Fire Code of the Philippines Ebook - SafetySignsPH.com Fire Code of the Philippines eBook - SafetySignsPH | Page 97

so counterbalanced and maintained that they can be readily
opened with a minimum of physical effort. Insert screens, if any, on
any type of opening giving access to fire, an escape stair shall be
of types that may be readily opened or pushed out. No storm sash
shall be used on any window providing to fire escape stairs.
c. Fire escape stairs shall extend to the roof in all cases where the
roof is subject to occupancy or is constructed and arranged to
provide an area of refuge from fire. In all cases where stairs do not
extend to the roof, access thereto shall be provided by a ladder in
accordance with pertinent provision of Section 10.2.5.10 of this IRR
on Fire Escape Ladder, except that such ladders are not required
in the case of roofs with pitch or slope steeper than sixteen and
two-thirds (16.67%) percent.
d. Balconies, to which access is secured through windows with sills
above the inside floor level, shall be not more than forty six
centimeters (46 cm) below the sill. In no case shall be balcony
level be above the sill.
6. Materials and Strength
a. Iron, steel, or reinforced or concrete or other approved
noncombustible material shall be used for the construction of fire
stairs, balconies, railings, and other features appurtenant thereto.
b. Balconies and stairs shall be designed to carry a load of four hun-
dred eighty eight (488) kilos per square meter or a concentrated
load of one hundred thirty six (136) kilos so located as to produce
maximum stress conditions.
c. Except where embedded in masonry or concrete or where a suit-
able fire resistive and waterproof covering is provided no structural
metal member shall be employed the entire surface of which is
not capable of being inspected and painted.
d. All supporting members for balconies and stairs, which are in ten-
sion and ate fastened directly to the building, shall pass through
the wall and be securely fastened on the opposite side or they
shall be securely fastened to the framework of the building. Where
metal members pass through walls, they shall be protected
effectively against corrosion. Holes in the wall through which metal
member pass shall be effectively fire-stopped to preserve the fire
resistive quality of the wall.
e. Balcony and stair enclosure and railings shall be designed to with-
stand a horizontal force of seventy five (75) kilos per meter of
railing or enclosure without serious deflection, and support at walls
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