Substandard fire extinguishers probed

The Bureau of Fire Protection has cracked down on the sale of substandard fire extinguishers by unlicensed suppliers and dealers to protect the interest of consumers.

In a directive to all regional, provincial, district, city and municipal fire marshals, Acting BFP Chief Francisco Senot ordered them to go after unlicensed manufacturers and dealers of fire extinguishers and to file charges in court against violators of the fire code.

The BFP head said his office has been receiving reports and complaints of the proliferation of illegitimate manufacturers and dealers of substandard fire extinguishers in the country.

At the same time, Senot warned BFP personnel not to act, directly or indirectly, as agents for any manufacturers, suppliers, dealers or refillers of fire extinguishers. He said any fireman accused of doing so would be charged with grave misconduct, and administrative proceedings would be instituted against the erring firemen.

Senot said despite existing policy, certain firemen continue to sell fire extinguishers. He said he would throw the book at anyone found violating this policy.

The law mandates the Bureau of Product Standards of the Department of Trade to issue license to manufacturers of fire extinguishers, to protect the consumers. The selling, marketing, dealing and refilling of such products is likewise subject to the issuance of license by BPS.

Senot said while BPS plays a vital role in ensuring that fire extinguishers are manufactured only by legitimate manufacturers and refillers, these products are subject to inspection by the fire safety inspectors of the bureau, pursuant to Rule 37 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the fire code. – Perseus Echeminada