CEBU, Philippines - To make sure that required safety precautions are being followed, the fire marshall of Talisay City yesterday conducted a surprise inspection at malls displaying pyrotechnics.
City Fire Marshall Senior Inspector Randy Mendaros personally inspected Starmall and South Town Center which were given permits by the city government to sell pyrotechnics.
While the city government prohibits the selling of firecrackers in city establishments, it allows the selling of pyrotechnics provided that the sellers follow the safety measures.
Among these measures, establishments are required to limit their display within the stall only; have at least two attendants who will man the stall; each stall should provide its own fire extinguisher; the stall should have enough distance away from the other stall; and no smoking allowed.
Mendaros and his team first inspected Starmall located in Lawaan I.
They found out that the merchandiser who applied at the mall will start displaying its items on December 17.
Nonetheless, the manager of the mall assured that the merchandiser will follow the precautions required by the city as well as the mall's rules.
The location allocated to the merchandiser to display its items is outside the mall.
The group then proceeded to South Town Center in Tabunok where two stalls selling pyrotechnics located on the mall's ground floor.
Mendaros said that the establishment of stalls will depend on the rules of the mall.
He clarified though that the two stalls being put up inside the mall pose no risk since the owners complied all the requirements.
Mendaros, however, advised the stall attendants to display their permit and have the rules displayed at their stall so that customers would also be aware.
For their part, Alnie Llanos, the leasing officer of South Town Center, said the merchandisers were given only two-by-two meters as the size of their stall, which should be stationed a meter apart from the other stall.
She said they also made sure that the stalls do not obstruct the aisle where customers would supposedly pass in case of any incidents.
"Dili sad mi ganahan og outside nga exhibit kay mao lagi, init sa gawas unya samot nga fireworks, unya init kaayo among parking," she added.
She said that they also require stall owners to secure their own fire extinguisher, although the mall management also provides safety equipment placed on every corner of the mall.
Saleslady Minerva Dorimon said that customers usually start flocking to buy pyrotechnics on December 15.
Merchandisers can apply for permit to display their items until Dec. 31. (FREEMAN)