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Quizzes > Society & Culture > Politics & Civics

Can You Master the Philippines Fire Code (PD 1185)?

Think you know PD 1185 fire safety regulations? Start the quiz now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
paper art promoting fire code philippines quiz PD 1185 book fire extinguisher and timer icons on golden yellow background

The Fire Code Philippines Quiz helps you practice PD 1185 rules and spot gaps before inspections or exams. Work through short scenarios, then compare your choices with our PD 1185 reference and check the answer review to reinforce key rules.

In what year was Presidential Decree No. 1185, known as the Fire Code of the Philippines, enacted?
1977
1974
1981
1986
Presidential Decree No. 1185 was promulgated on March 26, 1977, establishing the Fire Code of the Philippines to unify fire safety standards nationwide. This decree consolidated previous regulations into one comprehensive code covering fire prevention, protection, and suppression. It remains the foundational legislation for fire safety in the country. .
Which government agency is primarily responsible for enforcing the Fire Code of the Philippines?
Philippine National Police
Office of Civil Defense
Bureau of Fire Protection
Department of Health
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is the lead agency mandated to enforce PD 1185, conduct inspections, and issue Fire Safety Inspection Certificates. The BFP also oversees fire drills, implements fire safety programs, and investigates fire incidents. Its role is codified in the Fire Code itself. Learn more about the BFP's functions.
What is the minimum required width for a means of egress door in commercial buildings according to PD 1185?
1.2 meters
0.8 meter
1.0 meter
0.6 meter
PD 1185 specifies a minimum clear width of 0.80 meter for exit doors to ensure adequate egress flow. This dimension helps prevent bottlenecks during evacuations. Wider openings may be required based on occupant load. .
What does FSEC stand for in the context of the Fire Code of the Philippines?
Fire Safety Evaluation Clearance
Fire Service Equipment Checklist
Fire Standards Enforcement Certificate
Fire Safety Emergency Code
FSEC stands for Fire Safety Evaluation Clearance, which is issued by the BFP upon approval of fire protection plans and before construction of new or altered buildings. It ensures compliance with PD 1185 provisions. FSEC is required before the Building Official issues a building permit. .
How often must a Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) be renewed under PD 1185?
Every 6 months
Annually
Every 5 years
Biennially
The FSIC, which certifies that fire safety requirements are maintained, must be renewed annually under PD 1185. Annual inspection ensures ongoing compliance with fire protection standards. Failure to renew may lead to penalties or building closure. .
According to the Fire Code, how often should portable fire extinguishers undergo maintenance checks?
Every six months
At least once a year
Every two years
Whenever used
PD 1185 mandates that portable fire extinguishers be inspected and maintained at least annually by a licensed service provider. Monthly visual inspections by building personnel are also required. This schedule ensures proper functionality in emergencies. .
Which class of fire extinguisher is suitable for fires involving flammable liquids?
Class C
Class B
Class D
Class A
Class B extinguishers are designed to combat flammable liquid fires, such as gasoline, oil, and solvents. They use foam, CO2, or dry chemical agents to smother the fuel. PD 1185 requires appropriate extinguisher types based on occupancy hazards. .
What is the minimum fire-resistance rating required for a firewall separating different fire compartments?
4 hours
3 hours
1 hour
2 hours
Firewalls between compartments must have at least a two-hour fire-resistance rating to prevent spread of fire and smoke. This rating ensures structural integrity during a fire. The code outlines specific construction and material standards for such walls. .
How many exit staircases are required at minimum for buildings more than four stories high?
One
Two
Four
Three
PD 1185 requires at least two independent exit staircases for any building above four stories to provide redundancy in evacuation routes. Multiple staircases reduce risk of entrapment if one is compromised. The requirement scales with occupant load and height. .
Which of the following is classified as a high hazard occupancy under PD 1185?
Medical clinic
Explosives manufacturing facility
Office building
Retail mall
High hazard occupancies include facilities handling explosive or highly flammable materials. These sites pose greater risk of rapid fire growth and require stringent controls. The Fire Code prescribes specialized fire protection systems for them. .
What is the maximum travel distance to an exit in buildings without an automatic sprinkler system?
45 meters
60 meters
20 meters
30 meters
