Table Of ContentREPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
EDICT OF GOVERNMENT
In order to promote public education and public safety, equal
justice for all, a better informed citizenry, the rule of law,
world trade and world peace, this legal document is hereby
made available on a noncommercial basis, as it is the right of
all humans to know and speak the laws that govern them.
PNS/PAES FIRE (2008) (English): Philippine Fire
Code
TABLE OF CONTENTS
RULE 1. INTERPRETATION ................................................................... 1
RULE 2. COVERAGE .......................................................................... 1
RULE 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS .......................................................... 2
RULE 4. AUTHORITY OF THE CHIEF, BUREAU OF FIRE
PROTECTION....................................................................... 21
SECTION 4.0.0.1 GENERAL AUTHORITY TO ADMINISTER AND
ENFORCE RA 9514 AND ITS IRR .................................... 21
SECTION 4.0.0.2 AUTHORITY OF THE CHIEF, BFP SUBJECT TO
APPROVAL OF SILG ......................................................... 21
SECTION 4.0.0.3 SPECIFIC AUTHORITY OF CHIEF, BFP .............................. 22
RULE 5. BFP REORGANIZATION AND PROFESSIONALIZATION ...... 23
DIVISION 1. REORGANIZATION ......................................................................... 23
SECTION 5.0.1.1 AUTHORITY OF THE CHIEF, BFP TO REORGANIZE ......... 23
DIVISION 2. TECHNICAL STAFF .......................................................................... 24
SECTION 5.0.2.1 CONSTITUTION AND QUALIFICATIONS .......................... 24
SECTION 5.0.2.2 SOURCES .......................................................................... 24
SECTION 5.0.2.3 DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS ................................................. 24
SECTION 5.0.2.4 REMUNERATION ............................................................... 24
RULE 6. FIRE BRIGADES, FIRE VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS
AND FIRE SAFETY PRACTITIONERS ..................................... 25
DIVISION 1. SCOPE ............................................................................................. 25
DIVISION 2. ORGANIZATION OF FIRE BRIGADES ............................................ 25
SECTION 6.0.2.1 REQUIREMENTS ................................................................. 25
SECTION 6.0.2.2 COMPOSITION ................................................................. 25
SECTION 6.0.2.3 COMPONENTS ................................................................. 26
SECTION 6.0.2.4 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A FIRE BRIGADE
CHIEF ................................................................................. 26
SECTION 6.0.2.5 QUALIFICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE
COMPANY FIRE BRIGADE .............................................. 26
SECTION 6.0.2.6 AVAILABILITY OF PERSONNEL ......................................... 27
DIVISION 3. TRAINING OF FIRE BRIGADES, FIRE SAFETY PRACTITIONERS
AND FIRE VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS .................................... 27
SECTION 6.0.3.1 CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY ..................................... 27
SECTION 6.0.3.2 TRAINING DESIGN ............................................................ 27
SECTION 6.0.3.3 SCOPE OF TRAINING ....................................................... 27
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SECTION 6.0.3.4 ASSISTANCE IN TRAINING PROGRAMS ......................... 28
SECTION 6.0.3.5 IDENTIFICATION ................................................................ 28
DIVISION 4. COMMAND, EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE AND FIRE
DRILLS .............................................................................................. 28
SECTION 6.0.4.1 PRACTICE DRILLS ............................................................. 28
SECTION 6.0.4.2 OPERATION OF EQUIPMENT ........................................... 28
SECTION 6.0.4.3 REACTIVATION OF EQUIPMENT...................................... 28
SECTION 6.0.4.4 INSPECTION AND SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
WORK ................................................................................ 28
SECTION 6.0.4.5 COMMAND AT FIRE SCENE ............................................ 28
RULE 7. ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT TO THE BFP ............................. 29
DIVISION 1. POLICE AND OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT SUPPORT ................ 29
