Batas Pambansa Blg. 344
VII. PHILIPPINES
B. Accessibility Law
(Batas Pambansa Bilang 344)
and its Amended and Original
Implementing Rules and Regulations
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Batasang Pambansa
Fifth Regular Session
Begun and held in Quezon City, Metropolitan Manila,
on Monday, the twenty-sixth day of July nineteen hundred and eighty-two.
BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 344
AN ACT TO ENHANCE THE MOBILITY OF DISABLED PERSONS
BY REQUIRING CERTAIN BUILDINGS, INSTITUTIONS, ESTABLISHMENTS AND
PUBLIC UTILITIES TO INSTALL FACILITIES AND OTHER DEVICES.
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Be it enacted by the Batasang Pambansa in session assembled
SECTION 1. In order to promote the realization of
the rights of disabled persons to participate fully in the social life
and the development of the societies in which they live and the enjoyment
of the opportunities available to other citizens, no license or permit
for the construction, repair or renovation of public and private buildings
for public use, educational institutions, airports, sports and recreation
centers and complexes, shopping centers or establishments, public parking
places, work-places, public utilities, shall be granted or issued unless
the owner or operator thereof shall install and incorporate in such
building, establishment, institution or public utility, such architectural
facilities or structural features as shall reasonably enhance the mobility
of disabled persons such as sidewalks, ramps, railings and the like.
If feasible, all such existing buildings, institutions, establishments,
or public utilities may be renovated or altered to enable the disabled
persons to have access to them: Provided, however, That buildings, institutions,
establishments, or public utilities to be constructed or established
for which licenses or permits had already been issued may comply with
the requirements of this law: Provided, further, That in case of government
buildings, street and highways, the Ministry of Public Works and Highways
shall see to it that the same shall be provided with architectural facilities
or structural features for disabled persons.
In the case of the parking place of any of the above institutions,
buildings, or establishment, or public utilities, the owner or operator
shall reserve sufficient and suitable space for the use of disabled
persons.
SECTION. 2. In case of public conveyance, devices
such as the prominent display of posters or stickers shall be used to
generate public awareness of the rights of the disabled and foster understanding
of their special needs. Special bus stops shall be designed for disabled
persons. Discriminating against disabled persons in the carriage or
transportation of passengers is hereby declared unlawful.
SECTION. 3. The Minister of Public Works and Highways
and the Minister of Transportation and Communications, in coordination
with the National Commission Concerning Disabled Persons, shall prepare
the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this
Act.
SECTION. 4. Any person violating any provision of
this Act or of the rules and regulations promulgated hereunder shall,
upon conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction, suffer the penalty
of imprisonment of not less than one month but not more than one year
or a fine of P2,000 to P5,000 or both, at the discretion of the court:
Provided, That in the case of corporations, partnerships, cooperatives
or associations, the president, manager or administrator, or the person
who has charge of the construction, repair or renovation of the building,
space or utilities shall be criminally responsible for any violation
of this Act and/or rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.
SECTION. 5. All laws, executive and administrative
orders, rules and regulations inconsistent with the foregoing provisions
are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.
SECTION. 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Approved.
(Signed)
QUERUBE C. MAKALINTAL
Speaker
This Act was passed by the Batasang Pambansa on December 7, 1982
(Signed)
ANTONIO M. DE GUZMAN
Secretary General
Approved: February 25, 1983
(Signed)
FERDINAND E. MARCOS
President of the Philippines
IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS
AS AMENDED
OF
BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 344
(Accessibility Law)
"An Act to Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons by Requiring Certain
Buildings, Institutions, Establishments, and Other Public Utilities
To Install Facilities and Other Devices."
Jointly Promulgated by:
The Department of Public Works and Highways
Port Area, Manila
The Department of Transportation and Communications
Pasig, Metro Manila
In coordination with:
The National Council for the Welfare of Disabled
Persons
(Accessibility Sector on the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons)
Diliman, Quezon City
RULE I - SCOPE AND APPLICATION
- Purpose:
The Rules and Regulations set forth herein provide for minimum requirements
and standards to make buildings, facilities and utilities for public
use accessible to disabled persons, pursuant to the objectives of
Batas Pambansa Bilang 344, "An Act To Enhance the Mobility of Disabled
Persons by Requiring Certain Buildings, Institutions, Establishments
and Public Utilities to Install Facilities and Other Devices
- Definition of Terms:
For the purpose of these Rules and Regulations, the words, terms and
phrases enumerated in Annex "A" hereof shall have the meaning as provided
therein.
- Scope:
The provisions of these Rules and Regulations shall apply to the following:
3.1 Public and private buildings and related structures for public
use and which shall be constructed, repaired or renovated
3.2 Streets and highways and public utilities
- 3.2.1 Streets and highways
- 3.2.2 Public transport vehicles which shall include:
- Passenger buses and jeepneys
- Passenger trains, including those of the Light Rail Transit
Authority (LRTA)
- Domestic inter-island vessels
- Domestic aircraft of air carriers
- 3.2.3 Public Telephones
3.3 Public transport terminals including those of LRTA
- Application:
4.1 Public and private buildings and related structures for public
use. No permit for the construction, repair or renovation of public
and private buildings and related structures for public use, whether
owned or leased, shall be granted or issued, unless the owner thereof
shall have provided in the places and specifications submitted for
approval barrier-free facilities and accessibility features as provided
in these Rules and in accordance with the following criteria:
- 4.1.1 Building and related structures to be constructed -
- At the space where the primary function is served
and where facilities and ingress/egress of the building or
structure are located, as to make such space accessible to
the disabled persons; provided, however, that where the primary
function can be served at the ingress level and where such
level is provided with facilities, requirements for accessibility
at other levels may be waived.
- Ten percent (10%) of the total number of units of government-owned
living accommodations shall be accessible and fully usable
by the disabled persons with any fractional part in excess
of one-half (1/2) in the computation thereof, to be considered
as one unit; for privately-owned living accommodations the
number of accessible units shall be as provided in Section
3 of Rule III thereof.
- Ingress/egress from the street to the building or structure
shall be made accessible.
- Accessible slots in parking areas shall be located as near
as possible to ingress/egress spaces of the building or structure.
- 4.1.2 Buildings and related structures to be repaired or renovated
including those proposed for a change of occupancy If feasible,
barrier-free facilities and accessibility features shall be provided
in accordance with the requirements under Sub-section 4.1.1 (1),
(c) and (d): feasibility of incorporation of barrier-free facilities
and accessibility features shall be determined from all the following
conditions:
- When the repair or renovation work is to be done
in the space where the primary function is served;
- When the facilities can be made accessible at any other
level which is accessible by means of an elevator with a minimum
width of 800 mm;
- When the space alloted for the primary function will not
be diminished by more than ten percent (10%) of its original
area;
- When the capacity or strength of any major structural component,
such as slabs, beams, girders, columns, bearing walls and
footings of the building or structure will not be diminished;
- When the cost (exclusive of the exception provided below)
of such repair or renovation work is in excess of twenty percent
(20%) of the total cost of the building or structure, based
upon the computation of permit fees as provided under Rule
III of the Implementing Rules and Regulations promulgated
pursuant to P.D. 1096 entitled: "The National Building Code
of the Philippines";
- When there is no legal constraint which would not allow
compliance with these regulations:
- EXCEPTION: Repair or renovation work which consists only of
heating, ventilating and airconditioning systems, including those
which may be required only with respect to fire panic and explosion
safety for existing spaces, shall not be subject to the requirements
for barrier-free facilities and accessibility features.
- 4.2.1 Streets, highways and transport related structures to
be constructed -Streets, highways and transport related structures
shall be provided with the following barrier-free facilities and
accessibility features at every pedestrian crossing: ramps
and other accessible features in buildings of the sectoral offices
and attached agencies of DOTC; transportation terminals and passenger
waiting areas for use of disabled persons;
- Cut-out curbs and accessible ramps at the sidewalks.
- Audio-visual aids for crossing
EXCEPTION: Requirements for accessibility at pedestrian grade
separations or overpasses and underpasses may be waived.
- 4.2.2 Existing streets and highways to be repaired and renovated
The accessibility requirements shall be provided where the portion
of existing streets and highways to be repaired or renovated includes
part or the entire pedestrian crossing.
- 4.2.3 Transport vehicles for public use
- No license or franchise for the operation of public
buses, passenger boats, ships and domestic airplanes shall
be granted or issued unless the owner or operator thereof
shall have provided and designated the number of seats and
shall have placed audio-visual aids
- Government instrumentalities operating passenger trains
including the Light Rail Transit Authority shall have provided
the number of seats for disabled persons
- Government instrumentalities operating passenger airplanes
shall provide and designate the number of seats for disabled
persons and shall likewise place the audio-visual aids
- 4.2.4 Existing Public Transport Vehicles -
The minimum accessibility requirements shall apply to all existing
units of public transport vehicles, and including those units
which are to be repaired and renovated.
- 4.2.5 Public Telephones -
At least one unit of public telephones for every four (4) units
shall be accessible to disabled persons and shall be provided
with visual aids required, provided that if only one (1) public
telephone is to be installed in a particular place the same shall
be accessible to disabled persons.
- 4.2.6 Public Transport Terminals -
The criteria and accessibility requirements, provided for public
and private buildings and related structures for public use shall
apply to public transport terminals.
- Special Standards of Accessibility
Where the requirements for accessibility in the Rules will create
an unreasonable hardship in design/construction, special standards
of accessibility through the use of other methods and/or materials
shall be allowed if better facilities can be provided subject
to the approval of the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled
Persons.
RULE II - MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESSIBILITY
- Design Criteria:
1.1 CATEGORIES OF DISABLED PERSONS. The categories of disability dictate
the varied measures to be adopted in order to create an accessible
environment for the handicapped. Disabled persons under these Rules
may be classified into those who have:
- 1.1.1 Impairments requiring confinement to wheelchairs; or
- 1.1.2 Impairments causing difficulty or insecurity in walking
or climbing stairs or requiring the use of braces, crutches or
other artificial supports; or impairments caused by amputation,
arthritis, spastic conditions or pulmonary, cardiac or other ills
rendering individuals semi-ambulatory; or
- 1.1.3 Total or partial impairments of hearing or sight causing
insecurity or likelihood of exposure to danger in public places;
or
- 1.1.4 Impairments due to conditions of aging and incoordination;
- 1.1.5 Mental impairments whether acquired or congenital
in nature.
1.2 ANTHROPOMETRICS AND DIMENSIONAL DATA AS GUIDES FOR DESIGN. The
minimum and maximum dimensions for spaces in the built environment
should consider the following criteria:
- 1.2.1 The varying sizes and structures of persons of both sexes,
their reaches and their lines of sight at both the standing and
sitting positions.
- 1.2.2 The dimensional data of the technical aids of disabled
persons.
Included in the second consideration are the dimensions of wheelchairs;
the minimum space needed for locking and unlocking leg braces
plus the range of distance of crutches and other walking aids
from persons using such devices.
By applying at this very early stage dimensional criteria which
take into account wheelchair usage, the physical environment will
ultimately encourage and enable wheelchair users to make full
use of their physical surroundings.
- 1.2.3 The provision of adequate space for wheelchair maneuvering
generally insures adequate space for disabled persons equipped
with other technical aids or accompanied by assistants. In determining
the minimum dimensions for furniture and fixtures accessible to
disabled persons, the following anthropometric data shall serve
as guides for design:
- The length of wheelchairs varies from 1.10 m to 1.30 m.
- The width of wheelchairs is from 0.60 m to 0.75 m.
- A circle of 1.50 m in diameter is a suitable guide in the
planning of wheelchair turning spaces.
- The comfortable reach of persons confined to wheelchairs
is from 0.70 m to 1.20 m above the floor and not less than
0.40 m from room corners. The comfortable clearance for knee
and leg space under tables for wheelchair users is 0.70 m.
- Counter height shall be placed at a level comfortable to
disabled persons' reach.
1.3 BASIC PHYSICAL PLANNING REQUIREMENTS
No group of people shall be deprived of full participation and enjoyment
of the environment or be made unequal with the rest due to any disability.
In order to achieve this goal adopted by the United Nations, certain
basic principles shall be applied:
- 1.3.1 ACCESSIBILITY. The built environment
shall be designed so that it shall be accessible to all people.
This means that no criteria shall impede the use of facilities
by either the handicapped or non-disabled citizens.
