight of the contents of a building or structure; it includes all except dead and lateral, and weight of temporary partitions, cases, counters, and similar equipment, and all loads imposed due to the occupancy of the building or structure. Load, Occupant The total number of persons that may occupy a building or portion thereof at any one time. Lodging House Any building or portion thereof, containing not more than five guest rooms which are used by not more than five guests where rent is paid in money, goods, labor or otherwise. Lot A parcel of land on which a principal building and its accessories are placed or may be placed together with the required open spaces. A lot may or may not be the land designated as lot or recorded plot. Lot, Corner A lot situated at the junction of two or more streets forming an angle of not more than one hundred thirty-five degrees (135C). Lot, Depth of The average horizontal distance between the front and the rear lot lines. Lot, Front The front boundary line of a lot bordering on the street and in the case of a corner lot, it may be either frontage. Lot, Inside A lot fronting on but one street of public alley and the remaining sides bounded by lot lines. Lot Line The line of demarcation between either public or private property. Lot, Open A lot bounded on all sides by street lines. Lot, Width of The average horizontal distance between the side lot lines. Masonry A form of construction composed of stone, brick, concrete, gypsum, hollow clay tile, concrete block or tile, or other similar building units of material or combination of these material laid up unit and set in mortar. Masonry Solid Masonry of solid units built without hollow spaces.

Masonry Unit Brick, block, tile, stone, or other similar building unit or combination thereof, made to be bounded together by a cementation agent. Mezzanine or Mezzanine Floor A partial intermediate floor in any storey or room of a building having an area not more than one-half of the area of the room or space in which it is constructed. Non-Conforming Building A building which does not conform with the regulations of the district where it is situated as to height, yard requirement, lot area, and percentage of occupancy. Non-Conforming Use The use of a building or land or any portion of such building or land which does not conform with the use and regulation of the zone where it is situated. Occupancy The purpose for which a building is used or intended to be used. The term shall also include the building or room housing such use. Change of occupancy is not intended to include change of tenants or proprietors. Owner Any person, company, or corporation owning the property or properties under consideration or the receiver or trustee thereof. Panic Hardware A bar which extends across at least one-half the width of each door leaf, which will open the door if subjected to pressure. Partition An interior subdividing walls. Pier An insolated mass of masonry forming support for arches, columns, girders, lintels, trusses, and similar structural parts. Plaster A portion of the wall which projects on one or both sides and acts as a vertical beam, a column, or both. Plaster, Portland, Cement A mixture of portland cement, or portland cement and lime, and aggregate and other approved material as specified in this Code. Plastics, Approved Plastic materials which have a flame spread rating of 225 or less. Platform, Enclosed A partially enclosed portion of an assembly room the ceiling of which is not more than 1.50 meters above the proscenium opening and which is designed or used for the presentation of plays, demonstrations, or other entertainment wherein scenery, props, decorations, of the effects may be installed or used. Public Way A parcel of land unobstructed from the ground to the sky, more than 3.00 meters in width, appropriate d to the free passage of the general public. Repair The reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building for the purpose of its maintenance. The word "repair" shall not apply to any change of construction. Shaft A vertical opening through a building for elevators, dumbwaiters, mechanical equipment, or similar purposes. Show Window A store window in which goods are display. Slum Blighted Area: Eyesore; An area where the values of real estate tend to deteriorate because of the dilapidated, obsolescent, and unsanitary condition of the building within the area. Any eyesore is a building or area which is markedly unpleasant to look at. Socalo, Masonry The wall between the bottom of the window sill and the ground. Soffit The underside of a beam, lintel, or reveal. Stable Any structure designed and intended for the enclosure, shelter, or protection of any horse, carabao, or other cattle. Stable, Commercial A stable wherein the animals kept are for business, racing or breeding purposes. Stage A partially enclosed portion of an assembly building which is designed or used for the representation of plays, demonstrations, or other entertainment wherein scenery, props or other effects may be installed or used, and where the distance between the top of the proscenium openings and the ceiling above the stage is more than 1.50 meters. Stairway Two or more risers shall constitute a stairway. Stairway, Private A stairway serving one tenant only. Storey That portion of a building included between the upper surface of any floor and the upper surface of the floor next above, except that the topmost storey shall be that portion of a building included between the upper surface of the topmost floor and the ceiling or roof above. If the finished floor level directly above a basement, cellar or unused underfloor space is more than 3.60 meters above grade as defined herein at any point. Such basement, cellar or unused underfloor space shall be considered as a storey. Storey, Height of The perpendicular distance from top to top of two successive floors, floor beams, or joists. The clear height of a storey or a room is the distance from the floor to the ceiling. The clear height of balconies is measured from the highest point of the sidewall grade to the underside of the balcony floor joists. If these joists are sealed, this clear height is measured to the underside of the ceiling. Street Any thoroughfare of public space which has been dedicated or deeded to the public for public use. Structure That which is built or constructed, an edifice or building of any kind or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in some definite manner.

