Monday, July 11, 2016

BUILDING CODE VIOLATION

BUILDING CODE VIOLATION:

These pictures shown here are the following that violates the standards of the National Building Code:



A.) Chimneys:

(picture taken at Hazard, Kentuky)

This image violates the National Building Code Section 1211 which involves the chimneys and fireplaces. 

(2.3) Masonry Chimneys for Medium-Heat Appliances
Masonry chimneys for medium-heat appliances shall be constructed of solid masonry units of reinforced concrete not less than 200 millimeters thick, Except, that stone masonry shall be not less than 300 millimeters thick and, in addition shall be lined with not less than 100 millimeters of firebrick laid in a solid bed of fire clay mortar with solidly filled head, bed, and wall joints, starting not less than 600 millimeters below the chimney connector entrance. Chimneys extending 7.50 meters or less above the chimney connector shall be lined to the top. 
- The reason why this chimney violates this specific section, the material used follows the said section since its made from stone masonry but does not follow the minimum thickness. It is less than 300 millimeters. The place where the picture was taken requires medium heat to high heat knowing the changing weather of the state. 
Member's name: Silvano, Meilin E.


B.) Dirty kitchen ventilation/hood in a residential area:


picture taken in a house in a subdivision, Lapu-Lapu City

  The National Building Code Section 1211 ,specifically installation of barbecues with ranges and hoods.

(2) Hoods.
Metal hoods used as part of a fireplace or barbecue shall not be less than No. 18 gauge copper, galvanized iron, or other equivalent corrosion-resistant ferrous metal with all seams and connections of smokeproof unsoldered construction. The goods shall be sloped at an angle of 45 degrees or less from the vertical and shall extend horizontally at least 150 millimeters beyond the limits of the firebox. Metal hoods shall be kept a minimum from combustible materials.

Its kitchen ventilator is covered in a solid wooden-framed hood. Though the appliance is electric-operated, this contributes a high risk of catching fire.Wood has a flammable property especially when the area is in dry temperature, so it has the tendency to transfer easily. The measurement of the distance from the firebox is less than 150 mm which makes it more accessible for spreading.


Member's name: Bacud, Regine Joy V.




C.)Plastering


The National Building Code Section 1215 which explains about Lathing, Plastering and Installation of Wallboards. 


                         These cracks normally occur when a plaster mix with a high cement content is used or the plaster is allowed to dry too quickly.

Monday, July 4, 2016

Working with Fire

SECTION 1211 

Chimneys, Fireplaces and Barbecues

Fireplaces, barbeques, smoke chambers, and fireplace chimneys shall be of solid masonry or reinforced concrete and shall conform to the minumum requirements specified in this code.

A. (6) Corbelling

No masonry chimney shall be corbeled from a wall  more than 150 millimeters nor shall a masonry chimney be corbeled from a wall which is less than 300 millimeters in thickness unless it projects equally on each side of the wall.  In the second storey of a two-storey building of Group A occupancy, corbelling of masonry chimneys on the exterior of the ecnclosing walls may equal the wall thickness.  In every case the corbelling shall not exceed 25 millimeters in projection for each course of brick

Below is a picture from Exallot Building Products, UK that shows corbelling masonry chimney on the exterior of the enclosing walls, The corbelling is equally projected on each side.

 Corbelling




B. (1) Fireplaces and Barbecues

Walls of fireplaces shall not be less than 200 millimeters in thickness.  Walls of fireboxes shall not be less than 250 millimeters in thickness: Except, that where a lining of firebrick is used, such walls shall not be less than 200 millimeters in thickness.  The firebox shall not be less than  500 millimeters in depth.  The maximum thickness of joints in firebrick shall be 10 millimeters.


Fireplace Walls



The above picture from http://thediymommy.com/ed shows firebricks are to line the inner walls of the fireplace. Reinforced concrete is used for the main walls and laid with natural stones as the final finishing touch.


 B. (9) Hearth

Every fireplace shall be provided with a brick, concrete, stone, or other approved non-combustible hearth slab at  least 300 millimeters wider on each side then the fireplace opening and projecting at least 450 millimiters therefrom. This slab  shall not be less than  100 millimeters  thick and shall be supported by a non-combustible material or reinforced  to carry its own  weight and all imposed loads.


