INTRODUCTION

A hospital is a type of healthcare facility that offers specialized medical staff, auxiliary
medical staff, and medical equipment to treat patients. The most well-known kind of hospital is
a general hospital, which usually features an emergency room for treating patients with life-
threatening conditions like burn and accident victims or unexpected illnesses. Professional
doctors, surgeons, nurses, and other health care providers now make up the majority of the
hospital personnel; in the past, volunteers or members of founding religious groups typically
handled this labor. A general hospital is made to provide a wide range of medical services, such
as internal medicine, obstetrics, surgery, emergency care, and pediatrics. General hospitals
provide both inpatient and outpatient care and it usually act as the main hubs for the delivery of
healthcare in a community or area. General hospitals not only provide medical care but also
frequently serve as important hubs for medical research and education. They might function as
teaching hospitals, connected to medical schools, where interns, residents, and students get
hands-on training under the guidance of seasoned medical experts.
General hospitals are distinguished by their multidisciplinary approach, which unites
nurses, technicians, medical specialists, and support personnel to offer patients comprehensive,
integrated treatment. They frequently contain cutting-edge medical equipment and technology,
making it possible to diagnose and treat a variety of illnesses. In addition, these hospitals function
as trauma centers, emergency rooms, and surgery sites. Many general hospitals are open around-
the-clock, so they can attend to patients' needs and handle medical emergencies.
It is impossible to exaggerate the significance of general hospitals in the healthcare
system. They are the foundations of community health, meeting people's varied and changing
healthcare requirements at all phases of life. These hospitals are vital to the advancement of
public health, medical research, and education because of their comprehensive and collaborative
nature. General hospitals serve as pillars of health, knowledge, and community support,
representing the shared commitment to the general welfare of society in addition to offering relief
and hope to people in times of medical need.

IMPORTANCE OF HOSPITAL DESIGN

Buildings that are the most complex are hospitals. A vast array of services and functional
components make up each hospital. A non-functional design can hinder activities of all kinds,
lower the quality of care provided, and drive up costs to unaffordable levels. In contrast, a
functional design can enhance skill, economy, conveniences, and comforts.
1. Environment: A hospital and other health facilities must be located so that they are easily
accessible to the community and are reasonably free of excessive noise, smoke, dust, foul odor,
and flooding, and they must not be located adjacent to railroads, freight yards, children's
playgrounds, airports, industrial plants, or disposal plants.
2. Occupancy: A building that was built for another purpose may not be converted into a
hospital.
3. Safety: A hospital and other health care facilities must provide and maintain a safe
environment for patients, staff, and the general public.

STANDARD DESIGN GUIDELINES OF A GENERAL HOSPITAL

National Building Code of the Philippines (P.D. No. 1096)

SECTION 501. Fire Zones Defined

Fire zones are areas within which only certain types of buildings are permitted to be constructed
based on their use or occupancy, type of construction, and resistance to fire.
SECTION 502. Buildings located in more than One Fire Zone
A building or structure which is located partly in one fire zone and partly in another shall be
considered to be in the more highly restrictive fire zone, when more than one-third of its total
floor area is located in such zone.
SECTION 709. Requirements for Other Group Occupancies
Subject to the provisions of this Code, the Secretary shall promulgate rules and regulations for
each of the other Group Occupancies covering: allowable construction, height, and area; location
on property, exit facilities, light, ventilation, and sanitation; enclosures of vertical openings; fire
extinguishing systems; and special hazards.
SECTION 803. Percentage of Site Occupancy
(a) Minimum site occupancy shall be governed by the use, type of construction, and height of the
building and the use, area, nature, and location of the site; and subject to the provisions of the
local zoning requirements and in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the
Secretary.
SECTION 807. Air Space Requirements in Determining the Size of Rooms
Minimum air space shall be provided as follows: 1. School Rooms – 3.00 cubic meters with 1.00
square meter of floor area per person; 2. Workshops, Factories, and Offices – 12.00 cubic meters
of air space per person; 3. Habitable rooms – 14.00 cubic meters of air space per person.
SECTION 1201. General Requirements Buildings
proposed for construction shall comply with all the regulations and specifications herein set forth
governing quality, characteristics and properties of materials, methods of design and construction,
type of occupancy and classification. All other matters relative to the structural design of all
buildings and other structures not provided for in this Chapter shall conform with the provisions
of the National Structural Code of Buildings, as adopted and promulgated by the Board of Civil
Engineering pursuant to Republic Act Number 544, as amended, otherwise known as the “Civil
Engineering Law”.
SECTION 1205. Floor Construction
(a) Floors shall be of such materials and construction as specified under Chapter 5 Fire Zones and
Fire-Resistive Standards and under Chapter 6 – Types of Construction. (b) All floors shall be so
framed and secured into the framework and supporting walls as to form an integral part of the
whole building. (c) The types of floor construction used shall provide means to keep the beam
and girders from lateral buckling.
SECTION 1207. Stairs, Exits, and Occupant Loads
(5) Landings. Every landing shall have a dimension measured in the direction of travel equal to
the width of the stairway. Such dimension need not exceed 1.20 meters when the stairs has a
straight run. Landings when provided shall not be reduced in width by more than 100 millimeters
by a door when fully open.
(6) Basement Stairways. Where a basement stairway and a stairway to an upper storey terminate
in the same exit enclosure, an approved barrier shall be provided to prevent persons from
continuing on to the basements. Directional exit signs shall be provided as specified in this Code.
(7) Distance Between Landings. There shall be not more than 3.60 meters vertical distance
between landings.
(8) Handrails. Stairways shall have handrails on each side and every stairway required to be more
than 3.00 meters in width shall be provided with not less than one intermediate handrail for each
3.00 meters of required width. Intermediate handrails shall be spaced approximately equal within
the entire width of the stairway. Handrails shall be placed not less than 800 millimeters nor more
than 900 millimeters above the nosing of treads, and ends of handrails shall be returned or shall
terminate in newel posts or safety terminals: Except, in the following cases: Stairways 1.10 meters
or less in width and stairways serving one individual dwelling unit in Group A or B Occupancies
may have one handrail, except that such stairway, open on one or both, sides shall have handrails

