Code sheet

RULE I – GENERAL PROVISIONS

 These Rules shall be known and cited as the “Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of
the National Building Code of the Philippines (P.D. 1096)” and shall be referred to as the “IRR”.
 The scope of this IRR shall cover all structures, except traditional indigenous family dwellings,
and those covered by Batas Pambansa Bilang 220 otherwise known as the “Economic and
Socialized Housing Projects”.
 Buildings or structures and all parts thereof as well as all facilities found therein shall be
maintained in safe, sanitary and good working condition.
 The land or site upon which will be constructed any building or structure, or any ancillary or
auxiliary facility thereto, shall be sanitary, hygienic or safe.

ADDITION – Any new construction which increases the height and/or floor area of existing
buildings/structures.
AGENCY OF THE GOVERNMENT – Refers to any of the various units of the government including
a department, bureau, office, instrumentality, or government owned or controlled corporation.
ALTERATION – Works in buildings/structures involving changes in the materials used,
partitioning, location/size of openings, structural parts, existing utilities and equipment but does
not increase the building height and/or floor area.
APPLICATION FORMS – A preformatted prescribed application form duly accomplished and
notarized by the respective design professional with validation matrices related to other
building rules and regulations.
APPLICANT/PERMITTEE – Any person, firm, partnership, corporation, head of government or
private institution, organization of any character applying for the issuance of permits and
certificates.
BUILDING OFFICIAL – the Executive Officer of the OBO appointed by the Secretary.
BUILDING PERMIT – A document issued by the Building Official (BO) to an owner/applicant to
proceed with the construction, installation, addition, alteration, renovation, conversion, repair,
moving, demolition or other work activity of a specific project/building/structure or portions
thereof after the accompanying principal plans, specifications and other pertinent documents
with the duly notarized application are found satisfactory and substantially conforming with the
National Building Code of the Philippines (the Code) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations
(IRR).
CODE – PD 1096, otherwise known as the National Building Code of the Philippines.
CONSTRUCTION – All on-site work done in the site preparation, excavation, foundation,
assembly of all the components and installation of utilities, machineries and equipment of
buildings/structures.
CONVERSION – A change in the use or occupancy of buildings/structures or any portion/s
thereof, which has different requirements.
 DEMOLITION – The systematic dismantling or destruction of a building/structure, in whole or in
part.
DEPARTMENT – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – The Executive Officer or Head of the NBCDO.
MOVING – The transfer of buildings/structures or portion/s thereof from original location or
position to another, either within the same lot or to a different one.
OFFICE OF THE BUILDING OFFICIAL (OBO) – The Office authorized to enforce the provisions of
the Code and its IRR in the field as well as the enforcement of orders and decisions made
pursuant thereto.
REFERRAL CODES – The applicable provisions of the various agency and technical professional
codes that are supplementary to the Code.
RENOVATION – Any physical change made on buildings/structures to increase the value,
quality, and/or to improve the aesthetic.
REPAIR – Remedial work done on any damaged or deteriorated portion/s of building/structure
to restore to its original condition.
SECRETARY – Head or Chief Executive Officer of DPWH.
STAFF – The personnel of the National Building Code Development Office (NBCDO).

RULE II – ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT

 The National Building Code Development Office (NBCDO) created through DPWH Department
Order, shall serve as the technical staff of the Secretary.
 General Powers and Functions of the Secretary : Formulate policies, plans, standards and
guidelines on building design, construction, use, occupancy and maintenance, in accordance
with the Code.
 the Building Official shall be responsible for carrying out the provisions of the Code in the field as
well as the enforcement of orders and decisions made pursuant thereto.
 All Building Officials appointed or designated other than by the Secretary
 the Building Official shall retain not more than 20% of the income/collection derived from
permit fees and other charges for the operating expenses of his office. The remainder of 100%
shall accrue to the general fund of the respective city/municipality.
 Public buildings and traditional indigenous family dwellings shall be exempt from payment of
building permit fees. the total cost of which does not exceed fifteen thousand pesos (P
15,000.00).
 In case of change, transfer, resignation or retirement from the service of the Building Official, an
inventory of all money and property accountabilities shall be taken jointly by the outgoing and
incoming Building Official and a receipt passed on the basis of such inventory. Such inventory
shall be certified as accurate by the said officers, witnessed by the local auditor thereat.
 The Secretary or his duly authorized representative may prescribe and impose fines not
exceeding ten thousand pesos (P10, 000.00) in the following cases: Erecting, constructing,
 altering, repairing, moving, converting, installing or demolishing a private or public
building/structure if without building/demolition permit.
 In the determination of the amount of fines to be imposed, violations shall be classified as
follows: LIGHT VIOLATION, LESS GRAVE VIOLATIONS , AND GRAVE VIOLATIONS.
 LIGHT – P 5,000 LESS GRAVE – P 8,000 GRAVE VIOLATION –P 10,000
 When any building or structure is found or declared to be dangerous or ruinous, the Building
Official shall order its repair, vacation or demolition depending upon the degree of danger to
life, health, or safety.