- 1.3.2 REACHABILITY. Provisions shall be adapted
and introduced to the physical environment so that as many places
or buildings as possible can be reached by all.
- 1.3.3 USABILITY. The built environment shall
be designed so that all persons, whether they be disabled or not,
may use and enjoy it.
- 1.3.4 ORIENTATION. Finding a person's way
inside and outside of a building or open space shall be made easy
for everyone.
- 1.3.5 SAFETY. Designing for safety insures
that people shall be able to move about with less hazards to life
and health.
- 1.3.6 WORKABILITY AND EFFICIENCY. The built
environment shall be designed to allow the disabled citizens to
participate and contribute to developmental goals.
RULE III - SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDINGS
AND RELATED STRUCTURES FOR PUBLIC USE
- CLASSIFICATION OF BUILDING BY USE OF OCCUPANCY:
1.1 Occupancy classified by categories enumerated in Section 701 of
the National Building Code (PD 1096) are hereby adapted
- 1.1.1 Category I - Residential -This shall
comprise Group A and partly Group B Buildings
- 1.1.2 Category II - Commercial and Industrial
-This shall comprise partly Groups B, C, E, F, G, H, and I Buildings
- 1.1.3 Category III - Educational and Industrial
- This shall comprise partly Group C, D, E, and H Buildings
- 1.1.4 Category IV - Agricultural - This shall
comprise partly Group J Buildings.
- 1.1.5 Category V - Ancillary - This shall
comprise partly Group J Buildings
- ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES AND FACILITIES:
Where the following features and facilities are: architectural design
requirements in accordance with generally accepted architectural practice,
the same include the corresponding graphic signs.
2.1 Architectural facilities and features:
- 2.1.1 A Stairs
- 2.1.2 B Walkways
- 2.1.3 C Corridors
- 2.1.4 D Doors and Entrances
- 2.1.5 E Washrooms and Toilets
- 2.1.6 F Lifts/Elevators
- 2.1.7 G Ramps
- 2.1.8 H Parking Areas
- 2.1.9 I Switches, Controls, Buzzers
- 2.1.10 J Handrails
- 2.1.11 K Thresholds
- 2.1.12 L Floor Finishes
- 2.1.13 M Drinking Fountains
- 2.1.14 N Public Telephones
- 2.1.15 O Seating Accommodations
- CATEGORY I
The following requirements shall only apply to government-owned buildings.
3.1 Group A
- 3.1.1 Single detached. Ten percent (10%) of the total units
to be constructed. Barrier-free facilities and features required
in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, and L.
- 3.1.2 Duplexes: Ten percent (10%) of the total units to be
constructed. Barrier-free facilities and features required in:
A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, and L.
- 3.1.3 School or company staff housing units: One (1) unit for
26 to 50 units to be constructed and 1 additional unit for every
100 units thereafter. Barrier-free facilities and features required
in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, and L.
3.2 Group B
- 3.2.1 Multiple dwelling units or high-rise residential condominiums
or tenement houses.
One (1) unit from 26 up to 50 units to be constructed and an additional
unit for every 100 units thereafter, with all such units at ingress
level in case there is not barrier-free elevator provided.
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
- CATEGORY II
The following requirements shall apply to both government and privately-owned
buildings.
4.1 Group B
- 4.1.1 Accessories, tenement houses and/or row houses, apartment
houses and/or town houses. One (1) unit for every 50 units up
to 150 units and an additional unit for every 100 units thereafter.
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, and L.
- 4.1.2 Hotels, motels, inns, pension houses and/or apartels.
One (1) unit per every 50 units up to 150 units and an additional
unit for every 100 units at ingress level. In case there
is no barrier-free elevators: at least one (1) unit shall be provided
at ingress level.
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, and N.
- 4.1.3 Private or "off campus" Dormitories: One (1) unit per
every 50 units up to 150 units and an additional dwelling unit
for every 100 units thereafter at ingress level.
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, and N.
4.2 Group C
- 4.2.1 Amusement Halls and Parlor
Barrier-free facilities and features required in A, B, C, D, E,
F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N and O.
- 4.2.2 Massage and Sauna Parlors
Barrier-free facilities and features required in A, B, C, D, E,
F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
4.3 Group E-1
- 4.3.1 Train Stations and Terminals
Barrier-free facilities and features required in A, B, C, D, E,
F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N and O.
- 4.3.2 Bus depots and terminals
Barrier-free facilities and features required in A, B, C, D, E,
F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N and O.
- 4.3.3 Transportation Office
Barrier-free facilities and features required in A, B, C, D, E,
F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N and O.
- 4.3.4 Airport terminal buildings, heliports
Barrier-free facilities and features required in A, B, C, D, E,
F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N and O.
- 4.3.5 Ports and harbor facilities, landing piers, sheds, ferry
landing stations
Barrier-free facilities and features required in A, B, C, D, E,
F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N and O.
4.4 Group E-2
- 4.4.1 General wholesale and retail stores
Barrier-free facilities and features required in A, B, C, D, E,
F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and N.
- 4.4.2 Shopping centers and supermarkets and public markets
Barrier-free facilities and features required in A, B, C, D, E,
F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and N.
- 4.4.3 Restaurants, dining and drinking establishments
Barrier-free facilities and features required in A, B, C, D, E,
F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and N.
- 4.4.4 Office Buildings
Barrier-free facilities and features required in A, B, C, D, E,
F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and N.
- 4.4.5 Financial Institutions
Barrier-free facilities and features required in A, B, C, D, E,
F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and N.
- 4.4.6 Funeral parlors, morgues and crematories
Barrier-free facilities and features required in A, B, C, D, E,
F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, and O.
- 4.4.7 Memorial and Mortuary Chapels
Barrier-free facilities and features required in A, B, C, D, E,
F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, and O.
4.5 Group H-1, Group H-4, and Group I
- 4.5.1 Theaters, Auditoriums and Convention Halls
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, and O.
- 4.5.2 Concert Halls and Opera Houses
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, and O.
- 4.5.3 Colisea and Sports Complexes and Stadiums
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, and O.
4.6 Group F
- 4.6.1 Dairies and Creameries
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
- 4.6.2 Factories and workshops using incombustible or non-explosive
materials
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
- 4.6.3 Breweries bottling plants, canneries and tanneries
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
4.7 Groups G-3
- 4.7.1 Wood working establishments, lumber and timber yards.
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
- 4.7.2 Pulp, paper and paper board factories
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
- 4.7.3 Textile and fiber spinning mills
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
- 4.7.4 Garment and undergarment factories
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
- CATEGORY III
5.1 Group C
- 5.1.1 Educational institutions (schools, colleges, universities,
vocational schools, seminaries and novitiates), including school
auditoriums, gymnasia, reviewing stands, little theaters and concert
halls.
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, and O.
- 5.1.2 Libraries, museums, exhibition halls and art galleries
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, and O.
- 5.1.3 Civil Centers
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, and O.
- 5.1.4 Clubhouses lodges
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, and O.
5.2 Group D-1
- 5.2.1 Mental hospitals, mental sanitaria, mental asylums
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
- 5.2.2 Jails, prisons, reformatories, correctional institutions
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
- 5.2.3 Rehabilitation Centers
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
- 5.2.4 Leprosaria
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
5.3 Group D-2
- 5.3.1 Homes for the Aged
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
- 5.3.2 Hospitals and Sanitaria
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
5.4 Group D-3
- 5.4.1 Nursing Homes for ambulatory patients
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
- 5.4.2 Orphanages
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
5.5 Group E-7
- 5.5.1 Police and fire stations
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
5.6 Group H
- 5.6.1 Churches, temples, chapels and similar places of worship
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, and O.
- CATEGORY IV
6.1 Agricultural buildings
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, G, H,
I, J, K, and L.
- STANDARD OF ACCESSIBILITY FOR SPECIAL TYPE OF FACILITIES
7.1 The provision of this section shall apply to the specified type
of facilities and identified specific requirements for accessibility
and usability which shall be provided for each of the listed occupancy
uses.
- 7.1.1 Auditoriums, assembly halls, theaters, and related facilities:
- Seating for the disabled shall be accessible from
the main lobby to primary entrances, together with related
toilet facilities.
- In all assembly places where seating accommodation is provided,
there shall be spaces for the disabled persons as provided.
Seating Capacity |
Wheelchair Seating Space |
4 - 50 |
2 |
51 - 300 |
4 |
301 - 500 |
6 |
- When the seating capacity exceeds 500 an additional wheelchair
seating space shall be provided for each total seating capacity
increase of 100 seats
- Readily removable seats may be installed in these spaces
when such spaces are not required to accommodate wheelchair
users.
- COMPUTATION OF ACCESSIBLE UNITS
In the computation for the allocation of accessible units and seating
capacity decimal greater than 0.5 shall be considered as one unit.
In all cases a minimum of one (1) accessible unit shall be provided.
- APPLICATION OF BARRIER-FREE FACILITIES AND FEATURES
9.1 Graphic signs shall be bold and conspicuously installed in every
access from point of entry to connecting destination.
9.2 Walkways shall be provided with adequate passageway in accordance
with the provision.
9.3 Width of corridors and circulation system integrating both and
vertical access to ingress/egress level of the building shall be provided.
9.4 Doors and entrances provided herein used as entry points at entrance
lobbies as local points of congregation shall be designed to open
easily or accessible from floor to floor or to any point of destination.
9.5 Washroom and toilets shall be accessible and provided with adequate
turning space.
9.6 Whenever elevator/s is required it should meet the requirements
provided.
9.7 Ramps shall be provided as means of access to level of change
going to entry points and entrances, lobbies influenced by condition
of location or use.
9.8 Parking areas shall be provided with sufficient space for the
disabled persons to allow easy transfer from carpark to ingress/egress
levels.
9.9 Height above the floor of switches and controls shall be in accordance
with the provisions.
9.10 Handrails shall be provided at both sides of ramps.
9.11 Floors provided for every route of the wheelchair shall be made
of non-skid material.
9.12 Water fountains shall be installed as required.
(Refer to Appendix A for the illustrations of Rules II and III complementing
Rule II of the previous implementing rules and regulations).
RULE IV - REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
- Classification of public conveyances by mode of transport shall
be as follows:
1.1 Land Transportation - This shall refer to buses having a minimum
seating capacity of 50 persons for regular buses and 40 persons for
air-conditioned buses. This shall include regular city buses, regular
provincial buses, air-conditioned city buses (Love Bus and Pag-ibig
Bus) and air-conditioned tourist and provincial buses.
1.2 Rail Transportation - This shall refer to the three railways systems
in the country, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) operating in
Luzon, the Panay Railways Corporation (PRC) operating in the island
of Panay and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) operating in
Metro Manila.
1.3 Water Transportation - This shall refer to domestic passenger
ships, ferry boats and other water transportation vessels.
1.4 Air Transportation - This shall refer to the domestic passenger
airplanes.
- No franchise or permit to operate public transportation units shall
be granted, issued or renewed unless such units are constructed or
renovated in accordance with the requirements.
- If feasible, all owners or operators of existing public transport
utilities shall modify or renovate their units to accommodate disabled
persons.
- The construction or renovation of public transport utilities covered
by these rules shall be subject to compliance with the body designs
and specifications as provided under existing rules and regulations.
- Posters or stickers shall be conspicuously displayed inside the
units.
- Public transportation shall have designated seats for disabled persons.
6.1 Regular buses shall have at least five (5) designated seats for
disabled persons near exit/entrance doors
6.2 First class, premiere and air-conditioned buses
shall have at least four (4) designated seats for disabled persons
near the door
6.3 Passenger trains shall have at least six (6) designated seats
per car for disabled persons nearest to the
door 6.4 Passenger airplanes shall have at least two (2)
designated seats for disabled persons near the front exit/entrance
door on a per aircraft-type basis
6.5 For regular and air-conditioned city buses, other
passengers may use these designated seats if not occupied and yield
them to incoming disabled persons whenever the occasion arises
6.6 For provincial buses, regular and air-conditioned
buses, passenger trains and airplanes, the designated seats for disabled
persons may be occupied by other passengers only if no disabled persons
shall occupy these seats at the start of the trip
6.7 Jeepneys shall have at least two (2) seats, preferably
the front seats as designated seats for disabled persons
6.8 For jeepneys, other passengers may use these designated
seats if not occupied and yield them to incoming disabled passengers
only if the yielding passenger can still be accommodated at the back
6.9 In domestic shipping, each vessel shall:
- Allocate on a per class-basis, areas for disabled
passengers. These areas shall be nearest to the entrance and/or
exit doorways of the vessels.