provided on the open side or sides: or stairways having less than four risers need not have
handrails.
SECTION 1401. Storage and Handling
(a) Storage rooms of unexposed photographic and x-ray films shall be provided with automatic
fire extinguishing systems in the following cases:
(1) When unexposed films in generally accepted safety shipping containers exceed the aggregate
of 14.00 cubic meters.
(2) Where shelving used for storage of individual packages not in said shipping containers exceeds
1.40 cubic meters in capacity; and
(3) Storage is not in generally accepted safety shipping containers in any section not exceeding
14.00 cubic meters.
(b) Film negatives in storage or in process of handling shall be kept in heavy Manila envelopes,
not exceeding 12 films to an envelope. Expanding envelopes shall not be used.
(c) Film negatives shall be kept in properly insulated vented cabinets, vented storage vaults or
outside storage houses. Not more than 110 kilograms shall be stored in any single cabinet. Where
the film stored exceeds 450 kilograms, it shall be in vented storage vaults or in a detached
structure or roof vault. Door openings in vaults shall be of four-hour fire-resistive construction
and shall be kept closed except when in use.
(d) Only incandescent electric light shall be permitted; protected with substantial wire guards or
vapor proof globes or both. Portable lights on extension cords are prohibited. Conspicuous “NO
SMOKING” signs shall be posted.
(e) No films shall be stored within 600 millimeters of steam pipes, chimneys, or other sources of
heat.
(f) There shall be first aid provisions of types using water or water solutions. Discarded films shall
be stored and handled in the same manner as other films until removed from the premises.
SECTION 1402. Classes of Film Exempted
(a) The provisions of this Section do not apply to the following: film for amateur photographic
use in original packages of “roll” and “film pack” films in quantities of less than 1.40 cubic meters;
safety film; dental X-ray film; establishments manufacturing photographic films and their storage
incidental thereto and films stored or being used in standard motion picture booths.
(b) Safety photographic X-ray film may be identified by the marking on the edge of the film.
SECTION 1403. Fire Extinguishing System
Unless otherwise provided in this Code, all fire extinguishing systems when so required shall be
of a type, specifications, and methods of installation as prescribed in accordance with the
requirements of the Secretary
GLASS AND GLAZING
SECTION 1801. General Requirements
(a) This Chapter shall apply to exterior glass and glazing in all Occupancies except Groups A, B,
and J Occupancies not over three storeys in height, and to interior and exterior glass and glazing
in all occupancies subject to human impact as specified in this Code.
(b) Standards for materials shall conform to the provisions set by the Secretary on glass
dimensional tolerances, breaking stress levels, and design safety factors.
(c) Each light shall bear the manufacturer’s label designating the type and thickness of glass.
Each light with special performance characteristics such as laminated, heat strengthened, fully
tempered or insulated, shall bear the manufacturer’s identification showing the special
characteristics and thickness by etching or other permanent identification that shall be visible
after the glass is glazed.
SECTION 1802. Area Limitation
Exterior glass and glazing shall be capable of safely withstanding the load due to wind pressures
for various height zones above ground acting inward or outward. The area of individual lights
shall not be more than the maximum allowable area of glass according to the wind load multiplied
by the appropriate adjustment factor.
SECTION 1803. Glazing
Glass firmly supported on all four edges shall be glazed with minimum laps and edge clearances
in accordance with Section 1801 paragraph (b), Provided, that glass edge clearance in fixed
openings shall be not less than what is required for wind and earthquake drift. For glass not firmly
supported on all four edges and design shall be submitted for approval of the Building Official.
Glass supports shall be considered firm when deflection of the support at design load does not
exceed 1/175 of the span.
SECTION 1804. Louvered Windows
Regular plate, sheet, or patterned glass in jalousies and louvered windows shall not be thinner
than 5.6 millimeters minimal and not longer than 1.20 meters. Exposed glass edges shall be
smooth.
SECTION 1805. Impact
Frameless glass doors, glass in doors, fixed glass panels, and similar glazed openings which may
be subject to accidental human impact shall conform with the requirements set forth by the
Secretary on impact loads of glass: Except in the following cases:
(1) Bathtub and shower enclosures shall be constructed from approved shatter-resistant
materials, such as: wire-reinforced glass not less than 5.6 millimeters thick; fully tempered glass
not less than 4.8 millimeters thick; or laminated safety glass not less than 6.4 millimeters thick.
(2) Glass lights located not less than 450 millimeters above the adjacent finished floor or walking
surface.
(3) Glass lights when the least dimension is not greater than 450 millimeters.
(4) Glass lights 1.50 square meters or less in area.

THE USE OF COMPUTERS

SECTION 1901. General Rule
The use of computers for all or any part of the design of buildings under this Code is permitted
provided that all programs to be used are documented.
SECTION 1902. Program Documentation
Documenting a program under this Code consists of filing with the Building Official a reference
to a publication or publications accessible to him where the detailed description of the program
or a brief statement of the theoretical background of the program including a description of the
algorithms used are found.
SECTION 1903. Submission of Computer-Generated Computations
A copy of the output sheets for computer-generated computations shall be submitted as a part
of the design computations. The out sheets shall be accompanied by a certification of a designer
and/or consultant that the output sheets are the results obtained through the use of documented
programs. The certification should include the identification of the specific program used for each
portion of the computer-generated computations being submitted.

Law to Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons (B.P. No. 344)

SECTION 1.

In order to promote the realization of the rights of disabled persons to participate fully in the
social life and the development of the societies in which they live and the enjoyment of the
opportunities available to other citizens, no license or permit for the construction, repair or
renovation of public and private buildings for public use. Educational institutions, airports, sports
and recreation centers and complexes, shopping centers or establishments, public parking places,
work-places, public utilities, shall be granted or issued unless the owner or operator thereof shall
install and incorporate in such building, establishment, institution or public utility, such
architectural facilities or structural features as shall reasonably enhance the mobility of disabled
persons such as sidewalks, ramps, railings and the like. If feasible, all such existing buildings,
institutions, establishments, or public utilities to be constructed or established for which licenses
or permits had already been issued may comply with the requirements of this law: Provided,
further, that in case of government buildings, street and highways, the Ministry of Public Works
and Highways shall see to it that the same shall be provided with architectural facilities or
structural features for disabled persons. In the case of the parking place of any of the above
institutions, buildings, or establishment, or public utilities, the owner or operator shall reserve
sufficient and suitable space for the use of disabled persons.

