DOLE re-orients fireworks makers on rules, standards

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Labor and Employment has re-oriented manufacturers of pyro devices and firecrackers on the rules and standards in the regulation of the production, sale or distribution of pyrotechnics and firecrackers.

"That's the only way for the DOLE to lift the recently issued work stoppage order and for them to be able go on with their business," Regional Head Exequiel Sarcauga said.

He recently met with pyrotechnic devices and firecracker manufacturers, retailers and distributors in an orientation and open forum in Barangay Babag II, Lapu-Lapu City.

This after Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III issued the work stoppage order (WSO) dated November 24 citing grave and imminent danger to workers in these shops following the deadly firecracker factory incidents in October and November.

The WSO covers the production and sale ofpyrotechnic devices and firecrackers until such time that manufacturers, retailers and distributors of these products comply with labor laws.

Sarcauga said the WSO was purposely issued to put everything in place and when establishments are found compliant with what the law requires then the regional office may recommend the lifting of the stoppage order.

That's the only way for those in the industry to go on with their operations, he said.

The November 29 orientation was attended by over 150 participants mostly residents of Sitios Canjulao, Gun-ob, Judas Belt, Shooting Star, Five Star and Rambo.

According to the Philippine National Police, the production of firecrackers is not illegal but the law regulates it because not all, who want to and can make firecrackers, can just do it since it is prone to abuse.

PNP issues a certification to an establishment or local government unit (LGU) if found to be compliant to the requirements provided by Republic Act 7183 or An Act Regulating The Sale, Manufacture, Distribution And Use Of Firecrackers And Other Pyrotechnic Devices.

The safety guidelines of RA 7183 indicate that a zone shall be designed by the local government unit where a manufacturing complex may be established.

The outer perimeter of the said zone shall be at least 300 meters away from the nearest residential units. Once a zone has been defined, no residential unit shall be permitted nearer than 300 meters from the perimeter of such zone.

“We already have some initial findings regarding the location and distance of several firecrackers manufacturers in Babag and we found out that most of them are operating within the 300-meter distance. Some are in fact making firecrackers just in their homes,” Sarcauga said.

He said this poses imminent danger to the health and safety of the residents.

Removing imminent danger in the workplace and observing the standards implemented by the labor agency and other concerned agencies are the keys for manufacturers, distributors and retailers so that the work stoppage order could be lifted.

The Bureau of Fire Protection is the one that issues a fire safety certification and is also tasked to conduct safety awareness trainings among the workers.

The DOLE will conduct joint assessments among the concernee establishments.

Labor laws compliance oficers (LLCOs) will assess the compliance of manufacturers and distributors to health and safety standards and general labor standards (GLS).

In the assessments, the DOLE will be guided by the checkpoints of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) and the GLS.

Under the GLS, the LLCOs will determine whether the workers are receiving the prescribed minimum wage rate or not.

Coverage and remittance of the social protection benefits such as SSS, Philhealth, and PAG-IBIG will also be assessed.

It's imperative that they abide by the rules and standards governing their line of business.

Last November 24, Secretary Bello issued a work stoppage order to all establishments engaged in the manufacture and sale of pyrotechnics and firecrackers nationwide. (FREEMAN)