SECTION 701.

Occupancy Classified
v. Group D – Institutional
Division 2 - Nurseries for full-time care of children under kindergarten age, hospitals, sanitaria,
nursing homes with non-ambulatory patients, and similar buildings each accommodating more
than five persons.

DIVISION 11. HEALTH CARE OCCUPANCIES

SECTION 10.2.11.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
A. Fundamental Requirements
1. All health care buildings shall be so designed, constructed, maintained, and operated
as to minimize the possibility of a fire emergency requiring the evacuation of occupants.
Because the safety of occupants of health care buildings cannot be assured adequately
by dependence on evacuation of the building, their protection from the fire shall be
provided by appropriate arrangement of facilities, adequate staffing, and careful
development of operating and maintenance procedure composed of the following:
a. proper design, construction, and compartmentation;
b. provisions for detection, alarm, and extinguishment; and
c. fire prevention and the planning, training, and drilling in programs for the isolation of
fire and transfer of occupants to areas of refuge or evacuation of the building.
2. It is recognized that in buildings housing various types of psychiatric patients, it may be
necessary to lock doors and bar windows to confine and protect building inhabitants.
Sections of this Rule requiring the keeping of exits unlocked may be waived by the
C/MFM having jurisdiction. It is also recognized that some psychiatric patients are not
capable of seeking safety without guidance. In buildings in which doors are locked or
windows are barred, provisions shall be made for the removal of occupants by such
reliable means as the remote control of locks or by keying all locks to keys carried
by attendants.
B. Emergency Rooms, Operating Rooms, Intensive Care Units, Delivery Rooms and
Other Similar Facilities
Emergency rooms, operating rooms, intensive care units, delivery rooms and other
similar facilities shall be located on the level of exit discharge. When the above requirement
is not met, one of the following conditions shall be complied:
1. Where the said facilities are located above the floor of exit discharge but in no case
shall exceed five (5) floors, or where the said facilities are located below the floor of
exit discharge but in no case shall exceed one (1) floor, it shall be equipped with ramp
complying with Section 10.2.5.7 of this RIRR leading directly to exit discharge. The
ramp, constructed in a fire resistive and smoke proof enclosure, shall be so designed
to accommodate the movement of hospital beds with non-ambulatory patients to the
level of exit discharge. The enclosure shall have the minimum fire rating of two (2) hours.

2. Where the construction of ramp is not practicable, a horizontal exit compliant with
Section 10.2.5.6 of this RIRR shall be provided leading to another separate building.

SECTION 10.2.11.2 EXIT DETAILS

C.4. Access to Exit
Aisles, corridors and ramps required for exit access of exit in hospitals or nursing homes shall
be at least two and forty-four hundredths meters (2.44 m) in clear and unobstructed width.
Corridors and ramps in adjunct areas not intended for the housing, treatment, or use of
inpatients shall be at least one and eighty-three hundredths meters (1.83 m) in clear and
unobstructed width.

D.3. Doors
Exit access doors from hospital and nursing home sleeping rooms, diagnostic and treatment
rooms or areas, such as X-ray, surgery and physical therapy, all doors between these spaces
and the required exits, and all exit doors serving these spaces shall be at least one and twelve
hundredths meters (1.12 m).
F. Horizontal Exits
A horizontal exit shall be in accordance with Section 10.2.5.6 and/or as modified in this
paragraph.
1. At least two and eight tenths square meters (2.8 m2 ) per occupant in a hospital or nursing
home shall be provided on each side of the horizontal exit for the total number of occupants
in adjoining compartments.
2. 2. A single door may be used as a horizontal exit if it serves one (1) direction only and is at
least one and twelve hundredths meters (1.12 m) wide for a hospital or nursing home. The
swing shall be in the direction of exit travel.
H. Emergency Lighting, Exit Markings, Alarms and Communication Systems
1. Each hospital shall be provided with emergency lighting as described in Section 10.2.5.11
and exit markings as described in Section 10.2.5.12 of this RIRR. Such emergency lighting and
the illumination of required exits and directional signs shall be supplied by the Life Safety
Branch of the hospital electrical system as described in NFPA 99, Standard for Health Care
Facilities. The Life Safety Branch shall also serve alarms, emergency communication systems
and the illumination of generator set locations as described in paragraphs (c), (d) and (e),
Section 312 of the same reference.
2. Each nursing home shall have emergency lighting in accordance with Section 10.2.5.11 of
this RIRR. Emergency lighting with at least one and a half (1.5) hour duration shall be provided.
3. Exit signs shall be provided in each hospital and nursing home in accordance with Section
10.2.5.12 of this RIRR.