SECTION 2.

In case of public conveyance, devices such as the prominent display of posters or stickers shall
be used to generate public awareness of the rights of the disabled and foster understanding of
their special needs. Special bus stops shall be designed for disabled persons. Discriminating
against disabled persons in the carriage or transportation of passengers is hereby declared
unlawful.

SECTION 3.

The Minister of Public Works and Highways and the Minister of Transportation and
Communication, in coordination with the National Commission Concerning Disabled Persons, shall
prepare the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act.
SECTION 4.

Any person violating any provision of this Act or of the rules and regulations promulgated
hereunder shall, upon conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction, suffer the penalty of
imprisonment of not less than one month but not more than one year or a fine of P2,000 to
P5,000 or both, at the discretion of the court: Provided, That in the case of corporations,
partnerships, cooperatives or associations, the president, manager or administrator, or the person
who has charge of the construction, repair or renovation of the buildings, space or utilities shall
be criminally responsible for any violation of this Act and/or rules and regulations promulgated
pursuant thereto.

SECTION 5.

All laws, executive and administrative orders, rules and regulations inconsistent with the
foregoing provisions are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SECTION 6.

This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Code of Sanitation of the Philippines (P.D.856)

Section 1. Title The title of this Code is "Code on Sanitation of the Philippines".

Section 2. Definition of Terms Whenever any of the following words or terms is used herein
or in any rule or regulation issued under this Code, it shall have the meaning given it in this
section, as follows:

(a) Code: Code on Sanitation of the Philippines.

(b) Department: The Department of Health.

(c) Secretary: The Secretary of Health.

(d) Regional Director: an official who heads a Regional Health Office.

(e) Local Health Authority: an official or employee responsible for the application of a
prescribed health measure in a local political subdivision.

(f) Health Officer Provincial: City or Municipal Health Officer.

(g) Engineer: A Sanitary Engineer.

(h) Section: any section of this code unless the term refers to other statutes which are
specifically mentioned.
Section 3. Functions of the Department of Health The Department shall have the following
powers and functions:

(a) Undertake the promotion and preservation of the health of the people and raise the health
standards of individuals and communities throughout the Philippines;

(b) Extend maximum health services to the people in rural areas and provide medical care to
those who cannot afford it by reason of poverty;

(c) Develop, administer and coordinate various health activities and services which shall
include public health, preventive, curative and rehabilitative programs, medical care, health
and medical education services;

(d) Upgrade the standards of medical practice, the quality of health services and programs
to assure the people of better health services;

(e) Assist local health agencies in developing public health programs including medical care,
and promote medical and public health research;

(f) Issue permits to establish and operate government and private hospitals, clinics,
dispensaries, schools of nursing, midwifery, and other para-medical course, puericulture
centers, clinical laboratories and blood banks;

(g) Prescribe standard rates of fees for health, medical, laboratory, and other public health
services; and

(h) Performs such other functions as may be provided by law.

Section 4. Authority of the Secretary In addition to the powers and authority of the Secretary
which are provided by law, he is likewise empowered to promulgate rules and regulations for
the proper implementation and enforcement of the provisions of this Code.

Section 5. Authority of the Bureau of Directors The Bureau Directors shall be responsible for
staff activities involving the development of plans, programs, operating standards and
management techniques in their respective field of assignment.

Section 6. Authority of the Regional Directors The Regional Directors shall administer health
functions in their regions, implement policies, standards and programs involving health
services; and enforce the provisions of this Code and the rules and regulations promulgated
by the Secretary under this Code.

Section 7. Authority of the Health Officers The health officers shall administer health
functions in areas under their jurisdiction and enforce the provisions of this Code and the
rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary under this Code.

Section 17. Structural Requirements Food establishments shall be constructed in

accordance with the following requirements:

1. No person shall use any room or place for or in connection with the preparation, storage,
handling or sale of any article of food
(a) Which is at anytime used or in direct communication with a sleeping apartment or toilet;

(b) In which any animal is kept; or

(c) Which is or has been used for any purpose which would be likely to contaminate the food
or to affect injuriously its wholesomeness or cleanliness; or

(d) Which is not used exclusively for the purpose; Provided, That in department stores or
multi-purpose business establishments, food may be manufactured, prepared, cooked,
stored, or sold only in the area set aside exclusively for said purpose and for which a sanitary
permit has been issued.

2. No sanitary permit shall be issued for any premises to be used for the preparation, handling
and sale of food unless it is constructed in accordance with the following requirements:

(a) FLOORS

The Floors shall be:

i. Constructed of concrete or other impervious and easily cleaned material that is resistant to
wear and corrosion and shall be adequately graded and drained; all angles between the floors
and walls shall be rounded off to a height of not less than 3 inches (7.62 cm.) from the floor;
or

ii. Constructed of wood with dovetailed or tongue and grooved floor boards laid on a firm
foundation and tightly clamped together with all angles between the floor and walls rounded
off to a height of 3 inches (7.62 cm.); or

iii. Constructed in accordance with the requirements of sub-clause (i) and (ii) of this clause
and covered with linoleum, smooth surfaced rubber or similar material fixed to the floor with
cement or suitable adhesive: Provided, That with the approval in writing of the local authority,
floors may be covered with carpets or other floor covering in those parts of the premises
where such carpets or coverings can be satisfactorily cleaned and maintained.