- Give priority to disabled passengers' embarkation and disembarkation
through the assignment of "time windows." Disabled passengers
shall be given a twenty (20) minute period to embark ahead of
the three (3) hour embarkation time prior to the ship's departure;
and shall be allocated a maximum of one (1) hour for disembarkation
after the ship's arrival.
- The designated seats shall be identified by the International Symbol
of Access.
- Owners or operators of city buses operating in highly urbanized
cities shall install in their units audiovisual aids such as buzzer,
bell, flashing light to inform the driver of any alighting passenger.
- At least one deck in passenger ships shall be provided with accessible
ramps, passageways, access to gangways, galleys, safety equipment
and bunks/berths/cabins with dimensions conforming
with the requirements.
RULE V - ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
- Responsibility for Administration and Enforcement
The administration and enforcement of the provision of these Rules
and Regulations shall be vested in the Secretary of Public Works and
Highways and the Secretary of Transportation and Communications, in
accordance with the functions and jurisdiction of their respective
Departments as provided for by laws as follows.
1.1 The Secretary through the Heads of attached agencies
of the Department of Public Works and Highways, with the technical
assistance of the Building Research Development Staff, shall administer
and enforce the provisions of these Rules and Regulations through
the City/Municipal Engineer who shall also act as Local Building
Official pursuant to Section 477 of R.A. 7160, otherwise known as
the Local Government Code of 1991 and as applied to the following:
- 1.1.1 Buildings and related structures including public transport
terminals
- 1.1.2 Streets and Highways
1.2 The Secretary of Transportation and Communications shall administer
and enforce the provisions of these Rules and Regulations through
the Heads of Line and Attached Agencies of the Department as follows:
- 1.2.1 Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory
Board - In respect to the issuance of Certificate of
Public Convenience (CPC) and Provisional Authority (PA) for the
operation of public road transportation utilities or services.
- 1.2.2 Land Transportation Office - In respect
to the registration of buses and jeepneys and enforcement of regulations
related to land transport
- 1.2.3 Philippine National Railways and the Light Rail Transit
Authority For the operation of passenger trains and including
stations and terminals
- 1.2.4 Maritime Industry Authority - In respect to the
development, promotion, and regulation of all enterprises engaged
in business of designing, constructing, manufacturing, acquiring,
operating, supplying, repairing and/or maintaining vessels or
components thereof; of managing and/or operating shipping lines,
shipyards, dry docks, marine railway, marine repair shops, shipping
and freight forwarding agencies and similar enterprises; issuance
of license to all water transport vessels.
- 1.2.5 Philippine Ports Authority - In respect to the
planning, development, financing, construction, maintenance and
operation of ports, port facilities, port physical plants, and
all equipment used in connection with the operation of a port.
- 1.2.6 Civil Aeronautics Board - In respect to the supervision
and regulation of, the jurisdiction and control over air carriers,
general sales agents, cargo sales agents and air freight forwarders,
and issuance of certificates/licenses to aircrafts.
- 1.2.7 Air Transportation Office - In respect to the
maintenance, operation and development, of all government airports
(other than the NAIA, Mactan International Airport) as well as
air navigation facilities (excluding meteorology).
- Criminal Liability
As stipulated in Section 46 of R.A. 7277, otherwise known
as the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons (a), any person who violates
any provision of the rules and regulations of this Act shall suffer
the following penalties:
- 1) for the first violation, a fine of not less than
Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) but not exceeding One hundred
thousand pesos (P100,000.00) or imprisonment of not less than
six (6) months but not more than two (2) years, or both at the
discretion of the court; and
- 2) for any subsequent violation, a fine of not less
than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) but not exceeding
Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00) or imprisonment for not
less than two (2) years but not more than six (6) years, or both
at the discretion of the court.
- (b) Any person who abuses; the privileges granted herein
shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than six (6) months
or a fine of not less than Five thousand pesos (5,000.00) but
not more than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00), or both, at the
discretion of the court.
- (c) If the violator is a corporation, organization
or any similar entity, the officials thereof directly involved
shall be liable therefor.
- (d) If the violator is an alien or a foreigner, he
shall be deported immediately after service of sentence without
further deportation proceedings.
PERSONS/INDIVIDUALS LIABLE FOR
ANY VIOLATION OF THE ACT
For Buildings/Establishment/Structure
- Owner or Operator of the Building, Establishment or Structure
- Contractor
- Architect
- Engineer
- Building Official or Other Public Official in-charge with the issuance
of building permit, registration, certification and/or inspection
of the building, establishment or structure
For Air, Land and Sea Transportation
- Owner/Operator of Public Transportation
- Body Builders
- Safety Officers/Engineers/Managers
- Drivers/Conductors/Conductresses
- Public Official in-charge with the issuance of permits, registration,
certification and inspection of the public transportation
EFFECTIVITY
These Rules shall take effect thirty (30) days after
the date of publication in the Official Gazette.
Promulgated by:
(SGD.) JESUS B. GARCIA, JR.
Secretary
Department of Transportation and Communications
(SGD.) GREGORIO R. VIGILAR
Secretary
Department of Public Works and Highways
In coordination with:
The NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR
THE WELFARE OF DISABLED PERSONS
By:
(SGD.) CORAZON ALMA G. DE LEON
Chairman
APPENDIX A
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESSIBILITY
A. OUTSIDE AND AROUND BUILDINGS
- DROPPED CURBS
1.1 Changes in level walkways should be by a dropped curb.
1.2 Dropped curbs should be provided at pedestrian crossings and at
the end of walkways of a private street or access road.
1.3 Dropped curbs at crossings have a width corresponding to the width
of the crossing; otherwise, the minimum width is 0.90 m.
1.4 Dropped curbs shall be ramped towards adjoining curbs with a gradient
not more than 1:12.
1.5 Dropped curbs shall be sloped towards the road with a maximum
cross gradient of 1:20 to prevent water from collecting at the walkway.
1.6 The lowest point of a dropped curb should not exceed 25 mm from
the road or gutter.
- CURB CUT-OUTS
2.1 Curb cut-outs should only be allowed when it will not obstruct
a walkway or in any way lessen the width of a walkway.
2.2 The minimum width of a curb cut-out should be 0.90 M.
2.3 Curb cut-outs should have a gradient not more than 1:12.
- WALKWAYS AND PASSAGEWAYS
3.1 Walkways should be kept as level as possible and provided with
slip-resistant material.
3.2 Whenever and wherever possible, walkways should have a gradient
no more than 1:20 or 5%.
3.3 Walkways should have a maximum cross gradient of 1:100.
3.4 Walkways should have a minimum width of 1.20 meters.
3.5 If possible, gratings should never be located along walkways.
When occurring along walkways, grating openings should have a maximum
dimension of 13 mm x 13 mm and shall not project more than 6.5 mm
above the level of the walkway.
3.6 Walkways should have a continuing surface without abrupt pitches
in angle or interruptions by cracks or breaks creating edges above
6.50 mm.
3.7 In lengthy or busy walkways, spaces should be provided at some
point along the route so that a wheelchair may pass another or turn
around. These spaces should have a minimum dimension of 1.50 m and
should be spaced at a maximum distance of 12:00 m between stops.
3.8 To guide the blind, walkways should as much as possible follow
straightforward routes with right angle turns.
3.9 Where planting is provided adjacent to the walkway, regular maintenance
is essential to ensure branches of trees or shrubs do not overhang
walkways or paths, as not only do these present a particular danger
to the blind, but they also reduce the effective footways width available
to pedestrians generally.
3.10 Walkway headroom should not be less than 2.0 m and preferably
higher.
3.11 Passageways for the disabled should not be obstructed by street
furniture, bollards, sign posts or columns along the defined route,
as they can be hazardous.
- HANDRAILS
4.1 Handrails should be installed at both sides of ramps and stairs
and at the outer edges of dropped curbs. Handrails at dropped curbs
should not be installed beyond the width of any crossing so as not
to obstruct pedestrian flow.
4.2 Handrails shall be installed at 0.90 m and 0.70 m above steps
or ramps. Handrails for protection at great heights may be installed
at 1.0 m to 1.06 m.
4.3 A 0.30 m long extension of the handrail should be provided at
the start and end of ramps and stairs.
4.4 Handrails that require full grip should have a dimension of 30
mm to 50 mm.
4.5 Handrails attached to walls should have a clearance no less than
50 mm from the wall. Handrails on ledges should have a clearance not
less than 40 mm.
- OPEN SPACES
5.1 Where open spaces are provided, the blind can become particularly
disoriented. Therefore, it is extremely helpful if any walkway or
paths can be given defined edges either by the use of planters with
dwarf walls, or a grass verge, or similar, which provides a texture
different from the path.
- SIGNAGES
6.1 Directional and informational sign should be located at points
conveniently seen even by a person on a wheelchair and those with
visual impairments;
6.2 Signs should be kept simple and easy to understand; signages should
be made of contrasting colors and contrasting gray matter to make
detection and reading easy;
6.3 The international symbol for access should be used to designate
routes and facilities that are accessible;
6.4 Should a sign protrude into a walkway or route, a minimum headroom
of 2.0 meters should be provided;
6.5 Signs on walls and doors should be located at a maximum height
of 1.60 M. and a minimum height of 1.40 meters. For signage on washroom
doors, see C. Section 8.6.
6.6 Signages labeling public rooms and places should have raised symbols,
letters or numbers with minimum height of 1 mm; braille symbols should
be included in signs indicating public places and safety routes;
- CROSSINGS
7.1 In order to reduce the exposure time to vehicular traffic, all
at grade crossing should
- 7.1.1 Be as near perpendicular to the carriageway as possible.
- 7.1.2 Be located at the narrowest, most convenient part of
the carriageway.
- 7.1.3 Have central refuges of at least 1.5 m in depth and preferably
2 m, provided as a midcrossing shelter, where the width of carriageway
to be crossed exceeds 10 m.
7.2 All crossings should be located close if not contiguous with the
normal pedestrian desire line.
7.3 Provide tactile blocks in the immediate vicinity of crossings
as an aid to the blind. The tactile surface has to be sufficiently
high enough to be felt through the sole of the shoe but low enough
not to cause pedestrian to trip, or to effect the mobility of wheelchair
users. See details of recommended pairing slabs below.
Note: Tactile strips formed from brushed or grooved concrete finishes
have not been proven successful as they do not provide sufficient
distinction from the normal footway surface and therefore should not
be used.
7.4 The most beneficial form of crossing as far as any disabled are
concerned is the light controlled crossing having pedestrian phases
and synchronized audible signals and should, wherever possible, be
provided in preference to other types of crossings as determined by
the duly authorized agency.
7.5 The audible signal used for crossings should be easily distinguishable
from other sounds in the environment to prevent confusion to the blind.
A prolonged sound should be audible to warn the blind that the lights
are about to change. (Design of such a system shall be developed by
the Traffic Engineering Center.)
7.6 The flashing green period required for the disabled should be
determined on the basis of a walking speed of 0.90 m/sec. rather than
1.20 m/sec. which is what is normally used. The minimum period for
the steady green (for pedestrians) should not be less than 6 seconds
or the crossing distance times 0.90 m/sec., whichever is the greatest.