Hearths



The picture above shows hearth made out of concrete lined with bricks.  The opening and projecting of the fireplace is about 450-500 millimeters.  It is important to note that only  non-combustible materials are to be used in hearths and chimneys.


Member's name: Caballes, Wendylle

Sunday, July 3, 2016

BUILDING CODE IN ACTION

The following photos are taken in different locations:



A.) A 2-storey house:





These images apply in the  The National Building Code Section 1215 which explains about Lathing, Plastering and Installation of Wallboards. 

Both pictures shows walls that are made of cement which follows the fire - resistive requirements. These walls are made from concrete hollow blocks piled together and properly coated with cement. This type of construction follows the fire - resistive norm. The fire - walls are connected to neighboring houses to avoid further spread of fire. 

Member's name: Silvano, Meilin E.


B:) A fireplace in a cottage house:



These image apply in the  The National Building Code Section 1211 which involves in chimneys and fireplaces.  As mentioned in the previous article, it emphasizes the standard location, size, and spacing of these architectural features.

Based on the picture, rubble stones were used in the chimney walls and the minimum thickness and measurement were attained as mentioned on the specific section mentioned. It is well constructed knowing that the structure is mainly made of wood. 

Member's name: Lim, Abigail M.



Chimneys, Fireplaces and Barbecues

Fireplaces, barbeques, smoke chambers, and fireplace chimneys shall be of solid masonry or reinforced concrete and shall conform to the minumum requirements specified in this code.

A. Corbelling

No masonry chimney shall be corbeled from a wall  more than 150 millimeters nor shall a masonry chimney be corbeled from a wall which is less than 300 millimeters in thickness unless it projects equally on each side of the wall.  In the second storey of a two-storey building of Group A occupancy, corbelling of masonry chimneys on the exterior of the ecnclosing walls may equal the wall thickness.  In every case the corbelling shall not exceed 25 millimeters in projection for each course of brick

Below is a picture from Exallot Building Products, UK that shows corbelling masonry chimney on the exterior of the enclosing walls, The corbelling is equally projected on each side.

 Corbelling






B. Fireplaces and Barbecues

Walls of fireplaces shall not be less than 200 millimeters in thickness.  Walls of fireboxes shall not be less than 250 millimeters in thickness: Except, that where a lining of firebrick is used, such walls shall not be less than 200 millimeters in thickness.  The firebox shall not be less than  500 millimeters in depth.  The maximum thickness of joints in firebrick shall be 10 millimeters.


Fireplace Walls



The above picture from http://thediymommy.com/ed shows firebricks are to line the inner walls of the fireplace. Reinforced concrete is used for the main walls and laid with natural stones as the final finishing touch.


 B. Hearth

Every fireplace shall be provided with a brick, concrete, stone, or other approved non-combustible hearth slab at  least 300 millimeters wider on each side then the fireplace opening and projecting at least 450 millimiters therefrom. This slab  shall not be less than  100 millimeters  thick and shall be supported by a non-combustible material or reinforced  to carry its own  weight and all imposed loads.






The picture above shows hearth made out of concrete lined with bricks.  The opening and projecting of the fireplace is about 450-500 millimeters.  It is important to note that only  non-combustible materials are to be used in hearths and chimneys.



Member's name: Caballes, Wendylle





.
C.) A showroom kitchen:








These images apply in the  The National Building Code Section 1211 ,specifically installation of barbecues with ranges and hoods.

This restaurant kitchen shows the location and mechanism of ranges, barbecues and hoods. The stainless steel material has always been the standard and most used metal for most kitchen appliances whether structural or unattached.  It shows the anti-corrosion property of such metal and connections of smoke proof construction. With ventilation and smoke detectors provided on hoods, it adjusts the temperature of heat and proper expulsion of smoke. Volatile materials are kept away from these metallic structures.

Member's name: Bacud, Regine Joy V.






Sunday, June 26, 2016

SMOKE, HEARTH AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

In order to design an interior space, one must consider and be familiar with the Building Code. This page will give you some of the sections that would guide us in creating safe, secure and promote well-being of the end-users.