SECTION 7.0.1.1 FROM PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE ............................ 29
SECTION 7.0.1.2 FROM LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS .............................. 29
SECTION 7.0.1.3 FROM OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ............ 30
DIVISION 2. OTHER AGENCIES’ SUPPORT ........................................................ 30
SECTION 7.0.2.1 COORDINATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES .................... 30
RULE 8. FIRE SAFETY ENFORCERS .................................................... 31
CHAPTER 1. QUALIFICATIONS OF FIRE SAFETY ENFORCERS ..................................... 31
DIVISION 1. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ............................................................ 31
SECTION 8.1.1.1 FIRE SAFETY INSPECTORS ................................................ 31
SECTION 8.1.1.2 PLAN EVALUATORS .......................................................... 32
CHAPTER 2. FUNCTIONS OF FIRE SAFETY ENFORCERS .............................................. 32
DIVISION 1. RESPONSIBILITIES OF DESIGNATED FIRE SAFETY
ENFORCERS .................................................................................... 32
SECTION 8.2.1.1 FIRE SAFETY INSPECTORS ................................................ 32
SECTION 8.2.1.2 PLAN EVALUATORS .......................................................... 33
RULE 9. ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF FIRE SAFETY
MEASURES .......................................................................... 33
DIVISION 1. GENERAL ........................................................................................ 33
DIVISION 2. FIRE SAFETY EVALUATION AND INSPECTION ............................. 34
SECTION 9.0.2.1 BUILDING PLAN REVIEW .................................................. 34
SECTION 9.0.2.2 INSPECTION DURING CONSTRUCTION ......................... 34
SECTION 9.0.2.3 INSPECTION AFTER COMPLETION OF
CONSTRUCTION ............................................................... 35
SECTION 9.0.2.4 BUSINESS AND ROUTINE INSPECTION ............................ 36
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DIVISION 3. FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY ASSESSMENT REPORT .............................. 37
SECTION 9.0.3.1 APPLICABILITY .................................................................. 37
SECTION 9.0.3.2 PROCEDURES ................................................................... 37
SECTION 9.0.3.3 FORMAT OF PREPARATION ............................................ 37
DIVISION 4. FIRE SAFETY INSPECTION CERTIFICATE ........................................ 42
SECTION 9.0.4.1 FSIC AS A PRE-REQUISITE FOR ISSUANCE OF
PERMIT/LICENSE ............................................................... 42
SECTION 9.0.4.2 DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS ................................... 42
DIVISION 5. FIRE SAFETY CLEARANCE ............................................................. 42
DIVISION 6. FIRE INSURANCE DATA REQUIRED .............................................. 43
RULE 10. FIRE SAFETY MEASURES ...................................................... 43
CHAPTER 1. COVERAGE ............................................................................................. 43
CHAPTER 2. FIRE SAFETY IN BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES & FACILITIES .......................... 43
DIVISION 1. SCOPE ....................................................................................... 43
DIVISION 2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................................ 43
DIVISION 3. CLASSIFICATION OF OCCUPANCY ............................................ 46
DIVISION 4. HAZARD OF BUILDINGS ................................................................ 50
SECTION 10.2.4.1 GENERAL .......................................................................... 50
SECTION 10.2.4.2 CLASSIFICATION OF HAZARD OF CONTENTS ............... 50
DIVISION 5. MEANS OF EGRESS ........................................................................ 51
SECTION 10.2.5.1 APPLICATION ................................................................... 51
SECTION 10.2.5.2 GENERAL PROVISIONS .................................................... 51
SECTION 10.2.5.3 DOORS .............................................................................. 58
SECTION 10.2.5.4 STAIRS ................................................................................ 63
SECTION 10.2.5.5 OUTSIDE STAIRS ................................................................ 73
