Building Code Compliance for Plastics

Plastic Light Diffusers in Ceilings

• Ceiling light diffusers larger than 10% of any 10 square meters of a room should be made from approved plastics that meet building code requirements.
• Installation of plastic light diffusers should be done in a way that prevents them from detaching easily when subjected to a room temperature of 80 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes.
• Exceptions are made for plastic light diffusers on the first floor of Group C Occupancies with direct egress to the exterior and those installed between automatic fire-extinguishing systems and the protected area, excluding public corridors in Group A, B, C, D, E, G, H, and I Occupancies, as long as testing by the Secretary confirms they don't interfere with the fire systems.

Partitions

• Approved plastics meeting building code requirements can be used for partitions that aren't required to be fire-resistive or incombustible.

Exterior Veneer

• Plastic materials can be utilized for exterior veneer, subject to the provisions mentioned.
• Plastic veneer is prohibited on exterior walls above the first storey, with exceptions for buildings outside highly restrictive Fire Zones where the veneer height doesn't exceed 10.00 meters above the adjacent grade of elevation.
• Maximum area of plastic veneer sections is 15.00 square meters, with a 50% increase permissible in less restrictive Fire Zones.
• Plastic veneer sections should be separated by at least 1.20 meters vertically and 600 millimeters horizontally.

Awnings and Canopies

• Plastics meeting Flame Spread requirements can be used in awnings and canopies as long as they adhere to the specific provisions on projections and appendages.
• Approved plastics can be used in awnings where untreated canvass is allowed.
• Approved plastics may replace plain glass in green-houses in less restrictive Fire Zones.

Photographic and X-ray Films

• Unexposed photographic and x-ray films exceeding 14.00 cubic meters in storage require automatic fire extinguishing systems.
• The same applies to shelving with a storage capacity exceeding 1.40 cubic meters.
• Film negatives in storage or handling should be stored in heavy Manila envelopes, not exceeding 12 films per envelope.
• Film negatives should be kept in insulated vented cabinets, vaults, or detached structures, with a maximum of 110 kilograms per cabinet.
• Storage exceeding 450 kilograms requires vented storage vaults or a detached structure with four-hour fire-resistive doors.
• Only incandescent electric lights are permitted, protected by guards/vapor-proof globes. Portable lights and smoking are prohibited.
• No films should be stored within 600 millimeters of heat sources.
• First aid provisions using water or water solutions are necessary.
• Discarded films should be stored and handled as normal films until removed from the premises.
• These provisions do not apply to amateur photographic film in original packages less than 1.40 cubic meters, safety film, dental X-ray film, film manufacturers' storage, and films used in standard motion picture booths.

Prefabricated Construction

• Prefabricated assemblies should be pre-built before incorporation into a building and subject to special tests by the Secretary for structural adequacy, durability, soundness, weather and fire resistance.
• Connection devices should be robust enough to maintain the strength of the members as an integral structure.
• Anchorages and connections should be capable of withstanding external and internal forces and conditions.
• Allowance for material displacement during installation of pipes, conduits, or equipment should be factored into structural design.
• Placement of prefabricated assemblies should be inspected for compliance with building codes.

Plastics

• This section provides general guidelines for the use of plastics but does not contain specific details.

Sheet Metal Paint Spray Booths

• Paint spray booths should be made of steel, minimum No. 18 U.S. gauge, and designed in accordance with building codes.
• Maximum area of a paint spray booth is 150 square meters or 10% of the permitted area based on the building's occupancy group.
• The floor should be incombustible.
• Booths should enable free airflow and have smooth, continuous interior surfaces without protruding edges.
• Booths with open fronts over 1.00 square meter lacking doors require a fire curtain or metal deflector at the upper edge.
• Illumination should be provided through hammered wire or heat-treated glass panels.
• Mechanical ventilation is required to the exterior.
• The exhaust system should maintain an air flow rate of at least 30.00 lineal meters per minute.
• Exhaust fans should be non-ferrous and mounted to prevent contact with the exhaust duct.
• Motors should not be installed inside the spray booth or duct system, and belts should be enclosed where they enter those areas.
• Exhaust ducts should be made of steel with a thickness defined by the Secretary. The discharge point should adhere to specified distances from combustible construction and wall openings, with exceptions for waterwash spray booths.

Signs

• Signs should not obstruct views of the landscape, distract drivers, or be aesthetically offensive.
• Support structures need to be maintained and kept in good repair.
• Signs must be designed to withstand all forces in accordance with the National Structural Code.
• Load transmissions from building signs to the ground must be designed to prevent overstressing of building elements.
• Supports and anchorages should be placed on private property.
• Materials for signs must adhere to building code standards.
• Signs in highly restrictive Fire Zones require incombustible materials with exceptions made for ground signs.
• Non-structural trim and portable display surfaces can be made of wood, metal, approved plastics, or a combination of those.
• Display surfaces can be made of metal, glass, or approved plastics.
• Clearances from high voltage power lines should comply with the Philippine Electrical Code.

This quiz covers the building code requirements for the use of plastic materials in ceiling light diffusers, partitions, and exterior veneers. Understand the specifications that ensure safety and compliance in various occupancy groups. Test your knowledge on the exceptions and standards for installation.