Under Republic Act No. 9514, also known as the Fire Code of the Philippines, fire safety enforcers are mandated to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations, including the maintenance of clear and unobstructed fire exits. If fire exits on several floors are found to be obstructed by construction materials, the fire safety enforcer should take the following actions:
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Immediate Inspection: Conduct an immediate inspection of the premises to assess the extent of the obstruction and evaluate the overall fire safety conditions.
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Issue a Notice of Violation: If obstructions are confirmed, the fire safety enforcer should issue a notice or citation to the responsible party (property owner, contractor, or facility management) detailing the violations, referencing RA 9514, and the specific provisions that have been breached.
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Order Immediate Remedial Action: The notice should require the responsible party to clear the obstructions from the fire exits without delay to ensure compliance with safety regulations. A deadline for compliance should be provided.
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Follow-Up Inspection: Schedule a follow-up inspection to verify that the obstructions have been removed and that fire exits are once again accessible. If the violations have not been addressed, additional actions may be necessary.
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Escalate for Further Action: If the responsible party fails to comply with the notice, the fire safety enforcer may escalate the matter by recommending penalties, including fines or legal action, as prescribed under RA 9514.
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Documentation: Keep detailed records of all inspections, communications, and actions taken regarding the violation to support any further enforcement actions that may be necessary.
These steps are vital to ensuring compliance with fire safety standards and protecting the safety of occupants in the building.
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