B. PARKING
- PARKING AREAS
1.1 Parking spaces for the disabled should allow enough space for
a person to transfer to a wheelchair from a vehicle;
1.2 Accessible parking spaces should be located as close as possible
to building entrances or to accessible entrances;
1.3 Whenever and wherever possible, accessible parking spaces should
be perpendicular or to an angle to the road or circulation aisles;
1.4 Accessible parking slots should have a minimum width of 3.70 m.;
1.5 A walkway from accessible spaces of 1.20 m. clear width shall
be provided between the front ends of parked cars;
1.6 Provide dropped curbs or curb cut-outs to the parking level where
access walkways are raised;
1.7 Pavement markings, signs or other means shall be provided to delineate
parking spaces for the handicapped;
1.8 Parking spaces for the disabled should never be located at ramped
or sloping areas;
C. INSIDE BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
- ENTRANCES
1.1 Entrances should be accessible from arrival and departure points
to the interior lobby;
1.2 One (1) entrance level should be provided where elevators are
accessible;
1.3 In case entrances are not on the same level of the site arrival
grade, ramps should be provided as access to the entrance level;
1.4 Entrances with vestibules shall be provided a level area with
at least a 1.80 m. depth and a 1.50 m. width;
- RAMPS
2.1 Changes in level require a ramp except when served by a dropped
curb, an elevator or other mechanical device;
2.2 Ramps shall have a minimum clear width of 1.20 m;
2.3 The maximum gradient shall be 1:12;
2.4 The length of a ramp should not exceed 6:00 m. if the gradient
is 1:12; longer ramps whose gradient is 1:12 shall be provided with
landings not less than 1.50 m.;
2.5 A level area not less than 1.80 m. should be provided at the top
and bottom of any ramp;
2.6 Handrails will be provided on both sides of the ramp at 0.70 m.
and 0.90 m. from the ramp level;
2.7 Ramps shall be equipped with curbs on both sides with a minimum
height of 0.10 m.;
2.8 Any ramp with a rise greater than 0.20 m. and leads down towards
an area where vehicular traffic is possible, should have a railing
across the full width of its lower end, not less than 1.80 meters
from the foot of the ramp;
- DOORS
3.1 All doors shall have a minimum clear width of 0.80 m;
3.2 Clear openings shall be measured between the surface of the fully
open door at the hinge and the door jamb at the stop;
3.3 Doors should be operable by a pressure or force not more than
4.0 kg; the closing device pressure an interior door shall not exceed
1 kg.;
3.4 A minimum clear level space of 1.50 m x 1.50 m shall be provided
before and extending beyond a door;
EXCEPTION: where a door shall open onto but not into a corridor, the
required clear, level space on the corridor side of the door may be
a minimum of 1.20 m. corridor width;
3.5 Protection should be provided from doors that swing into corridors;
3.6 Outswinging doors should be provided at storage rooms, closets
and accessible restroom stalls;
3.7 Latching or non-latching hardware should not require wrist action
or fine finger manipulation;
3.8 Doorknobs and other hardware should be located between 0.82 m.
and 1.06 m. above the floor; 0.90 is preferred;
3.9 Vertical pull handles, centered at 1.06 m. above the floor, are
preferred to horizontal pull bars for swing doors or doors with locking
devices;
3.10 Doors along major circulation routes should be provided with
kick plates made of durable materials at a height of 0.30 m. to 0.40
m;
- THRESHOLDS
4.1 Thresholds shall be kept to a minimum; whenever necessary, thresholds
and sliding door tracks shall have a maximum height of 25 mm and preferably
ramped;
- SWITCHES
5.1 Manual switches shall be positioned within 1.20 m to 1.30 m above
the floor;
5.2 Manual switches should be located no further than 0.20 from the
latch side of the door;
- SIGNAGES
(See "SIGNAGES" under OUTSIDE & AROUND BUILDINGS.)
- CORRIDORS
7.1 Corridors shall have minimum clear width of 1.20 m.; waiting areas
and other facilities or spaces shall not obstruct the minimum clearance
requirement;
7.2 Recesses or turnabout spaces should be provided for wheelchairs
to turn around or to enable another wheelchair to pass; these spaces
shall have a minimum area of 1.50 m x 1.50 m. and shall be spaced
at a maximum of 12.00 m.;
7.3 Turnabout spaces should also be provided at or within 3.50 m.
of every dead end;
7.4 As in walkways, corridors should be maintained level and provided
with a slipresistant surface;
- WASHROOMS & TOILETS
8.1 Accessible public washrooms and toilets shall permit easy passage
of a wheelchair and allow the occupant to enter a stall, close the
door and transfer to the water closet from either a frontal or lateral
position;
8.2 Accessible water closet stalls shall have a minimum area of 1.70
x 1.80 mts. One movable grab bar and one fixed to the adjacent wall
shall be installed at the accessible water closet stall for lateral
mounting; fixed grab bars on both sides of the wall shall be installed
for stalls for frontal mounting;
8.3 A turning space of 2.25 sq.m. with a minimum dimension of 1.50
m. for wheelchair shall be provided for water closet stalls for lateral
mounting;
8.4 All accessible public toilets shall have accessories such as mirrors,
paper dispensers, towel racks and fittings such as faucets mounted
at heights reachable by a person in a wheelchair;
8.5 The minimum number of accessible water closets on each floor level
or on that part of a floor level accessible to the disabled shall
be one (1) where the total number of water closets per set on that
level is 20; and two (2) where the number of water closets exceed
20;
8.6 In order to aid visually impaired persons to readily determine
whether a washroom is for men or for women, the signage for men's
washroom door shall be an equilateral triangle with a vertex pointing
upward, and those for women shall be a circle; the edges of the triangle
should be 0.30 m long as should be the diameter of the circle; these
signages should at least be 7.5 mm thick; the color and gray value
of the doors; the words "men" and "women" or the appropriate stick
figures should still appear on the washroom doors for the convenience
of the fully sighted;
Note: the totally blind could touch the edge of the signs and easily
determine whether it is straight or curved;
8.7 The maximum height of water closets should be 0.45 m.; flush control
should have a maximum height of 1.20 mts.
8.8 Maximum height of lavatories should be 0.80 m. with a knee recess
of 0.60 - 0.70 M. vertical clearance and a 0.50 m. depth.
8.9 Urinals should have an elongated lip or through type; the maximum
height of the lip should be 0.48 m.
- STAIRS
9.1 Tread surfaces should be a slip-resistant material; nosings may
be provided with slip-resistant strips to further minimize slipping:
9.2 Slanted nosings are preferred to projecting nosings so as not
to pose difficulty for people using crutches or braces whose feet
have a tendency to get caught in the recessed space or projecting
nosings. For the same reason, open stringers should be avoided.
9.3 The leading edge of each step on both runner and riser should
be marked with a paint or non-skid material that has a color and gray
value which is in high contrast to the gray value of the rest of the
stairs; markings of this sort would be helpful to the visually impaired
as well as to the fully sighted person;
9.4 A tactile strip 0.30 m. wide shall be installed before hazardous
areas such as sudden changes in floor levels and at the top and bottom
of stairs; special care must be taken to ensure the proper mounting
or adhesion of tactile strips so as not to cause accidents;
- ELEVATORS
10.1 Accessible elevators should be located not more than 30.00 m.
from the entrance and should be easy to locate with the aid of signs;
10.2 Accessible elevators shall have a minimum dimension of 1.10 m.
x 1.40 m.;
10.3 Control panels and emergency system of accessible elevators shall
be within reach of a seated person; centerline heights for the topmost
buttons shall be between 0.90 m to 1.20 m from the floor;
10.4 Button controls shall be provided with braille signs to indicate
floor level; at each floor, at the door frames of elevator doors,
braille-type signs shall be placed so that blind persons can be able
to discern what floor the elevator car has stopped and from what level
they are embarking from; for installation heights, see Section 6.6,
Signages;
10.5 Button sizes at elevator control panels shall have a minimum
diameter of 20 mm and should have a maximum depression depth of 1
mm;
D. SAFETY
- FENCING FOR ROADWORKS AND FOOTWORKS
All excavations, whether on the road or footway must be adequately
protected, i.e. fenced. Whatever the type of fencing used, it is important
the railings should incorporate the following features.
1.1 The height of the top of the rail should be at least 1.00 M. above
the adjacent surface.
1.2 The railing should incorporate a tapping rail to assist the blind,
and this should not be greater than 0.35 M. above adjacent surface.
1.3 The fence should be strong enough to offer resistance should a
blind person walk into it.
1.4 Gaps should not occur between adjoining fence lengths.
- COVERS FOR EXCAVATIONS
2.1 Excavations in the footway or carriageway where pedestrians may
walk are covered over temporarily with properly constructed and supported
boards to provide a temporary path for pedestrians.
2.2 If the footway width will be reduced to less than 1.20 because
of the excavation, the temporary covering should extend across the
whole of the footway.
2.3 Minimum dimensions at obstructions
- 2.3.1 Effective width of footways past any obstruction should
not be less than 1.20 M.
- 2.3.2 If unavoidable, loose materials temporarily stored on
footways must be properly fenced and prevented from encroaching
onto the main footway by the use of a kickboard at least 0.20
M. high which will also serve as a tapping board for the blind.
- SIGNAGE FOR ROADWORKS ON THE CARRIAGEWAY
3.1 Temporary signs used to warn of roadworks should be carefully
located and should not cause any inconveniences to pedestrians, particularly
the disabled.
- 3.1.1 Signs should be located on verges or similar whenever
these are available.
- 3.1.2 Signs should not reduce the available footway width to
less than 1.20 M.
- LOCATION OF EMERGENCY EXIT
4.1 Wall mounted or free standing tablets with an embossed plan configuration
of the building which also shows the location of the lobby, washrooms
and emergency exits of the building (indicated by different textures
with corresponding meanings) should be provided either in front of
the building or at the main lobby. The markings of this tablet should
be readable by both the fully sighted and the blind persons.
4.2 Flashing light directional signs indicating the location(s) of
fire exit shall be provided at every change in direction with sufficient
power provided in accordance with the provisions for emergency lighting
under Section 3.410 of P.D. NO. 1185 (The Fire Code of the Philippines).
- AUDIBLE AND VISIBLE ALARM SYSTEM
5.1 Audio-visual alarm systems shall be provided in all fire sections,
as defined under P.D. NO. 1185 otherwise known as The Fire Code of
the Philippines, of buildings in accordance with the guidelines provided
under Section 3.503 of the same.
5.2 For buildings of residential occupancies, i.e. Groups A and B,
as defined under Section 701, of Chapter 7 of P.D. NO. 1096 otherwise
known as the "The National Building Code of the Philippines", the
provision of "VIBRA-ALARMS" for all occupants who are either deaf
or hearing-impaired shall be compulsory.
ILLUSTRATIONS FOR
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
A. OUTSIDE AND AROUND BUILDINGS
- DROPPED
CURBS
- 1.1 Changes in level at walkways should be effected by slight
ramps and dropped curbs;
- 1.2 Dropped curbs should be provided at pedestrian crossings
and at the end of footpaths of a private street or access road;
- 1.3 Dropped curbs crossings should have a length corresponding
to the width of the crossing; otherwise, the minimum width should
be 0.90 m.
- 1.4 Dropped curbs shall be ramped towards adjoining curbs with
a gradient not more than 1:12;
- 1.5 Dropped curbs shall be sloped towards the road with a maximum
cross gradient of 1:20 to prevent water from collecting at the
walkway;
- 1.6 The lowest point of a dropped curb should not exceed 25
mm height above the road or gutter;
- CURB
CUT-OUTS
- 2.1 Curb cut-outs should only be allowed when it will not obstruct
a walkway or in any way lessen the width of a walkway;
- 2.2 The minimum width of a curb cut-out should be 0.90 m.;
- 2.3 Curb cut-outs should not have a gradient not more than 1:12;
- WALKWAYS
- 3.1 Walkways should be kept as level as possible and provided
with slip-resistant material;
- 3.2 Whenever and wherever possible walkways should have a gradient
no more than 1:20 or 5%
- 3.3 Walkways should have a maximum cross gradient of 1:100;
- 3.4 Walkways should have a minimum width of 1.20 meters;
- 3.5 If possible, gratings should never be located along walkways;
when occuring along walkways, grating openings should have a maximum
dimension of 13 mm x 13 mm and shall not project more than 6.5mm
above or below the level of the walkways;
- 3.6 Walkways should have a continuing surface without abrupt
pitches in angle or interruptions by cracks or breaks creating
edges above 6.5 mm;
- 3.7 In lengthy or busy walkways, spaces should be provided at
some point along the route so that a wheelchair may pass another
or turn around; these spaces should have a minimum dimension of
1.5 meters and should be spaced at a maximum distance of 12.00
meters between stops;
- 3.8 To guide the blind, walkways should as much as possible
follow straight forward routes with right angle turns;
- 3.9 Where planting is provided adjacent to the walkway, regular
maintenance is essential to ensure branches of trees or shrubs
do not overhang walkways or paths, as they do not only present
a particular danger to the blind, but they also reduce the effective
footway width available to pedestrians;
- 3.10 Walkway headroom should be less than 2.00 m and should
preferably be higher;
- 3.11 Passageways for the disabled should not be obstructed by
street furniture, bollards, sign posts or columns along the defined
route, as they can be hazardous;
- HANDRAILS
- 4.1 Handrails should be installed at both sides of ramps ad
stairs and at the outer edges of dropped curbs at crossings; handrails
should not be installed beyond the width of any crossing so as
not to obstruct pedestrian flow;
- 4.2 Handrails shall be installed at 0.90 m and 0.70 m above
steps or ramps; handrails for protection at great heights may
be installed at 1.00 m to 1.06 m;
- 4.3 A 0.30 m long extension of the handrail should be provided
at the start and end of ramps and stairs;
- 4.4 Handrails that require full grip should have a dimension
of 30 cm to 50 cm;
- 4.5 Handrails attached to walls should have a clearance no less
than 50 mm from the wall; handrails on ledges should have a clearance
not less than 40 mm;
- OPEN
SPACES
- 5.1 Where open spaces are provided, the blind can become particularly
disoriented. Therefore, it is extremely helpful if any walkway
or paths can be given defined edges either by the use of planters
with dwarf wall, or a grass verge, or similar, which provides
a texture different from the path.
