ISSUES AND CONCERNS OF FACTORIES AND BUILDINGS IN BARANGAY HOLY SPIRIT, QUEZON CITY IN COMPLYING WITH SECTION 8.01.12 " FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM OF R.A. 6541 " NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract

This study investigates the issues and concerns regarding fire extinguishing systems in factories and buildings within Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City. It highlights the importance of compliance with R.A. 6541, also known as The National Building Code of the Philippines. The study involves fifty (50) participants from Barangay Holy Spirit, including thirty (30) building residents, ten (10) building employees, and ten (10) building owners. The aim is to assess the awareness and implementation of fire safety measures and stress the need for adherence to fire protection regulations for the safety and well-being of the community. The researchers used a purposive sampling technique to select participants who met specific criteria relevant to the study. This approach allowed for the inclusion of individuals who could provide valuable insights on the topic. A quantitative descriptive design was employed, and descriptive statistics were used to identify patterns and relationships in the data. Survey questionnaires were distributed to respondents, who were given adequate time to complete the questions. This method facilitated the collection of detailed and relevant data regarding the fire extinguishing systems in buildings and factories in Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City. The study found that the most commonly used automatic fire extinguishing system reported by respondents was the multi-purpose dry chemical fire extinguisher. For standpipes, the automatic standpipe system was the most frequently mentioned, while brass pipe inlets were typically used for basement pipe inlets.  The respondents also identified several common issues with these systems. The main problem with automatic fire extinguishing systems was improper or insufficient maintenance, which could result in malfunctioning. Regarding standpipes, respondents highlighted that they were more time-consuming to install and maintain compared to other fire extinguishing systems. In the case of basement pipe inlets, the concern was that they might not be suitable for all building types, especially smaller buildings. The researchers recommend several actions to enhance the effectiveness of fire-extinguishing systems in buildings. First, it is essential to conduct monthly maintenance to ensure the proper functionality of all fire-extinguishing systems. Additionally, experts or professionals should be hired to maintain these systems, preventing future issues.  The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) should increase the frequency of building inspections to ensure compliance with R.A. 6541, the National Building Code of the Philippines. Moreover, building owners and companies should allocate an annual budget for the maintenance of fire-extinguishing systems to address any unforeseen problems. Lastly, the government should regulate the cost of materials to ensure that compliance with the National Building Code is affordable for all building owners.