SECTION 10.2.11.3 PROTECTION

A. Subdivision of Building Spaces
5. Corridor openings in smoke partitions shall be protected by a pair of swinging doors,
door to swing in a direction opposite from the other. The minimum width of each door for
hospitals and nursing homes shall be one and twelve hundredths meters (1.12 m).
E. Interior Finish
Interior finish of walls and ceilings in means of egress and of any room shall be Class A in
accordance with Section 10.2.6.4 of this RIRR, while floor finish material shall be Class A or B
throughout all hospitals and nursing homes.
F. Alarm, Detection and Extinguishment Systems
2. An approved automatic heat and/or smoke detection system shall be installed in all corridors
of hospitals and nursing homes; such systems shall be installed in accordance with the
applicable standards of the NFPA 72, but in no case shall smoke detectors be spaced farther
apart than nine meters (9 m) on centers or more than four and six tenths meters (4.6 m) from
any wall. All automatic heat and/or smoke detection systems required by this Section shall be
electrically interconnected to the fire alarm system.
3. Approved, supervised sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all hospitals and nursing
homes, except for one (1) storey building with a bed capacity of not exceeding five (5).
Replenishment of water supplies shall be strictly considered in the design. Quick-response
sprinklers shall be required in smoke compartments containing patient sleeping rooms.
SECTION 10.2.21.5 HEALTH CARE OCCUPANCIES
Evacuation Plan and Fire Exit Drills
A. The administration of every hospital and nursing home shall have an approved
evacuation plan for the guidance of all persons in the event of fire. Copies of such plans
shall be made available to all supervisors and personnel. All employees shall be
instructed and kept informed of their detailed duties under the plan. A copy of the plan
shall be readily available at all times, in the telephone operator’s position, or at the
security center.
C. Fire exit drills in hospitals shall include the transmission of a fire alarm signal and
simulation of emergency fire conditions, except the movement of infirm or bed-ridden
patients to safe areas or to the exterior of the building. Drills shall be conducted quarterly on
each shift to familiarize hospital personnel (nurses, interns, maintenance personnel and
administrative staff) with signals and emergency action required under varied conditions.
SECTION 10.3.7.7 MEDICAL AND RELATED COMPRESSED GASES
Medical and related compressed gases such as flammable anesthetic; non-flammable
medical gases in hospitals, medical schools, laboratories and similar facilities; bulk oxygen
in industrial and healthcare consumer sites; and other compressed gases of similar and
related uses shall be stored, handled, transported and manufactured as follows:
A. On Storage and Handling
1. All compressed gas containers, shall be stored in an upright position with the valve end
up. For non-liquefied gases, the axis of the container shall be limited to forty-five degrees
(45˚) from the vertical provided that it is properly secured, except when it is empty, its
content is less than five liters (5 L) or the container is designed for use in a horizontal
position.
2. Racks or fastenings shall be made to protect cylinders from accidental or physical
damage or dislocation.
3. Indoor and outdoor storage of compressed gases shall comply with the material specific
requirements provided in the MSDS or manufacturer’s technical specifications/data or other
applicable provisions of this RIRR.
4. Indoor storage, use areas and storage buildings shall be provided with mechanical
exhaust ventilation or natural ventilation. When mechanical ventilation is provided, the
system shall be operational during such time as the building or space is occupied.

Section 801. General Requirements of Light and Ventilation.

(a) Subject to the provisions of the Civil Code of the Philippines on Basement of Light and
View and to the
provisions of this part of the Code, every building shall be designed, constructed, and
equipped to provide
adequate light and ventilation.
(b) All buildings shall face a street or public alley or a private street which has been duly
approved.
(c) No building shall be altered nor arranged so as to reduce the size of any room or the
relative area of
windows to less than that provided for buildings under this Code, or to create an additional
room, unless
such additional room conforms to the requirements of this Code.
(d) No building shall be enlarged so that the dimensions of the required court or yard would
be less than
that prescribed for such building.
 GUIDELINES IN THE PLANNING AND DESIGN OF A HOSPITAL AND OTHER HEALTH
FACILITIES
1. Environment: A hospital and other health facilities shall be so located that it is readily
accessible to the community and reasonably free from undue noise, smoke, dust, foul
odor, flood, and shall not be located adjacent to railroads, freight yards, children's
playgrounds, airports, industrial plants, disposal plants.

2. Occupancy: A building designed for other purpose shall not be converted into a
hospital. The location of a hospital shall comply with all local zoning ordinances.

3. Safety: A hospital and other health facilities shall provide and maintain a safe
environment for patients, personnel and public. The building shall be of such
construction so that no hazards to the life and safety of patients, personnel and public
exist. It shall be capable of withstanding weight and elements to which they may be
subjected.
3.1 Exits shall be restricted to the following types: door leading directly outside the
building, interior stair, ramp, and exterior stair.
3.2 A minimum of two (2) exits, remote from each other, shall be provided for each
floor of the building.
3.3 Exits shall terminate directly at an open space to the outside of the building.

4. Security: A hospital and other health facilities shall ensure the security of person and
property within the facility.

5. Patient Movement: Spaces shall be wide enough for free movement of patients,
whether they are on beds, stretchers, or wheelchairs. Circulation routes for transferring
patients from one area to another shall be available and free at all times.

