Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

Intramuros, Manila

College of Engineering and Technology

Report in Safety Management: Fire Safety and the Fire Code Industrial Hygiene

Presented by:

Abanag, Ma. Jessica Edfelie L. Guillomas, Hernan Jr. A. Liwanagan, Lovely Erish S. BS ECE 3-1

Presented to: Engr. Antonio C. Tee

January 11, 2012

Content
I. II. III. Fire Safety The Fire Code Industrial Hygiene

I. Fire Safety

Fire Safety

Fire safety refers to precautions that are taken to prevent or reduce the likelihood of a fire that may result in death, injury, or property damage, alert those in a structure to the presence of an uncontrolled fire in the event one occurs, better enable those threatened by a fire to survive, or to reduce the damage caused by a fire. Fire safety measures include those that are planned during the construction of a building or implemented in structures that are already standing, and those that are taught to occupants of the building. Threats to fire safety are referred to as fire hazards. A fire hazard may include a situation that increases the likelihood a fire may start or may impede escape in the event a fire occurs. Fire safety is often a component of building safety. Those who inspect buildings for violations of the Fire Code and go into schools to educate children on Fire Safety topics are fire department members known as fire prevention officers. The Chief Fire Prevention Officer or Chief of Fire Prevention will normally train newcomers to the Fire Prevention Division and may also conduct inspections or make presentations. Fire Safety Policy
 

Building a facility in accordance with the version of the local building code Maintaining a facility and conducting yourself in accordance with the provisions of the fire code. This is based on the occupants and operators of the building being aware of the applicable regulations and advice. Not exceeding the maximum occupancy within any part of the building. Maintaining proper fire exits and proper exit signage (e.g., exit signs pointing to them that can function in a power failure) Placing and maintaining the correct type of fire extinguishers in easily accessible places. Properly storing and using, hazardous materials that may be needed inside the building for storage or operational requirements (such as solvents in spray booths). Prohibiting flammable materials in certain areas of the facility. Periodically inspecting buildings for violations, issuing Orders To Comply and, potentially, prosecuting or closing buildings that are not in compliance, until the deficiencies are corrected or condemning it in extreme cases. Maintaining fire alarm systems for detection and warning of fire. Obtaining and maintaining a complete inventory of fire stops. Ensuring that spray fireproofing remains undamaged. Maintaining a high level of training and awareness of occupants and users of the building to avoid obvious mistakes, such as the propping open of fire doors. Conduct fire drills at regular intervals throughout the year.

Examples of these include:

     

    

Common Fire Hazards

              

Electrical systems that are overloaded, resulting in hot wiring or connections, or failed components Combustible storage areas with insufficient protection Combustibles near equipment that generates heat, flame, or sparks Candles Smoking (Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, lighters, etc.) Equipment that generates heat and utilizes combustible materials Flammable liquids Fireplace chimneys not properly or regularly cleaned Cooking appliances - stoves, ovens Heating appliances - wood burning stoves, furnaces, boilers, portable heaters Electrical wiring in poor condition Batteries Personal ignition sources - matches, lighters Electronic and electrical equipment Exterior cooking equipment - BBQ

Fire Tetrahedron The fire triangle or combustion triangle is a simple model for understanding the ingredients necessary for most fires. The triangle illustrates a fire requires three elements: heat, fuel, and an oxidizing agent (usually oxygen). The fire is prevented or extinguished by removing any one of them. A fire naturally occurs when the elements are combined in the right mixture. Without sufficient heat, a fire cannot begin, and it cannot continue. Heat can be removed by the application of a substance which reduces the amount of heat available to the fire reaction. This is often water, which requires heat for phase change from water to steam. Introducing sufficient quantities and types of powder or gas in the flame reduces the amount of heat available for the fire reaction in the same manner. Scraping embers from a burning structure also removes the heat source. Turning off the electricity in an electrical fire removes the ignition source. Without fuel, a fire will stop. Fuel can be removed naturally, as where the fire has consumed all the burnable fuel, or manually, by mechanically or chemically removing the fuel from the fire. Fuel separation is an important factor in wildland fire suppression, and is the basis for most major tactics, such as controlled burns. The fire stops because a lower concentration of fuel vapor in the flame leads to a decrease in energy release and a lower temperature. Removing the fuel thereby decreases the heat. Without sufficient oxygen, a fire cannot begin, and it cannot continue. With a decreased oxygen concentration, the combustion process slows. In most cases, there is plenty of air left when the fire goes out so this is commonly not a major factor.

Types of Fire This chart corresponds to the types of file logos in the products page. Here it shows you where and what they should be used on along with typical situations.

Fires involving freely burning materials. For example wood, paper, textiles and other carbonaceous materials.

Appropriate fire extinguisher that should be used

Water Foam

Powder Wet Chemical

Fires involving flammable liquids. For example petrols and spirits. NOT ALCOHOL OR COOKING OIL.

Appropriate fire extinguisher that should be used

Foam Powder

Dry Powder CO2

Fires involving flammable gases. For example butane and propane.

Appropriate fire extinguisher that should be used

Powder

Dry Powder

Fires involving flammable metals. For example magnesium and lithium.

Appropriate fire extinguisher that should be used

Powder

Fires involving cooking oil and fat. For example olive oil, maize oil, lard and butter.

Appropriate fire extinguisher that should be used

Wet Chemical

Fires involving electrical equipment. For example photocopiers, fax machines and computers.

