Do windows count as fire exits?
In building code, a means of egress is a way to exit a property in the case of a fire or other emergency. Every apartment or other residence must have at least two means of egress. These can be door, windows, ramps, corridors, or fire escapes. An elevator is not considered a means of egress.
What size window is needed for egress?
5.7 square feet
For determining egress window sizes and placement, the International Building Code advises that every bedroom must contain at least one egress window. It must be at least 5.7 square feet, 20 inches wide by 24 inches high, with an opening no higher than 44 inches from the floor.
What is Republic Act No 9514?
In 2008, Congress passed Republic Act (RA) No. 9514, otherwise known as the “Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008,” the principal law governing the prevention and suppression of all destructive fires and the professionalization of the fire service as a profession.
Where are fire escape windows required?
Ground floor windows: Fire escape windows are required on the ground floor in any habitable room (not a kitchen or bathroom) which does not open into a hall that leads directly to an exit door.
What is the minimum size of a fire escape window?
An opening that is required for means of escape should have a clear unobstructed opening area of 0.33 m² and a minimum width or height of 450mm. For example, if a width of 450 mm is proposed then the height should be at least 733 mm in order to give the area of 0.33 m².
How many fire exits does a building need?
The government guideline states that for up to 60 persons 1 fire exit is needed, for up to 600 persons 2 fire exits are needed and in cases of more than 600 people there must be at least 3 fire exits.
What is the DILG Act of 1990?
The promulgation of Republic Act 6975, otherwise known as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Act of 1990, operationalized and initiated the call for a tangible reform in the country’s public safety services particularly for the uniformed bureaus under DILG.
Do windows have to have safety catches?
Under health and safety legislation, window restrictors are required where there are people who are vulnerable to the risk of falling, have access to windows, and the windows are at a height that anybody falling out of them is at risk of sustaining a serious injury.