For unsprinklered buildings, PD 1185 limits maximum travel distance to 30 meters to ensure occupants can reach an exit before fire conditions become untenable. Sprinklered buildings may have extended limits. These distances are measured along the natural path of travel. .
According to PD 1185, fire lanes must have a minimum clear width of:
2.5 meters
3.6 meters
5.0 meters
4.2 meters
Fire lanes are required to be at least 3.6 meters wide to allow passage of firefighting vehicles and equipment. They must be clearly marked and unobstructed at all times. Local fire authorities may demand wider lanes for larger apparatus. .
For an occupant load of 200, how many separate exit access points are mandated?
One
Four
Three
Two
PD 1185 requires at least two separate exits for occupant loads of 50 or greater to provide alternate evacuation routes. This minimum number helps prevent crowding and ensures safety if one route is blocked. Requirements increase with load and type of occupancy. .
Emergency power for fire alarm systems must provide uninterrupted backup for at least:
48 hours
12 hours
8 hours
24 hours
The Fire Code mandates a minimum of 24 hours of standby power for fire alarm and detection systems to ensure continuous operation during prolonged outages. This requirement prevents system failure when electrical supply is lost. .
Manual fire alarm pull stations should be located no more than how many meters from any point of travel in an exit access corridor?
10 meters
5 meters
1 meter
2 meters
PD 1185 requires manual alarm stations to be within 2 meters of exit doors and along exit access routes so occupants can quickly activate alarms. Proper placement ensures alarms are accessible without undue travel. .
Emergency lighting in egress pathways must provide a minimum illumination level of:
0.1 foot-candle (1 lux)
1 foot-candle (10 lux) at floor level
2 foot-candles (20 lux)
5 foot-candles (50 lux)
Emergency lighting must maintain at least 1 foot-candle (10 lux) on the walking surface to ensure safe egress in power failure conditions. This level helps occupants see path markings and obstacles. PD 1185 outlines testing and maintenance of these systems. .
Which document is NOT typically required when applying for a Fire Safety Evaluation Clearance?
Evacuation plan
Fire protection system layout
Architectural floor plans
Geotechnical report
FSEC requirements include architectural plans, fire protection system layouts, and evacuation diagrams to demonstrate compliance with PD 1185. A geotechnical report pertains to soil conditions and is not mandated by the Fire Code. This document is submitted separately for building permits. .
Which of the following is NOT classified as an assembly occupancy under PD 1185?
Church
Stadium
Theater
Bank lobby
Assembly occupancies are places where people gather for civic, social, or religious functions (e.g., theaters, churches, stadiums). A bank lobby is classified as a mercantile occupancy, not assembly. Correct classification is vital for applying appropriate fire safety requirements. .
What is the maximum allowable gradient for a fire department access road under PD 1185?
15%
5%
20%
10%
Access roads to buildings must not exceed a 10% gradient to ensure safe operation of firefighting vehicles and equipment. Steeper grades can hinder response times and vehicle stability. Fire Code specifications support efficient fire suppression efforts. .
Under PD 1185, the maximum spacing between fire hydrants on a main is:
90 meters
30 meters
120 meters
50 meters
Fire hydrants along a main must be spaced no more than 90 meters apart to provide adequate water supply points for firefighting. Proper spacing reduces hose length and pressure loss. Hydrant placement is critical for efficient fire suppression. .
What is the minimum fire-resistance rating for stair enclosure walls in high-rise buildings?
1 hour
2 hours
3 hours
4 hours
High-rise stair enclosures must have at least a two-hour fire-resistance rating to protect egress routes during a fire. This ensures safe evacuation from upper floors and access for firefighters. The rating covers walls, ceilings, and doors. .
What is the allowable maximum travel distance to an exit in a building protected by an automatic sprinkler system?
60 meters
20 meters
30 meters
45 meters
With automatic sprinklers, PD 1185 extends the maximum exit travel distance to 45 meters, as sprinkler activation slows fire spread. This increased allowance facilitates larger floor layouts while maintaining safety. Distance is measured along the natural egress path. .
Which portable fire extinguisher type is specifically required for commercial kitchen grease fires?
Class A
Class K
Class B
Class C
Class K extinguishers use wet chemical agents tailored for high-temperature grease fires found in commercial kitchens. They saponify burning oils to prevent re-ignition. PD 1185 mandates Class K in cooking hazard zones. .
What classification does a room housing a backup generator typically fall under?
Group H (High Hazard)
Group U (Utility)
Group S (Storage)
Group F (Factory)
Rooms containing utility systems like generators and HVAC equipment are classified as Group U (Utility) under PD 1185. This category addresses spaces with specialized fire protection requirements but low occupant loads. Classification guides code provisions for fire resistance and detection. .