- SIGNAGES
- 6.1 Directional and informational sign should be located at
points conveniently seen even by a person on a wheelchair.;
- 6.2 Signs should be kept simple and easy to understand; signages
should be made of contrasting colors and gray values to make detection
and reading easy;
- 6.3 The international symbol for access should be used to designate
routes and facilities that are accessible;
-
Sign |
Size (cm) |
Usage |
A |
10 x 10 |
Comfort room stall doors |
A,B,C,D |
15 x 15 |
With or without directional arrows to identify
doors, rooms |
A,B,C |
22 x 22 |
With or without arrows |
A,B,C,D,E |
30 x 30 |
For exterior use |
A,B,C,D,E |
60 x 60 |
For exterior use |
F |
20 x 60 |
For exterior use |
- 6.4 Should a sign protrude into a walkway or route, a minimum
headroom of 2.00 meters should be provided; See Fig.
- 6.5 Signs on walls and doors should be located at a maximum
height of 1.60 meters and a minimum height of 1.40 meters;
- 6.6 Signages labeling public rooms and places should have raised
symbols, letters or numbers with a minimum height of 1 mm; Braille
symbols should be included in signs indicating public places and
safety routes;
- 6.7 Text on signboards shall be of a dimension that people with
less than normal visual acuity can read at a certain distance.
- CROSSINGS
- 7.1 In order to reduce the exposure time to vehicular traffic,
all at grade crossing should;
- 7.1.1 be as perpendicular as possible to the carriageway;
- 7.1.2 be located at the narrowest, most convenient part
of the carriageway;
- 7.1.3 have central refuges of at least 1.50 m in depth and
preferably 2.00 m, provided as a mid-crossing shelter, where
the width of carriageway to be crossed exceeds 10.00 m;
- 7.2 All crossing should be located close if not contiguous with
the normal pedestrian desire line;
- 7.3 Provide tactile blocks in the immediate vicinity of crossings
as an aid to the blind; the tactile surface should be high enough
to be felt by the sole of the shoe but low enough so as not to
cause pedestrians to trip or to affect the mobility of wheelchair
users;
NOTE: tactile strips formed from brushed or grooved concrete have
not proved successful as they do not provide sufficient distinction
from the normal footway surface and therefore should not be used;
- 7.4 Light controlled crossings with pedestrian phases and audible
signals are most beneficial to the disabled; they should be provided
wherever possible;
- 7.5 The audible signals used for crossings should be easily
distinguishable from other sounds in the environment to prevent
confusion to the blind; a prolonged sound could serve as warning
signal that the crossing time is about to end;
- 7.6 Sufficient time should be allowed for the slower persons
negotiating a crossing; a walking speed of 0.90 m/sec. rather
than 1.20 m/sec. should be considered; a minimum crossing period
of 6.0 seconds or the crossing distance times the crossing speed
(0.90 m/sec.), whichever is greater;
B. PARKING
-
PARKING AREAS
- 1.1 Parking spaces for the disabled should allow enough space
for a person to transfer to a wheelchair from a vehicle;
- 1.2 Accessible parking spaces should be located as close as
possible to building entrances or to accessible entrances;
- 1.3 Whenever and wherever possible, accessible parking spaces
should be perpendicular or at an angle to the road or circulation
aisles;
- 1.4 Accessible parking slots should have a minimum width of
3.70 m.;
- 1.5 A walkway from accessible spaces of 1.20 m. clear width
shall be provided between the front ends of parked cars;
- 1.6 Provide dropped curbs or curb cut-outs to the parking level
where access walkways are raised;
- 1.7 Pavement markings, signs or other means shall be provided
to delineate parking spaces for the handicapped;
- 1.8 Parking spaces for the disabled should never be located
at ramped or sloping areas;
C. INSIDE BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
- ENTRANCES
- 1.1 At least one entrance to every building should be accessible
from arrival and departure points to the interior lobby;
- 1.2 One (1) entrance level should be provided where elevators
are accessible;
- 1.3 In case entrances are not on the same level of the site
arrival grade, ramps should be provided as access to the entrance
level;
- 1.4 Entrances with vestibules shall be provided a level area
with at least a 1.80 m. depth and a 1.50 m. width;
- RAMPS
- 2.1 Changes in level require a ramp except when served by a
dropped curb, an elevator or other mechanical device;
- 2.2 Ramps shall have a minimum clear width of 1.20 m;
- 2.3 The maximum gradient shall be 1:12;
- 2.4 The length of a ramp should not exceed 6.00 m. if the gradient
is 1:12; longer ramps whose gradient is 1:12 shall be provided
with landings not less than 1.50 m.;
- 2.5 A level area not less than 1.80 m. should be provided at
the top and bottom of any ramp;
- 2.6 Handrails will be provided on both sides of the ramp at
0.70 m. and 0.90 m. from the ramp level;
- 2.7 Ramps shall be equipped with curbs on both sides with a
minimum height of 0.10 m.;
- 2.8 Any ramp with a rise greater than 0.20 m. and leads down
towards an area where vehicular traffic is possible, should have
a railing across the full width of its lower end, not less than
1.50 meters from the foot of the ramp;
- DOORS
- 3.1 All doors shall have a minimum clear width of 0.80 m;
- 3.2 Clear openings shall be measured between the surface of
the fully open door at the hinge and the door jamb at the stop;
- 3.3 Doors should be operable by a pressure or force not more
than 4.0 kg; the closing device pressure an interior door shall
not exceed 1 kg;
- 3.4 A minimum clear level space of 1.50 m x 1.50 m shall be
provided before and extending beyond a door;
EXCEPTION: where a door shall open onto but not into a corridor,
the required clear, level space on the corridor side of the door
may be a minimum of 1.20 m corridor width;
- 3.5 Protection should be provided from doors that swing into
corridors;
- 3.6 Outswinging doors should be provided at storage rooms, closets
and accessible restroom stalls;
- 3.7 Latching or non-latching, hardware should not require wrist
action or fine finger manipulation;
- 3.8 Doorknobs and other hardware should be located between 0.82
m. and 106 m. above the floor; 0.90 is preferred;
- 3.9 Vertical pull handles, centered at 1.06 m. above the floor,
are preferred to horizontal pull bars for swing doors or doors
with locking devices;
- 3.10 Doors along major circulation routes should be provided
with kick plates made of durable material at a height of 0.30
m to 0.40 m;
- THRESHOLDS
- 4.1 Thresholds shall be kept to a minimum; whenever necessary,
thresholds and sliding door tracks shall have a maximum height
of 25 mm and preferably ramped;
- SWITCHES
- 5.1 Manual switches shall be positioned within 1.20 m to 1.30
m above the floor;
- 5.2 Manual switches should be located no further than 0.20 from
the latch side of the door;
- SIGNAGES
- 6.1 (See "SIGNAGES" under OUTSIDE & AROUND BUILDINGS.)
- CORRIDORS
- 7.1 Corridors shall have a minimum clear width of 1.20 m.; waiting
areas and other facilities or spaces shall not obstruct the minimum
clearance requirement;
- 7.2 Recesses or turnabout spaces should be provided for wheelchairs
to turn around or to enable another wheelchair to pass; these
spaces shall have a minimum area of 1.50 m x 1.50 m. and shall
be spaced at a maximum of 12.00 m.;
- 7.3 Turnabout spaces should also be provided at or within 3.50
m. of every dead end;
- 7.4 As in walkways, corridors should be maintained level and
provided with a slip-resistant surface;
- WASHROOMS
& TOILETS
- 8.1 Accessible public washrooms and toilets shall permit easy
passage of a wheelchair and allow the occupant to enter a stall,
close the door and transfer to the water closet from either a
frontal or lateral position;
- 8.2 Accessible water closet stalls shall have a minimum area
of 1.70 x 1.80 mts. One movable grab bar and one fixed to the
adjacent wall shall be installed at the accessible water closet
stall for lateral mounting; fixed grab bars on both sides of the
wall shall be installed for stalls for frontal mounting;
- 8.3 A turning space of 2.25 sq. m. with a minimum dimension
of 1.50 m. for wheelchairs shall be provided outside water closet
stalls;
- 8.4 All accessible public toilets shall have accessories such
as mirrors, paper dispensers, towel racks, and fittings such as
faucets mounted at heights reachable by a person in a wheelchair;
- 8.5 The minimum number of accessible water closets on each floor
level or on that part of a floor level accessible to the disabled
shall be one (1) where the total number of water closets per sex
on that level is 20; and two (2) where the number of water closets
exceed 20;
- 8.6 In order to aid visually impaired persons to readily determine
whether a washroom is for men or for women, the signage on men's
washroom door shall be an equilateral triangle with a vertex pointing
upward, and those for women shall be a circle; the edges of the
triangle should be 0.30 m long as should be the diameter of the
circle; these signages should at least be 7.5 mm thick; the color
and gray value of these geometric forms should be distinct from
the color and gray value of the doors; the words "men" and "women"
or the appropriate stick figures should still appear on the washroom
doors for the convenience of the fully sighted;
NOTE: the totally blind could touch the edge of signs and easily
determine whether it is straight or curved;
- 8.7 The maximum height of water closets should be 0.45 m; flush
control should gave a maximum height of 1.2 m.;
- 8.8 Maximum height of lavatories should be 0.80 m with a knee
recess of 0.60 - 0.70 m vertical clearance and a 0.50 m depth;
- 8.9 Urials should have an elongated lip or should be trough-type;
the maximum height of the lip should be 0.48 m;
- STAIRS
- 9.1 Tread surfaces should be of a slip-resistant material; nosings
should be provided with slip-resistant strips to further minimize
slipping;
- 9.2 Slanted nosings are preferred to protruding nosings so as
not to impose difficulty for people using crutches or braces whose
feet have a tendency to get caught in the recessed space of protruding
nosings; for the same reason, open stringers should be avoided;
- 9.3 The leading edge of each step of both runner and riser should
be marked with a paint or non-skid material that has a color or
gray value which is in high contrast to the gray value of the
rest of the stairs; markings of this sort would be helpful to
the visually impaired as well as to the fully sighted person;
- 9.4 A tactile strip 0.30 m. wide shall be installed before hazardous
areas such as sudden changes in floor levels and at the top and
bottom of stairs; special care must be taken to insure the proper
mounting or adhesion of tactile strips so as not to cause accidients;
- ELEVATORS
- 10.1 Accessible elevators should be located not more than 30.00
m. from the entrance and should be easy to locate with the aid
of signs;
- 10.2 Accessible elevators shall have a minimum dimension of
1.10 m. x 1.40 m.;
- 10.3 Control panels and emergency systems of accessible elevators
shall be within reach of a seated person; centerline heights for
the topmost buttons shall be between 0.90 m. to 1.20 m. from the
floor;
- 10.4 Button controls shall be provided with braille signs to
indicate floor level; at each floor, at the door frames of elevator
doors, braille-type signs shall be placed so that blind persons
can be able to discern what floor the elevator car has stopped
and from what level they are embarking from; for installation
heights, see Section 6.6 Signages;
- 10.5 Button sizes at elevator control panels shall have a minimum
diameter of 20 mm. and should have a maximum depression depth
of 1 mm.;
- WATER FOUNTAINS
- 11.1 At least one (1) fountain shall be provided for every 2,000
sq. m. of floor area and there shall not be less than one (1)
on each floor. Water spouts shall be at the front and shall be
push-button controlled. If wall-mounted, the maximum height of
the water fountain shall be 0.85 m. from the floor to the rim.