RULE III - PERMITS AND INSPECTION

 No person, firm or corporation, including any agency or instrumentality of the government shall
construct, alter, repair, convert, use, occupy, move, demolish and add any building/structure or
any portion thereof or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a building permit
therefor from the Building Official assigned in the place where the subject building/structure is
located or to be done.
 Accessory Permits are issued by the Building Official for accessory parts of the project with very
special functions or use which are indicated in the plans and specifications that accompany the
building permit application. These may include, among others: bank and records vaults;
swimming pools; firewalls separate from the building/structure; towers; silos; smokestacks;
chimneys; commercial/industrial fixed ovens; industrial kilns/furnaces; water/waste treatment
tanks, septic vaults; concrete and steel tanks; booths, kiosks and stages; and tombs,
mausoleums and niches.
 A building permit shall not be required for the following minor constructions and repairs,
provided these shall not violate any provision of the Code and this IRR.
 Any person desiring to obtain a building permit and any ancillary/accessory permit/s together
with a Building Permit shall file application/s therefor on the prescribed application forms:
Certified true copy of OCT/TCT, on file with the Registry of Deeds, Tax Declaration, and Current
Real Property Tax Receipt.
 Vicinity Map/Location Plan within a 2.00 kilometer radius for commercial, industrial, and
institutional complex and within a half-kilometer radius for residential buildings, at any
convenient scale showing prominent landmarks or major thoroughfares for easy reference.
 A locational clearance shall be obtained by the owner/permittee from the City/Municipal Zoning
Administration.
 When the application for building permit and the plans and specifications submitted herewith
conforms to the requirements of the Code and its IRR, the Building Official shall within fifteen
(15) days from payment of the required fees by the applicant, issue the building permit applied
for.
 The Building Official may order or cause the non-issuance, suspension or revocation of building
permits on any or all of the following reasons or grounds: Errors found in the plans and
 specifications; Incorrect or inaccurate data or information supplied; Non-compliance with the
provisions of the Code or any rules or regulations
 The owner/permittee shall submit to the OBO an application of Certificate of Occupancy
together with a duly notarized Certificate of Completion together with the construction logbook,
as-built plans and specifications and the Building Inspection Sheet all signed by whoever is the
contractor (if the construction is undertaken by contract) and signed and sealed by the Owner’s
duly licensed Architect or Civil Engineer who undertook the full time inspection and supervision
of the construction works.

RULE IV - TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION

 For purposes of the Code and its IRR, all buildings proposed for construction shall be
classified according to the following types:
 Type I - shall be of wood construction. The structural elements may be any of the materials
permitted by the Code.
 Type II - shall be of wood construction with protective fire-resistant materials and one-hour
fireresistive throughout, except, that permanent non-bearing partitions may use fire-
retardant treated wood within the framing assembly with one-hour resistivity.
 Type III - shall be of masonry and wood construction. Structural elements may be any of the
materials permitted by the Code provided, that the building shall be one-hour fire-resistive
throughout. Exterior walls shall be of incombustible fire-resistive construction.
 Type IV - shall be steel, iron, concrete, or masonry construction and walls, ceiling and
permanent partitions shall be of incombustible fire-resistive construction, except, that
permanent non-bearing partitions of one-hour fire-resistive construction may use fire-
retardant treated wood within the framing assembly.
 Type V - shall be four-hour fire-resistive throughout and the structural elements shall be of
steel, iron, concrete, or masonry construction
 Exterior bearing and non-bearing walls of Types II and III Constructions shall have one hour
fire-resistive rating, while those of Types IV and V shall have four-hour fire-resistive rating.

RULE V – REQUIREMENTS OF FIRE ZONES

 Fire zones are areas within which only certain types of buildings/structures are permitted to be
constructed based on their use or occupancy, type of construction, and resistance to fire.
 A building/structure which is located partly in one (1) fire zone and partly in another shall be
considered to be in the more highly restrictive fire zone, when more than one third (1/3) of its
total floor area is located in such zone.
 The center line of adjoining street or alley may be considered an adjacent property line.
Distances shall be measured at right angles to the street or alley.
  Designation of Fire Zones is purposely for management, prevention, control and suppression of
conflagration that may occur in population centers
 Non-Fire Restricted Zones: These are areas where siting of buildings/structures are permitted
without fire-resistivity measures, often located in the country sides or rural areas where
commercial and industrial and other buildings are sparsely constructed, or may be clustered in
small groups like farm lands wherein dwellings are built of indigenous materials such as
bamboo, sawali, nipa, cogon, palm leaves and wood up to Types I and II Construction as
classified in Section 401 of the Code.
 Fire Restrictive Zones: Areas wherein siting of buildings/structures are permitted within
prescribed fire-resistivity measures for exterior walls of at least two-hour fire resistivity. Usual
locations in suburban areas are permitted to be built with at least one-hour fire-resistivity
throughout as Types II, III to IV Constructions as prescribed in Section 401 of the Code.
 Highly Fire Restrictive Zones: Areas wherein highly fire- resistive or non-combustible
buildings/structures and/or construction assemblies of no less than three to four-hour fire-
resistive construction materials are used throughout, including exterior walls. Only Types IV and
V Constructions are permitted in the areas.