SECTION 10.2.5.6 HORIZONTAL EXITS ........................................................... 73
SECTION 10.2.5.7 RAMPS ............................................................................... 77
SECTION 10.2.5.8 EXIT PASSAGEWAYS ........................................................ 78
SECTION 10.2.5.9 ESCALATORS AND MOVING WALKS ............................. 79
SECTION 10.2.5.10 FIRE ESCAPE STAIRS, LADDERS AND SLIDE
ESCAPES ........................................................................... 79
SECTION 10.2.5.11 ILLUMINATION OF MEANS OF EGRESS .......................... 85
SECTION 10.2.5.12 EXIT MARKING .................................................................. 86
SECTION 10.2.5.13 EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN ................................. 88
DIVISION 6. FEATURES OF FIRE PROTECTION .................................................. 88
SECTION 10.2.6.1 CONSTRUCTION AND COMPARTMENTATION ............. 88
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SECTION 10.2.6.2 PROTECTION OF VERTICAL OPENING AND
COMBUSTIBLE CONCEALED SPACES ............................ 88
SECTION 10.2.6.3 INTERIOR FINISH ................................................................ 93
SECTION 10.2.6.4 FIRE DETECTION, ALARM, AND COMMUNICATION
SYSTEMS ............................................................................ 95
SECTION 10.2.6.5 AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS AND OTHER
EXTINGUISHING EQUIPMENT ........................................... 99
SECTION 10.2.6.6 STANDPIPES .................................................................... 100
SECTION 10.2.6.7 PORTABLE AND WHEELED FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ......... 109
SECTION 10.2.6.8 SEGREGATION AND PROTECTION OF HAZARDS ....... 117
SECTION 10.2.6.9 SMOKE PARTITIONS ........................................................ 117
SECTION 10.2.6.10 FIRE DOORS .................................................................... 118
DIVISION 7. BUILDING SERVICE EQUIPMENT ................................................. 118
SECTION 10.2.7.1 UTILITIES ........................................................................... 118
SECTION 10.2.7.2 HEATING, VENTILATING AND AIRCONDITIONING ..... 119
SECTION 10.2.7.3 SMOKE VENTING ............................................................ 119
SECTION 10.2.7.4 RUBBISH CHUTES, LAUNDRY CHUTES, AND
FLUE-FED INCINERATORS .............................................. 119
SECTION 10.2.7.5 ELEVATORS AND ESCALATORS .................................... 120
SECTION 10.2.7.6 INSTALLATION CLEARANCE .......................................... 120
DIVISION 8. PLACES OF ASSEMBLY ................................................................ 120
SECTION 10.2.8.1 OCCUPANT LOAD ......................................................... 120
SECTION 10.2.8.2 EXIT DETAILS .................................................................... 121
SECTION 10.2.8.3 STAGE AND ENCLOSED PLATFORM ............................ 125
SECTION 10.2.8.4 PROJECTION BOOTH ..................................................... 127
SECTION 10.2.8.5 DECORATIVE MATERIAL ................................................ 128
SECTION 10.2.8.6 PYROXYLIN COATED FABRIC ....................................... 128
SECTION 10.2.8.7 MOTION PICTURE SCREENS, STAGE CURTAINS AND
DRAPES ........................................................................... 128
SECTION 10.2.8.8 PROTECTION .................................................................. 128
SECTION 10.2.8.9 BUILDING SERVICE EQUIPMENT ................................... 130
SECTION 10.2.8.10 PLAN OF EXIT WAYS AISLES ........................................... 130
SECTION 10.2.8.11 OVERCROWDING ......................................................... 131
SECTION 10.2.8.12 STANDBY FIREMEN ......................................................... 131
SECTION 10.2.8.13 OUTDOOR ASSEMBLY.................................................... 131
SECTION 10.2.8.14 UNDERGROUND STRUCTURE AND WINDOWLESS
BUILDINGS ....................................................................... 131
SECTION 10.2.8.15 SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR EXHIBITIONS HALLS .......... 132
SECTION 10.2.8.16 EXISTING PLACES OF ASSEMBLY .................................. 132
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SECTION 10.2.8.17 PROJECTION ROOMS FOR SAFETY FILM ..................... 132
SECTION 10.2.8.18 OPEN FLAME .................................................................. 134
DIVISION 9. EDUCATIONAL OCCUPANCIES ................................................. 134