Structural Frame The framing system including the columns and the girders, beams, trusses, and spandrels having direct connections to the columns an all other members which are essential to the stability of the building as a whole. The members of floor or roof which have no connection to the column shall be considered secondary and not a part of the structural frame. Suportales The vertical supports, such as posts or stanchions, as used in indigenous or traditional type of construction. These may be freestanding as stilts or integrated into the wall structure. In the case of former, pie de gallos (knee braces) or crosettas (cross bracings) are sometimes used. Surface, Exterior Weather-exposed surface. Surface, Interior Surfaces other than weather-exposed surfaces. Surface, Weather-Exposed All surfaces of walls, ceilings, floors, roofs, soffits, and similar surfaces exposed to the weather except the following: a. Ceiling and roof soffits enclosed by walls, or by beams extend a minimum of 300 millimeter s below such ceiling or roof soffits; b. Walls or portions of walls within an unenclosed roof area, when located a horizontal distance from an exterior opening equal to twice the height of the opening; and c. Ceiling and roof soffits beyond a horizontal distance of 3.00 meters from the outer edge of the ceilings or roof soffits. Value of Valuation of a Building The estimated cost to replace the building in kind, based on current replacement costs. Vault Any surface or underground construction covered on top, or nay fireproof construction intended for the storage of valuables. Veneer Adhered Veneer secured and supported by approved mechanical fasteners attached to an approved backing supported through adhesion to an approved bonding material applied over an approved backing. Veneer, Exterior Veneer applied to weather-exposed surfaces. Veneer, Interior Veneer applied to surfaces other than weather-exposed surfaces. Wall Bearing A wall which supports any load other than its own weight. Wall, Cross A term which may be used synonymously with a partition. Wall, Curtain The enclosing wall of an iron or steel framework or the nonbearing portion of an enclosing wall between piers. Wall, Dead A wall without openings. Wall, Exterior Any wall or element of a wall or any number or group of members, which defines the exterior boundary or courts of a building. Wall, Faced A wall in which the facing and backing are so bonded together that they act as a composite element, and exert a common action under load. Wall, Fire Any wall which subdivided a building so as to resist the spread of fire, by starting at the foundation and extending continuously through all storeys to, or above the roof. Extension above the roof is 1.00 meter. Wall, Foundation That portion of an enclosing wall below the first tier of floor-joists. Wall, Height of The perpendicular distance measured from its base line either at the grade or at the top of the girder to the top of the coping thereof. Foundation and retaining walls are measured from the grade downward to the base of the footing. Wall, Nonbearing A wall which supports no load other than its own weight. Wall, Parapet That part of any wall entirely above the roof line. Wall, Party A wall separating two or more buildings, and used in common by the said buildings. Wall, Retaining Any wall used to resist the lateral displacement of any material; a subsurface wall built to resist the lateral pressure of internal loads. Wall, Thickness of The minimum thickness measured on the bed. Window An opening through a wall of a building to the outside air for the purpose of admitting natural light and air. Window, Oriel A projecting window similar to a bay window, cut curried on brackets or corbels. The term "bay window" may also be applied to an oriel window projecting over the street line. Wire Backing Horizontal strands of tautened wire attached to surfaces of vertical wood supports which, when covered with building paper, provide a backing for portland cement plaster. Yard or Patio The vacant space left in a lot between the building and the property line. Yard, Rear The yard lying between the side lot line and the nearest lot line and the nearest building line. Yard, Side The yard lying between the side line and the nearest building and between the front and the rear yards. ABATEMENT Any act that would remove or neutralize a fire hazard. ADMINISTRATOR Any person who acts as agent of the owner and manages the use of a building for him.