(b) WALLS

i. The internal surface of walls shall have a smooth, even, non-absorbent surface capable of
being readily cleaned without damage to the surface and constructed of dust-proof materials;

ii. The walls, where subject to wetting or splashing, shall be constructed of impervious, non-
absorbent materials to a height of not less than 79 inches (2 meters) from the floor;

iii. The internal walls shall be painted in light colors or treated with such other wall finish as
the health authority may prescribe.

(c) CEILINGS

i. All ceilings or, if no ceiling is provided, the entire under-surface of the roof shall be dust-
proof and washable.
ii. The ceiling or undersurface of the roof of rooms in which food is prepared or packed or in
which utensils or hands are washed shall be smooth, non-absorbent and light.

(d) LIGHTING

i. The general standards of illumination provided shall permit effective inspection and cleaning
and shall be of sufficient intensity appropriate to the purpose for which any room or place is
used;

ii. In rooms where food is prepared or packed or in which utensils or hands are washed there
shall be a minimum illumination intensity of 20 foot-candles; in premises where food is
consumed, there shall be a minimum illumination intensity of 5 foot-candles. Intensities of
illumination shall be measured at a point 30 inches (76.20 cm.) above the floor;

iii. All lighting shall be reasonably free from glare and distributed so as to avoid shadows;

iv. At other areas or working surfaces, the illumination shall be of such intensity as may be
required by the health authority.

(e) VENTILATION

i. Ventilation shall be provided which shall be effective and suitable to maintain comfortable
condition;

ii. The ventilation shall be adequate to prevent the air from becoming excessively heated,
prevent condensation and the formation of excess moisture on walls, ceilings and for the
removal of objectionable odors, fumes and impurities;

iii. In the absence of effective natural ventilation, mechanical ventilation with airflow from a
clean area, and discharging in such a manner as not to create a nuisance, shall be provided;

iv. Canopies, air ducts, fans or other appliances shall be provided as required by the health
authority in particular circumstances;

v. Effective provision shall be made for securing and maintaining a reasonable temperature;

(f) OVERCROWDING

There shall be sufficient floor space to enable every person working thereon to carry out his
duties efficiently and to permit easy access for cleaning. Working spaces, aisles or
passageways and areas to which customers have access shall be unobstructed and sufficient
to permit movement of employees and customers without contamination of food by clothing
or personal contact.

(g) CHANGEROOMS

1. There shall be provided adequate and suitable lockers or other facilities for the orderly
storage of clothing and personal belongings of employees or persons engaged or employed
in the premises. Such facilities shall be so situated and arranged so that there is no
contamination of food by contact with clothing, and where the number of persons engaged
or employed is four or more of either sex, there shall be provided separate changing rooms
for each sex.

(h) WASH-HAND BASINS

i. Wash-hand basins shall be installed in convenient places and as near as practicable to

where the person for whose use they are provided are working while handling food for sale
or in such locations as may be otherwise prescribed in any particular case.

ii. If required in writing by the local health authority an additional wash-hand basin shall be
installed as near as practicable to the toilet facilities: Provided, that the wash-hand basins
specified in this Code need not be installed in premises where only food in sealed containers
is sold: and, Provided, further, that wash-hand basins specified in this regulation shall be
installed under specifications of the National Plumbing Code of the Philippines.

(i) WASH-HAND BASIN MAINTENANCE

i. An adequate supply of soap, clean towels, roller towels presenting a clean surface to each
user from a continuous roller towel dispenser or other hand drying services approved by
health authorities.

ii. The wash-hand basin and all hand washing facilities shall, at all times, be maintained in
good repair and in a clean condition.

iii. All wash-hand basins shall, at all times, while the premises are being used, be supplied
with hot and cold or tempered running water at a minimum temperature of 100_F (37.8_C).
Section 18. Use of Food-Service Spaces
(a) Food-service spaces shall not be used as living or sleeping quarters.
(b) Clothing or personal effects shall be kept in lockers or in designated places away from
food service spaces.
(c) No animal or live fowls shall be allowed in such spaces.
(d) Persons not directly connected with food preparation and serving shall not be allowed to
stay in food-serving spaces.
(e)Foods in storage or in preparation must not be handled by anyone other than the
preparation and serving staff.

Section 21. Toilet and Washing Facilities

(a) Adequate and clean toilet facilities for male and female customers and personnel shall be
provided in properly located areas.
(b) Toilet rooms shall not open directly into spaces where food is prepared, stored or served.
Where such toilets exist, the doors shall be tight fitting and self-closing.
(c) Adequate hand-washing facilities shall be provided within or adjacent to toilet room.
(d) Facilities shall include hot and cold running water, single-service paper or cloth towel
dispenser or drying device and soap or detergent.

Section 22. Disposal of Refuse

(a) Refuse cans may be used in food-preparation areas for immediate use only.
(b) Storage refuse cans, filled and empty, shall be in a designated space separate from food-
handling operations.
(c) These cans shall be constructed and maintained as to be vermin-proof and easily cleaned.
(d) Cans containing refuse shall be tightly covered at all times, except during actual use in
food-handling areas.
(e) Holding bins may likewise be used, provided they are constructed of impervious, readily-
cleaned materials, and fitted with tight-fitting covers.
(f) Where refuse cans are used, a space separated from the food-handling spaces and
adjacent to the refuse-can storage space shall be provided for cleaning them. This space shall
be equipped with scrubbing-brushes, cleansing agents, steam or hot water under pressure,
and a hose fitted with adjustable nozzle.

Section 23. Equipment and Utensils

(a) They shall be so designed, fabricated and installed so that cleaning is easy and they do
not pose health hazards.
(b) Lead-soldered containers and cadium-lined piping and fixtures shall not be used.
(c) Surfaces that come into contact with food or drinks shall be constructed of materials that
are impervious, corrosion-resistant, non-toxic, easily cleanable, durable and resistant to
chipping.
(d) Sliding doors on cabinets shall be easily cleanable and removable. Runners shall be
allotted at the ends to permit removal of dust and debris. The bottom shelves of open-based
fixtures shall be removable to facilitate inspection, cleaning and maintenance.

Section 24. Washing of Utensils

(a) They shall be scraped and pre-rinsed to remove food articles.

