QuestionsQuestions (DOH)
The IRR applies to public and private schools, including sectarian/non-sectarian schools, seminaries, review centers, graduate schools, special schools (including for persons with disabilities), foreign schools, technical/vocational schools, trade schools, training centers, day care/child care centers, nursery/kindergarten schools, and children’s institutions. Exemptions include Sunday schools and certain specialized schools/facilities (e.g., dancing/music, fitness/slimmer, massage, embalming, martial arts/yoga, swimming/scuba-diving) when covered under other chapters of the Code.
Any extension, additional construction, or alteration requires a new sanitary permit before it may be operated.
Application/renewal is filed with the city/municipal health office with jurisdiction. The permit is issued only upon compliance to at least a “satisfactory rating” using the sanitary inspection form (EHS Form No. 103-B).
Fees are paid upon application, renewal, and noting of the sanitary permit; the amounts are set through local ordinance. Within 14 working days after a change in ownership, the new owner must apply to have the change noted and secure a certificate, paying the corresponding fee.
The sanitary permit is valid from the day of issuance until the last day of December of the same year, and must be renewed at the beginning of every year thereafter.
Upon recommendation of the local health officer to the local health authority, it may be suspended or revoked for violation of any sanitary rules and regulations.
The distance from the school’s property line to: (i) cemeteries/memorial parks = 50 meters; (ii) bars/karaoke joints/markets/moviehouses/bowling alleys and similar public places = 200 meters; and (iii) jails/night clubs/cabarets/disco houses/massage clinics/sauna baths/motels/racetrack lotto cockpits/places of vice = 1000 meters.
School site outdoor noise level must be less than 70 decibels. For rooms: classrooms 35–40 dB; hearing test rooms less than 40; music rooms less than 40; health rooms less than 45; cafeterias/canteen 50–55.
Each pupil/student must be allotted at least 1.00 square meter of floor area and at least 3 cubic meters of airspace. Ventilation must be effective (natural and/or mechanical). Windows/openings must meet specified area ratios, and mechanical ventilation provisions exist for air-conditioning units and exhaust/blower fans.
The IRR provides a table of minimum lighting levels (in foot-candles and lux), including: classrooms/study halls/labs/dissecting rooms/offices/art rooms/shops = 30 foot-candles (322.80 lux); drafting/computer/typing/sewing rooms and certain specialized rooms = 50 foot-candles (538 lux); auditoriums/cafeterias/stairways = 10 foot-candles (107.60 lux); corridors = 5 foot-candles (53.80 lux). It also prohibits glare-producing materials/strong lighting.
Toilet facilities for male and female must be adequate and sanitary, accessible, properly lighted and ventilated, not in basements, and installed in all floors. Fixtures follow ratios: for male pupils, below 50 = 1 toilet bowl, 1 urinal, 1 lavatory; 50–100 = 2 toilet bowls, 1 urinal, 2 lavatories; additional 100 males = one set per the stated increments. For female pupils: below 30 = 1 toilet bowl and 1 lavatory; 30–100 = 2 toilet bowls and 2 lavatories; additional 50 females = one toilet bowl and one lavatory per the table.
Schools without piped water must provide two large pitchers/pots or bucket and dipper for pouring water, with a minimum of 100 liters of water for every 50 pupils/students.
A minimum of 40 liters per capita per day shall be maintained. The school authorities must submit water samples for examination by a DOH-accredited water laboratory and do frequent monitoring of the water supply system.
The owner/operator/administrator must maintain a vermin abatement program in buildings and premises. Rooms and outdoor openings must be screened unless air-conditioned; containers that accumulate water (e.g., flower vases) must be emptied daily; openings below grade and exterior openings must be rat-proofed; deratting/disinfestation/disinfecting must be handled by an accredited urban pest control applicator under local health office supervision.
For 2+ storeys, stairways must be at least 1.8 meters wide on each side with handrails and adequate lighting; corridors must be at least 1.8 meters wide and kept clear. For fire/exits: 2+ storey buildings must have fire escapes; sufficient egress requires two doors at least 1 meter wide and 2 meters high (or one door at least 2 meters wide). Exit doors must have panic locks and passageways must remain unobstructed; doors/gates must open outward.