SECTION 10.2.9.1 OCCUPANCY AND OCCUPANT LOAD ...................... 134
SECTION 10.2.9.2 EXIT DETAILS .................................................................... 135
SECTION 10.2.9.3 LIGHTING AND SIGNS .................................................... 137
SECTION 10.2.9.4 WINDOWS FOR RESCUE AND VENTILATION ............... 138
SECTION 10.2.9.5 PROTECTION .................................................................. 138
SECTION 10.2.9.6 BUILDING SERVICE EQUIPMENT ................................... 139
SECTION 10.2.9.7 SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR FLEXIBLE PLAN AND
OPEN PLAN BUILDINGS ................................................. 140
SECTION 10.2.9.8 SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR PRE-SCHOOLS .................. 143
SECTION 10.2.9.9 UNDERGROUND AND WINDOWLESS EDUCATIONAL
BUILDINGS ....................................................................... 143
SECTION 10.2.9.10 SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR COMBINED
OCCUPANCIES .............................................................. 144
SECTION 10.2.9.11 EXISTING EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS ........................... 144
SECTION 10.2.9.12 CHILD DAY CARE CENTERS .......................................... 145
DIVISION 10. HEALTH CARE OCCUPANCIES .................................................. 150
SECTION 10.2.10.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................. 150
SECTION 10.2.10.2 EXIT DETAILS .................................................................... 153
SECTION 10.2.10.3 PROTECTION .................................................................. 156
SECTION 10.2.10.4 BUILDING SERVICE EQUIPMENT ................................... 160
DIVISION 11. DETENTION AND CORRECTIONAL OCCUPANCIES ................ 161
SECTION 10.2.11.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................. 161
SECTION 10.2.11.2 EXIT DETAILS .................................................................... 163
SECTION 10.2.11.3 PROTECTION .................................................................. 165
SECTION 10.2.11.4 BUILDING SERVICE EQUIPMENT ................................... 169
DIVISION 12. RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES ..................................................... 169
SECTION 10.2.12.1 CLASSIFICATION ............................................................ 169
SECTION 10.2.12.2 REQUIREMENTS ............................................................... 170
SECTION 10.2.12.3 HOTELS AND DORMITORIES .......................................... 171
SECTION 10.2.12.4 APARTMENT BUILDINGS ................................................ 177
SECTION 10.2.12.5 LODGING OR ROOMING HOUSES .............................. 181
SECTION 10.2.12.6 SINGLE AND TWO FAMILY DWELLINGS ....................... 182
DIVISION 13. MERCANTILE OCCUPANClES .................................................... 183
SECTION 10.2.13.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................. 183
SECTION 10.2.13.2 EXIT DETAILS .................................................................... 186
SECTION 10.2.13.3 PROTECTION .................................................................. 189
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SECTION 10.2.13.4 BUILDING SERVICE EQUIPMENT ................................... 191
SECTION 10.2.13.5 SPECIAL PROVISIONS .................................................... 191
DIVISION 14. BUSINESS OCCUPANCIES ........................................................... 193
SECTION 10.2.14.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................. 193
SECTION 10.2.14.2 EXIT DETAILS .................................................................... 194
SECTION 10.2.14.3 PROTECTION .................................................................. 198
SECTION 10.2.14.4 BUILDING SERVICE UTILITIES .......................................... 201
SECTION 10.2.14.5 COMBINED BUSINESS AND MERCANTILE
OCCUPANCY ................................................................ 202
SECTION 10.2.14.6 HIGH RISE BUILDINGS .................................................... 202
DIVISION 15. INDUSTRIAL OCCUPANCIES ....................................................... 202
SECTION 10.2.15.1 REQUIREMENTS ............................................................... 202
SECTION 10.2.15.2 EXIT DETAILS .................................................................... 203
SECTION 10.2.15.3 PROTECTION .................................................................. 205
DIVISION 16. STORAGE OCCUPANCIES .......................................................... 207