(b) They shall be thoroughly cleansed in warm water at 120_F (49_C) with soap or detergent.
(c) If running water is not used, the wash-water shall be changed frequently.

Section 25. Bactericidal Treatment

Eating and drinking utensils and equipment, after thoroughly cleaned, shall be subjected to
one of the following bactericidal treatments:
(a) Immersion for at least half a minute in clean hot water at a temperature of at least 170_F
(77_C);
(b) Immersion for at least one minute in a lukewarm chlorine solution 50 ppm;
(c) Exposure in a steam cabinet at a temperature of at least 170_F (77_C) for at least 15
minutes at a temperature of 200_F (90_C) for at least 5 minutes;
(d) Exposure in an oven or hot-air cabinet at a temperature of at least 180_F (82_C) for at
least 20 minutes; or
(e) Any other method approved by the local health authority.

Section 26. Handling of Washed Utensils

(a) Washed utensils shall be allowed to drain dry in wire racks without use of drying cloths,
or shall be stored in a self-draining position to permit ready air-drying.
(b) The drying cloth on which to store dishes and utensils temporarily after bactericidal
treatment should be clean and changed frequently.

Section 27. Storage of Washed Utensils

(a) They shall be stored in a clean and dry place adequately protected against vermin and
other sources of contamination.
(b) Cups, bowls, and glasses, shall be inverted for storage.
(c) When not stored in closed cupboards or lockers, utensils and containers shall be covered
or inverted whenever practicable. Utensils shall not be stored on the bottom shelves of open
cabinets below the working top level.
(d) Racks, trays and shelves shall be made of materials that are impervious, corrosion-
resistant, non-toxic, smooth, durable and resistant to chipping.
(e) Drawers shall be made of the same materials and kept clean. Felt-line drawers are not
acceptable, but the use of clean and removable towels for lining drawers is acceptable.

The Fire Code (R.A. No. 9514)

SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as the “Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008”.

SECTION 2. It is the policy of the State to ensure public safety, promote economic
development through the prevention and suppression of all kinds, of destructive fires, and
promote the professionalization of the fire service as a profession. Towards this end, the
State shall enforce all laws, rules and regulations to ensure adherence to standard fire
prevention and safety measures, and promote accountability in the fire protection and
prevention service.

SECTION 7. Inspections, Safety Measures, Fire Safety, Constructions and Protective and/or
Warning Systems.
As may be defined and provided in the rules and regulations, owners, administrators or
occupants of buildings, structures and their premises or facilities and other responsible
persons shall be required to comply with the following, as may be appropriate:

a) Inspection Requirement - A fire safety inspection shall be conducted by the Chief, BFP or
his duly authorized representative as prerequisite to the grants of permits and/or licenses by
local governments and other government agencies concerned, for the:
(1) Use or occupancy of buildings, structures, facilities or their premises including the
installation or fire protection and fire safety equipment, and electrical system in any building
structure or facility; and
(2) Storage, handling and/or use of explosives or of combustible, flammable, toxic and other
hazardous materials;
b) Safety Measures for Hazardous Materials - Fire safety measures shall be required for the
manufacture, storage, handling and/or use of hazardous materials

(1) Fire protection features such as sprinkler systems, hose boxes, hose reels or standpipe
systems and other fire fighting equipment;
(2) Fire alarm systems;
(3) Fire walls to separate adjoining buildings, or warehouses and storage areas from other
occupancies in the same building;
(4) Provisions for confining the fire at its source such as fire resistive floors and walls
extending up to the next floor slab or roof, curtain boards and other fire containing or
stopping components;
(5) Termination of all exits in an area affording safe passage to a public way or safe dispersal
area;
(6) Stairway, vertical shafts, horizontal exits and other means of egress sealed from smoke
and heat;
(7) A fire exit plan for each floor of the building showing the routes from each other room to
appropriate exits, displayed prominently on the door of such room;
8) Self-closing fire resistive doors leading to corridors;

SECTION 8. Prohibited Acts.

The following are declared as prohibited act and omission:

Obstructing or blocking the exit ways or across to buildings clearly marked for fire safety
purposes, such as but not limited to aisles in interior rooms, any part of stairways, hallways,
corridors, vestibules, balconies or bridges leading to a stairway or exit of any kind, or
tolerating or allowing said violations;
b. Constructing gates, entrances and walkways to building components and yards, and
temporary or permanent structures on public ways, which obstruct the orderly and easy
passage of fire fighting vehicles and equipment;

c. Prevention, interference or obstruction of any operation of the fire service, or of duly

organized and authorized fire brigades;

d. Obstructing designated fire lanes or access to fire hydrants;

e. Overcrowding or admission of persons beyond the authorized capacity in movie houses,

theaters, coliseums, auditoriums or other public assembly buildings, except in other assembly
areas on the ground floor with open sides or open doors sufficient to provide safe exits;

f. Locking fire exits during period when people are inside the building;

g. Prevention or obstruction of the automatic closure of fire doors or smoke partitions or

dampers;

h. Use of fire protective or fire fighting equipment of the fire service other than for fire fighting
except in other emergencies where their use are justified;

i. Giving false or malicious fire alarms;

j. Smoking in prohibited areas as may be determined by fire service, or throwing of cigars,

cigarettes, burning objects in places which may start or cause fire;

k. Abandoning or leaving a building or structure by the occupant or owner without appropriate

safety measures;

l. Removing, destroying, tampering or obliterating any authorized mark, seal, sign or tag
posted or required by the fire service for fire safety in any building, structure or processing
equipment; and

m. Use of jumpers or tampering with electrical wiring or overloading the electrical system
beyond its designated capacity or such other practices that would tend to undermine the fire
safety features of the electrical system.

SECTION 9. Violations, Penalties and Abatement of Fire Hazards.

Fire hazards shall be abated immediately. The Chief, BFP or his/her duly authorized
representative, upon the report that a violation of this Code or other pertinent laws, rules
and regulations is being committed, shall issue notice/order to comply to the owner,
administrator, occupant or other person responsible for the condition of the building or
structure, indicating among other things, the period within which compliance shall be
effected, which shall be within ten (10) to fifteen (15) days after the receipt of the
notice/order, depending on the reasonableness to adequately comply with the same.