5.1 Corridors for access by patient and equipment shall have a minimum width of
2.44 meters.
5.2 Corridors in areas not commonly used for bed, stretcher and equipment
transport may be reduced in width to 1.83 meters.
5.3 A ramp or elevator shall be provided for ancillary, clinical and nursing areas
located on the upper floor.
5.4 A ramp shall be provided as access to the entrance of the hospital not on the
same level of the site.

6. Lighting: All areas in a hospital and other health facilities shall be provided with
sufficient illumination to promote comfort, healing and recovery of patients and to
enable personnel in the performance of work.

7. Ventilation: Adequate ventilation shall be provided to ensure comfort of patients,

personnel and public.

8. Auditory and Visual Privacy: A hospital and other health facilities shall observe
acceptable sound level and adequate visual seclusion to achieve the acoustical and
privacy requirements in designated areas allowing the unhampered conduct of
activities.

9. Water Supply: A hospital and other health facilities shall use an approved public water
supply system whenever available. The water supply shall be potable, safe for drinking
and adequate, and shall be brought into the building free of cross connections.

10. Waste Disposal: Liquid waste shall be discharged into an approved public sewerage
system whenever available, and solid waste shall be collected, treated and disposed of
in accordance with applicable codes, laws or ordinances.

11. Sanitation: Utilities for the maintenance of sanitary system, including approved water
supply and sewerage system, shall be provided through the buildings and premises to
ensure a clean and healthy environment.

12. Housekeeping: A hospital and other health facilities shall provide and maintain a
healthy and aesthetic environment for patients, personnel and public.

13. Maintenance: There shall be an effective building maintenance program in place. The
buildings and equipment shall be kept in a state of good repair. Proper maintenance
shall be provided to prevent untimely breakdown of buildings and equipment.

14. Material Specification: Floors, walls and ceilings shall be of sturdy materials that shall
allow durability, ease of cleaning and fire resistance.

15. Segregation: Wards shall observe segregation of sexes. Separate toilet shall be
maintained for patients and personnel, male and female, with a ratio of one (1) toilet for
every eight (8) patients or personnel.

16. Fire Protection: There shall be measures for detecting fire such as fire alarms in walls,
peepholes in doors or smoke detectors in ceilings. There shall be devices for quenching
fire such as fire extinguishers or fire hoses that are easily visible and accessible in
strategic areas.

17. Signage. There shall be an effective graphic system composed of a number of

individual visual aids and devices arranged to provide information, orientation, direction,
identification, prohibition, warning and official notice considered essential to the
optimum operation of a hospital and other health facilities.

18. Parking. A hospital and other health facilities shall provide a minimum of one (1)
parking space for every twenty-five (25) beds.

19. Zoning: The different areas of a hospital shall be grouped according to zones as
follows:

19.1 Outer Zone – areas that are immediately accessible to the public: emergency
 service, outpatient service, and administrative service. They shall be located
near the entrance of the hospital.

19.2 Second Zone – areas that receive workload from the outer zone: laboratory,
pharmacy, and radiology. They shall be located near the outer zone.

19.3 Inner Zone – areas that provide nursing care and management of patients:
nursing service. They shall be located in private areas but accessible to guests.

19.4 Deep Zone – areas that require asepsis to perform the prescribed services:
surgical service, delivery service, nursery, and intensive care. They shall be
segregated from the public areas but accessible to the outer, second and inner
zones.
19.5 Service Zone – areas that provide support to hospital activities: dietary service,
housekeeping service, maintenance and motor pool service, and mortuary. They
shall be located in areas away from normal traffic.

20 Function: The different areas of a hospital shall be functionally related with each other.
20.1 The emergency service shall be located in the ground floor to ensure immediate
access. A separate entrance to the emergency room shall be provided.
20.2 The administrative service, particularly admitting office and business office, shall
be located near the main entrance of the hospital. Offices for hospital
management can be located in private areas.
20.3 The surgical service shall be located and arranged to prevent non-related traffic.
The operating room shall be as remote as practicable from the entrance to
provide asepsis. The dressing room shall be located to avoid exposure to dirty
areas after changing to surgical garments. The nurse station shall be located to
permit visual observation of patient movement.
20.4 The delivery service shall be located and arranged to prevent non-related traffic.
The delivery room shall be as remote as practicable from the entrance to provide
asepsis. The dressing room shall be located to avoid exposure to dirty areas
after changing to surgical garments. The nurse station shall be located to permit
visual observation of patient movement. The nursery shall be separate but
immediately accessible from the delivery room.
20.5 The nursing service shall be segregated from public areas. The nurse station
shall be located to permit visual observation of patients. Nurse stations shall be
provided in all inpatient units of the hospital with a ratio of at least one (1) nurse
station for every thirty-five (35) beds. Rooms and wards shall be of sufficient size
to allow for work flow and patient movement. Toilets shall be immediately
accessible from rooms and wards.
20.6 The dietary service shall be away from morgue with at least 25-meter distance.