BLASTING AGENT Any material or mixture consisting of a fuel and oxidizer used to set off explosives. 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. COMBUSTIBLE, FLAMMABLE OR INFLAMMABLE Descriptive of materials that are easily set on fire. COMBUSTIBLE FIBER Any readily ignitable and free burning fiber such as cotton, oakum, rags, waste cloth, waste paper, kapok, hay, straw, Spanish moss, excelsior and other similar materials commonly used in commerce. COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID Any liquid having a flash point at or above 37.8_C (100_F). CORROSIVE LIQUID Any liquid which causes fire when in contact with organic matter or with certain chemicals. 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. CRYOGENIC Descriptive of 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. DAMPER A normally open device installed inside an air duct system which automatically closes to restrict the passage of smoke or fire. DISTILLATION The process of first raising the temperature in 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. DUCT SYSTEM A continuous passageway for the transmission of air. DUST A finely powdered substance which, when mixed with air in the proper proportion and ignited will cause an explosion. ELECTRICAL ARC An extremely hot luminous bridge formed by passage of an electric current across a space between two conductors or terminals due to the incandescence of the conducting vapor. EMBER A hot piece or lump that remains after a material has partially burned, and is still oxidizing without the manifestation of flames. 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. FIRE TRAP A building unsafe in case of fire because it will burn easily or because it lacks adequate exits or fire escapes. FIRE ALARM Any visual or audible signal produced by a device or system to warm the occupants of the building or fire fighting elements of the presence or danger of fire to enable them to undertake immediate action to save life and property and to suppress the fire. FIRE DOOR A fire resistive door prescribed for openings in fire separation walls or partitions. 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 fire fighting operations and the safeguarding of life and property. FIRE LANE The portion of a roadway or publicway that should be kept opened and unobstructed at all times for the expedient operation of fire fighting units. 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 SAFETY CONSTRUCTIONS Refers to design and installation of walls, barriers, doors, windows, vents, means of egress, etc. 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 through means of egress sealed from smoke or fire, the 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 buildings components or contents with flame retardant chemicals. FLASH POINT The minimum temperature at which any material gives off vapor in sufficient concentration to form an ignitable mixture with air. FORCING A process where a piece of metal is heated prior to changing its shape or dimensions. FULMINATE A kind of stable explosive compound which explodes by percussion.

HAZARDOUS OPERATION/PROCESS Any act of manufacturing, fabrication, conversion, etc., that uses or produces materials which are likely to cause fires or explosions. HORIZONTAL EXIT Passageway from one building to another or through or around a wall in approximately the same floor level. HOSE BOX A box or cabinet where fire hoses, valves and other equipment are stored and arranged for fire fighting. HOSE REEL A cylindrical device turning on an axis around which a fire hose is wound and connected. HYPERGOLIC FUEL A rocket or liquid propellant which consist of combinations of fuels and oxidizers which ignite spontaneously on contact with each other. INDUSTRIAL BAKING AND DRYING The 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 the surface of materials being treated. JUMPER A piece of metal or an electrical conductor used to bypass a safety device in an electrical system. 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. 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 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. PRESSURIZED OR FORCED DRAFT BURNING EQUIPMENT Type or 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 atmosphere pressure into the same combustion chamber. PUBLIC ASSEMBLY BUILDING Any building or structure where fifty (50) or more people congregate, gather, or assemble for any purpose. 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 Descriptive of 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 of compound. It shall also refer to partial distillation and electrolysis. SELF-CLOSING DOORS Automatic closing doors that are designed to confine smoke and heat and delay the spread of fire. SMELTING Melting or fusing of metallic ores or compounds so as to separate impurities from pure metals. SPRINKLER SYSTEM An integrated network of hydraulically designed piping 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. 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 the outlets as needed. VESTIBULE A passage hall or antechamber between the outer doors and the interior parts of a house or building. VERTICAL SHAFT An enclosed vertical space of passage that extends from floor to floor, as well as from the base to the top of the building. MSF 09/25/05