Philippine Electrical and Mechanical Regulations

Electrical Regulations

• Electrical system, equipment, and installment must conform to the Philippine Electrical Code, as stated in RA 184: Electrical Engineering Law.

Mechanical Regulations

• Mechanical system, equipment, and installment must conform to the Philippine Mechanical Engineering Code, as stated in Commonwealth Act No. 294.

Storage and Handling of Photographic and X-ray Films

• A storage room for unexposed photographic and x-ray film is required to have an automatic fire extinguishing system if:
  • The storage space exceeds 14.00 cubic meters using generally accepted shipping containers.
  • The shelving of individual packaged films not on accepted shipping containers exceeds 1.40 cubic meters.
  • The storage is not in generally accepted shipping containers and exceeds 14.00 cubic meters.
• Film negatives must be stored in:
  • Heavy Manila envelopes with a maximum of 12 films.
  • Insulated vented cabinets, vented storage, or outside storage.
• Films shall not be stored in:
  • Expanding envelopes.
• Storage cabinets shall:
  • Have a maximum of 110 kilograms per cabinet.
  • Be placed in:
    • Vented storage vaults.
    • Detached structures.
    • Roof vaults.
  • If the total film storage exceeds 450 kilograms.
• Vault doors shall:
  • Be made of four-hour fire resistive material.
  • Be kept closed unless in use.
• Lighting regulations:
  • Only incandescent electrical lights are allowed.
  • Lights must have:
    • Wire guards.
    • Vapor proof globes.
  • Portable lights on extension cords are permitted.
• Safety signs:
  • "NO SMOKING" signs must be posted in conspicuous areas.
• Film storage proximity:
  • Films must be kept at least 600 mm away from any heat source.
• First aid equipment:
  • A water or water solution-based first aid solution must be available.
• Disposal of films:
  • Discarded films must be treated the same way until they are removed from the premises.

Electrical and Mechanical Regulations

• Electrical system, equipment, and installment must conform to the Philippine Electrical Code, as adopted from RA 184: Electrical Engineering Law.
• Mechanical system, equipment, and installment must conform to the Philippine Mechanical Engineering Code, as adopted from Commonwealth Act No. 294.

Photographic and X-Ray Films

• Storage rooms for unexposed photographic and x-ray films must be provided with an automatic fire extinguishing system if:
  • The storage room is 14.00 cubic meters or more in size.
  • The storage room is shelved with individual packaged films that exceed 1.40 cubic meters.
  • The storage room is not using generally accepted shipping containers and exceeds 14.00 cubic meters.
• Film negatives must be stored in heavy Manila envelopes with a maximum of 12 films per envelope.
• Expanding envelopes are not allowed for storing film negatives.
• Films must be stored in:
  • Insulated vented cabinets.
  • Vented storage.
  • Outside storage.
• Maximum of 110 kilograms per cabinet.
• If the total film storage exceeds 450 kilograms, they must be placed in:
  • Vented storage vaults.
  • Detached structures.
  • Roof vaults.
• Doors of vaults must be always closed unless in use and made of four-hour fire-resistive material.
• Only incandescent electrical lights are allowed, with:
  • Wire guards.
  • Vapor proof globes.
  • Portable lights on extension cords are allowed.
• NO SMOKING signs must be displayed in conspicuous spaces.
• Films must be at least 600 mm away from any heat source.
• A first aid solution using water or water solution must be available.
• Discarded films must be treated the same way until they are removed from the premises.

Classes of Film Exempted

• The following are exempt from the code:
  • Films used for amateur photography of less than 1.4 cubic meters.
  • Dental X-ray films.
  • Safety film.
  • Films used for motion picture booths.

Fire Extinguishing System

• All fire extinguishing systems must conform to the requirements of the Secretary.

Prefabricated Construction

• Prefabricated assembly is a structural unit built prior to incorporation into the building.
• The Secretary shall prescribe a specialty test to determine structural adequacy, durability, soundness, weather, and fire resistance.
• Every device system connecting to the assembly must be capable of developing the strength of different members as an integral structure.
• Anchorage and connection on structural supports or walls must be able to withstand all probable external and internal forces.
• Proper allowance for removal and displacement of the assembly must be made.
• Placement of assemblies shall be inspected to ensure compliance.