DOH IRR on School Sanitation P.D. 856

Defines terms critical to school sanitation and health services such as children's institution, day care center, foreign school, formal education, health certificate, infestation, sanitary permit, school administrator, vermin, and many more.
Establishes clear classifications for types of schools and related health and sanitation terminologies.

No school or establishment may operate without a sanitary permit issued by the local health officer.
Any construction or alteration requires a new permit.
Applications and renewals are filed with city/municipal health offices; issuance depends on compliance with sanitary inspection.
Fees are locally prescribed; permit is valid until December 31 yearly and must be posted conspicuously.
Ownership changes must be reported and reflected in records.
Permits may be suspended or revoked for violations.

School site clearance must be secured from the regional health office before construction.
Criteria for site selection include avoiding noise, pollution, nuisances; ensuring accessibility, large enough area, good drainage, and adequate water supply.
Specific distance requirements are set from various public places deemed nuisances.
Physical topography must be level and safe.

School buildings must maximize natural light and ventilation, comply with the National Building Code, be fire safe, acoustically adequate, aesthetically designed, and free from overcrowding.
Detailed requirements for floors, walls, ceilings, ventilation, lighting, classroom size, furniture arrangement, and playgrounds.

Separate and adequate male/female toilet facilities, lavatories, showers for gymnasium users, and accessible facilities for persons with disabilities.
Proper design for plumbing, ventilation, natural and mechanical lighting.
Hand-washing facilities with water and soap always available.
Potable and adequate water supply complying with national standards; drinking water and ice handling standards.
Food establishments within schools must comply with relevant food safety provisions.
Sewage and drainage systems must meet prescribed standards.
Solid waste must be managed with segregation, vermin-proof containers, and timely disposal.
Vermin control programs mandatory.
Housekeeping with clear scheduling and maintenance responsibilities.

Measures include proper stairways, corridors, fire escapes, egress doors with panic locks, safe electrical systems, fire extinguishers, regular fire and earthquake drills.
Storage and use of flammable materials strictly regulated.
Laboratory safety includes provisions for ventilation of gases.

Laboratories must have adequate size, safety features, emergency equipment, proper storage for hazardous materials, and meet standards for use of radioactive materials.
Gymnasiums and auditoriums must be acoustically treated and properly located.
Dormitories require safe location, proper facilities, evacuation plans, and hygiene.
Computer rooms temperature and ergonomics standards specified.
Swimming pools must comply with relevant sanitation codes.
Libraries and other school facilities must comply with national construction and safety codes.

Restrictions on location (no factory or mercantile buildings unless approved).
Facilities must be safe, lighted, ventilated, with child-friendly toilets and furnishings.
Adequate play areas, first aid kits, and nutritious food handling conformity.

Implements laws on organ donation and the use of cadavers.
Strict regulations on use, storage, and disposal of cadavers, including approval processes, posting of unclaimed bodies, and disposition after use.
Morgue and dissection room construction and maintenance standards.

Annual physical, medical, dental exams for all personnel and students.
Health certificates required for school employees.
Schools must have clinics providing basic health and emergency services.
Referral systems with local health facilities.
First aid kits with specified materials; only trained personnel can administer first aid.

Regular inspections by city/municipal health officers at least quarterly.
Mission orders required for inspectors; inspection uniform and equipment specified.
Use of standardized forms with rating system; establishments rated as Excellent, Very Satisfactory, or Satisfactory.
Schools scoring below 50% face suspension.
Inspection reports and sanitary orders issued with specific corrective measures and grace periods.
Mechanisms for re-inspection, notice service, revocation, suspension, appeals, and enforcement.
Inspectors have power of entry and conduct inspections during school operations.

Maintain healthful physical and emotional environment.
Apply for and renew sanitary permits.
Supervise use and proper disposal of medical remains.
Ensure vermin control, maintain clinics, report notifiable diseases, assist in inspections and health promotion.

Regional directors issue school site clearances.
Local health officers conduct inspections, issue permits and health certificates, handle disease prevention, and enforce standards.
Local governments reserve school sites, maintain safe distance from nuisances, regulate noise, guide enforcement, and implement these regulations.

Violations constitute misdemeanors with penalties up to six months imprisonment, fines up to Php 1,000, or both.
Interference with health officers or tampering with posted notices also punishable.

Invalidity of any provision does not affect the validity of the rest of the rules.

Rules take effect fifteen days after publication in official gazette or newspaper general circulation.