SECTION 10.2.16.1 GENERAL STORAGE OCCUPANCIES........................... 207
SECTION 10.2.16.2 PROTECTION .................................................................. 208
SECTION 10.2.16.3 SPECIAL PROVISION FOR PARKING STRUCTURES ...... 209
SECTION 10.2.16.4 SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR AIRCRAFT HANGARS ....... 210
SECTION 10.2.16.5 SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR GRAIN ELEVATORS .......... 211
DIVISION 17. MISCELLANEOUS STRUCTURES ................................................... 211
SECTION 10.2.17.1 TOWERS ........................................................................... 211
SECTION 10.2.17.2 PIERS AND WATER-SURROUNDED STRUCTURE ........... 212
SECTION 10.2.17.3 IMMOBILIZED VEHICLE AND VESSELS ........................... 213
SECTION 10.2.17.4 UNDERGROUND STRUCTURES AND WINDOWLESS
BUILDINGS ....................................................................... 213
DIVISION 18. OPERATING FEATURES ................................................................ 214
SECTION 10.2.18.1 GENERAL ........................................................................ 214
SECTION 10.2.18.2 PLACES OF ASSEMBLY ................................................... 216
SECTION 10.2.18.3 EDUCATIONAL OCCUPANCIES ................................... 218
SECTION 10.2.18.4 HEALTH CARE OCCUPANCIES ..................................... 219
SECTION 10.2.18.5 RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES ........................................ 220
SECTION 10.2.18.6 MERCANTILE, BUSINESS, AND INDUSTRIAL
OCCUPANCIES .............................................................. 220
DIVISION 19. SPECIAL PROVISION FOR HIGH RISE BUILDINGS ..................... 220
SECTION 10.2.19.1 SCOPE ............................................................................. 220
SECTION 10.2.19.2 DEFINITION ...................................................................... 220
SECTION 10.2.19.3 SMOKE CONTROL .......................................................... 221
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SECTION 10.2.19.4 SPRINKLER SYSTEMS PROTECTION ................................ 221
SECTION 10.2.19.5 FIRE COMMAND CENTER ............................................. 221
SECTION 10.2.19.6 STAIRWELLS ..................................................................... 222
SECTION 10.2.19.7 FIRST-AID PROTECTION .................................................. 223
SECTION 10.2.19.8 APPLICABILITY OF ALL OTHER PROVISIONS OF
THIS CODE ...................................................................... 223
DIVISION 20. AERODROME FACILITIES ............................................................. 223
SECTION 10.2.20.1 GENERAL FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS ........................ 223
SECTION 10.2.20.2 REFUELLER UNITS ............................................................ 226
SECTION 10.2.20.3 HELISTOPS ....................................................................... 229
CHAPTER 3. FIRE SAFETY FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ......................................... 230
DIVISION 1. SCOPE ........................................................................................... 230
SECTION 10.3.1.1 APPLICABILITY ................................................................ 230
SECTION 10.3.1.2 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND CHEMICALS ............... 230
DIVISION 2. FIRE CLEARANCE ......................................................................... 230
DIVISION 3. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS .......................................................... 231
DIVISION 4. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS ............................................................ 232
SECTION 10.3.4.1 SOLID ............................................................................... 232
SECTION 10.3.4.1.1 CELLULOSE NITRATE PLASTIC (PYROXYLIN) ................ 232
SECTION 10.3.4.1.2 COMBUSTIBLE FIBERS ..................................................... 234
SECTION 10.3.4.1.3 COMBUSTIBLE COMMODITIES ...................................... 236
SECTION 10.3.4.1.4 MATCHES ........................................................................ 245
SECTION 10.3.4.1.5 MAGNESIUM .................................................................. 246
SECTION 10.3.4.2 LIQUID ............................................................................. 251
SECTION 10.3.4.2. FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS .................. 251