Sections discussed are the following:


Section 1211: Chimneys, Fireplaces, and Barbecues
Section 1212: Fire-Extinguishing Systems
Section 1213: Stages and Platform
Section 1214: Motion Picture Projection Rooms
Section 1215: Lathing, Plastering and Installation of Wall Boards


Section 1211. Chimneys, Fireplaces, and Barbecues.

(a) Chimneys

(1) Structural Design

Chimneys shall be designed, anchored, supported, reinforced, constructed, and installed in accordance with generally accepted principles of engineering. Every chimney shall be capable of producing a draft at the appliance not less than that required for the safe operation of the appliance connected thereto. No Chimney shall support any structural load other than its own weight unless it is designed to act as a supporting member. Chimneys in a wood-framed building shall be anchored laterally at the ceiling line and at each floor line which is more than 1.80 meters above grade, except when entirely within the framework or when designed to be free standing.

(2) Walls

Every masonry chimney shall have walls of masonry units, bricks, stones, listed masonry chimney units, reinforced concrete or equivalent solid thickness of hollow masonry and lined with suitable liners in accordance with the following requirements:

(2.1) Masonry Chimneys for Residential Type Appliances

Masonry chimneys shall be constructed of masonry units or reinforced concrete with walls not less than 100 millimeters thick; or of rubble stone masonry not less than 300 millimeters thick. The chimney liner shall be in accordance with this Code.

(2.2) Masonry Chimneys for Low Heat Appliances

Masonry chimneys shall be constructed of masonry units or reinforced concrete with walls not less than 200 millimeters thick: Except, that rubble stone masonry shall be not less than 300 millimeters thick. The chimney liner shall be in accordance with this Code.

(2.3) Masonry Chimneys for Medium-Heat Appliances

Masonry chimneys for medium-heat appliances shall be constructed of solid masonry units of reinforced concrete not less than 200 millimeters thick, Except, that stone masonry shall be not less than 300 millimeters thick and, in addition shall be lined with not less than 100 millimeters of firebrick laid in a solid bed of fire clay mortar with solidly filled head, bed, and wall joints, starting not less than 600 millimeters below the chimney connector entrance. Chimneys extending 7.50 meters or less above the chimney connector shall be lined to the top.

(2.4) Masonry Chimneys for High-Heat Appliances

Masonry chimneys for high-heat appliances shall be constructed with double walls of solid masonry units or reinforced concrete not less than 200 millimeters in thickness, with an air space of not less than 50 millimeters between walls. The inside of the interior walls shall be of fire-brick not less than 100 millimeters in thickness laid in a solid bed of fire clay mortar with solidly filled head, bed, and wall joints.

(2.5) Masonry Chimneys for Incinerators Installed in Multi-Storey Buildings (Apartment-Type Incinerators) 

Chimneys for incinerators installed in multi-storey building using the chimney passageway as a refuse chute where the horizontal grate area of combustion chamber does not exceed 0.80 square meter shall have walls of solid masonry or reinforced concrete, not less than 100 millimeters thick with a chimney lining as specified in this Code. If the grate area of such an incinerator exceeds 0.80 square meter, the walls shall not be less than 100 millimeters of firebrick except that higher than 9.00 meters above the roof of the combustion chamber, common brick alone 200 millimeters in thickness, may be used.

(2.6) Masonry Chimneys for Commercial and Industrial Type Incinerators 

Masonry chimneys for commercial and industrial type incinerators of a size designed for not more than 110 kilograms of refuse per hour and having a horizontal grate area not exceeding 0.50 square meter shall have walls of solid masonry or reinforced concrete not less than 100 millimeters thick with lining of not less than 100 millimeters of firebrick, which lining shall extend for not less than 12.00 meters above the roof of the combustion chamber. If the design capacity of grate area of such an incinerator exceeds 110 kilograms per hour and 0.80 square meter respectively, walls shall not be less than 200 millimeters thick, lined with not less than 100 millimeters of firebrick extending the full height of the chimney.

(3) Linings

Fire clay chimney lining shall not be less than 15 millimeters thick.

