As firecracker buyers and vendors are expected to converge in shops in preparation for the New Year’s Celebration, the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office 1  visited firecracker shops in various key cities and towns in the region to reiterate its call on occupational safety and health.

Regional Director Exequiel Ronie A. Guzman has directed the DOLE RO1 field offices to conduct inspections in firecracker shops and establishments, to underscore OSH to ensure safety not only of the shop owners and vendors, but also consumers and buyers.

“This initiative comes after the directive of Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma to conduct inspection of establishments engaged in sale, manufacture and distribution of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices,” said RD Guzman.

“While there are no identified manufacturers of firecrackers in our region, various retail shops have mushroomed in recent weeks,” RD Guzman added.

Under Rule 1140 of the Philippine Occupational Safety and Healthy Standards, explosives shall be manufactured, handled or stored only in approved places.

During their visits, DOLE personnel underscored basic safety reminders such as (1) Display “No Smoking” and “No Testing” signs; (2) Keep Electrical Sockets and Appliances away from the firecrackers (3) Ensure clear/unobstructed ingress and egress; (4) Encourage installation and maintenance of fire extinguishers in the event of fire; (5) Remind customers of safety precautions in using firecrackers; (6) Posting of Hotlines. Hotlines of first responders such as the PNP, BFP or local health office in case of emergency must be posted in conspicuous areas in the establishment; (7) Maintain safe distance between stalls.

DOLE also reinforced its ties with safety partners such as the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and Department of Health to ensure full compliance of establishments to OSH.

DOLE RO1 visited and inspected a total of 145 establishments: 88 in Pangasinan, 18 in La Union, 20 in Ilocos Sur, and 19 in Ilocos Norte.

 

Last Updated on January 9, 2023 by Justin Paul Marbella