Appropriate fire extinguisher that should be used

Dry Powder CO2 Powder

Fire Safety Risk Assessment 1. Identify the fire hazards Sources of ignition ARSON Smokers materials Naked flames Electrical, gas, portable heating equipment Hot processes- paint stripping, welding Lighting equipment

Sources of fuel Flammable liquid based products Packaging materials Waste products Stationary Soft furnishings and furniture Some construction materials Sources of Oxygen The air around us Air conditioning Some chemicals Oxygen supplies cylinder storage Pyrotechnic 2. Identify the people at risk  Employees especially those who work alone

 Vulnerable people  Contractors  Young people  Other people in the immediate vicinity  Fire fighters 3. Evaluate, remove or reduce, and protect from risk Evaluate the risk of a fire occurring:     Evaluate the risk to people Fire is spread by:     Convection Conduction Radiation Contact or direct heat Accidentally By act or omission Deliberately

Evaluating the risks to people Consider:  Fires on lower floors can affect escape routes for those on upper floors  Fires developing in unoccupied spaces which people have to pass  Spread of fire or smoke via vertical shafts and service or ventilation ducts  Fires in service rooms affecting hazardous materials Remove - sources of ignition or reduce the hazards

 Replace potential sources of ignition with an alternative  Replace naked flame and radiant heaters with fixed convector heaters or central heating  Separate ignition sources and fuels  Check areas after hot work has taken place  Take precautions to avoid arson

Remove - sources of fuel

or

reduce

the

hazards

 Ensure flammable materials, liquids and gases are kept to a minimum and stored properly  Do not keep flammable solids, liquids and gases together  Remove combustible waste daily  Store waste materials securely away from buildings. Remove sources of oxygen or reduce the hazards

 Close all doors, windows and other openings when not required for ventilation  Shut down inessential ventilation systems  Do not store oxidising materials next to heat sources or flammable materials  Control use of oxygen cylinders Remove to people or reduce the hazards

 Ensure that any risks remaining to people are controlled  Provide systems to warn people and allow them to escape in the event of fire  Provide adequate exits for the number of people present Fire-detection and Warning Systems In some simple, open-plan, single-storey buildings and warehouses, a fire may be obvious to everyone as soon as it starts. In these cases, where the number and position of exits and the travel distance to them is adequate, a simple shout of 'fire' or a simple manually operated device, such as a gong, whistle or air horn that can be heard by everybody when operated from any single point within the building, may be all that is needed. Where a simple shout or manually operated device is not adequate, it is likely that an electrical fire warning system will be required. In more complex premises, particularly those with more than one floor, where an alarm given from any single point is unlikely to be heard throughout the building, an electrical system incorporating sounders and manually operated call points (break glass boxes) is likely to be required. This type of system is likely to be acceptable where all parts of the building are occupied at the same time and it is unlikely that a fire could start without somebody noticing it quickly. However, where there are unoccupied areas, or common corridors and circulation spaces in multi-occupied premises, in which a fire could develop to the extent that escape routes could be affected before the fire is discovered, automatic fire detection may be necessary. The use of these systems may also be risk dependent, so a small factory or warehouse which handles manufactures stores or uses low flash point or highly flammable hazardous substances might also need an automatic fire detection system.

You may need to consider special arrangements for times when people are working alone are disabled, or when your normal occupancy patterns are different, e.g. when maintenance staff or other contractors are working at the weekend. In large or complex premises, particularly those accommodating large numbers of people, it is likely that a more sophisticated form of warning and evacuation, possibly phased, should be provided. False alarms from electrical fire warning systems are a major problem (e.g. malicious activation of manual call points) and result in many unwanted calls to the fire and rescue service every year. To help reduce the number of false alarms, the design and location of activation devices should be reviewed against the way the premises are currently used. Fire Extinguisher A fire extinguisher or extinguisher, flame entinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations. It is not intended for use on an out-of-control fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the user (i.e., no escape route, smoke, explosion hazard, etc.), or otherwise requires the expertise of a fire department. Typically, a fire extinguisher consists of a hand-held cylindrical pressure vessel containing an agent which can be discharged to extinguish a fire. There are two main types of fire extinguishers: stored pressure and cartridge-operated. In stored pressure units, the expellant is stored in the same chamber as the firefighting agent itself. Depending on the agent used, different propellants are used. With dry chemical extinguishers, nitrogen is typically used; water and foam extinguishers typically use air. Stored pressure fire extinguishers are the most common type. Cartridge-operated extinguishers contain the expellant gas in a separate cartridge that is punctured prior to discharge, exposing the propellant to the extinguishing agent. This type is not as common, used primarily in areas such as industrial facilities, where they receive higher-than-average use. They have the advantage of simple and prompt recharge, allowing an operator to discharge the extinguisher, recharge it, and return to the fire in a reasonable amount of time. Unlike stored pressure types, these extinguishers use compressed carbon dioxide instead of nitrogen, although nitrogen cartridges are used on low temperature (-60 rated) models. Cartridge operated extinguishers are available in dry chemical and dry powder types in the US and in water, wetting agent, foam, dry chemical (classes ABC and BC), and dry powder (class D) types in the rest of the world. Emergency Escape Lighting and Exit Signs Procedures for fire and other emergencies should always include provisions for the evacuation of people with disability. It is essential that emergency exits are clearly identifiable by using illuminated exit signs and emergency escape lighting. Emergency escape lighting and exit signs are operated by a central power supply, to ensure their operation in the event of an emergency. Exit signs are normally white symbols on a green background and can have a pictorial element to show the path for evacuation.