The lining shall extend from 200 millimeters below the lowest inlet, or, in the case of fireplace, from the throat of the fireplace to a point above enclosing masonry walls. Fire clay chimney linings shall be installed ahead of the construction of the chimney as it is carried up, carefully bedded one on the other in fire clay mortar, with close-fitting joints left smooth on the inside. Firebrick not less than 500 millimeters thick may be used in place of fire clay chimney.

(4) Area

No chimney passageway shall be smaller in area than the vent connection of the appliance attached thereto.

(5) Height

Every masonry chimney shall extend at least 600 millimeters above the part of the roof through which it passes and at least 600 millimeters above the highest elevation of any part of a building within 3.00 meters to the chimney.

(6) Corbeling

No masonry chimney shall be corbeled from a wall more than 150 millimeters nor shall a masonry chimney be corbeled from a wall which is less than 300 millimeters in thickness unless it projects equally on each side of the wall. In the second storey of a two-storey building of Group A Occupancy, corbeling of masonry chimneys on the exterior of the enclosing walls may equal the wall thickness. In every case the corbeling shall not exceed 25 millimeters protection for each course of brick.

(7) Change in Size or Shape

No change in the size or shape of a masonry chimney shall be made within a distance of 150 millimeters above or below the roof joints or rafters where the chimney passes through the roof.

(8 ) Separation

When more than one passageway is contained in the same chimney, masonry separation at least 100 millimeters thick bonded into the masonry wall of the chimney shall be provided to separate passageways.

(9) Inlets

Every inlet to any masonry chimney shall enter the side thereof and shall be of not less than 3 millimeters thick metal or 16 millimeters refractory material.

(10) Clearance

Combustible materials shall not be placed within 50 millimeters of smoke chamber or masonry chimney walls when built within a structure, or within 25 millimeters when the chimney is built entirely outside the structure.

(11) Termination

All incinerator chimneys shall terminate in a substantially constructed spark arrester having a mesh not exceeding 20 millimeters.

(12) Cleanouts

Cleanout openings shall be provided at the base of every masonry chimney.


Section 1212. Fire-Extinguishing Systems.

(a) Fire-Extinguishing Systems 

When required, standard automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be installed in the following places, and in the manner provided in this Code.

(1) In every storey, basement or cellar with an area of 200 square meters or more which is used for habitation, recreation, dining, study, or work, and which has an occupant load of more than 20.

(2) In all dressing rooms, rehearsal rooms, workshops or factories, and other rooms with an occupant load of more than 10 or assembly halls under Group H and I occupancies with occupant load of more than 500, and if the next doors of said rooms are more than 30.00 meters from the nearest safe fire dispersal area of the building or opening to an exit court or street.

(3) In all rooms used for storage or handling of photographic x-ray nitrocellulose films and other inflammable articles.

(b) Dry Standpipes 

Every building four or more storeys in height shall be equipped with one or more dry standpipes.

(1) Construction and Tests. 

Dry standpipes shall be of wrought iron or galvanized steel and together with fittings and connections shall be of sufficient strength to withstand 20 kilograms per square centimeter of water pressure when ready for service, without leaking at the joints, valves, or fittings. Tests shall be conducted by the owner of the building contractor in the presence of a representative of the Building Official whenever deemed necessary for the purpose of certification of its proper function.

(2) Size. 

Dry standpipes shall be of such size as to be capable of delivering 900 liters of water per minute from each of any three outlets simultaneously under the pressure created by one fire engine or pumper based on the standard equipment available.

(3) Number Required. 

Every building four or more storeys in height where the area of any floor above the third floor is 950 square meters or less, shall be equipped with at least one dry standpipes and an additional standpipe shall be installed for each additional 950 square meters or fraction thereof.

(4) Location. 

Standpipes shall be located within enclosed stairway landings or near such stairways as possible or immediately inside of an exterior wall and within 300 millimeters of an opening in a stairway enclosure of the balcony or vestibule of a smokeproof tower or an outside exit stairway.

(5) Siamese Connections. 