A Class III standpipe system is designed to serve:
Only building occupants
Sprinkler system only
Only firefighting crews
Both occupants and firefighting crews
Class III standpipes combine Class I (firefighter use) and Class II (occupant hose stations) functionalities in one system. This provides flexible water delivery during fires. PD 1185 requires them in buildings over specified heights. .
Which of the following is considered a special hazard occupancy under PD 1185?
Shopping mall
Educational facility
Office tower
Gasoline service station
Gasoline service stations are categorized as special hazard occupancies due to the presence of flammable liquids and vapors. These sites require specialized fire protection measures such as spill containment and explosion-proof electrical fittings. .
The minimum sound level for a fire alarm notification appliance in an occupied area is:
55 dB
85 dB
75 dB
65 dB
PD 1185 and referenced standards require alarm signals to produce at least 65 dB at 1 meter from the device to ensure audibility over ambient noise. Proper decibel levels help ensure occupants are alerted promptly. .
Under PD 1185, the net occupant load factor for business (office) occupancy is:
0.65 square meters per person
15 square meters per person
1.4 square meters per person
9.3 square meters per person
Business or office occupancies use a net floor area of 9.3 m² per person to calculate occupant loads. This factor accounts for spaces like workstations and aisles. Accurate occupant load calculations inform egress and fire protection design. .
How far must portable fire hose reels be spaced to ensure coverage in a light hazard occupancy?
60 meters
20 meters
40 meters
30 meters
In light hazard occupancies, hose reels are spaced so that no point is more than 40 meters from a reel to ensure occupants can access water quickly. This spacing supports manual firefighting efforts before fire department arrival. .
Interior wall finishes must have a maximum flame spread index of:
200
50
350
500
PD 1185 references flame spread index evaluations, limiting most interior finishes to a maximum of 200 to slow fire spread. Materials above this index may accelerate fire growth and are restricted. .
What is the required fire-resistance rating for an exterior wall located less than 3 meters from the property line?
4 hours
2 hours
1 hour
3 hours
When exterior walls are within 3 meters of property lines or adjacent buildings, PD 1185 requires a three-hour fire-resistance rating to prevent fire spread across boundaries. This higher rating addresses increased exposure risk. .
Which material is explicitly prohibited for use in exit doors by PD 1185?
Steel
Glass with wire mesh
Solid wood without steel core
Aluminum
Exit doors must resist fire and smoke; solid wood without reinforcement is not allowed because it can warp or burn. Steel or fire-rated wood-core doors are permitted. Materials must meet code-prescribed fire-resistance levels. .
What is a horizontal exit under PD 1185?
An outdoor exit stairway
An emergency ladder
An exit through adjoining spaces on the same floor protected by fire barriers
A corridor with exit signs
A horizontal exit connects two adjacent fire compartments on the same floor by fire-resistant construction. It provides a protected path when vertical egress is compromised. This design is especially useful in large buildings. .
Hydrostatic testing of fire hydrant mains under PD 1185 must be performed at a minimum pressure of:
20 bars (290 psi)
8 bars (116 psi)
5 bars (73 psi)
12 bars (174 psi)
Hydrostatic tests at 12 bars ensure the integrity of hydrant mains and detect leaks before system operation. This test pressure exceeds normal operating pressure to prove safety margins. PD 1185 outlines test duration and acceptance criteria. .
What is the function of a jockey pump in a fire protection system?
Drain excess water from the system
Maintain system pressure by compensating for small leaks
Provide primary firefighting water flow
Activate sprinkler heads
A jockey pump runs intermittently to keep sprinkler and standpipe systems pressurized, compensating for minor pressure drops due to leaks or temperature changes. It prevents the main fire pump from cycling unnecessarily. PD 1185 requires jockey pump sizing and controls. .
Fire Safety Evaluation Clearance validity under PD 1185 is:
Three years
Indefinite
Five years
One year
An issued FSEC remains valid for three years, during which the building must be constructed and inspected per approved plans. Extensions can be requested before expiration. After three years, reapplication ensures design consistency. .
Which building requirement makes installation of a voice communication system mandatory under PD 1185?
Residential houses
Storage warehouses under 10 meters
Single-storey commercial buildings
High-rise buildings over 23 meters
High-rise buildings exceeding 23 meters in height must install voice evacuation systems for coordinated emergency announcements. This requirement enhances occupant direction during evacuation. PD 1185 sets performance criteria for these systems. .