Illuminated exit signs can be essential for people with a vision or hearing impairment. Most people who are blind can perceive some level of light so appropriately lit exit signs can assist with the safe egress from the building in the event of an emergency. 4. Record, plan, inform, instruct, and train  Fire risk assessment recorded available for inspection  Actions prioritized and implemented  Evacuation plans developed, implemented and tested at least twice annually or once per term  Employee groups informed of results  Employees, visitors, contractors given adequate training and instruction 5.Review Review risk assessments, plans etc: When changes occur changes to work processes, alterations to the building or work patterns Introduction of new equipment, hazardous substances, significant increase in people At least annually

Workplace Fire Facts There are approximately 6,000 office fires in the United States each year. Major causes of fires in office buildings. * Arson Pay close attention to security measures. Keep doors and windows locked after business hours. Keep areas around the building -especially alleys and loading docks - well lit and clear of combustibles. Pay attention to housekeeping within the building as well. *Smoking Materials In areas where smoking is allowed, use large, non-tip ashtrays and make sure everything in them is cold before they are emptied. Be sure that no one leaves smoldering cigarettes on furniture or in a wastebasket. *Wiring & Appliances Designate an employee to turn off or unplug all appliances - including coffee makers - at the end of each working day. Do not overload outlets, and make sure to replace any broken or cracked electrical cords.

Fire Response Plans To become familiar with your facilitys fire and life safety systems, know which of the following your building has, as well as their location and use: Manual pull alarms Smoke detectors Exit doors & stairwells Sprinklers When a fire happens... Treat every alarm as though it is a real emergency, even if the initial source is unknown. If the alarm sounds, or a fire is suspected, call the Fire Department immediately. After calling the Fire Department, if you determine that there is no fire, but rather a malfunction of your equipment or a false alarm, call 911 and relay this information. Never wait to investigate the situation before notifying the Fire Department. Any delay will allow a fire to grow and further endanger the building occupants and property. DO NOT silence the alarm until given permission to do so by Fire Department personnel or by the emergency operator. DO NOT reset the alarm until the Fire Department arrives and has investigated the source of the alarm. All fire alarms are to be investigated by the Fire Department. Close doors when exiting. By closing doors, you help limit the spread of smoke and fire throughout the building. Doors should be closed by employees as they leave, and by floor wardens assigned to check the floor during an alarm. Never use elevators during a fire emergency. The reason is three fold: 1) elevators often fail during a fire, trapping occupants; 2) elevator shafts may fill with smoke; and 3) the elevator needs to be available for the use of arriving firefighters. Occupants must exit by way of stairwells only. If unable to leave the building, create an area of refuge. Seal the room. Use wet cloth to stuff around cracks in doors and seal up vents to protect against smoke. Do not break windows. Flames and smoke can come back in from the outside. If you need air, open the window a crack. Stay low under smoke. The freshest air is near the floor. Keep a wet cloth over your nose and mouth, breath through your nose only. Signal for help. Use the telephone, or hang something in the window. Tips for Fire Safety Install smoke detectors Check smoke detectors once a month and change the batteries at least once a year. Smoke detectors sense abnormal amounts of smoke or invisible combustion gases in the air. They can detect both Fire extinguishers Fire alarm monitoring service Voice alarm Fire doors

smoldering and burning fires. At least one smoke detector should be installed on every level of a structure. Purchase smoke detectors labeled by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM). Post emergency numbers near telephones. Be aware that if a fire threatens your home, you should not place the call to emergency services from inside the home. It is better to get out and place the call to fire authorities from a safe location outside the home. After a fire emergency Give first aid where appropriate. Seriously injured victims should be transported to professional medical help immediately. Stay out of the damaged building. Return only when fire authorities say it is safe. Make sure you have a safe fire escape method for all situations You may have installed a very expensive home security system. But if you cannot escape the burning structure you have a false level of confidence. Space Heaters Need Space Keep portable and space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that may burn. Never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to sleep. Children and pets should always be kept away from them. Smokers Need To Be Extra Careful Never smoke in bed or when you are sleepy. Carelessly discarded cigarettes are a leading cause of fire deaths in the United States. Be Careful Cooking Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles and wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when you cook. Keep the handles of your pots turned inward so they do not over-hang the stove. If grease catches fire, carefully slide a lid over the pan and smother the flames, then turn off the burner. Matches and Lighters are Dangerous In the hands of a child, matches and lighters can be deadly! Store them where kids can't reach them, preferably in a locked area. Teach children that matches and lighters are "tools" and should only be used by adults. Use Electricity Safely If an appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug it immediately and have it repaired. Replace frayed or cracked electrical cords and don't overload extension cords. They should not be run under rugs. Never tamper with the fuse box or use the improper size fuse. Cool a Burn If someone gets burned, immediately place the wound under cool water for 10 to 15 minutes. If the burn blisters or chars, see a doctor immediately!

II.

The Fire Code

Republic of the Philippines MALACAANG Manila Presidential Decree No. 1185 : August 26, 1977 Repealed by RA 9514 FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

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; NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby order and decree as part of the law of the land the following: Section 1. Title. This Decree and the Rules and Regulations for its implementation shall be known as the "Fire Code of the Philippines" and shall hereinafter be referred to as the "Fire Code". Section 2. Declaration Of Policies. The following are declared policies of the State: (a) The government, with the cooperation of the private sector, shall develop and promulgate sets of standards and regulations taking into consideration the latest development in fire technology suitable to Philippine conditions; (b) Fire prevention and fire safety shall be given equal, if not greater emphasis as the suppression or extinguishment of fires. Fire prevention education shall be undertaken continuously involving all sectors of the community; (c) The Fire Service of the Integrated National Police shall endeavor to respond to all fires before they reach critical and conflagration stages. Towards this end, the organization, administration and operation of the Fire Service shall be improved and developed, its personnel and equipment augmented and effective fire alarm systems set up; and (d) The Fire Service shall be professionalized. For this purpose, educational institutions shall endeavor to include in their curricula, courses on fire technology and fire protection engineering. Section 3. Definition Of Terms. As used in this Fire Code, the following words and phrases shall mean and be construed as indicated: 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. Section 4. Applicability Of The Code. The provisions of the Fire Code shall apply to all persons and all private and public buildings, facilities or structures erected or constructed before and after its effectivity.

