Building Construction and Accessibility Standards

National Building Code

Philippine law governing building construction standards.

Batas Pambansa Blg. 344

Law enhancing mobility for disabled persons.

Accessibility

Design principle ensuring environments are usable by all.

Foundation System

Structural base supporting a building's weight.

Roof/Ceiling System

Top covering of a building, protecting from elements.

Categories of Disabled Persons

Classifications based on types of disabilities.

Impairments

Physical or mental conditions limiting normal function.

Wheelchair Dimensions

Length: 1.10m to 1.30m; Width: 0.60m to 0.75m.

Turning Space

Minimum 1.50m diameter for wheelchair maneuverability.

Comfortable Reach

0.70m to 1.20m height for wheelchair users.

Knee Clearance

Minimum 0.74m space under tables for wheelchairs.

Counter Heights

Set at accessible levels for disabled persons.

Dimensional Data

Guidelines for designing accessible spaces.

Technical Aids

Devices assisting disabled persons in mobility.

Basic Physical Planning Requirements

Principles ensuring equal access to environments.

United Nations Goal

Promote full participation for all individuals.

Design Criteria

Standards guiding the creation of accessible environments.

Public Utilities Compliance

Requirement for facilities to accommodate disabled access.

Anthropometrics

Study of human body measurements for design.

Minimum Space Requirements

Specifications for wheelchair maneuvering and accessibility.

Impairments Due to Aging

Physical limitations arising from the aging process.

Mental Impairments

Cognitive conditions affecting daily functioning.

Public Safety

Ensuring environments do not pose danger to users.

Environmental Enjoyment

Access to spaces for all individuals.

Assistants for Disabled Persons

Support individuals aiding disabled users.

Insecurity in Mobility

Challenges faced by individuals with movement difficulties.

Architectural Accessibility

Designing buildings to be usable by everyone.

Criteria

Standards ensuring facilities are accessible for all.

Reachability

Adaptations for physical access to buildings.

Usability

Design for enjoyment by all users.

Orientation

Ease of navigation in buildings and spaces.

Safety

Design minimizing hazards to health and life.

Work Ability and Efficiency

Support for disabled participation in development.

Graphics Signs

Visual indicators for accessibility features.

International Symbol of Access

Sign indicating accessibility for disabled persons.

Signboard Dimensions

Text size readable by those with visual impairments.

Tactile Reading

Raised letters for fingertip reading by visually impaired.

Braille Signs

Signs providing information for blind individuals.

Walkways

Non-skid paths with minimum width of 1.20 m.

Turn-about Spaces

Areas for wheelchair maneuvering along walkways.

Rest Stops

Maximum distance of 3.00 m between resting areas.

Corridors Width

Minimum width of 1.20 m for wheelchair access.

Recesses

Spaces for wheelchairs to turn or pass.

Doors and Entrances

Accessible entry points for wheelchair users.

Ground Level Entrances

At least one entrance must be ramped.

Vestibule Depth

Minimum 3.00 m depth for door access.

Level Area

1.50 m space to stabilize wheelchair at doors.

Visual Acuity

Ability to see and interpret visual signs.

Non-skid Surface

Surface preventing slips for safe navigation.

Minimum Letter Height

At least 15 mm for tactile reading.

Sign Placement Height

Signs located 1.40 m to 1.60 m from floor.

Entrance Accessibility

Ensuring public buildings are wheelchair friendly.

Building Code Compliance

Adherence to national standards for accessibility.

Door Clearance

50 mm space from jamb to wall.

Entrance Door Size

Structural opening of 1.00 m required.

Clear Opening Width

Minimum of 0.80 m for access.

Force Requirement

Doors operable with less than 4.0 kg force.

Washroom Accessibility

Allows wheelchair passage and stall access.

Grab Bar Requirement

One movable and one fixed grab bar.

Turning Space

2.25 sq. m. area for wheelchair maneuvering.

Accessory Heights

Mounted for wheelchair user accessibility.

Audio Visual Alarm

Required in all accessible washrooms.

Elevator Dimensions

Minimum size of 1.10 m x 1.40 m.

Elevator Door Width

Minimum width of 0.80 m required.

Control Panel Reach

Accessible for seated individuals.

Button Height

Topmost buttons at 0.90 m to 1.20 m.

Braille Signage

Indicates floor levels for blind persons.

Switch Height

Topmost switches at 0.90 m to 1.20 m.

Handrail Requirement

Provided on both sides of ramps and stairs.

Handrail Extensions

0.30 m extension at ramp and stair ends.

Threshold Height

Maximum of 2.5 mm for wheelchair passage.

Floor Material

Non-skid surfaces to aid wheelchair movement.

Water Fountain Provision

One fountain per 2,000 sq. m.

Accessible Toilet Accessories

Must be usable from a wheelchair.

Emergency System Reach

Within reach of seated persons in elevators.

Clearance for Handrails

Dimensions specified in Annex B-22.

Washroom Stall Access

Allows entry and door closure for users.

Control Button Braille

Indicates floor levels inside elevators.

Public Toilet Requirements

Must accommodate wheelchair users effectively.

Ramp Handrail Fitting

Securely fitted with inward-turning ends.

Water Fountain Height

Maximum height is 0.85 m from floor.

Pushbutton Control

Water spouts must be pushbutton operated.

Public Telephone Space

Clear space of 1.50 m x 1.50 m required.

Stair Tread Material

Must be non-slip for safety.

Stair Railings

Required on both sides of stairs.

Wheelchair Seating

Seating must comply with Section 7, Rule III.

Entrance Accessibility

At least one accessible entrance required.

Elevator Access

One entrance level must be elevator accessible.

Ramp Requirement

Ramps needed for changes in level.

Ramp Width

Minimum clear width of 1.20 m.

Ramp Gradient

Maximum gradient allowed is 1:12.

Ramp Length

Should not exceed 6.00 m at 1:12 gradient.

Ramp Landings

Landings must be at least 1.50 m long.

Ramp Level Areas

Minimum 1.80 m at top and bottom.

Ramp Handrails

Handrails at 0.70 m and 0.90 m high.

Ramp Curbs

Minimum height of curbs is 0.10 m.

Railing Requirement

Railing needed if ramp rise exceeds 0.20 m.

Door Width

Minimum clear width of doors is 0.80 m.

Door Opening Measurement

Measured between fully open door and jamb.

Door Force Requirement

Operable with force not exceeding 4.0 kg.