BP 344 - Accesibility Code

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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
1. 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."
2. 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.
3. 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:
a) Passenger buses and jeepneys
b) Passenger trains, including those of the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA)
c) Domestic inter-island vessels
d) Domestic aircraft of air carriers
3.2.3 Public Telephones
3.3 Public transport terminals including those of LRTA
4. Application:
http://www.fmh.ph/clp/irr_bp_344.htm 1/4/2007
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 —
a) 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.
b) 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.
c) Ingress/egress from the street to the building or structure shall be made

accessible.
d) 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:
a) When the repair or renovation work is to be done in the space where the
primary function is served;
b) 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;
c) When the space allotted for the primary function will not be diminished by more
than ten percent (10%) of its original area:
d) 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;
e) 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";
f) 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 air-
conditioning 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;
a) Cut-out curbs and accessible ramps at the sidewalks.
b) 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 —
a) 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
b) Government instrumentalities operating passenger trains including the Light Rail

Transit Authority shall have provided the number of seats for disabled persons
c) 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.
5. 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
1. 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 in coordination;
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 the
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 by 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
1. 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
2. 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
3. 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.
4. Category II
The following requirement 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
4.3.2 Bus depots and Terminals
4.3.3 Transportation Office
4.3.4 Airport terminal buildings, heliports

4.3.5 Ports and harbor facilities, landing piers, sheds, ferry landing stations
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
4.4.3 Restaurants, dining and drinking establishments
4.4.4 Office Buildings
4.4.5 Financial Institutions
4.4.6 Funeral parlors, morgues and crematories
4.4.7 Memorial and Mortuary Chapels
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
4.5.3 Colisea and Sports Complexes and Stadiums
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
4.6.3 Breweries bottling plants, canneries and tanneries
4.7 Groups G-3
4.7.1 Wood working establishments, lumber and timber yards.
4.7.2 Pulp, paper and paper board factories
4.7.3 Textile and fiber spinning mills
4.7.4 Garment and undergarment factories
5. 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.
5.1.2 Libraries, museums, exhibition halls and art galleries
5.1.3 Civil Centers
5.1.4 Clubhouses lodges
5.2 Group D-1
5.2.1 Mental hospitals, mental sanitaria, mental asylums
5.2.2 Jails, prisons, reformatories, correctional institutions
5.2.3 Rehabilitation Centers
5.2.4 Leprosaria
5.3 Group D-2
5.3.1 Homes for the Aged
5.3.2 Hospitals and Sanitaria
5.4 Group D-3
5.4.1 Nursing Homes for ambulatory patients
5.4.2 Orphanages
5.5 Group E-7
5.5.1 Police and fire stations
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.
6. CATEGORY IV
6.1.1 Agricultural Buildings
Barrier-free facilities and features required in: A, B, C, D, G, H, I, J, K and L.
7. 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:
a) Seating for the disabled shall be accessible from the main lobby to primary `
entrances, together with related toilet facilities.
b) 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
c) When the seating capacity exceeds 500 an additional wheelchair seating space
shall be provided for each total seating capacity increase of 100 seats.
d) Readily removable seats may be installed in these spaces when such spaces
are not required to accommodate wheelchair users.
8. COMPUTATION OF ACCESSIBLE UNITS
In 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.
9. 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 point 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 or 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
1. Classification of public conveyances by mode of transport 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 the domestic passenger ships, ferry boats and other water
transportation vessels.
1.4 Air Transportation — This shall refer to the domestic passenger airplanes.
2. 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.
3. If feasible, all owners or operators of existing public transport utilities shall modify or renovate their
units to accommodate disabled persons.
4. 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.
5. Posters or stickers shall be conspicuously displayed inside the units.
6. 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/entrance door on a per aircraft-type basis
6.5 For regular and air-conditioned city buses, other passengers may be 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:
a. 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.
b. 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 ship's arrival.
7. The designated seats shall be identified by the International Symbol of Access.
8. Owners or operators of city buses operating in highly urbanized cities shall install in
their units audio-visual aids such as buzzer, bell, flashing light to inform the driver of any
alighting passenger.
9. 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
1. 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, drydocks, 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).
2. 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 (P5,000.00) 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
l. Owner or Operator of the Building, Establishment or Structure
2. Contractor
3. Architect
4. Engineer
5. 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
1. Owner/Operator of Public Transportation
2. Body Builders
3. Safety Officers/Engineers/Managers
4. Drivers/Conductors/Conductresses
5. 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
1. 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 crossing have a width corresponding to the width of the crossings;
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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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;
7. 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 carriage-way.
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
1. 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 STRUCTURE
1. 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;
2. RAMPS
2.1 Changes in level require a ramp except when served by a dropped curb, and
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;
3. 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 material at a height of 0.30 m to 0.40 m;
4. 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;
5. 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;
6. SIGNAGES
(See "SIGNAGES" under OUTSIDE & AROUND BUILDINGS.)
7. 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 slip-
resistant surface;
8. 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 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 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 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.
9. 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;
10. 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;
C. SAFETY
1. 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.
2. COVERS FOR EXCAVATIONS
2.1 Excavations in the footway or carriage-way 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.
3. 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.
4. 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).
5. 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
1. 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 at 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;
2. 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;
3. 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 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 or below 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 6.5 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;
4. HANDRAILS
4.1 Handrails should be installed at both sides of ramps and 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;
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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 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 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 effect 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
1. 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
1. 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;
2. 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;
3. 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
material at a height of 0.30 m to 0.40 m;
4. 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;
5. 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;
6. SIGNAGES
(See "SIGNAGES" under OUTSIDE & AROUND BUILDINGS.)
7. 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;
8. 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 have a
maximum height of 1.20 m.;
8.8 Maximum height of lavatories should be 0.80m 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 should be trough-type; the maximum height of the lip
should be 0.48 m;
9. 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 on 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 ensure
the proper mounting or adhesion of tactile strips so as not to cause accidents;
10. 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;
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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
1. 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;
2. COVERS FOR EXCAVATIONS
2.1 Excavations in the footway or carriage-way 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;
3. 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 footway width to less than 1.20 m.;
4. 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);