Subject to the provisions of subparagraph (2) all 100 millimeters dry standpipes shall be equipped with a two-way Siamese fire department connection. All 125 millimeter dry standpipes shall be equipped with a three-way Siamese fire department connection and 150 millimeters dry standpipes shall be equipped with a four-way Siamese fire department connections. All Siamese inlet connections shall be located on a street-front of the building and not less than 300 millimeters nor more than 1.20 meters above the grade and shall be equipped with a clapper-checks and substantial plugs. All Siamese inlet connections shall be recessed in the wall or otherwise substantially protected.

(6) Outlets.

All dry standpipes shall extend from the ground floor to and over the roof and shall be equipped with a 63 millimeters outlet nor more than 1.20 meters above the floor level at each storey. All dry standpipes shall be equipped with a two-way 63 millimeters outlet above the roof. All outlets shall be equipped with gate valves.

(7) Signs. 

An iron or bronze sign with raised letters at least 25 millimeters high shall be rigidly attached to the building adjacent to all Siamese connections and such signs shall read ; CONNECTION TO DRY STANDPIPE”.

(c) Wet Standpipes. 

Every Group H and I Occupancy of any height, and every Group C Occupancy of two more storeys in height and every Group D, D, E, F, and G Occupancy of three or more storeys in height and every Group G and E Occupancy over 1800 square meters in area shall be equipped with one or more interior wet standpipes extending from the cellar or basement into the topmost storey: Provided, that Group H buildings having no stage and having a seating capacity of less than 500 need to be equipped with interior wet standpipes.

(1) Construction. 

Interior wet standpipes shall be constructed of the same materials as those required for dry standpipes.

(2) Size

(2.1) Interior wet standpipes shall have an internal diameter sufficient to deliver 190 liters of water per minute under 2.0 kilograms per square centimeter pressure at the hose connections. Buildings of Group Hand I Occupancy shall have wet standpipes systems capable of delivering the required quantity and pressure from any two outlets simultaneously; for all other occupancies only one outlet need be figured to be opened at one time. In no case shall the internal diameter of a wet standpipe be less than 50 millimeters, except when the standpipe is attached to an automatic fire-extinguishing system.

(2.2) Any approved formula which determined pipe sizes on a pressure drop basis may be used to determine pipe size for wet standpipe systems. The Building Official may require discharge capacity and pressure tests on completed wet standpipe systems.

(3) Number required. 

The number of wet standpipe when required in this Code shall be so determined that all portions of the building are within 6.00 meters of a nozzle attached to a hose 23.00 meters in length.

(4) Location.

In Group H and I Occupancies, outlets shall be located as follows: one on each side of the stage, one at the rear of the auditorium and one at the rear of the balcony. Where occupant loads are less than 500 the above requirements may be waived: Provided, that portable fire-extinguishers of appropriate capacity and type are installed within easy access from the said locations. In Group B, C, D, E, F, and G Occupancies location of all interior wet standpipes shall be in accordance with the requirement for dry standpipes: Provided, that at least one standpipe is installed to cover not more than 650 square meters.

(5) Outlets. 

All interior wet standpipes shall be equipped with a 38 millimeter valve in each storey, including the basement or cellar of the building, and located not less than 300 millimeters nor more than 1.20 meters above the floor.

(6) Threads. 

All those threads used in connection with the installation of such standpipes, including valves and reducing fittings shall be uniform with that prescribed by the Secretary.

(7) Water Supply.

All interior wet standpipes shall be connected to a street main not less than 100 millimeters in diameter, or when the water pressure is insufficient, to a water tank or sufficient size as provided in subparagraph. When more than one interior wet standpipe is required in the building, such standpipe shall be connected at their bases or at their tops by pipes of equal size.

(8 ) Pressure and Gravity Tanks

Tanks shall have a capacity sufficient to furnish at least 1,500 litters per minute for period of not less than 10 minutes. Such tanks shall be located so as to provide not less than 2 kilograms per sq. cm. pressure at the topmost base outlet for its entire supply. Discharge pipes from pressure tanks extend 50 millimeters into and above the bottom of such tanks. All tanks shall be tested in place after installation and proved tight at a hydrostatic pressure fifty percent in excess of the working pressure required. Where such tanks are used for domestic purposes the supply pipe for such purposes shall be located at or above the center line of such tanks.
Incombustible supports shall be provided for all such supply tanks and not less than a 900 millimeters clearance shall be maintained over the top and under the bottom of all pressure tanks.

