COURSEWORK 2

SPL 1

SAFETY AND SECURITY IN BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

COMMERCIAL/
OFFICE BUILDING
 SAFETY AND SECURITY
Safety and security in a building facility refer to the
systems, measures, and protocols designed to protect
occupants, assets, and the structure itself from harm,
whether accidental or intentional.

Safety involves preventing accidents, injuries, and hazards

through fire protection, structural integrity, emergency
exits, and compliance with building codes, while security
addresses protection against unauthorized access, theft,
vandalism, and other threats through surveillance, access
control, and alarm systems (Coppola, 2007).
 FIRE
In case of fire involves compliance with legal protocols, the integration of
fire-safe design principles, and the proper selection and maintenance of
construction elements. First, adherence to national and local fire safety
codes such as the Philippine Fire Code (RA 9514) or the National
Building Code of the Philippines (PD 1096) is essential. These laws
mandate fire exits, alarm systems, sprinkler systems, and emergency
lighting. Safe design includes providing multiple unobstructed and
clearly marked exits, fire-resistant materials, smoke compartments, and
firewalls that help contain fire and smoke spread.

Protocols should include regular fire drills, maintenance of fire detection

and suppression systems, and clear emergency response plans in
coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Fire-rated walls, fire-retardant doors, protected stairwells, and

compartmentalization play a vital role in slowing down fire progression.
Elevators must be programmed to return to the ground floor and
become inoperable in a fire event, and stairwells must be pressurized to
prevent smoke infiltration. Finally, the administrator must also train staff
and tenants on proper evacuation procedures and the use of fire safety
equipment, ensuring a coordinated, lawful, and safe response to any fire
incident.
 THE OZONE DISCO, QUEZON CITY
The Ozone Disco fire was a tragic event that occurred on March 18, 1996,
in Quezon City, Philippines. It resulted in the deaths of 162 people and
injured 95 others, making it the worst fire in Philippine history and one of
the worst nightclub fires worldwide. The fire was caused by an electrical
fault at the DJ booth, exacerbated by overcrowding and blocked
emergency exits.

With over 300 people crammed into a space meant for far fewer. The
investigation revealed serious safety lapses, including overcrowding,
lack of accessible fire exits, and inadequate electrical supervision.
This incident led to regulatory reforms to enhance safety standards
nationwide.

Proactive Fire Prevention Measures

Assessment & Inspection

Invest in Safety
Staff Training & Awareness
Regulation Enforcement
Prevention & Protection
 FIRE
Design/Construction Elements: Fire safety constructions include fire‐
rated walls, ceilings and doors, smoke‐sealed barriers and automatic
dampers to confine fire/smoke to its origin. Compartments are built with
1–4 hour fire resistance (e.g. fire walls, enclosed stairwells) to delay spread.
All corridors, stairwells and doors must remain unlocked during
occupancy. Interior finishes and furnishings follow flame‐spread limits,
and visible illuminated exit signs and emergency lighting are provided
for safe egress.

Solutions: Modern commercial/offices use zoned sprinkler/standpipe

systems and smoke-control (pressurized stairs or smoke curtains).
High‐rise buildings often include refuge floors and voice‐alarm
systems. For instance, the Reinforced fire stairs and intercoms in many
Manila skyscrapers meet both PH and NFPA standards (sprinklers,
extinguishers on every floor) to ensure prompt evacuation and
suppression.
 FIRE

Philippines – Zuellig Building, Makati City

International – The Shard, London

One of the first LEED Platinum-certified office
towers in the country, the Zuellig Building has a
fully automated fire detection and suppression This 95-story tower includes compartmentalized fire zones,
system, smoke control in elevators, pressurized double fire-rated stairwells, high-pressure mist systems,
stairwells, and clearly marked exits with backup and refuge floors at regular intervals to assist phased
emergency lighting. It meets both the Philippine evacuation.
Fire Code (RA 9514) and international NFPA
standards.
 TYPHOONS
The National Building Code of the Philippines (PD 1096) and the
National Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP) mandate wind load
considerations, especially in typhoon-prone areas, requiring the use of
durable roofing, proper anchorage systems, and typhoon-resistant
materials. Safe design features include reinforced walls, shatter-resistant
windows, proper drainage systems, and elevated floor levels to reduce
flood damage.

Securing all loose outdoor items, shutting down elevators, checking

emergency lighting and generators, and activating communication lines
for real-time updates. Occupants should be informed of emergency
procedures such as designated safe areas and evacuation plans. The
building admin must coordinate with local government units (LGUs)
and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical
Services Administration (PAGASA) for weather advisories and
evacuation orders.