Should the floor-mounted type be higher than 0.85 m. up to the
rim, either provide paper cups or another lower fountain.
- PUBLIC
TELEPHONES
- 12.1 Provide a clear, unobstructed space of 1.50 m . x 1.50
m. in front of wall-mounted and free-standing units and telephones
mounted at the rear wall of alcoves or recesses.
- 12.2 Telephone booth door openings should have a minimum clear
width of 0.80 m. with either outswing, folding or sliding doors,
coin slots, dialing controls, receivers and instructional signs
shall be located at a maximum of 1.10 m. above the floor.
- PLACES
OF ASSEMBLY
- 13.1 Number of seating accommodations reserved for wheelchair
users shall be in accordance with Section 7 of Rule III.
D. SAFETY
- FENCING
FOR ROADWORKS AND FOOTWORKS
All excavations, whether on the road or footway must be adequately
protected or fenced-in to protect pedestrians in general and the disabled
in particular. Whatever the type of fencing used, it is important
that the railings should incorporate the following features;
- 1.1 The height of the top of the rail should be at least 1.00
m. above the adjacent surface;
- 1.2 The railing should incorporate a tapping rail to assist
the blind; this should not be greater than 0.35 m. above the adjacent
surface;
- 1.3 The fence should be strong enough to offer resistance should
a blind person walk into it;
- 1.4 Gaps should not occur between adjoining fence lengths;
- COVERS
FOR EXCAVATIONS
- 2.1 Excavations in the footway or carriageway where pedestrians
may walk should be covered temporarily with properly constructed
and supported boards to provide path for pedestrians;
- 2.2 If the footway width will be reduced to less than 1.20 m.
because of the excavation, the temporary covering should extend
across the whole footway;
- 2.3 Minimum dimensions at obstructions
- 2.3.1 Effective width of footways past any obstruction should
not be less than 1.20 m.
- 2.3.2 If unavoidable, loose materials temporarily stored
on footways must be properly fenced and prevented from encroaching
onto the main footway by the use of a kickboard at least 0.20
m. high which may also serve as tapping board for the blind;
- SIGNAGE
FOR ROADWORKS ON THE CARRIAGEWAY
- 3.1 Temporary signs used to warn of roadworks should be carefully
located and should not cause any inconvenience to pedestrians,
particularly the disabled;
- 3.1.1 Signs should be located on verges or similar whenever
these are available;
- 3.1.2 Signs should not reduce the available foorway width
to less than 1.20 m.;
- LOCATION
OF EMERGENCY EXITS
- 4.1 Wall mounted or free standing tablets with an embossed plan
configuration of the building which would also indicate locations
of lobbies, washrooms and emergency exits (through the use of
different textures to symbolize the spaces) should be provided
at the main lobby of each floor or other strategic locations;
the markings on this tablet should be readable by both the blind
and the fully sighted;
- 4.2 Flashing light directional signs indicating the location(s)
of fire exits shall be provided at every change in direction with
sufficient power provided in accordance with the provisions for
emergency lighting under Section 3.410 of P.D. 1185 (The Fire
Code of the Philippines);
The Original
IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS
OF
BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 344
(Accessibility Law)
"An Act To Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons by Requiring Certain
Buildings, Institutions, Establishments, and Other Public Utilities
To Install Facilities and Other Devices."
Jointly Promulgated by:
The Ministry of Public Works and Highways
Port Area, Manila
The Ministry of Transportation and Communications
Pasig, Metro Manila
In coordination with:
The National Commission Concerning Disabled Persons
Diliman, Quezon City
RULE I - SCOPE AND APPLICATION
- Purpose:
The Rules and Regulations set forth herein provide for minimum requirements
and standards to make buildings, facilities and utilities for public
use accessible to disabled persons, pursuant to the objectives of
Batas Pambansa Bilang 344, "An Act To Enhance the Mobility of Disabled
Persons by Requiring Certain Buildings, Institutions, Establishments
and Public Utilities To Install Facilities and Other Devices."
- Definition of Terms:
For the purpose of these Rules and Regulations, the words, terms and
phrases enumerated in Annex
"A" hereof shall have the meaning as provided therein.
- Scope:
The provisions of these Rules and Regulations shall apply to the following
3.1 Public and private buildings and related structures for public
use and which shall be constructed, repaired or renovated.
3.2 Streets and highways and public utilities
- 3.2.1 Streets and highways
- 3.2.2 Public transport vehicles which shall include:
- Passenger buses
- Passenger trains, including those of the Light Rail Transit
Authority (LRTA)
- Passenger boats and ships
- Passenger airplanes
- 3.2.3 Public Telephones
3.3 Public transport terminals including those of LRTA
- Application:
4.1 Public and private buildings and related structures for public
use. No permit for the construction, repair or renovation of public
and private buildings and related structures for public use, whether
owned or leased, shall be granted or issued, unless the owner thereof
shall have provided in the places and specifications submitted for
approval barrier-free facilities and accessibility features as provided
in these Rules and in accordance with the following criteria:
- 4.1.1 Buildings and related structures to be constructed
- At the space where the primary function is served
and where facilities and ingress/egress of the building or
structure are located, as to make such space accessible to
the disabled persons; provided, however, that where the primary
function can be served at the ingress level and where such
level is provided with facilities, requirements for accessibility
at other levels may be waived.
- Ten percent (10%) of the total number of units of government-owned
living accommodations shall be accessible and fully usable
by the disabled persons with any fractional part in excess
of one-half (1/2) in the computation thereof, to be considered
as one unit; for privately-owned living accommodations the
number of accessible units shall be as provided in Section
3 of Rule II hereof.
- Ingress/egress from the street to the building or structure
shall be made accessible.
- Accessible slots in parking areas shall be located as near
as possible to ingress/egress spaces of the building or structure.
- 4.1.2 Buildings and related structures to be repaired or renovated
including those proposed for a change of occupancy If feasible,
barrier-free facilities and accessibility features shall be provided
in accordance with the requirements under Sub-section 4.1.1 (a),
(c) and (d): feasibility of incorporation of barrier-free facilities
and accessibility features shall be determined from all the following
conditions:
- When the repair or renovation work is to be done
in the space where the primary function is served;
- When the facilities can be made accessible at any other
level which is accessible by means of an elevator with a minimum
width of 800 mm;
- When the space alloted for the primary function will not
be diminished by more than ten percent (10%) of its original
area;
- When the capacity of strength of any major structural component,
such as slabs, beams, guiders, columns, bearing walls and
footings of the building or structure will not be diminished;
- When the cost (exclusive of the exception provided below)
of such repair or renovation work is in excess of twenty percent
(20%) of the total cost of the building or structure, based
upon the computation of permit fees as provided under Rule
III of the Implementing Rules and Regulations promulgated
pursuant to P.D. 1096 entitled: "The National Building Code
of the Philippines";
- When there is no legal constraint which would not allow
compliance with these regulations:
EXCEPTION: Repair or renovation work which consists only of heating,
ventilating and airconditioning systems, including those which
may be required only with respect to fire panic and explosion
safety for existing spaces, shall not be subject to the requirements
for barrier-free facilities and accessibility features.
- 4.1.3 Buildings and related structures to be repaired or renovated
including those proposed for a Change of Occupancy, and for which
permits had already been issued prior to the date of effectivity
of these Rules-
The provision of Sub-Section 4.1.2 shall apply provided that
- Fifty percent (50%) or more of the total area of
the building or related structure is for public use; and
- The repair or renovation work has not been commenced within
six (6) months from the date of effectivity of these Rules.
- 4.1.4 Buildings and related structures to be constructed and
for which permits had already been issued prior to the date of
the effectivity of these Rules The provision of Sub-section 4.1.1
(a,c, and d) shall apply, provided that
- Fifty percent (50%) or more of the total area of
the building or related structure is for public use; and
- The construction work has not been commenced within six
(6) months from the date of effectivity of these Rules.
EXCEPTION: Government buildings and related structures for public
use and for which permits have already been issued prior to the
effectivity of these Rules, shall be provided with architectural
facilities or structural features for disabled persons if construction
work has not been commenced within six (6) months from the date
of effectivity of these Rules.
- 4.2.1 Streets and highways to be constructed
Streets and highways shall be provided with the following barrier-free
facilities and accessibility features at every pedestrian crossing,
and as provided in Section 2.17 of Rule II:
- Cut-out curbs and accessible ramps at the sidewalks.
- Audio-visual aids for crossing
EXCEPTION: Requirements for accessibility at pedestrian grade
separations or overpasses and underpasses may be waived.
- 4.2.2 Existing streets and highways to be repaired and renovated
The accessibility requirements under Sub-section 4.2.1 shall be
provided where the portion of existing streets and highways to
be repaired or renovated includes part or the entire pedestrian
crossing.
- 4.2.3 Transport vehicles for public use
- No license or franchise for the operation of public
buses, passenger boats, ships and domestic airplanes shall
be granted or issued unless the owner or operator thereof
shall have provided and designated the number of seats and
shall have placed audio-visual aids required by Sections 5
& 8 of Rule IV for the disabled persons.
- Government instrumentalities operating passenger trains
including the Light Rail Transit Authority shall have provided
the number of seats for disabled persons required, by Section
5 of Rule IV.
- Government instrumentalities operating passenger airplanes
shall provide and designate the number of seats for disabled
persons and shall likewise place the audio-visual aids required
by Section 5 of Rule IV.
- 4.2.4 Existing Public Transport Vehicles
The minimum accessibility requirements in Section 6.0 of Rule
IV shall apply to all existing units of public transport vehicles,
and including those units which are to be repaired and renovated.
- 4.2.5 Public Telephones
At least one unit of public telephones for every five (5) units
shall be accessible to disabled persons and shall be provided
with visual aids required under Section 2.14 of Rule II, provided
that if only one (1) public telephone is to be installed in a
particular place the same shall be accessible to disabled persons.
- 4.2.6 Public Transport Terminals
The criteria and accessibility requirements, provided for public
and private buildings and related structures for public use under
Sub-section 4.1 shall apply to public transport terminals.
- Special Standards of Accessibility:
Where the requirements for accessibility in the Rules will create
an unreasonable hardship in design/construction, special standards
of accessibility through the use of other methods and/or materials
shall be allowed if equivalent or better facilities can be provided.
RULE II - MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESSIBILITY
- Design Criteria:
1.1 CATEGORIES OF DISABLED PERSONS. The categories of disability dictate
the varied measures to be adopted in order to create an accessible
environment for the handicapped. Disabled persons under these Rules
may be classified into those who have:
- 1.1.1 Impairments requiring confinement to wheelchairs; or
- 1.1.2 Impairments causing difficulty or insecurity in walking
or climbing stairs or requiring the use of braces, crutches or
other artificial supports; or impairments caused by amputation,
arthritis, spastic conditions or pulmonary, cardiac or other ills
rendering individuals semi-ambulatory; or
- 1.1.3 Total or partial impairments of hearing or sight causing
insecurity or likelihood of exposure to danger in public places;
or
- 1.1.4 Impairments due to conditions of aging and incoordination;
1.2 ANTHROPOMETRICS AND DIMENSIONAL DATA AS GUIDES FOR DESIGN. The
minimum and maximum dimensions for spaces in the built environment
should consider the following criteria:
- 1.2.1 The varying sizes and statures of persons of both sexes,
their reaches and their lines of sight at both the standing and
sitting positions.
- 1.2.2 The dimensional data of the technical aids of disabled
persons.
Included in the second consideration are the dimensions of wheelchairs;
the minimum space needed for locking and unlocking leg braces
plus the range of distance of crutches and other walking aids
from persons using such devices.
By applying at this very early stage dimensional criteria which
take into account wheelchair usage, the physical environment will
ultimately encourage and enable wheelchair users to make full
use of their physical surroundings.
- 1.2.3 The provision of adequate space for wheelchair maneuvering
generally insures adequate space for disabled persons equipped
with other technical aids or accompanied by assistants. In determining
the minimum dimensions for furniture and fixtures accessible to
disabled persons, the following anthropometric data shall serve
as guides for design:
- The length of wheelchairs varies from 1.10 m to 1.30 m.
- The width of wheelchairs is from 0.60 m to 0.75 m.
- A circle of 1.50 m in diameter is a suitable guide in the
planning of wheelchair turning spaces.