How often must fire drills be conducted in educational institutions according to PD 1185?
Monthly
Twice a year
Quarterly
Once a year
Educational facilities must hold fire drills twice annually to prepare students and staff for emergency evacuation. PD 1185 emphasizes practice in different scenarios and proper documentation. Regular drills improve readiness and highlight procedural gaps. .
Portable LPG cylinders stored inside a building must not exceed what total aggregate weight?
60 kg
10 kg
100 kg
200 kg
PD 1185 limits indoor LPG cylinder storage to 60 kg aggregate to minimize fire hazards. Storage locations require ventilation and separation from ignition sources. Exceeding this limit necessitates outdoor storage with safety provisions. .
Fire alarm control panel zones must be limited to how many detectors per zone under PD 1185?
20 detectors
100 detectors
50 detectors
10 detectors
Each fire alarm zone should cover no more than 20 initiating devices to localize alarms accurately and simplify troubleshooting. This limit ensures signals are traceable. Zones help delineate detector locations. .
What is the maximum allowable height for Type II combustible construction under PD 1185?
10 meters
20 meters
7.5 meters
15 meters
Type II construction, which uses noncombustible walls but combustible roofs or floors, is limited to 15 meters building height to reduce fire spread risks. Taller buildings require higher fire-resistance ratings. PD 1185 classifies construction types to align fire safety with building height. .
Supervision of sprinkler valves requires that tamper switches be installed and monitored within:
1 hour of actuation
5 minutes of actuation
15 minutes of actuation
30 minutes of actuation
Tamper switches on sprinkler control valves must transmit supervisory signals within 5 minutes of valve movement to alert authorities of unauthorized or accidental shutdowns. Quick detection maintains system readiness. PD 1185 mandates electronic supervision for critical valves. .
In a fire protection system, door-hold open devices must return doors to the closed position upon:
Loss of power to the detection system
Pull station activation without power loss
Smoke detector activation only
Manual reset only
Door-hold open magnets tied to fire alarm systems release on loss of power, ensuring doors close automatically during alarm. This action confines smoke and fire within compartments. PD 1185 integrates door control into overall alarm logic. .
Under PD 1185, when may a performance-based design approach be accepted instead of prescriptive requirements?
When prescriptive solutions are technically infeasible and equivalent safety is demonstrated
For all high-rise buildings by default
Only for existing heritage buildings
When requested by the architect only
PD 1185 allows performance-based designs if prescriptive code provisions cannot be met due to site constraints, provided an analysis shows equivalent or greater safety. This approach requires detailed modeling and acceptance by the BFP. It offers flexibility for innovative solutions. .
A change of building occupancy always triggers which PD 1185 requirement?
Replacement of exit signs
Reapplication for Fire Safety Evaluation Clearance
Installation of a new sprinkler system
Major facade renovation
Occupancy changes can alter fire hazards and occupant loads, requiring a new FSEC to verify compliance with applicable code requirements. This ensures the building's fire protection systems remain adequate. No blanket requirement for sprinklers unless hazard increases. .
Which feature is required to control smoke movement in large vertical openings under PD 1185?
Fixed fire curtains only
Automatic smoke dampers and pressurization
Manual closing doors
Bulkhead covers
Large atria or stair shafts require smoke control systems, including automatic dampers and pressurization fans, to prevent smoke spread vertically. PD 1185 references standards for design and performance. Controlled smoke movement is critical for safe evacuation. .
Local government units (LGUs) may adopt amendments to PD 1185 if:
They mirror other countries' codes
They reduce construction costs
They simplify enforcement procedures
The amendments are more stringent than the national Fire Code
LGUs can implement stricter fire safety rules than PD 1185 but cannot adopt provisions that weaken the national standards. This local flexibility allows adaptation to unique local conditions while maintaining public safety. .
Which external standard is explicitly referenced in PD 1185 for fire detection and alarm system design?
ISO 9001
OSHA 1910
IEC 61508
NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
PD 1185 references NFPA 72 for guidance on fire alarm and signaling system design, installation, and performance. NFPA standards complement the Fire Code by providing detailed technical criteria. Compliance ensures system reliability and interoperability. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand PD 1185 Fire Code Foundations -

