Koko: Increase size of exit signs in all buildings and structures

Fire safety regulations imposed by authorities is sought to be further enhanced through a measure filed by Sen. Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III as he pressed to make mandatory the installation of an improved emergency lighting system in all buildings and structures.

Pimentel's proposal seeks to increase the "size of fire exit signs requiring that the signs be made of luminous, glow-in-the-dark material and giving specifics for the emergency lights that surround a fire exit."

"In many instances, the increased number of casualties during fire is due to people being unable to find the exits," Pimentel said in filing Senate Bill No. 1825.

But more than the enhancements in "exit" signage, Pimentel proposed the inclusion in the provision on fire safety construction, protective and warning system the installation of emergency lighting system.

The senator introduced an amendment in Section 7 (d) of RA 9514 or the "Revised Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008" requiring the emergency lighting in case of power failure to provide illumination automatically.

It should likewise provide illumination in cases involving other than supply problem by public utility such as opening of a circuit breaker or fuse or any manual act, including accidental opening of switch controlling normal lighting facilities.

"The emergency lighting system shall either be continuously in operation or shall be capable of repeated automatic operation without intervention," the bill said.

"The emergency lighting system shall be capable of maintaining illumination in the event of failure of the normal lighting for a period of at least one and a half hours," Pimentel said, adding that "all emergency lighting systems shall be properly maintained."