BP 344 - Accesibility Code

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The Law Firm Page 1 of 28

IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS AS AMENDED OF BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 344

Jointly Promulgated by:

The Department of Transportation and Communications

Scope And Application

3.2 Streets and highways and public utilities

3.2.1 Streets and highways

3.2.2 Public transport vehicles which shall include:

a) Passenger buses and jeepneys

c) Domestic inter-island vessels

d) Domestic aircraft of air carriers

3.2.3 Public Telephones

3.3 Public transport terminals including those of LRTA

4.1.1 Building and related structures to be constructed —

b) Ten percent (10%) of the total number of units of government-owned living

c) Ingress/egress from the street to the building or structure shall be made

d) Accessible slots in parking areas shall be located as near as possible to

d) When the capacity or strength of any major structural component, such as

4.2.1 Streets, highways and transport related structures to be constructed —

a) Cut-out curbs and accessible ramps at the sidewalks.

b) Audio-visual aids for crossing

EXCEPTION: Requirements for accessibility at pedestrian grade separations or overpasses and

4.2.2 Existing streets and highways to be repaired and renovated —

4.2.3 Transport vehicles for public use —

a) No license or franchise for the operation of public buses, passenger boats,

b) Government instrumentalities operating passenger trains including the Light Rail

c) Government instrumentalities operating passenger airplanes shall provide and

4.2.4 Existing Public Transport Vehicles —

4.2.5 Public Telephones —

4.2.6 Public Transport Terminals —

5. Special Standards of Accessibility

Minimum Requirements For Accessibility

1.1 CATEGORIES OF DISABLED PERSONS.

1.1.1 Impairments requiring confinement to wheelchairs; or

1.1.2 Impairments causing difficulty or insecurity in walking or climbing stairs or

1.1.3 Total or partial impairments of hearing or sight causing insecurity or

1.1.4 Impairments due to conditions of aging and in coordination;

1.1.5 Mental impairments whether acquired or congenital in nature.

1.2 ANTHROPOMETRICS AND DIMENSIONAL DATA AS GUIDES FOR DESIGN.

1.2.2 The dimensional data of the technical aids of disabled persons.

1.2.3 The provision of adequate space for wheelchair maneuvering generally

The length of wheelchairs varies from 1.10 m to 1.30 m.

The comfortable reach of persons confined to wheelchairs is from 0.70 m to 1.20

Counter height shall be placed at a level comfortable to disabled persons' reach.

1.3 BASIC PHYSICAL PLANNING REQUIREMENTS

1.3.1 ACCESSIBILITY. The built environment shall be designed so that it shall be

1.3.2 REACHABILITY. Provisions shall be adapted and introduced to the physical

1.3.4 ORIENTATION. Finding a person's way inside and outside of a building or

1.3.6 WORKABILITY AND EFFICIENCY. The built environment shall be designed

1. CLASSIFICATION OF BUILDING BY USE OF OCCUPANCY:

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

2. ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES AND FACILITIES:

2.1 Architectural facilities and features:

2.1.4 D — Doors and Entrances

2.1.5 E — Washrooms and Toilets

2.1.8 H — Parking Areas

2.1.9 I — Switches, Controls, Buzzers

2.1.12 L — Floor Finishes