Routine inspections and maintenance of roofs, gutters, sump pumps,

and structural components are crucial to prevent failure during extreme
weather.
 TYPHOONS
Design/Construction Elements: Structures use reinforced concrete or
steel framing with tightly fastened roofing (e.g. screw‐fastened metal
sheets or concrete tiles) and roof ties. Windows may be made of
laminated or impact‐resistant glass, and permanent storm shutters or
roll‐down blinds are often installed. Drainage is sized for heavy rain; low‐
sloped roofs have ample slope and waterproofing. External features (like
signage, HVAC units, canopies) are secured or breakaway. On
construction sites, materials are tied down to prevent windborne debris.

Solutions: Many Philippines buildings (e.g. large malls, airports) feature

deep‐set foundations and 30–45° pitched roofs with hurricane clips.
Some international best practices include hurricane‐strapping and
FORTIFIED™ standards (USA) for roofing. For instance, a Manila office
tower survived Super Typhoon Haiyan with only shattered glass – the
structure’s robust shear walls and anchored cladding prevented collapse
 TYPHOONS

Philippines – SM Seaside City Cebu International – One World Trade Center, New York
Built in a typhoon-prone area, the mall uses reinforced concrete
framing, wind-resistant glass panels, and a roof drainage system Designed to resist hurricanes and windstorms, it uses
designed to withstand torrential rain. Backup power and flood reinforced steel framing, impact-resistant glass,
control systems are integrated into the basement design. stormwater collection tanks, and elevated mechanical
systems above flood level.
 EARTHQUAKE
National Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP 2015) – This code defines the seismic
loading criteria that engineers must follow when designing buildings. It requires analysis
based on the building’s location, soil type, and importance.

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines (ASEP) Guidelines These provide

technical standards for earthquake-resilient design, particularly for high-rise commercial
buildings.

DPWH Earthquake Resilience Guidelines (2015) Emphasizes site specific seismic assessments
and regular structural evaluations.

Evacuation drills and preparedness plans – Required by law (under the DRRM Act of 2010),
companies must train employees on how to evacuate safely during earthquakes.

C H U ZO N S U P E R M A R K E T, P O R AC ,
PA M PA N GA
T WO -S T O R Y CO M M E R C I A L B U I L D I N G

E VE N T : 6 . 1 M A G N I TU D E E A R T H Q UA K E
(APRIL 22, 2019)

WH Y I T CO L L A P S E D :
P O O R S T R U C TU R A L D E S I G N A N D
P O S S I B L E U S E O F S U B S TA N D A R D
M AT E R I A L S
LACK OF SEISMIC REINFORCEMENTS
P O S S I B L E B U I L D I N G CO D E VI O L AT I O N S

L E S S O N : N O N - CO M P L I A N C E WI T H
S T R U C TU R A L S TA N D A R D S CA N L E A D T O
CATA S T R O P H I C FA I L U R E A N D LO S S O F
LIFE.
 EARTHQUAKE
Design/Construction Elements: Earthquake‐proofing uses flexible yet strong structures. Common features include steel or
reinforced‐concrete core frames, diagonal cross‐bracing, base isolation bearings or tuned mass dampers to absorb motion.
Secondary features include breakaway partition walls (nonstructural elements) and strong bolted connections for beams/columns.
Nonstructural safety (secured ceilings, heavy furniture anchored) is also required.

Reinforced‐Concrete Core Frames Diagonal Bracing Base Isolation Bearings

 EARTHQUAKE

Tokyo Skytree (Tokyo, Japan)

– uses a central seismic damper and tuned mass
system at its base to absorb earthquake energy.
Modern buildings worldwide adopt similar
measures: for example, Japan’s skyscrapers use
Philippines – The Net Lima Building,
steel pendulums, rubber‐bearing dampers and
Bonifacio Global City (BGC)
early warning links so the building itself moves
This high-rise office tower includes seismic-resistant less during quakes. Many Philippine offices
shear walls, deep pile foundations, and ductile likewise use concrete frames and shear walls;
reinforced concrete framing. Designed according to older buildings are retrofitted with cross‐braces
the National Structural Code of the Philippines or added dampers to meet these standards.
(NSCP), it meets Zone 4 seismic requirements.
 VIOLENCE/ACTS
OF TERRORISM
Commercial and office buildings often host large numbers of
people, including employees, clients, and visitors. Because of this,
they are potential targets for criminal activities, such as:

Armed assault
Bomb threats
Unauthorized access
Sabotage
Terrorist attacks
Design Elements: Controlled access points with security personnel;
surveillance systems (CCTV); reinforced entrances and windows; security
barriers; robust perimeter security.

Construction Elements: Use of blast-resistant materials; design features

to minimize vulnerability to attacks.

Protocols: Security training for staff; emergency response plans;

collaboration with law enforcement.
 PROTOCOLS & LAWS
Preventing such threats requires proactive security planning,
architectural defenses, and adherence to relevant laws and guidelines.

1.DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2019-183 mandates building

administrators to conduct security assessments, establish access
control systems, and deploy trained security personnel. It emphasizes
layered security and coordination with local authorities for rapid
response (DILG, 2019).