SECTION 10.3.4.3 GAS ................................................................................. 289
SECTION 10.3.4.3.1 CRYOGENIC FLUIDS ...................................................... 289
SECTION 10.3.4.3.2 MEDICAL AND RELATED COMPRESSED GASES ......... 299
SECTION 10.3.4.3.3 LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES ..................................... 307
SECTION 10.3.5.3.4 COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS AS VEHICLE FUEL ........ 313
SECTION 10.3.4.4 OTHER HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND CHEMICALS ... 332
SECTION 10.3.4.4.1 SCOPE ............................................................................. 332
SECTION 10.3.4.4.2 OXIDIZING MATERIALS ................................................... 332
SECTION 10.3.4.4.3 RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS ............................................. 332
SECTION 10.3.4.4.4 POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE CHEMICALS ......................... 333
SECTION 10.3.4.4.5 ORGANIC PEROXIDES ................................................... 333
SECTION 10.3.4.4.6 NITROMETHANE .............................................................. 334
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SECTION 10.3.4.4.7 AMMONIUM NITRATE .................................................... 334
SECTION 10.3.4.4.8 HIGHLY TOXIC MATERIALS ............................................ 335
SECTION 10.3.4.4.9 POISONOUS GASES ....................................................... 336
SECTION 10.3.4.4.10 CORROSIVE LIQUIDS ..................................................... 336
SECTION 10.3.4.4.11 STORAGE CABINETS FOR HAZARDOUS
MATERIALS ...................................................................... 336
SECTION 10.3.4.4.12 DESIGNATION OF CARGO ........................................... 336
SECTION 10.3.4.4.13 HAZARDOUS INSULATOR/CUSHIONING
MATERIALS ...................................................................... 336
SECTION 10.3.4.4.14 FIRE PROTECTION ........................................................... 337
CHAPTER 4. FIRE SAFETY FOR HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS ...................................... 337
DIVISION 1. SCOPE ........................................................................................... 337
DIVISION 2. SALVAGE YARDS ......................................................................... 338
SECTION 10.4.2.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................. 338
SECTION 10.4.2.2 FIRE SAFETY CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR
HOTWORK OPERATIONS ............................................... 338
SECTION 10.4.2.3 CONSTRUCTION ............................................................. 338
SECTION 10.4.2.4 OPERATION .................................................................... 339
SECTION 10.4.2.5 PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE .............................. 339
DIVISION 3. BOWLING ALLEYS RESURFACING AND REFINISHING ............. 339
SECTION 10.4.3.1 GENERAL ........................................................................ 339
SECTION 10.4.3.2 FIRE CLEARANCE REQUIRED ........................................ 339
SECTION 10.4.3.3 CONSTRUCTION ............................................................. 339
SECTION 10.4.3.4 OPERATION .................................................................... 339
SECTION 10.4.3.5 PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE .............................. 340
DIVISION 4. DUST PRODUCING MACHINES .................................................. 340
SECTION 10.4.4.1 FIRE CLEARANCE REQUIRED ........................................ 340
SECTION 10.4.4.2 CONSTRUCTION ............................................................. 340
SECTION 10.4.4.3 OPERATION .................................................................... 340
SECTION 10.4.4.4 PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE .............................. 341
DIVISION 5. EXPLOSIVES, AMMUNITION AND BLASTING AGENTS ............. 341
SECTION 10.4.5.1 APPLICATION ................................................................. 341
SECTION 10.4.5.2 FIRE SAFETY INSPECTION CERTIFICATE (FSIC)
REQUIRED ....................................................................... 341
SECTION 10.4.5.3 STORAGE ....................................................................... 342
SECTION 10.4.5.4 USE AND HANDLING ..................................................... 343
SECTION 10.4.5.5 TRANSPORTATION .......................................................... 344
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