Section 5. Grace Period. The owner, administrator or occupant of buildings or structures existing at the time of the effectivity of the Fire Code is given two (2) years to comply with the provisions thereof on fire safety constructions and on protective and warning systems. However, the Director General of the Integrated National Police may prescribe a shorter period depending upon the degree of hazard to be recorded and the cost and extent of the work to be done. Section 6. Responsibility for the Enforcement of this Code. The Fire Service, under the direct supervision and control of the Director General of the Integrated National Police, hereinafter referred to as the "Director General" shall be responsible for the enforcement of this Code, as well as pertinent provisions of other laws pertaining to fire protection or fire safety. With the approval of the Secretary of National Defense, the Director General is hereby authorized to: (a) Issue implementing rules and regulations, and prescribe administrative penalties therefore; (b) Reorganize the Fire Service of the Integrated National Police as may be necessary and appropriate; (c) Enter into long term agreement, either through public biddings or negotiations to include advance payments therefor, for the acquisition of fire prevention, fire protection and fire fighting equipment, supplies and materials and related technical services necessary for the Fire Service; and (d) Enter into Memoranda of Agreement with other departments, bureaus, agencies, offices and corporations of the government, as well as private institutions, in order to define areas of corporation and coordination and delineate responsibility on fire prevention education, fire safety, fire prevention, fire suppression and other matters of common concern. Section 7. Technical Staff. The Director General shall constitute a technical staff of highly qualified persons who are knowledgeable on fire prevention, fire safety, and fire suppression. They may be drawn not only from the organic members of the Integrated National Police and other government offices and agencies, but also from other sources. In the latter case, they will either be appointed into the service or hired as consultants in accordance with law. The technical staff shall study, review and evaluate latest developments and standards on fire technology; prepare plans/programs on fire safety, prevention and suppression and evaluate implementation thereof; develop programs on the professionalization of the fire service; coordinate with appropriate government and private institutions for the offering of college courses on fire technology and fire protection engineering; propose amendments to the Fire Code; advise the Director General on any matter brought to his attention; and perform such other functions as directed on any matter brought to his attention and perform such other functions as directed by higher authorities. Section 8. Inspections, Safety Measures, Fire Safety, Constructions, and Protective and/or Warning Systems. As may be defined and provided in the Rules and Regulations, owners, administrators or occupants of buildings, structures and their premises or facilities and other responsible persons shall be required to comply with the following, as may be appropriate: a. Inspection Requirement A fire safety inspection shall be conducted by the Director General or his duly authorized representative as prerequisite to the grants of permits and/or licenses by local governments and other government agencies concerned, for the: (1) Use or occupancy of buildings, structures, facilities or their premises including the installation or fire protection and fire safety equipment, and electrical system in any building structure or facility;

(2) Storage, handling and/or use of explosives or of combustible, flammable, toxic and other hazardous materials; b. Safety Measures for Hazardous Materials Fire safety measures shall be required for the manufacture, storage, handling and/or use of hazardous materials involving: (1) Cellulose nitrate plastic of any kind; (2) Combustible fibers; (3) Cellular materials such as foam, rubber, sponge rubber and plastic foam; (4) Flammable and combustible liquids or gases of any classification; (5) Flammable paints, varnishes, stains and organic coatings; (6) High-piled or widely spread combustible stock; (7) Metallic magnesium in any form; (8) Corrosive liquids, oxidizing materials, organic peroxide, nitromethane, ammonium nitrate, or any amount of highly toxic, pyrophoric, hypergolic, or cryogenic materials or poisonous gases as well as material compounds which when exposed to heat or flame become a fire conductor, or generate excessive smoke or toxic gases; (9) Blasting agents, explosives and special industrial explosive materials, blasting caps, black powder, liquid nitro-glycerine, dynamite, nitro cellulose, fulminates of any kind, and plastic explosives containing ammonium salt or chlorate; (10) Fireworks materials of any kind or form; (11) Matches in commercial quantities; (12) Hot ashes, live coals and embers; (13) Mineral, vegetable or animal oils and other derivatives/by products; (14) Combustible waste materials for recycling or resale; (15) Explosive dusts and vapors; and (16) Agriculture, forest, marine or mineral products which may undergo spontaneous combustion. c. Safety measures for hazardous operation/processes Fire Safety measures shall be required for the following hazardous operation/processes: (1) Welding or soldering; (2) Industrial baking and drying; (3) Waste disposal; (4) Pressurized/forced-draft burning equipment; (5) Smelting and forging; (6) Motion picture projection using electrical arc lamps; (7) Refining, distillation and solvent extraction; and (8) Such other operations or processes as may hereafter be prescribed in the Rules and Regulations.

