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 like hood 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 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 spaces 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 encouraged 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 anthropometrics 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 nondisabled 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 WORK ABILITY 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 710 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