(9) Fire pumps. 

Fire pumps shall have a capacity of not less than 1,000 liters per minute with a pressure of not less than 2 kilograms per sq. cm. at the topmost hose outlet. The source of supply for such pump shall be a street water main of not less than 100 mm, diameter or a well or cistern containing a one-hour supply. Such pumps shall be supplied with an adequate source of power and shall be automatic in operation.

(10) Hose and Hose Reels.

Each hose outlet of all interior wet standpipe shall be supplied with a hose not less than 38 millimeters in diameter. Such hose shall be equipped with a suitable brass or bronze nozzle and shall be not over 23.00 meters in length. An approved standard form of wall hose reel or rack shall be provided for the hose and shall be located so as to make the hose readily accessible at all times and shall be recessed in the walls or protected by suitable cabinets.

(d) Basement Pipe Inlets

Basement pipe inlets shall be installed in the first floor of every store, warehouse, or factory where there are cellars or basements under same:
Except, wherein such cellars or basements there is installed a fire-extinguishing system as specified in this Code or where such cellars or basement are used for banking purposes, safe deposit vaults, or similar uses.

(1) Material. 

All basement pipe inlets shall be of cast iron, steel, brass, or bronze with lids of cast brass or bronze and shall consist of a sleeve not less than 200 millimeters in diameter through the floor extending to and flush with the ceiling below and with a top flange, recessed with an inside shoulder, to receive the lid and flush with the finished floor surface. The lid shall be a solid casting and shall have a ring lift recessed on the top thereof, so as to flushed. The lid shall have the words “FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT ONLY, DO NOT COVER UP” cast on the top thereof. The lid shall be installed in such a manner as to permit its removal readily from the inlet.

(2) Location. 

Basement pipe inlets shall be strategically located and kept readily accessible at all times to the Fire Department.

(e) Approval.

All fire-extinguishing systems, including automatic sprinklers, wet and dry standpipes, automatic chemical extinguishers, basement pipe inlets, and the appurtenances thereto shall meet the approval of the fire Department as to installation and location and shall be subject to such periodic test as it may require.


Section 1213.Stages and Platform.

(a) Stage Ventilators.

There shall be one or more ventilators constructed of metal or other incombustible material near the center and above the highest part of any working stage raised above the stage roof and having a total ventilation area equal to at least five percent of the floor area within the stage walls. The entire equipment shall conform to the following requirements:

(1) Opening Action.

Ventilators shall open by spring action or force of gravity sufficient to overcome the effects of neglect, rust, dirt, or expansion by heat or wrapping of the framework.

(2) Glass.

Glass, if used in ventilators must be protected against falling on the stage. A wire screen, if used under the glass, must be so placed that if clogged it cannot reduce the required ventilating area or interfere with the operating mechanism or obstruct the distribution of water from the automatic fire extinguishing systems.

(3) Design. 

Ventilators, penthouses, and supporting framework shall be designed in accordance with this Code.

(4) Spring Actuation. 

Springs, when employed to actuate ventilator doors, shall be capable of maintaining full required tension indefinitely. Springs shall be no stressed more than fifty percent of their rated capacity and shall not be located directly in the air stream, nor exposed to elements.

(5) Location of Fusible Links. 

A fusible link shall be placed in the cable control system on the underside of the ventilator at or above the roof line or as approved by the Building Official, and shall be so located as not to be affected by the operation of fire-extinguishing systems.

(6) Control. 

Remote, manual, or electrical control shall provide for both opening and closing of the ventilator doors for periodic testing and shall be located at a point on the stage designated by the Building Official. When remote control of ventilator is electrical, power failure shall not affect its instant operation in the event of fire. Hand winches may be employed to facilitate operation of manually controlled ventilators.

(b) Gridirons.