- The comfortable reach of persons confined to wheelchairs
is from 0.70 m to 1.20 m above the floor and not less than
0.40 m from room corners. The comfortable clearance for knee
and leg space under tables for wheelchair users is 0.74 m.
- Counter heights shall be placed at a level comfortable
to disabled persons reach.
- Refer to Annex
B-2 to B-6, Figs. 2 to 8.
1.3 BASIC PHYSICAL PLANNING REQUIREMENTS
No group of people shall be deprived of full participation and enjoyment
of the environment or be made unequal with the rest due to any disability.
In order to achieve this goal adopted by the United Nations, certain
basic principles shall be applied:
- 1.3.1 ACCESSIBILITY. The built environment shall be designed
so that it shall be accessible to all people. This means that
no criteria shall impede the use of facilities by either the handicapped
or non-disabled citizens.
- 1.3.2 REACHABILITY. Provisions shall be adapted and introduced
to the physical environment so that as many places or buildings
as possible can be reached by all.
- 1.3.3 USABILITY. The built environment shall be designed so
that all persons, whether they be disabled or not, may use and
enjoy it.
- 1.3.4 ORIENTATION. Finding a person's way inside and outside
of a building or open space shall be made easy for everyone.
- 1.3.5 SAFETY. Designing for safety insures that people shall
be able to move about with less hazards to life and health.
- 1.3.6 WORKABILITY AND EFFICIENCY. The built environment shall
be designed to allow the disabled citizens to participate and
contribute to developmental goals.
- Design Elements
2.1 GRAPHICS SIGNS. The International Symbol of Access shall be placed
where accessibility for disabled persons is provided for. See Annex
B-1 Fig. 1.
The Symbol is white in color with either a dark blue or black background.
The following signs shall be placed at entrances and exits, toilets
and washrooms and outside accessible buildings.
Sign |
Size (cm) |
Usage |
A |
10 x 10 |
For use in comfort room stall doors |
A, B, C, D, F |
15 x 15 |
For use with or without directional arrows to
identify door rooms |
A, B, C, D, F |
22 x 22 |
For use with or without arrows |
A, B, C, D, E, F |
30 x 30 |
For exterior use |
A, B, C, D, E, F |
60 x 60 |
For exterior use |
Signposts shall also identify rooms of importance to the handicapped
such as in hotel rooms and give the necessary warnings in cases like
projecting objects.
Rectangular signboards shall indicate warnings and circular ones shall
spell out prohibitions.
Text on signboards shall be of a dimension that people with less than
normal visual acuity can read at certain distance. Refer to Annex
B-7, Fig. 9 for the relationship of text size of reading distance.
The vertical components of letters shall have a thickness of 1/5 of
the letter height.
Letters and symbols shall either be raised at least 1 mm from the
background or engraved in order that persons with seeing difficulties
can read information using their fingertips. See Annex
B-7, Fig. 10. Letter sizes shall be at least 15 mm in height to
facilitate tactile reading. Signs in braille shall allow the blind
to read vital available information.
Signs shall be located at a maximum of 1.60 m. from the floor and
minimum of 1.40 m. from the floor. See Annex
B-8, Fig. 11.
2.2 WALKWAYS. The functional requirements of walkways is to provide
a hard, even and non-skid surfaced route with a required minimum width
of 1.20 m to permit a person in wheelchair to traverse it with safety.
In lengthy or busy walkways, they shall be so constructed that at
some point along the route, space is provided for a wheelchair to
be turned around or to pass another.
Limit the maximum dimension of turn-about spaces to 1.50 m and the
maximum distances between rest stops at 3.00 m.
2.3 WIDTH OF CORRIDORS. Corridors shall have a minimum width of 1.20
m to permit a person in a wheelchair to traverse it while avoiding
conflict with the swing of doors and to permit passage of one wheelchair
alongside another person. In addition, recesses or turn-about spaces
shall be provided where wheelchairs can go into or turn around or
to enable another wheelchair user to pass. See Annex
B-9, Fig. 12.
2.4 DOORS AND ENTRANCES. At least one (1) entrance to every building
used by the public shall be at ground level or ramped to provide access
to persons in wheelchairs. Entrances with vestibules shall be provided
with at least a 3.00 m depth to allow a disabled person to open the
door and allow his wheelchair to pass through easily. See Annex
B-9, Fig. 13.
A 1.50 m minimum level area shall be provided at the opening sides
of doors to prevent the wheelchair from rolling while the disabled
person attends to the door. See Annex
B-11, Fig. 17. Doors placed in or close to the corner of an area
shall be hung with the hinges nearest the corner with a 50 mm clearance
from jamb to wall. See Annex
B-10, Fig. 14.
Entrance doors shall have a structural opening of 1.00 m and a minimum
clear opening of 0.80 m for easy access. See Annex
B-10, Fig. 15.
Doors shall be designed to open easily and operable by a single effort
requiring less than 4.0 kg. of force.
2.5 WASHROOMS AND TOILETS. Accessible public washrooms and toilets
shall permit easy passage of a wheelchair and allow the occupant to
enter a stall, close the door, and transfer to the water closet from
either a frontal or lateral position. One (1) movable grab bar and
one fixed to the adjacent wall shall be installed and a turning-space
of 2.25 sq. m. with a minimum dimension of 1.50 m for wheelchairs
shall be provided. See Annex
B-13, Fig. 19. All accessible public toilet accessories, fittings,
and plumbing fixtures such as mirrors, tissue dispensers, towel racks,
faucets and the like shall be mounted at heights usable by persons
in wheelchairs. See Annex
B-16, Fig. 24.
An audio visual alarm system shall be provided for all accessible
washrooms and toilets.
2.6 ELEVATORS. Accessible elevators shall have a minimum dimension
of 1.10 m x 1.40 m. See Annex
B-17, Fig. 25. Elevator doors shall have a minimum width of 0.80
m.
The control panels and emergency systems of accessible elevators shall
be within reach of a seated person. Centerline heights for the topmost
buttons shall lie between 0.90 m 1.20 m from the floor. See Annex
B-17, Fig. 26.
Button controls inside elevator cars shall be provided with braille
signs to indicate floor levels. At each floor, at the door frames
of elevator doors, braille-type signs shall be placed so that blind
persons can be able to feel at what floor the elevator car has stopped
and at what floor level they are starting from. See Section 2.1 of
this Rule for installation heights.
2.7 GRADIENT OF RAMP. Ramps shall be placed where they will not pose
as safety hazards. The slope of a ramp shall not exceed 1:12.
The length of ramps shall not exceed 6.0 m if the gradient is 1:12.
When longer ramps are required, they shall be separated by landings
with a minimum length of 1.50 m. See Annex
B-19, Fig. 29.
A level area of not less than 1.80 m shall be provided at the top
and bottom of any ramp. Ramps shall be equipped with curbs of about
50 mm high on exposed edges and provided with handrails on both sides
at 0.70 m and 0.90 m from the floor. See Annex
B-19, Fig. 30.
2.8 PARKING AREAS. Parking spaces reserved for handicapped drivers
and passengers shall allow sufficient clear space between parked cars
to allow them to transfer to a wheelchair. Special parking spaces
for disabled persons shall be located as close as possible, if not
adjacent to building entrances and other public facilities. Parking
slot widths shall be 3.70 m. See Annex
B-20, Fig. 31.
2.9 HEIGHT ABOVE THE FLOOR OF SWITCHES AND CONTROLS. Control panels,
emergency systems, electric switches, door and window hardware that
must be manipulated by hand shall be placed so that they are within
reach of a person seated on a wheelchair. Centerline heights of the
topmost control buttons or switches shall be from 0.90 m to 1.20 m
from the floor. Hardware shall be selected for easy use by handicapped
persons. See Annex
B-20, Fig. 32.
2.10 HANDRAILS. Handrails shall be provided at both sides of ramps,
stairs and walls. They shall be securely fitted to the walls or floors
and their ends shall turn in towards the walls at both ends. A 0.30
m long extension of the handrails shall be provided from the start
and end or ramps and stairs. See
Annex B-21, Fig. 33.
Handrail dimensions and clearances are shown in Annex
B-22, Fig. 34.
2.11 THRESHOLDS. The use of thresholds shall be minimized throughout
buildings. Where they are essential, the maximum height shall be 2.5
mm (1") to allow passage of a wheelchair. See Annex
B-22, Fig. 35.
2.12 FLOORS. Floor surfaces shall be of a non-skid material and of
a texture to minimize resistance to the movement of a wheelchair.
2.13 WATER FOUNTAINS. At least one (1) fountain shall be provided
for every 2,000 sq. m. of floor area and there shall not be less than
one (1) on each floor. Water spouts shall be at the front and shall
be pushbutton controlled. If wall-mounted, the maximum height of the
water fountain shall be 0.85 m from the floor to the rim. Should the
floor mounted type be higher than 0.85 m up to the rim, either provide
paper cups or another lower fountain.
2.14 PUBLIC TELEPHONES. Provide a clear unobstructed space of 1.50
m x 1.50 m in front of wall-mounted or free-standing units and telephones
mounted at the rear wall of alcoves or recesses. See under Section
2.3 illustration.
Telephone booth door openings shall have a minimum clear width of
0.80 m with either outswing, folding or sliding doors. Coin slots,
dialing controls, receivers and instructional signs shall be located
at a maximum of 1.10 m above the floor. See Annex
B-23, Fig. 36.
2.15 STAIRS. Tread surfaces shall be of a non-slip material. Carpets
for carpetted stairs shall be securely fixed.
Railings shall be provided at both sides of the stairs. For details
of railings and handrails, see Annex
B-21, Fig. 33 and Annex
B-22, Fig. 34.
2.16 PLACES OF ASSEMBLY. Number of seating accommodations reserved
for wheelchair users shall be in accordance with Section 7 of Rule
III. Minimum dimensions shall conform with those shown in Annex
B-24, Fig. 37.
2.17 EXTERIOR REQUIREMENTS. Curb cut-outs which do not protrude into
the streets shall be provided at pedestrian crossings for wheelchair
users. Round buttons of 25-27 mm diameter shall be provided at the
edges of pedestrian crossings for persons with totally impaired vision.
Painted lanes on pedestrian crossings shall be provided for those
with poor vision. See Annex
B-25 to 27, Figs. 38 to 41.
Provided at intersections with heavy pedestrian trafic of major thoroughfares.
Gratings on pavements or expansion joints shall have openings not
greater than 1.25 cm. See Annex
B-28, Fig. 42 and 43.
RULE III - SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDINGS
AND RELATED STRUCTURES FOR PUBLIC USE
- Classification of Buildings By Use of Occupancy:
1.1 Occupancy classified by categories enumerated Section 701 of the
National Building Code (PD 1096) are hereby adapted.
- 1.1.1 Category I Residential This shall comprise Group A and
partly Group B Buildings.
- 1.1.2 Category II Commercial and Industrial This shall comprise
partly Groups B, C, E, F, G, H, and I Buildings.
- 1.1.3 Category III Educational and Industrial This shall comprise
partly Group C, D, E, and H Buildings.
- 1.1.4 Category IV Agricultural This shall comprise partly Group
J Buildings.
- 1.1.5 Category V Ancillary This shall comprise partly Group
J Buildings
- Architectural Features and Facilities:
Where the following features and facilities are: architectural design
requirements in accordance with generally accepted architectural practice,
the same shall in accordance with Rule II, be made accessible/barrier-free
and shall include the corresponding graphic signs.
2.1 Architectural facilities and features:
- 2.1.1 A Stairs
- 2.1.2 B Walkways
- 2.1.3 C Corridors
- 2.1.4 D Doors and Entrances
- 2.1.5 E Washrooms and Toilets
- 2.1.6 F Lifts/Elevators
- 2.1.7 G Ramps
- 2.1.8 H Parking Areas
- 2.1.9 I Switches, Controls, Buzzers
- 2.1.10 J Handrails
- 2.1.11 K Thresholds
- 2.1.12 L Floor Finishes
- 2.1.13 M Drinking Fountains
- 2.1.14 N Public Telephones
- 2.1.15 O Seating Accommodations
- CATEGORY I
The following requirements shall only apply to government-owned buildings.
3.1 Group A
- 3.1.1 Single detached. Ten percent (10%) of the total units
to be constructed. Barrier-free facilities and features required
in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J. K, and L.
- 3.1.2 Duplexes: Ten percent (10%) of the total units to be
constructed.
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, and L.