Manual on Technical Guidelines for Hospitals and Health Facilities Planning and
Design

It is the policy of the Department of Health (DOH) to provide both preventing and curative
healthcare that are available, accessible, acceptable, and affordable to the people. Such policy
determines to a large extent the provisions of hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The
provision of hospitals and other healthcare facilities involves a significant amount of capital
investment and operational expenditure. It is then imperative to give utmost attention and
concern to hospital planning and design, considering the country’s socio-economic, cultural,
political, and technological conditions; the rapid advance in medical and design technology; and
the country’s limited resources.
Typical, Redundant and Special Rooms/Spaces In the use of these Technical Guidelines, there
will be some rooms/spaces/areas shown on the floor plans that do not have Room Data Sheets -
-- this is due to several reasons: 1) they are “typical” in nature and thus can be referenced through
other Room Data Sheets (i.e. Office, Clinic, etc.); 2) they are redundant, meaning previous Room
Data Sheets have already been presented (i.e. Conference/Meeting Room, Storage Room, Pantry,
etc.); or 3) they are specialty layouts which are beyond the scope of this Manual (i.e. Auditorium,
etc.). For all cases, it is recommended that the users of this Manual perform due diligence in
executing their work: hospital administrators to properly brief designers, and designers to consult
hospital end-users regarding the specific and unique requirements of their rooms/spaces/areas.
Refer to the tabulation below for rooms/spaces/areas shown on the floor plans that do not have
Room Data Sheets:
Room Data Sheet A: FUNCTIONAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
This pertains to the essential design considerations which include listing of facilities required and
user-related data involved to support and achieve the intended function of the room. These
essential design considerations are the following:
Activities Involved: a listing that provides a clearer understanding of the activities
performed within the designated area. The specific description of the activities involved
gives information on the type and number of furniture and equipment needed to support
the listed activities. As these essential information are converted into spatial dimensions,
area quantification can now be derived.
People Involved: a listing that provides the number of occupants or users of the room
at any time. This refers to the specific regular office period/hour or any other 5 work
period or shift. Through anthropometrics, space quantification can be done to identify the
size of work areas to be provided to support the activities of the room occupants. This
shall also help in determining the number of particular furniture and equipment needed.
Planning Relationship: indicates the areas and services that are to be located
adjacent/close to one another, and easily accessible to the room being discussed or
referred to in the manual.
Equipment and Accessory Checklist: indicates any of the following: tools,
implements, apparatus, appliances, devices, accessories, attachments, and gadgets.
Furniture and Fixture Checklist: indicates either movable or non-movable articles and
fixtures found in a room that may or may not significantly occupy floor areas.
Additional Equipment and Engineering Terminals: indicates other accessories and
fixtures that do not necessarily occupy a particular floor area within the room but must
 be recognized for their functional importance. These fixtures are usually wall- or ceiling-
mounted.
General – a hospital that provides services for all kinds of illnesses, diseases, injuries or
deformities. A general hospital shall provide medical and surgical care to the sick and
injured, maternity, newborn and childcare. It shall be equipped with the service
capabilities needed to support board certified / eligible medical specialties and other
licensed physicians rendering services in, but not limited to, the following :
a) Clinical Services
1) Family Medicine
2) Pediatrics
3) Internal Medicine 850
4) Obstetrics and Gynecology
5) Surgery
b) Emergency Services
c) Outpatient Services
d) Ancillary and Support Services such as, Clinical Laboratory, Imaging Facility and
Pharmacy

A Level 1 General hospital shall have as a minimum the services stipulated under Rule V.B.1.b.1.
of this Order, including, but not limited to, the following:
a. A staff of qualified medical, allied medical and administrative personnel headed by a
physician duly licensed by the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC);
b. Bed space for its authorized bed capacity in accordance with DOH Guidelines in the
Planning and Design of Hospitals;
c. An Operating Room with standard equipment and provision for sterilization of
equipment and supplies in accordance with:
a. DOH Reference Plan in the Planning and Design of an Operating Room/Theater
(Annex A)
b. DOH Guidelines on Cleaning, Disinfection and Sterilization of Reusable Medical
Devices in Hospital Facilities in the Philippines (Annex B)
d. A Post-Operative Recovery Room;
e. Maternity facilities, consisting of ward(s), room(s), a Delivery Room, exclusively for
maternity patients and newborns;
f. Isolation facilities with proper procedures for the care and control of infectious and
communicable diseases as well as for the prevention of cross infections;
g. A separate dental section/clinic;
h. Provision for blood station;
i. A DOH licensed Secondary Clinical Laboratory with the services of a consulting
Pathologist;
j. A DOH licensed Level 1 Imaging Facility with the services of a consulting Radiologist;
and
k. A DOH licensed Pharmacy.
A Level 2 hospital shall have as a minimum, all of Level 1 capacity, including, but not limited to,
the following:
1) An organized staff of qualified and competent personnel with Chief of Hospital/Medical
Director and appropriate Department Heads; board certified Clinical
2) Departmentalized and equipped with the service capabilities needed to support board
certified/eligible medical specialists and other licensed physicians rendering services in the
 specialties of Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Surgery, their
subspecialties and ancillary services; 852
3) Provision for general ICU (Intensive Care Unit) for critically ill patients;
4) Provision for NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit);
5) Provision for HRPU (High-Risk Pregnancy Unit);
6) Provision for respiratory therapy services;
7) A DOH licensed Tertiary Clinical Laboratory; 8) A DOH licensed Level 2 Imaging Facility
with Mobile X-Ray inside the institution and with capability for contrast examinations.
A Level 3 hospital shall have as a minimum, all of Level 2 capacity, including, but not limited to,
the following:
a. Teaching and/or training hospital with accredited residency training program for
physicians in the four (4) major specialties namely: Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and
Gynecology, and Surgery;
b. Provision for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit;
c. Provision for Ambulatory Surgical Unit;
d. Provision for Dialysis facility;
e. Provision for Blood Bank;
f. A DOH licensed Tertiary Clinical Laboratory with standard equipment/reagents/supplies
necessary for the performance of histopathology examinations;
g. A DOH licensed Level 3 Imaging facility with interventional Radiology.