(1) Gridirons, fly galleries, and pin-rails shall be constructed of incombustible materials and fire protection of steel and iron may be omitted. Gridirons and fly galleries shall be designed to support a live load of not less than 367 kilograms per square meter. Each loft block well shall be designed to support 373 kilograms per linear meter and the head block well shall be designed to support the aggregate weight of all the loft block wells served. The head block well must be provided with an adequate strongback or lateral brace to offset torque.

(2) The main counterweight sheave beam shall be designed to support a horizontal and vertical uniformly distributed live load sufficient to accommodate the weight imposed by the total number of loft blocks in the gridiron. The sheave blocks shall be designed to accommodate the maximum load for the loft or head blocks served with a safety factor of five.

(c) Rooms Accessory to Stage.

In a building having a stage, the dressing room sections, workshops, and store rooms shall be located on the stage side of the proscenium wall and shall be separated from each other and from the stage by not less than a One-hour Fire Resistive Occupancy Separation.

(d) Proscenium Walls. 

A stage shall be completely separated from the auditorium by a proscenium wall or not less than two-hour incombustible construction. The proscenium wall shall extend not less than 1.20 meters above the roof over the auditorium. Proscenium walls may have the addition to the main proscenium openings, one opening at the orchestra pit level and not more than two openings at the stage floor level, each of which shall be not more than 2.00 square meters in area. All openings in the proscenium walls of stage shall be protected by a fire assembly having a one and one-half fire-resistive rating. The proscenium opening, which shall be the main opening for viewing performances, shall be provided with a self closing fire-resistive curtain as specified in this Code.

(e) Stage Floor. The type of construction for storage floors shall depend upon the requirements based on the type of Occupancy and the corresponding fire-resistive requirements. All parts of the stage floor shall be designed to support not less than 620 kilograms per square meters. Openings through stage floor shall be equipped with tight-fitting trap doors of wood of not less than 5 millimeters nominal thickness.

(f) Platforms. The type of construction for platforms shall depend upon the requirements based on the type of Occupancy and corresponding fire-resistive requirements. Enclosed platforms shall be provided with one or more ventilators conforming to the requirements of stage ventilators: Except, that the total area shall be equal to five percent of the area of the platform. When more than one ventilator is provided, they shall be so spaced as to provide proper exhaust ventilation. Ventilators shall not be required for enclosed platform having a floor area of 45.00 square meters or less.

(g) Stage Exits. At least one exit not less than 900 millimeters wide shall be provided from each side of the stage opening directly or by means of a passageway not less than 900 millimeters in width to a street or exit court. An exit stair not less than 750 millimeters wide shall be provided for egress from each fly gallery. Each tier of dressing rooms shall be provided with at least two means of egress each not less than 750 millimeters wide and all such stairs shall be constructed in accordance with the requirement specified in this Code. The stairs required in this sub-section need not be enclosed.


Section 1214. Motion Picture Projection Rooms.

(a) General. 

The provisions of this Section shall apply only where ribbon type motion picture films in excess of 22-millimeters width and electric projection equipment are used. Every motion picture machine using ribbon type film in excess of 22 millimeter width and electric arc projections equipment, together with all electrical devices, rheostats, machines, and all such films present in any Group C, I, or H Occupancy, shall be enclosed in a projection room large enough to permit the operator to walk freely on either side and back of the machine.

(b) Construction. 

Every projection room shall be of not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction throughout and the walls and ceiling shall be finished with incombustible materials. The ceiling shall not be less than 2.40 meters from the finished floor. The room shall have a floor area of not less than 7.00 square meters and 3.50 square meters for each additional machine.

(c) Exit. 

Every projection room shall have at least two doorways separated by not less than one-thirds the perimeter of the room, each at least 750 millimeters wide and 2.00 meters high. All entrances to a projection room shall be protected by a self-closing fire assembly having a three-fourths hour fire-resistive rating. Such doors shall open outward and lead to proper exits as required in this Code and shall not be equipped with any latch. The maximum width of such door shall be 750 millimeters.

(d) Ports and Openings. 

Ports in projection room walls shall be of three kinds: projection ports; observation ports; and combination ports used for both observation and for stereopticon, spot or floodlight machines.

(1) Ports Required.