d. Provision on Fire Safety Construction, Protective and Warning System Owners, occupants or administrator or buildings, structures and their premises or facilities, except such other buildings or structures as may be exempted in the rules and regulations to be promulgated under Section 6 hereof, shall incorporate and provide therein fire safety construction, protective and warning system, and shall develop and implement fire safety programs, to wit: (1) Fire protection features such as sprinkler systems, hose boxes, hose reels or standpipe systems and other fire fighting equipment; (2) Fire Alarm systems; (3) Fire walls to separate adjoining buildings, or warehouses and storage areas from other occupancies in the same building; (4) Provisions for confining the fire at its source such as fire resistive floors and walls extending up to the next floor slab or roof, curtain boards and other fire containing or stopping components; (5) Termination of all exits in an area affording safe passage to a public way or safe dispersal area; (6) Stairway, vertical shafts, horizontal exits and other meals of egress sealed from smoke and heat; (7) A fire exit plan for each floor of the building showing the routes from each other room to appropriate exits, displayed prominently on the door of such room; (8) Self-closing fire resistive doors leading to corridors; (9) Fire dampers in centralized air-conditioning ducts; (10) Roof vents for use by fire fighters; and (11) Properly marked and lighted exits with provision for emergency lights to adequately illuminate exit ways in case of power failure. Section 9. Prohibited Acts. The following are declared as prohibited act and omission. (a) Obstructing or blocking the exit ways or across to buildings clearly marked for fire safety purposes, such as but not limited to aisles in interior rooms, any part of stairways, hallways, corridors, vestibules, balconies or bridges leading to a stairway or exit of any kind, or tolerating or allowing said violations; (b) Constructing gates, entrances and walkways to buildings components and yards which obstruct the orderly and easy passage of fire fighting vehicles and equipment; (c) Prevention, interference or obstruction of any operation of the Fire Service, or of duly organized and authorized fire brigades; (d) Obstructing designated fire lanes or access to fire hydrants; (e) Overcrowding or admission of persons beyond the authorized capacity in movie houses, theaters, coliseums, auditoriums or other public assembly buildings, except in other assembly areas on the ground floor with open sides or open doors sufficient to provide safe exits; (f) Locking fire exits during period when people are inside the building; (g) Prevention or obstruction of the automatic closure of fire doors or smoke partitions or dampers;

(h) Use of fire protective of fire fighting equipment of the Fire Service other than for fire fighting except in other emergencies where their use are justified; (i) Giving false or malicious fire alarms; (j) Smoking in prohibited areas as may be determined by Fire Service, or throwing of cigars, cigarettes, burning objects in places which may start or cause fire; (k) Abandoning or leaving a building or structure by the occupant or owner without appropriate safety measures; (l) Removing. destroying, tampering or obliterating any authorized mark, seal, sign or tag posted or required by the Fire Service for fire safety in any building, structure or processing equipment; and (m) Use of jumpers or tampering with electrical wiring or overloading the electrical system beyond its designated capacity or such other practices that would tend to undermine the fire safety features of the electrical system. Section 10. Abatement of Fire Hazard. Fire hazards shall be abated immediately. For this purpose, the Director General or his duly authorized representative may issue order for such abatement. If the owner, administrator or occupant of buildings, structure and their premises or facilities does not abate the same within the period fixed in said order, the occupancy permit or permit to operate shall be canceled. Any building or structure declared as a firetrap or is causing clear and present fire danger to adjoining establishments and habitations shall be declared a public nuisance, as defined in the Civil Code of the Philippines. If the assessed value of the building or structure is not more than twenty thousand (P20,000.00) pesos, the owner, administrator or occupant thereof shall abate the hazard within thirty (30 days or if the assessed value is more than twenty thousand (P20,000.00) pesos, within sixty (60) days from receipt of the order declaring said building or structure a public nuisance; otherwise, the Director General or his duly authorized representative shall forthwith cause its summary abatement. Summary abatement as used herein shall mean all corrective measures undertaken to abate hazards which shall include but not limited to remodeling, repairing, strengthening, reconstructing, removal and demolition, either partial or total, of the building or structure. The expenses incurred by the government for such summary abatement shall be borne by the owner, administrator or occupant. These expenses shall constitute a prior lien upon such property. Section 11. Enforcement of The Lien. If the owner, administrator or occupant fails to reimburse the government of the expenses incurred in the summary abatement within ninety (90) days from the completion of such abatement, the building or structure shall be sold at public auction in accordance with existing laws and rules. No property subject of lien under Section 10 hereof, may be sold at a price lower than the abatement expenses incurred by the government. The property shall be forfeited in favor of the government if the highest bid is not at least equal to the abatement expenses. Section 12. Penalties. (a) ADMINISTRATIVE FINE Any person who violates any provision of the Fire Code or any of the rules and regulations promulgated under Section 6 hereof shall be penalized by an administrative fine of not exceeding twelve thousand (P12,000.00) pesos or in the proper case, by stoppage of operations or by closure of such buildings, structures and their premises or facilities which do not comply with the requirements or by both such administrative fine and closure/stoppage of operation to be imposed by the Director General, Provided, That the payment of the fine, stoppage of operations and/or closure of such buildings, structures, and their premises or facilities shall not absolve the violator from correcting the deficiency or abating the fire hazard. The decision of the