    Grasp the purpose, scope, and core provisions of the Philippines fire safety code under PD 1185, including its role in protecting lives and property.

  2. Identify Key Fire Safety Regulations in the Philippines -

    Recognize essential requirements for building design, evacuation procedures, and fire suppression systems mandated by the Philippines fire safety code.

  3. Apply Fire Prevention Protocols to Real-World Scenarios -

    Use knowledge of fire safety regulations Philippines to devise practical strategies for preventing and responding to fire emergencies in various settings.

  4. Analyze Building Compliance with PD 1185 Requirements -

    Assess structures against code criteria such as egress routes, alarm systems, and fire-resistant materials to ensure adherence to PD 1185 fire code standards.

  5. Evaluate Hazard Mitigation Strategies -

    Critically review and recommend improvements to fire safety measures based on PD 1185 regulations and best practices in fire prevention.

  6. Demonstrate Mastery Through Quiz Performance -

    Test and reinforce your understanding of the Fire Code Philippines Quiz questions to boost your PD 1185 knowledge and confidence.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Occupancy Classification -

    Master PD 1185's nine occupancy groups (Assembly, Business, Educational, Hazardous, etc.) as defined by the Bureau of Fire Protection. Use the mnemonic "A B C H E L M O P R" to recall them and refer to the University of the Philippines Manila's safety guide for load factor specifics.

  2. Fire Resistance Ratings -

    Review the required fire resistance levels for walls, floors, and roofs as stipulated in PD 1185 Section 707 and cross-reference with NFPA 221 standards. For example, rated fire barriers often require 2-hour protection for hazardous areas; create flashcards to memorize common ratings (1-h, 2-h, 4-h).

  3. Means of Egress Design -

    Calculate occupant load using the formula: floor area (m²) ÷ area per occupant (m²/person) from PD 1185 Sections 207 - 209, then ensure exit width is at least 2.54 cm per occupant. Check maximum travel distances (24 - 45 m depending on sprinkler protection) per NFPA 101 and sketch exit plans for practice.

  4. Automatic Sprinkler Systems -

    Understand coverage requirements based on occupancy hazard classification per NFPA 13 and PD 1185 Section 912; for instance, high-piled storage may demand a 12 mm/min discharge rate. Refer to Bureau of Fire Protection installation codes and work through sample hydraulic calculation problems.

  5. Fire Safety Inspection & Certification -

    Familiarize yourself with the annual Fire Safety Inspection Certificate process under PD 1185 Section 8 and Republic Act 9514, as non-compliance can incur fines or building closure. Review sample inspection forms from the DILG website to identify common violations and prepare required documentation.

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