PATIENT CARE AREAS

Patient care areas, classified as follows, shall be those areas designated by the governing body
of the health care facility in accordance with the type of patient care anticipated:
1. General Care Areas are patient bedrooms, examining rooms, treatment rooms, clinics and
similar areas in which it is intended that the patient shall come in contact with ordinary appliances
such as a nurse call system, electrical beds, examining lamps, telephone and entertainment
devices. In such areas, it may also be intended that patients be connected to electromedical
devices (such as heating pads, electrocardiographs, drainage pumps, monitors, otoscope,
opthalmoscopes, peripheral intravenous lines).
2. Critical Care Areas are those special care units, intensive care units, coronary care units,
angiography, laboratories, cardiac catheterization laboratories, delivery rooms, operating rooms
and similar areas in which patients are intended to be subjected to invasive procedures and
connected to line-operated, electromedical devices.
3. Wet Locations are patient care areas that are normally subject to wet conditions while
patients are present. These include standing fluids on the floor or drenching of the work area,
either of which condition is intimate to the patient or staff. Routing housekeeping procedures and
incidental spillage on liquids do not define a wet location.

Guidelines for Construction and Equipment of Hospital and Medical Facilities –

AIA/Committee on Architecture for Health

The Committee on Architecture for Health (CAH) of the American Institute of Architects (AlA)
was privileged to convene and work with an interdisciplinary committee to revise the
Guidelinesfor Construction and Equipment ofHospital and Medical Facilities. This is the
second revision cycle for which the CAHIAlA has been honored to serve in this capacity. They
played a major role in the preparation of this edition.
These revised Guidelines are the result of many hours of oncentrated work by dedicated
professionals concerned with the health care industry from private practice, professional
organizations, and state and federal agencies. More than 2,000 proposals for change and
comments on proposed changes were received and processed by the CAH at three meetings
held in Washington D.C., Chicago, and San Diego. Approximately 50 members attended each
meeting and gave serious and full consideration to all written comments and proposals. The
AlA wishes to express its sincere gratitude to all who sent comments and to those
organizations whose representatives served on the Guidelines Revision Committee.

These facilities shall be accessible through an exterior entrance and shall be located to avoid the
need for transporting bodies through public areas.
The following elements shall be provided when autopsies are performed in the hospital:
[Link]. Refrigerated facilities for body holding.
7.1S.A2. An autopsy room containing the following:
a. A work counter with a sink equipped for handwashing.
b. A storage space for supplies, equipment, and specimens.
c. An autopsy table.
d. A deep sink for washing of specimens. 7.1S.A3. A housekeeping service sink or receptor for
cleanup and housekeeping.
 OCCUPANCY RATE/ BED DAYS COMPUTATION
The occupancy rate is a calculation that shows the actual utilization of an inpatient health facility
over a specific time period. It is expressed as a percentage, and other terms that are frequently
used interchangeably include "percent occupancy," "percentage of occupancy," or "occupancy
ratio." At the Bureau of Health Statistics, occupancy rates for hospitals and nursing homes are
routinely calculated and aggregated at the facility, county, and state levels. This information is
extremely useful for health planning and is frequently requested from the Bureau. Two data items
are required to calculate the average occupancy rate for a typical one-year reporting period.
These include "Inpatient Days of Care" and "Bed Days Available." The definitions for these two
items are as follows:
INPATIENT DAYS OF CARE - Sum of each daily inpatient census for the year. To arrive at this
total, you would simply add together each daily census for the 365 days in the year. Other
synonymous terms include "total inpatient service days," "occupied bed days," or "census patient
days of care."
BEDS DAYS AVAILABLE - The maximum number of inpatient days of care that would have
been provided if all beds were filled during the year. If 50 beds were available for use each day
during the year, bed days available would be 50 x 365 = 18,250. If the number of beds fluctuated
throughout the year, bed days available should reflect this and the calculation would be more
complicated. This will be discussed in more detail in the following paragraphs. Other terms used
for bed days available include "potential days," "maximum patient days," or "total inpatient bed
count days."
To calculate occupancy rate, use inpatient days of care and bed days available in this formula:
(Inpatient Days of Care / Bed Days Available) x 100
The calculation of occupancy rates is not limited to the facility as a whole. Occupancy rates are
often calculated to determine the utilization of a specific inpatient unit such as obstetric,
psychiatric, medical/surgical, etc. The occupancy rate is a valuable statistical measurement and
is usually calculated for a certain period of time (month, year, etc.) as opposed to calculating for
one particular day. Determining the occupancy for a longer time period reflects the degree to
which hospital beds have been utilized even though the number of beds may have changed during
the reporting period.
For the purposes of this article, the time period for calculating occupancy rate will be a typical
fiscal year (July through June). For the occupancy rate to be a true utilization indicator, bed days
available must be calculated to correctly reflect changes in the number of beds available for use
during the year.
If "bed days available" are calculated incorrectly (for instance, the number of beds in service at
the end of the 1 year are multiplied by the number of days in the year even though the number
of beds in service was considerably lower for several months), the resulting occupancy rate will
be much lower than actual.
The following examples show how the result could differ if bed days available are not calculated
correctly: A hospital had 300 beds in service from July 1 through February 28. The number of
beds in service then increased to 350 beds from March 1 through June 30. Bed days available
should be calculated as follows:
EXAMPLE 1 (Accurately reflects changes in bed capacity):
300 beds x 243 days = 72,900 (July 1 - February 28)
350 beds x 122 days = 42,700 (March 1 - June 30)
72,900 + 42,700 = 115,600 (Total Bed Days Available)

SPACE REQUIREMENTS FOR A GENERAL HOSPITAL

DESIGN REQUIREMENTS:

I. Lobby and information

•Admitting Office
•Reception Area
•Public Toilets
•Multipurpose Area (50 capacity)