Director General, under this subsection, may be appealed to the Secretary of National Defense, within fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt of the order imposing the administrative fine, stopping the operations and/or closure. The decision of the Secretary of National Defense shall be final and executory. (b) PUNITIVE In case of willful failure to correct the deficiency or abate the fire hazard as provided in the preceding subsection, the violator shall, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment of not less than six (6) months nor more than six (6) years, or by a fine of not more than twenty thousand (P20,000.00) pesos or both such fine and imprisonment; Provided, however, that in case of a corporation, firm, partnership or association, the fine and/or imprisonment shall be imposed upon its officials responsible for such violation, and in case the guilty party is an alien, in addition to the penalties herein prescribed, he shall immediately be deported; Provided, finally, that were the violation is attended by loss of life and/or damage to property, the violator shall be proceeded against under the applicable provisions of the Revised Penal Code. Section 13. Appropriation and Sources of Income. (a) To support the manpower, infrastructure and equipment needs of the Fire Service of the Integrated National Police, the sum of one hundred million (P100,000,000.00) pesos is hereby appropriated. Thereafter, the same of such amount as may be necessary to attain the objectives of the Fire Code shall be appropriated and included in the annual appropriation of the Integrated National Police for the next ten (10) years. (b) To partially provide for the funding of the Fire Service the following taxes and fees which shall accrue to the General Fund of the National Government, are hereby imposed: (1) Fees to be charged for the issuance of certificates, permits and licenses as provided for in Section 8 (a) hereof; (2) One-tenth of one per centum (0.1%) of the verified estimated value of buildings or structures to be erected, from the owner thereof, but not to exceed fifty thousand (P50,000.00) pesos, one half to be paid prior to the issuance of the building permit, and the balance, after final inspection and prior to the issuance of the use and occupancy permit; (3) One-hundredth of one per centum (0.10%) of the assessed value of buildings or structures annually payable upon payment of the real estate tax, except on structures used as single family dwellings; (4) Two per centum (2%) of all premiums, excluding re-insurance premiums for the sale of fire, earthquake and explosion hazard insurance collected by companies, persons or agents licensed to sell such insurances in the Philippines; (5) Two per centum (2%) of gross sales of companies, persons or agents selling fire fighting equipment, appliances or devices, including hazard detection and warning systems; and (6) Two per centum (2%) of the service fees received from fire, earthquake, and explosion hazard preinsurance surveys and post loss service of insurance adjustment companies doing business in the Philippines directly through agents. Section 14. Collection of Taxes, Fees and Fines. All taxes, fees and fines provided in Section 13 hereof, shall be collected by the City or Municipal Treasurer concerned for remittance to the National Treasury.

Section 15. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Code or the application of such provisions to any person or circumstance is declared unconstitutional, the remainder of the Code or the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected by such declaration. Section 16. Repealing Clause. Provisions of Presidential Decree No. 442, otherwise known as the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended and Presidential Decree No. 1096, otherwise known as the National Building Code and other laws, decrees, orders or regulations in conflict or inconsistent with the provisions of this Fire Code are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. Section 17. Effectivity. This Fire Code and its Rules and Regulations shall take effect thirty (30) days after their publication in newspapers of general circulation. Done in the City of Manila, this 26th day of August, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and seventyseven.

III.

Industrial Hygiene

INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE Industrial hygiene is defined as the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control of potential chemical, physical, and biological workplace hazards or those conditions that may cause workers injury or illness. Its origins are based on limiting personal exposures to chemicals, and have evolved to address the control of most other workplace hazards including over-exposure to noise, heat, vibration, and repetitive motion. Occupational exposure to chemicals is still considered one of the most wide spread hazards in industry. The use of engineering controls is the preferred method of limiting these exposures. Dilution and capture ventilation are two important methods to control occupational exposure. Dilution is the process of making a substance less concentrated by adding a solvent, such as water, while Capture Ventilation or Source Capture, is the one that captures the breathing zone vapors at the source. The design and position of hoods and vents, and amount of air infiltration can substantially change exposure conditions. A hood is designed to confine or capture the contaminant at its source. Material Safety Data Sheets and other documentation provide a basis for predicting adverse effects, disposal needs, and fire and ignition concerns. Sampling and monitoring equipment is available to quantify exposures to contaminants, noise, radiation, and heat. Correct sampling strategy and interpretation are essential elements of an industrial hygiene survey. Confined spaces, ventilation changes, the performance of collection systems, and pressure relief valves are all items of concern for exposure evaluation. The selection of appropriate personal protective equipment for exposure control often requires both an understanding of the limitations of the equipment, and the expected exposure parameters as determined by an industrial hygiene evaluation. Engineering controls are considered the preferred method of control, but personal protective equipment plays an important role for health, safety, and rescue, especially when using confined space entry procedures. The potential for misuse or misapplication of these devices should be evaluated. Occupational and Safety Health Center Created by virtue of Executive Order No. 307, on November 1987 by then President Corazon C. Aquino, the OSHC is envisioned as the national authority for research and training on matters pertaining to safety and health at work. It provides the expertise and intervention mechanism to improve workplace conditions in the Philippines. It has a dual mandate of protecting Filipino workers against accidents and illnesses and promoting workers' welfare through effective programs that enhance productivity, workers well-being and afford social protection to its client sector. The Center adopts a multisectoral strategy with its partners -- business, workers group, other Government and Non-Governmental Organizations and the Academe to fulfill its mandate. The OSHC has been designated as the national CIS Center for the Philippines on July 1991 to become the focal agency which receives and disseminates information matters from CIS Center in Geneva and the Asia-Pacific Regional Program on Occupational Safety and Health based in Bangkok which is under the International Labour Organization (ILO) to members of the inter-agency committee and other data users in the Philippines. This is consistent with its critical responsibility to provide access and improve the quality of Occupational Safety and Health information in the Philippine workplace.

Mission/Mandate - The protection of workers through the preventive approach of reducing/eliminating occupational accidents and illnesses. - The promotion of workers' welfare through the effective implementation of OSH programs that will enhance productivity and subsequently contribute to national economic development efforts.