There shall be provided for each motion picture projector not more than one projection port, which shall be limited in area to 750 square centimeters, and not more than one observation port, which shall be limited in area to 1,300 square centimeters. There shall be not more than three combination ports, each of which shall not exceed 750 millimeters by 600 millimeters. Each port opening shall be completely covered with a pane of glass; Except, that when acetate safety film is used, projection ports may be increased in size to an area not to exceed 4,500 square centimeters.

(2) Shutters. 

Each port and every other opening in projection room walls, including, any fresh-air inlets but excluding exit doors and exhaust ducts, shall be provided with a shutter of not less than 2.4 millimeters thick sheet metal or its equivalent large enough to overlap at least 25 millimeters on all sides of such openings. Shutters shall be arranged to slide without binding in guides constructed or material equal to the shutters in strength and fire-resistance. Each shutter shall be equipped with a 74ยบ fusible link, which when fused by heat will cause closure of the shutter by gravity. Shutters of a size greater than 1,300 square centimeters shall be equipped with a counter-balance. There shall also be a fusible link located over the upper magazine of each projector, which upon operating, will close all the shutters. In addition, there shall be provided suitable means for manually closing all shutters simultaneously from any projector head and from a point within the projection room near each exit door. Shutters may be omitted when only acetate safety film is used.

(e) Ventilation.

(1) Inlet. 

A fresh-air inlet from the exterior of the building not less than 900 square centimeters and protected with wire netting, shall be installed within 50 millimeters of the floor in every projection room, the source of which shall be remote from other outside vents or flues.

(2) Outlets. 

Ventilation shall be provided by one or more mechanical exhaust systems which shall draw air from each are lamps housing to out-doors either directly or through an incombustible flue used for no other purpose. Exhaust capacity shall not be less than 0.50 cubic meter nor more than 1.40 cubic meter per minute for each arc lamp plus 5.60 cubic meters for the room itself. Systems shall be controlled from within the enclosure and shall have pilot lights to indicate operation.

The exhaust systems serving the projection room may be extended to cover rooms associated therewith such as rewind rooms. No dampers shall be installed in such exhaust systems. Ventilation of these rooms, shall not connected in any way with ventilating or air-conditioning systems serving other portions of the building. Exhaust ducts shall be of incombustible material and shall either be kept 25 millimeters from combustible material or covered with 10 millimeters of incombustible heat-insulating material.

(f) Regulation of Equipment. 

All shelves, fixtures, and fixed equipment in a projection room shall be constructed of incombustible materials. All films not in actual use shall be stored in metal cabinets having individual compartments for reels or shall be in generally accepted shipping containers. No solders shall be used in the construction of such cabinets.

Section 1215. Lathing, Plastering, and Installation of Wall Boards.

The installation of lath, plaster and gypsum wall board shall conform to the fire-resistive rating requirements and the type of construction of building.





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IN OUR POINT OF VIEW...


Our society keeps changing and getting more complex in time. Specifically in the design world, our ideas and creativity always blend with that change because that's our means of survival as end-users of this planet. With never-ending knowledge and creativity, we always emphasize comfort, well-being, protection, and safety as part of human needs, this applies in the fields of Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design and the like. For designing structures and planning spaces, there must be laws/standards that guide, protect us, and give us the rights/privileges to perform our professional skills. One of those guided materials is our National Building Code of the Philippines.

The Sections discussed above mainly explains about the safety of designing spaces with the involvement of chimneys, fireplaces, barbecues motion picture projection rooms. These are spaces that always stress fire-resistive properties in construction which requires extra precaution in cases of man-made or natural calamities. It gives information regarding the right spacing, right materials and right location. There are corresponding standards and requirements of installing materials and finishes depending on the structure type and purpose, it also includes the types as well. Installation of ports, forms of ventilation, openings/exits and shutters plays a vital role in planning and designing spaces. 

The reasons these codes of standards are established is providing safety, security and protection against any untoward incidents. As Interior Design students, we should not only know and memorize all these laws provided for our profession, but also to learn, apply and practice them by heart.

- Bacud, Regine Joy V.
-Silvano, Meilin E.



 -Drawn by Bolivar, Natasha Marie





-Drawn by Caballes, Wendylle B.



-Drawn by Lim, Abigail M.