Maejann E. Cuartero BUILCON – M71

11222093 Valenzuela Fire Incident

A factory in Valenzuela City blazed in fire resulting to the death of not less than 70 people. It was found out that the factory violated some rules from codes such as the Fire Code of the Philippines and Occupational Health and Safety Standards. Stating as such, having such laws should be paralleled alongside a good implementation. I believe that when a law is properly implemented, the people will comply thus a greater possibility of lowering accidents like this.

Incident

At the 13th of May, around 11:23 am, a two-storey factory in Barangay Ugong, Valenzuela City burst into flames. The factory was identified as the Kentex Manufacturing Corp. which produces rubber slippers. 72 people were reportedly found dead, 3 on the first floor while the 69 people were trapped on the second floor. Among the casualties was the son of one of the owners, while the owner himself, Terence Ong, also attained injuries. The cause of fire was identified as due to the welding activity to fix a roll-up door in the first floor. According to a reenactment done by one of the welders, they first asked the Kentex’s secretary if it is allowed to weld on that area, she affirmed and the welders started their work. Apparently, the welding spark came in contact with a flammable chemical substance thus starting the fire.

Violations

As the fire went on and while having no fire drill experience, the workers, instead of fleeing to the fire exit, went to the second floor. With this, it is clearly observed that there is a violation of Rule 1948.03 of OSH standars regarding Fire Protection and Control. The rule states that “Fire-exit drills shall be conducted at least twice a year to maintain an orderly evacuation of buildings, unless the local fire department requires a higher frequency of fire drills.” They reached the second floor, hoping for an escape, only to find out that the windows are barred with grills and chicken wires which is a violation of the Fire Code of the Philippines. Without knowing where to go during fire because of lack of fire drills, the majority of the workers were trapped on the second floor as the fire progressed.

However, lack of fire drills experience is no crucial than having a proper fire exit. If only exits are available and not barred, a reasonable person can get away from the blazing building almost immediately. Not enough exits and lacking of safety measures led to the death of these people. One exit was near the source of the flame while another was locked. Some survivors, according to CNN Philippines, managed to escape by breaking the lock on the fire exit. Again another provision regarding fire exits of OSH standards stated in Rule 1943.03 was violated. It states that there should be at least two exits every floor. Clearly, a fire exit is not deemed as such if it is inaccessible. For me, a fire exit should be kept open during production or other activities

done on the said structure. It can be closed when there are no more activities being done, like during at night.

Another questionable thing regarding the safety of the factory is that there are no sprinklers available and the chemicals were not properly stored. There should also be the presence of a safety officer especially in handling chemicals. This is a violation regarding safety and health. Such facilities like factories should often be inspected so that its safety can be checked.

What should have done?

The BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection) should have conducted inspections to ensure that structures follow the Fire Code of the Philippines. They should also be stricter in releasing permits. Moreover, I believe that imposing higher penalties to the violators will increase compliance. This idea somehow coincides with the bill, Senate Bill No. 2530, that Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago proposed in December 2014. The bill tackles about criminalizing fire violations and having the building owners liable for failing to comply with fire safety laws. The highest possible penalty that is charged against the building owner is more than P500, 000 plus the one year expected salary of the victim. Quoting Senator Santiago, “Stringent punishment will command wider adherence to existing laws, and hopefully mitigate damage, injury, and death due to fire," which I believe is true. Not only should a stricter law be implemented but also a frequent inspection. Inspection should be done in order to warn and remind owners that safety is a number one priority.

Lastly, engineers, which will be designing and constructing infrastructures, should always remember their code of ethics: which is to “hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public”.

References:

Code of Ethics. (n.d.). Retrieved May 26, 2015, from http://www.nspe.org/resources/ethics/code-ethics

Exit locked at Kentex footwear factory - fire survivors. (n.d.). Retrieved May 26, 2015, from http://cnnphilippines.com/metro/2015/05/15/Exit-locked-at-Kentex-footwear-factory.html

Kentex's many violations caused biggest factory fire casualty – NGOs - The Manila Times Online. (2015, May 16). Retrieved May 26, 2015, from http://www.manilatimes.net/kentexs-many-violations-caused-biggest-factory-fire-casualty-ngos/184119/

Press Release - Miriam: Criminalize fire, building code violations. (2015). Retrieved May 26, 2015, from http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2015/0515_santiago1.asp