What is a Worksite Analysis? A worksite analysis is an essential first step that helps an industrial hygienist determine what jobs and work stations are the sources of potential problems. During the worksite analysis, the industrial hygienist measures and identifies exposures, problem tasks, and risks. The most effective worksite analyses include all jobs, operations, and work activities. The industrial hygienist inspects, researches, or analyzes how the particular chemicals or physical hazards at that worksite affect workers health. If a situation hazardous to health is discovered, the industrial hygienist recommends the appropriate corrective actions. How do Industrial Hygienists Recognize and Control Hazards? Industrial hygienists use environmental monitoring and analytical methods to detect the extent of worker exposure and employ engineering, work practice and administrative controls to reduce employees exposure to occupational hazards. Engineering controls minimize employee exposure by either reducing or removing the hazard at the source or isolating the worker from the hazards. These include eliminating toxic chemicals and replacing harmful toxic materials with less hazardous ones, enclosing work processes or confining work operations, and installing general and local ventilation systems.Local exhaust ventilation is needed when employees are exposed to high toxicity chemicals, when large amounts of dusts or welding fumes are generated, or when increased heating costs from ventilation in cold weather are a concern. It operates on the principle that air moves from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure.Local exhaust systems are located as close as possible to the source of contamination to capture the contaminate before it is released into the work area. Work practice controls alter the manner in which a task is performed. Some fundamental and easily implemented work practice controls include (1) following proper procedures that minimize exposures while operating production and control equipment; (2) inspecting and maintaining process and control equipment on a regular basis; (3) implementing good house-keeping procedures; (4) providing good supervision and (5) mandating that eating, drinking, smoking, chewing tobacco or gum, and applying cosmetics in regulated areas be prohibited. Administrative controls include controlling employees' exposure by scheduling production and workers' tasks, or both, in ways that minimize exposure levels. For example, the employer might schedule operations with the highest exposure potential during periods when the fewest employees are present. When effective work practices and/or engineering controls are not feasible to achieve the permissible exposure limit, or while such controls are being instituted, and in emergencies, appropriate respiratory equipment must be used. In addition, personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety goggles, helmets, safety shoes, and protective clothing may also be required. To be effective, personal protective equipment must be individually selected, properly fitted and periodically refitted; conscientiously and properly worn; regularly maintained; and replaced as necessary.

What Are Some Examples of Job Hazards? To be effective in recognizing and evaluating on-the-job hazards and recommending controls, industrial hygienists must be familiar with the hazards' characteristics. Major job risks can include air contaminants, and chemical, biological, physical, and ergonomic hazards. y Air Contaminants These are commonly classified as either particulate or gas and vapor contaminants. The most common particulate contaminants include dusts, fumes, mists, aerosols, and fibers. Dusts are solid particles that are formed or generated from solid organic or inorganic materials by reducing their size through mechanical processes such as crushing, grinding, drilling, abrading or blasting. Fumes are formed when material from a volatilized solid condenses in cool air. In most cases, the solid particles resulting from the condensation react with air to form an oxide. The term mist is applied to a finely divided liquid suspended in the atmosphere. Mists are generated by liquids condensing from a vapor back to a liquid or by breaking up a liquid into a dispersed state such as by splashing, foaming or atomizing. Aerosols are also a form of a mist characterized by highly respirable, minute liquid particles. Fibers are solid particles whose length is several times greater than their diameter. Gases are formless fluids that expand to occupy the space or enclosure in which they are confined. Examples are welding gases such as acetylene, nitrogen, helium, and argon; and carbon monoxide generated from the operation of internal combustion engines or by its use as a reducing gas in a heat treating operation. Another example is hydrogen sulfide which is formed wherever there is decomposition of materials containing sulfur under reducing conditions. Liquids change into vapors and mix with the surrounding atmosphere through evaporation. Vapors are the volatile form of substances that are normally in a solid or liquid state at room temperature and pressure. Vapors are the gaseous form of substances which are normally in the solid or liquid state at room temperature and pressure. They are formed by evaporation from a liquid or solid and can be found where parts cleaning and painting takes place and where solvents are used. y Chemical Hazards Harmful chemical compounds in the form of solids, liquids, gases, mists, dusts, fumes, and vapors exert toxic effects by inhalation (breathing), absorption (through direct contact with the skin), or ingestion (eating or drinking). Airborne chemical hazards exist as concentrations of mists, vapors, gases, fumes, or solids. Some are toxic through inhalation and some of them irritate the skin on contact; some can be toxic by absorption through the skin or through ingestion, and some are corrosive to living tissue. The degree of worker risk from exposure to any given substance depends on the nature and potency of the toxic effects and the magnitude and duration of exposure. Information on the risk to workers from chemical hazards can be obtained from the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) that Occupational & Safety Health Administrations(OSHA)Hazard Communication Standard requires be supplied by the manufacturer or importer to the purchaser of all hazardous materials. The MSDS is a summary of the important health, safety, and toxicological information on the chemical or the mixture's ingredients. Other provisions of the Hazard Communication Standard require that all containers of hazardous substances in the workplace have appropriate warning and identification labels. y Biological Hazards