- 3.1.3 School or company staff housing units: One (1) unit for
26 to 50 units to be constructed and 1 additional unit for every
100 units thereafter. Barrier-free facilities and features required
in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, and L.
3.2 Group B
- 3.2.1 Multiple dwelling units or high-rise residential condominiums
or tenement houses.
One (1) unit from 26 up to 50 units to be constructed and an additional
unit for every 100 units thereafter, with all such units at ingress
level in case there is not barrier-free elevator provided.
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
- CATEGORY II
The following requirements shall apply to both government and privately-owned
buildings.
4.1 Group B
- 4.1.1 Accessories, tenement houses and/or row houses, apartment
houses and/or town houses. One (1) unit for every 50 units up
to 150 units and an additional unit for every 100 units thereafter.
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, and L.
- 4.1.2 Hotels, motels, inns, pension houses and/or apartels.
One (1) unit per every 50 units up to 150 units and an additional
unit for every 100 units at ingress level, in case there is no
barrier-free elevators; provided that in all cases, one (1) unit
shall be provided at ingress level.
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, and N.
- 4.1.3 Private or "off campus" Dormitories: One (1) unit per
every 50 units up to 150 units and an additional dwelling unit
for every 100 units thereafter at ingress level.
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, and N.
4.2 Group C
- 4.2.1 Amusement Halls and Parlor
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N and O.
- 4.2.2 Massage and Sauna Parlors
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
4.3 Group E-1
- 4.3.1 Train Stations and Terminals
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N and O.
- 4.3.2 Bus depots and terminals
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N and O.
- 4.3.3 Transportation Office
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N and O.
- 4.3.4 Airport terminal buildings, heliports
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N and O.
- 4.3.5 Ports and harbor facilities, landing piers, sheds, ferry
landing stations
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N and O.
4.4 Group E-2
- 4.4.1 General wholesale and retail stores
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and N.
- 4.4.2 Shopping centers and supermarkets and public markets
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M and N.
- 4.4.3 Restaurants, dining and drinking establishments
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, M and N.
- 4.4.4 Office Buildings
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M and N.
- 4.4.5 Financial Institutions
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M and N.
- 4.4.6 Funeral parlors, morgues and crematories
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, and O.
- 4.4.7 Memorial and Mortuary Chapels
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, and O.
4.5 Group H-1, Group H-4, and Group I
- 4.5.1 Theaters, Auditoriums and Convention Halls
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, and O.
- 4.5.2 Concert Halls and Opera Houses
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, and O.
- 4.5.3 Collisea and Sports Complexes and Stadiums
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, and O.
4.6 Group F
- 4.6.1 Dairies and Creameries
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
- 4.6.2 Factories and workshops using incombustible or non-explosive
materials
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
- 4.6.3 Breweries bottling plants, canneries and tanneries
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
4.7 Groups G-3
- 4.7.1 Wood working establishments, lumber and timber yards.
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M.
- 4.7.2 Pulp, paper and paper board factories
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, L, and M.
- 4.7.3 Textile and fiber spinning mills
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, L, and M.
- 4.7.4 Garment and undergarment factories
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, L, and M.
- CATEGORY III
5.1 Group C
- 5.1.1 Educational institutions (schools, colleges, universities,
vocational schools, seminaries and novitiates), including school
auditoriums, gymnasia, reviewing stands, little theaters and concert
halls.
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, and O.
- 5.1.2 Libraries, museums, exhibition halls and art galleries
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, and O.
- 5.1.3 Civil Centers
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, and N.
- 5.1.4 Clubhouses lodges
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, and O.
5.2 Group D-1
- 5.2.1 Mental hospitals, mental sanitaria, mental asylums
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M and N.
- 5.2.2 Jails, prisons, reformatories, correctional institutions
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, and N.
- 5.2.3 Rehabilitation Centers
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, M and N.
- 5.2.4 Leprosaria
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, and N.
5.3 Group D-2
- 5.3.1 Homes for the Aged
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, and N.
- 5.3.2 Hospitals and Sanitaria
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, and N.
5.4 Group D-3
- 5.4.1 Nursing Homes for ambulatory patients
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, and N.
- 5.4.2 Orphanages
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, and N.
5.5 Group E-7
- 5.5.1 Police and fire stations
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
E, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, and N.
5.6 Group H
- 5.6.1 Churches, temples, chapels and similar places of worship
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D,
G, H, J, K, L, M, and O.
- CATEGORY IV
- 6.1.1 Agricultural buildings
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, E,
G, H, I, J, K, and L.
- STANDARD OF ACCESSIBILITY FOR SPECIAL TYPE OF FACILITIES
7.1 The provision of this section shall apply to the specified type
of facilities and identified specific requirements for accessibility
and usability which shall be provided for each of the listed occupancy
uses.
- 7.1.1 Auditoriums, assembly halls, theaters, and related facilities:
- Seating for the disabled shall be accessible from
the main lobby to primary entrances, together with related
toilet facilities.
- In all assembly places where seating accommodation is provided,
there shall be spaces for the disabled persons as provided.
Seating Capacity |
Wheelchair Seating Space |
4 - 50 |
2 |
51 - 300 |
4 |
301 - 500 |
6 |
- When the seating capacity exceeds 500 an additional wheelchair
seating space shall be provided for each total seating capacity
increase of 100 seats.
- Readily removable seats may be installed in these spaces
when such spaces are not required to accommodate wheelchair
users.
- COMPUTATION OF ACCESSIBLE UNITS
In the computation for the allocation of accessible units and seating
capacity decimal greater than 0.5 shall be considered as one unit.
In all cases a minimum of one (1) accessible unit shall be provided.
- APPLICATION OF BARRIER-FREE FACILITIES AND FEATURES
9.1 Graphic signs shall be bold and conspicuously installed in every
access from point of entry to connecting destination.
9.2 Walkways shall be provided with adequate passageway in accordance
with the provision illustrated in Rule II.
9.3 Width of corridors and circulation system integrating both and
vertical access to ingress/egress level of the building shall be provided.
9.4 Doors and entrances provided herein used as entry points at entrance
lobbies as local points of congregation shall be designed to open
easily or accessible from floor to floor or to any point of destination.
9.5 Washroom and toilets shall be accessible and provided with adequate
turning space. (See sec. 2.5 of Rule II).
9.6 Whenever elevator/s is required it should meet the requirements
provided in Section 2.6 of Rule II.
9.7 Ramps shall be provided as means of access to level of change
going to entry points and entrances, lobbies influenced by condition
of location or use.
9.8 Parking areas shall be provided with sufficient space for the
disabled persons to allow easy transfer from carpark to ingress/egress
levels.
9.9 Height above the floor of switches and controls shall be in accordance
with the provisions of Sec. 2,9, Rule II.
9.10 Handrails shall be provided at both sides of ramps in accordance
with Sec. 2.10 of Rule II.
9.11 Floors provided for every route of the wheelchair shall be made
of non-skid material.
9.12 Water fountains shall be installed as required and as provided
in Sec. 2.13 of Rule II.
RULE IV - REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
- Classification of public conveyances by mode of transport shall
be as follows:
1.1 Land Transportation This shall refer to buses having a minimum
seating capacity of 50 persons for regular buses and 40 persons for
air-conditioned buses. This shall include regular city buses, regular
provincial buses, air-conditioned city buses (Love Bus and Pag-ibig
Bus) and air-conditioned tourist and provincial buses.
1.2 Rail Transportation This shall refer to the three railways systems
in the country, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) operating in
Luzon, the Panay Railways Corporation (PRC) operating in the island
of Panay and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) operating in
Metro Manila.
1.3 Water Transportation This shall refer to domestic passenger ships,
ferry boats and other passenger-carrying water transportation.
1.4 Air Transportation This shall refer to the domestic passenger
airplanes.
- No franchise or permit to operate public transportation units shall
be granted, issued or renewed unless such units are constructed or
renovated in accordance with the requirements.
- If feasible, all owners or operators of existing public transport
utilities shall modify or renovate their units to accommodate disabled
persons.
- The construction or renovation of public transport utilities covered
by these rules shall be subject to compliance with the body designs
and specifications as provided under existing rules and regulations.
- Posters or stickers shall be conspicuously displayed inside the
units. (See Annex
C-1 Figure 1).
- Public transportation shall have designated seats for disabled persons.
6.1 Regular buses shall have at least five (5) designated seats for
disabled persons near exit/entrance doors (see Annex
C-2, Figure 2 and 3 and Annex C-3, Figure 4).
6.2 Air-conditioned buses shall have at least four (4) designated
seats for disabled persons near the door (see Annex
C-3, Figure 5).
6.3 Passenger trains shall have at least six (6) designated seats
for disabled persons (see Annex
C-4, Figure 7).
6.4 Passenger airplanes shall have at least two (2) designated seats
for disabled persons near the front exit/entrance door (see Annex
C-4, Figure 6).
6.5 For regular city buses, other passengers may use these designated
seats if not occupied and yield them to incoming disabled persons
whenever the occasion arises
6.6 For provincial buses, air-conditioned buses, passenger trains
and airplanes, the designated seats for disabled persons may be occupied
by other passengers only if no disabled persons shall occupy these
seats at the start of the trip.
- The designated seats shall be identified by the International Symbol
of Access (see Annex
C-5, Figure 8).
- Owners or operators of city buses operating in highly urbanized
cities shall install in their units audiovisual aids such as buzzer,
bell, flashing light to inform the driver of any alighting passenger.
- At least one deck in passenger ships shall be provided with accessible
ramps, passageways, access to gangways, galleys, safety equipment
and berths/cabins with dimensions conforming with the requirements
as provided in Rule II.
RULE V - ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
- Responsibility for Administration and Enforcement
The administration and enforcement of the provision of these Rules
and Regulations shall be vested in the Minister of Public Works and
Highways and the Minister of Transportation and Communications, in
accordance with the functions and jurisdiction of their respective
Ministries as provided for by laws as follows.
1.1 The Minister through the Heads of attached agencies of the Ministry
of Public Works and Highways, with the technical assistance of the
Building Research Development Staff, shall administer and enforce
the provisions of these Rules and Regulations through the Building
Official as designated in Section 205 of P.D. 1096, the National Building
Code of the Philippines, and as applied to the following:
- 1.1.1 Buildings and related structures including public transport
terminals
- 1.1.2 Streets and Highways
1.2 The Minister of Transportation and Communications shall administer
and enforce the provisions of these Rules and Regulations through
the Heads of Bureaus and Attached Agencies of the Ministry as follows:
- 1.2.1 Board of Transportation In respect to the issuance of
Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) and Provisional Authority
(PA) for the operation of public land and water transportation
utilities or services.
- 1.2.2 Bureau of Land Transportation In respect to the registration
of passenger buses and enforcement of regulations, standards and
specifications related to the issuance of CPC.
- 1.2.3 Philippine National Railways and the Light Rail Transit
Authority For the operation of passenger trains and including
stations and terminals.
- 1.2.4 Bureau of Air Transportation In respect to regulations
of civil aviation activities and issuance of certificates and
licenses to aircrafts.
- Criminal Liability
Any person violating any provisions of Batas Pambansa Bilang 344 or
any provision of these Rules and Regulations shall, upon conviction
by a court of competent jurisdiction, suffer the penalty of imprisonment
of not less than one month but not more than one year or a fine of
P2,000 to P5,000 or both, at the discretion of the court; Provided,
that in the case of corporations, partnerships, cooperatives or associations,
the president, manager or administrator, or the person who has charge
of the construction, repair or renovation of the building, space or
utilities shall be criminally responsible for any violation of this
Act and/or rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.
EFFECTIVITY
These Rules shall take effect thirty (30) days after the date of publication
in the Official Gazette. Promulgated by:
(Sgd.) JOSE P. DANS, JR.
Minister
Ministry of Transportation
and Communications |
(Sgd.) JESUS S. HIPOLITO
Minister
Ministry of Public Works
and Highways |
In coordination with:
The NATIONAL COMMISSION CONCERNING DISABLED PERSONS
By:
(Sgd.) JULITA C. BENEDICTO
Chairman
Go back to the Contents
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
Legislation on Equal Opportunities and Full Participation in
Development for Disabled Persons: Examples from the ESCAP region
- 7. Philippines(B) -
Printed in Thailand
December 1997 1,250
United Nations Publication
Sales No. E.98.II.F.21
Copyright © United Nations 1997
ISBN: 92-1-119789-9
ST/ESCAP/1651
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