II. Administrative Service

•Administrator’s Office
•Chief Of Hospital’s Office w/ Toilet
•Conference Room
•Secretary’s office
•Business Office- Clerical Pool
•Billing – Cashier
•Printing office
•Chief Nurse Office
•COA Office
•Staff Lounge and lockers with Toilet
•Facilities
•Kitchenette and Dining area

III. Ancillary Services

•Pharmacy
•Pharmacist’s office
•Pharmacy Storage
•Medical Record’s Office
•Records Room and Storage
•Social service Room
•Out-patient Department
•OPD Waiting
•OPD Admitting and info
•OPD Medical records
•Dental Clinic and Dentist’s Office
•Doctors Clinic
 •Medical/ surgical Check-up
•Pediatric check up
•Ob-gyne/family planning

IV. Radiology Department

•X-ray Room
•control booth and toilet
•Radiologist’s Office
•Dark room and
•film/file storage
•Toilet and dressing room
•Laboratory Department
•Department Head Area
•Laboratory
•Storage

V. Morgue
•Lobby/Waiting area
•Autopsy room

VI. Emergency Department

•Reception/ Info
•Waiting Area
•Treatment rooms
•Doctor on duty with T & B
•Nurse station with Toilet
•Observation room with toilet
•Minor Operation Room
•Stretchers Nook/Sub-lobby

VII. Surgery/Labor Department

•Sterile corridor
•Operating Room
•Operating area
•Scrub up and sub sterilizing room
•Surgical Supervisor’s area
•Anesthesia Office & Storage
•Sterile instrument supply
•Labor room, toilet, and Lamaze area
•Delivery room
•Recovery Room – 3 beds
•Nurse area
•Clean up room
•Staffs lounge
•Male/female dressing w/ T & B
•Nursery Room
•Septic nursery
•Suspect/pathologic nursery
•Work room
•Breastfeeding room
•Central sterilizing area

VIII. Nursing Facility

•Maternity Wards
•Office of the Chief Nurse
•Nurse Station
•Nurse Counter
•Treatment Room
•Toilet
•Clean Utility & Linen Room
•Soiled Utility & Dirty Linen
 •Room
•Wards
•Typical 2-bed ward with common T & B
•Typical 4-bed ward with common T & B
•Private ward with T&B
•Pediatric Wards
•Nurse Station
•Nurse Counter
•Treatment Room
•Toilet
•Clean Utility & Linen Room
•Soiled Utility & Dirty Linen
•Room
•Wards
•Typical 4-bed ward with common T & B
•2-bed ward with common T & B
•Private ward with T&B

IX. Dietary Service

•Main Kitchen
•Preparation,
•Cooking,
•Dishing out area
•Receiving area
•Dry and Cold Storages
•Dietician’s Office
•Dishwashing, pots & pans
•Waste Holding Area
•Staff dining room
•Locker room w/ Toilet
•Food conveying hallway

X. Engineering Service
•Central Supply Storage
•Laundry and Linen
o (Sorting, washing, drying and
o Ironing, storage)
o Laundry /linen officeoLinen storage
•Electrical room/emergency power house
•Janitor and Storage
•Maintenance Room
•Maintenance office
•2 repair shopostorage
•Motor pool
•1 ambulance, 3 cars
•Drivers’ quarters with T & B
•Central Waste Storage
o Domestic waste
o Infectious waste
o Recyclables
•Sewage treatment
•Water tank

XI. Hallways, stairs, ramps Fire exits, etc.

XII. Landscape/gardens
•Parking
•Service Parking
•Flagpole and assembly area
 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Hospitals are the most complex of building types because they provide a wide range of
services and are made up of many functional units. Hospitals provide diagnostic and treatment
services such as clinical laboratories, imaging, emergency rooms, and surgery, as well as
hospitality services such as food service and housekeeping. A good hospital design balances
functional needs with the human needs of its various users. The breadth and specificity of
regulations, codes, and oversight that govern hospital construction and operations reflect this
need for diverse functions. Each of a hospital's diverse and ever-changing functions, including
highly complex mechanical, electrical, and telecommunications systems, necessitates specialized
knowledge and expertise.
Cost-effectiveness and efficiency
An efficient hospital layout should promote staff efficiency by minimizing the distance between
frequently used spaces; allow for visual supervision of patients; provide an efficient logistics
system for supplies and food (and waste removal); make efficient use of multi-purpose spaces,
and consolidate spaces when possible.

Flexibility and Expandability

Medical needs and treatment methods will continue to evolve. As a result, hospitals should adhere
to modular space planning and layout concepts; use generic room sizes and plans as much as
possible; use modular, easily accessed, and easily modified mechanical and electrical systems;
and be open-ended, with well-planned future expansion directions.

Therapeutic Environment
A hospital should be perceived as unthreatening, comfortable, and stress-free by patients and
visitors. The interior designer is an important part of the effort to create a therapeutic
environment. This can be accomplished, for example, by using bright and varied colors and
textures, allowing ample natural light wherever possible, providing views of the outdoors from
every patient bed, and incorporating a "way-finding" process into every environment.

Sanitation and cleanliness

Hospitals should be simple to clean and maintain. Appropriate, durable finishes for each functional
space; careful detailing of features such as doorframes, casework, and finish transitions to avoid
dirt-catching and difficult-to-clean crevices and joints; and adequate and appropriately located
housekeeping spaces all help to achieve this.

Accessibility
All areas, both inside and outside, should meet all standards and minimum requirements of the
Americans with Disabilities Act, including ensuring that grades are flat enough to allow easy
movement and sidewalks and corridors are wide enough to accommodate two wheelchairs.

Safety and security

Hospitals face unique security challenges, including the protection of patients and staff, hospital
property and assets (including drugs), and vulnerability to terrorism due to their high visibility.
With these considerations in mind, security and safety must be built into the design.

Sustainability
Hospitals are large public structures that have a significant impact on the surrounding
community's environment and economy. They consume a lot of energy and water and generate
a lot of waste. As a result, when designing and building hospitals, sustainable design must be
considered.