These include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other living organisms that can cause acute and chronic infections by entering the body either directly or through breaks in the skin. Occupations that deal with plants or animals or their products or with food and food processing may expose workers to biological hazards. Laboratory and medical personnel also can be exposed to biological hazards. Any occupations that result in contact with bodily fluids pose a risk to workers from biological hazards. In occupations where animals are involved, biological hazards are dealt with by preventing and controlling diseases in the animal population as well as proper care and handling of infected animals. Also, effective personal hygiene, particularly proper attention to minor cuts and scratches, especially those on the hands and forearms, helps keep worker risks to a minimum. In occupations where there is potential exposure to biological hazards, workers should practice proper personal hygiene, particularly hand washing. Hospitals should provide proper ventilation, proper personal protective equipment such as gloves and respirators, adequate infectious waste disposal systems, and appropriate controls including isolation in instances of particularly contagious diseases such as tuberculosis. y Physical Hazards These include excessive levels of ionizing and nonionizing electromagnetic radiation, noise, vibration, illumination, and temperature. Ionizing radiation is radiation with enough energy so that during an interaction with an atom, it can remove tightly bound electrons from the orbit of an atom, causing the atom to become charged or ionized. It can occur on two forms waves or particles. Types of ionizing radiation include alpha, beta, gamma, and X rays. Non-ionizing radiation refers to any type of electromagnetic radiation that does not carry enough energy per quantum to ionize atoms or moleculesthat is, to completely remove an electron from an atom or molecule. Near ultraviolet, visible light, infrared, microwave, radio waves, and low-frequency RF (long wave) are all examples of non-ionizing radiation. The light from the Sun that reaches the earth is largely composed of non-ionizing radiation. Some forms of nonionizing radiation can damage tissues if we are exposed too much. For instance, too much ultraviolet (UV) light from lying out in the sun is known to cause some skin cancers; even moderate amounts can cause skin burns. In occupations where there is exposure to ionizing radiation, time, distance, and shielding are important tools in ensuring worker safety. Danger from radiation increases with the amount of time one is exposed to it; hence, the shorter the time of exposure the smaller the radiation danger. Distance also is a valuable tool in controlling exposure to both ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. Radiation levels from some sources can be estimated by comparing the squares of the distances between the worker and the source. For example, at a reference point of 10 feet from a source, the radiation is 1/100 of the intensity at 1 foot from the source. Shielding also is a way to protect against radiation. The greater the protective mass between a radioactive source and the worker, the lower the radiation exposure. Nonionizing radiation also is dealt with by shielding workers from the source. Sometimes limiting exposure times to nonionizing radiation or increasing the distance is not effective. Laser radiation, for example, cannot be controlled effectively by imposing time limits. An exposure can be hazardous that is faster than the blinking of an eye. Increasing the distance from a laser source may require miles before the energy level reaches a point where the exposure would not be harmful.

Noise, another significant physical hazard, can be controlled by various measures. Noise can be reduced by installing equipment and systems that have been engineered, designed, and built to operate quietly; by enclosing or shielding noisy equipment; by making certain that equipment is in good repair and properly maintained with all worn or unbalanced parts replaced; by mounting noisy equipment on special mounts to reduce vibration; and by installing silencers, mufflers, or baffles. Substituting quiet work methods for noisy ones is another significant way to reduce noise, for example, welding parts rather than riveting them. Also, treating floors, ceilings, and walls with acoustical material can reduce reflected or reverberant noise. In addition, erecting sound barriers at adjacent work stations around noisy operations will reduce worker exposure to noise generated at adjacent work stations. It is also possible to reduce noise exposure by increasing the distance between the source and the receiver, by isolating workers in acoustical booths, limiting workers' exposure time to noise, and by providing hearing protection. OSHA requires that workers in noisy surroundings be periodically tested as a precaution against hearing loss. Another physical hazard, radiant heat exposure in factories such as steel mills, can be controlled by installing reflective shields and by providing protective clothing. y Ergonomic Hazards The science of ergonomics studies and evaluates a full range of tasks including, but not limited to, lifting, holding, pushing, walking, and reaching. Many ergonomic problems result from technological changes such as increased assembly line speeds, adding specialized tasks, and increased repetition; some problems arise from poorly designed job tasks. Any of those conditions can cause ergonomic hazards such as excessive vibration and noise, eye strain, repetitive motion, and heavy lifting problems. Improperly designed tools or work areas also can be ergonomic hazards. Repetitive motions or repeated shocks over prolonged periods of time as in jobs involving sorting, assembling, and data entry can often cause irritation and inflammation of the tendon sheath of the hands and arms, a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome. Ergonomic hazards are avoided primarily by the effective design of a job or jobsite and better designed tools or equipment that meet workers' needs in terms of physical environment and job tasks. Through thorough worksite analyses, employers can set up procedures to correct or control ergonomic hazards by using the appropriate engineering controls (e.g., designing or re-designing work stations, lighting, tools, and equipment); teaching correct work practices (e.g., proper lifting methods); employing proper administrative controls (e.g., shifting workers among several different tasks, reducing production demand, and increasing rest breaks); and, if necessary, providing and mandating personal protective equipment. Evaluating working conditions from an ergonomics standpoint involves looking at the total physiological and psychological demands of the job on the worker. Overall, industrial hygienists point out that the benefits of a well-designed, ergonomic work environment can include increased efficiency, fewer accidents, lower operating costs and more effective use of personnel. Industrial hygiene encompasses a broad spectrum of the working environment. Early in its history it is recognized that industrial hygiene is an integral part of a healthful work setting. Occupational & Safety Health Administration (OSHA), which is in America, places a high priority on using industrial hygiene concepts in its health standards and as a tool for effective enforcement of job safety and health regulations. As for us, here in Philippines, we have OSHC under the Department of Labor and Employment(DOLE). By recognizing and applying the principles of industrial hygiene to the work environment, workplaces will become more healthful and safer.