2. Republic Act No. 10173, also known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012,
supports security systems like CCTV, RFID scanning, and visitor logs while
protecting personal data. These tools help track and limit access to
sensitive zones in a building (RA 10173, 2012).

3. Republic Act No. 5487, the Private Security Agency Law, governs the
operations and training of security guards deployed in commercial
buildings. It ensures that building security teams are licensed, equipped,
and trained to handle threats (RA 5487, 1969).

4. Emergency procedures must include lockdown protocols, bomb threat

checklists, evacuation drills, and panic alarms. These are recommended
by both the DILG and the Philippine National Police (PNP) as part of
urban security strategy (DILG, 2019).
 DESIGN AND
CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS
Security in commercial buildings must be built into the architecture. Key
safety features include:

Access Control & Surveillance

Turnstiles, RFID access cards, biometric scanners, and visitor
management systems help prevent unauthorized entry.
24/7 CCTV surveillance in common areas, entrances, fire exits, and
parking areas (DILG, 2019).
Security control rooms that monitor all cameras in real time.

Blast and Ballistic Protection

Blast-resistant glass and laminated windows reduce risk from
explosions (NSCP, 2015).
Bollards and barriers prevent car bombs or vehicle-ramming attacks.

Zoning & Layered Security

Public zones (lobbies, reception) are separated from secure zones
(server rooms, executive offices) via locked doors or controlled elevators
(RA 10173, 2012).

Emergency Systems
Use of PA systems, emergency exits, panic buttons, and backup power
for communication during violent events is essential (DILG, 2019).
AYALA TRIANGLE
TOWER TWO (MAKATI)
Implements biometric access for employees
and ID screening for visitors.

Features blast-resistant curtain walls, vehicle

bollards at entry points, and a dedicated
security command center.

Uses integrated surveillance systems and

smart card elevators that restrict floor access.
 MENTAL HEALTH

Policies/Laws: The Philippine Mental Health Act (RA 11036) mandates

that employers protect workers’ psychological well-being. Companies
must enact anti–stigma and wellness policies, identify and assist at-risk
employees, and promote mental health programs. DOLE guidelines
encourage evidence-based EAPs (Employee Assistance Programs), paid
mental health leave, flexible schedules and support services.
Confidentiality is required for any health data.

Design/Work Environment: Healthy office design can improve well-

being: abundant daylight and views, indoor plants or green walls
(biophilic design), quiet rooms or lounges, ergonomic workstations and
ample break areas all reduce stress. Open-plan layouts are balanced with
private spaces to avoid isolation. Signage about hotlines (e.g. NCMH
iFind, local crisis lines) is posted. Regular mental-health training for
managers and staff (e.g. first-aid response for suicide risk) is advised.
 MENTAL HEALTH

Suicide Prevention Measures: Physical Barriers: Any accessible high

edges (roof decks, balconies, parking structures) are fitted with

suicide barriers (high railings, nets). Studies show such barriers (e.g.

on bridges) cut suicide attempts by up to ~86%. In offices, window

parapets may be raised or laminated glass used to prevent jumping.

Monitoring & Support: CCTV or access logs may help identify

distressed individuals; staff are trained to spot warning signs.

Buildings encourage use of conference rooms or meeting spaces for

those needing privacy and support.

 MENTAL HEALTH

Philippines – Ayala North

Suicide Prevention – LRT Roosevelt
Exchange, Makati International – Google
Station (Quezon City)
Headquarters, Zurich

This mixed-use office development Designed with nap pods, quiet zones, As part of retrofitting measures, platform
includes daylighting strategies, natural light, indoor plants, and play screen doors and increased railings were
green terraces, quiet lounges, and areas, the office layout supports added in select stations to prevent suicide
wellness zones to support employee psychological wellness. It’s an example attempts. This mirrors solutions found in
mental health. Access to views and of how architecture can prevent Tokyo Metro and Hong Kong MTR.
green spaces helps reduce stress. burnout and reduce mental distress.
Tenants are encouraged to Google also provides onsite
implement mental wellness counseling rooms and encourages
programs and EAPs (Employee mental health dialogue.
Assistance Programs).
 REFERENCES
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). (2019). Memorandum Circular No. 2019-183: Guidelines on
Building Security.

Republic Act No. 10173. (2012). Data Privacy Act of 2012.

Republic Act No. 5487. (1969). The Private Security Agency Law.

National Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP). (2015).

Ayala Land Inc. (n.d.). Ayala Triangle Gardens Tower Two Overview. Retrieved from https://www.ayalaland.com.ph

https://global.lockton.com/ph/en/news-insights/through-the-fire-learning-from-fire-incidents-in-the-philippines

https://www.buildinginthephilippines.com/typhoons-in-the-
philippines/#:~:text=,calculating%20wind%20pressures%20on%20structures