RULE VI - FIRE-RESISTIVE REQUIREMENTS IN CONSTRUCTION

 Fire-resistive rating means the degree to which a material can withstand fire as determined by
generally recognized and accepted testing methods.
 Fire-resistive time period rating is the length of time a material can withstand being burned
which may be one- hour, two- hours, four- hours, etc.
 All materials of construction, and type of materials and assemblies or combinations thereof shall
conform to the following fire-resistive ratings

RULE VII - CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF ALL BUILDINGS BY USE OR OCCUPANCY

 Residential R-1 - a lowdensity residential zone, characterized mainly by single- family, single
detached dwellings with the usual community ancillary uses on a neighborhood scale, such as
executive subdivisions and relatively exclusive residential communities which are not
subdivisions.
 Residential R-2- a medium density residential use or occupancy, characterized mainly as a low-
rise singleattached, duplex or multi-level building/ structure for exclusive use as multiple family
dwellings. This includes R-2 structures within semi-exclusive subdivisions and semi-exclusive
residential communities which are not subdivisions. There shall be two (2) general types of R-
2 use or occupancy, to wit: a. Basic R-2 : single-attached or duplex building/structure of from
one (1) storey up to three (3) storeys in height and with each unit for separate use as single-
family dwellings and; b. Maximum R-2 : low-rise multilevel building/structure of from three
(3) up to five (5) storeys in height and for use as multiple family dwellings
  Residential R-3 - a high-density residential use or occupancy, characterized mainly as a lowrise
or medium-rise building/ structure for exclusive use as multiple family dwellings with mixed
housing types. R-3 structure may include low-rise or medium-rise residential
 Residential R-4 - a medium to high-density residential use or occupancy, characterized mainly as
a low-rise townhouse building/ structure for exclusive use as multiple family dwellings. The term
R-4 specifically refers to the building/structure on an individual lot (a townhouse unit) and
generally refers to the series or rows of R-4 buildings/structures within a subdivided lot or
property (an R4 development) :
 Residential R-5 - a very highdensity residential use or occupancy, characterized mainly as a
medium-rise or high-rise condominium building/structure for exclusive use as multiple family
dwelling : Multi-family residential buildings such as condominium, high-rise residential
buildings/structures, multi-level apartments, tenements, mass housing, etc. taller than five (5)
storeys but not more than twelve (12) storeys
 General. The Allowable Maximum Total Gross Floor Area (TGFA) of any proposed
building/structure shall only be as allowed under this Rule.
 The maximum height and number of storeys of proposed building shall be dependent upon the
character of use or occupancy and the type of construction, considering end-user population
density, light and ventilation, width of RROW/streets particularly of its roadway/carriageway
component, building bulk, off-street cum off-site parking requirements, etc.
 The dwelling shall occupy not more than 90% of a corner lot and 80% of an inside lot, and
subject to the provisions on Easements of Light and View of the Civil Code of Philippines, shall
be at least 2.00 meters from the property line.
 Footings shall be of sufficient size and strength to support the load of the dwelling and shall be
at least 250 millimeters thick and 600 millimeters below the surface of the ground.
 The live load of the first floor shall be at least 200 kilograms per sq. meter and for the second
floor, at least 150 kilograms per sq. meter.
 The wind load for roofs shall be at least 120 kilograms per sq. meter for vertical projection.
 Stairs shall be at least 750 millimeters in clear width, with a rise of 200 millimeters and a
minimum run of 200 millimeters

RULE VIII - LIGHT AND VENTILATION

 The measurement of site occupancy or lot occupancy shall be taken at the ground level and shall
be exclusive of courts, yards, and light wells
 Habitable rooms provided with artificial ventilation shall have ceiling heights not less than 2.40
meters measured from the floor to the ceiling; provided that for buildings of more than one (1)
storey, the minimum ceiling height of the first storey shall be 2.70 meters and that for the
second story 2.40 meters and the succeeding stories shall have an unobstructed typical head-
room clearance of not less than 2.10 meters above the finished floor. Abovestated rooms with
natural ventilation shall have ceiling heights of not less than 2.70 meters.
  Mezzanine floors shall have a clear ceiling height not less than 1.80 meters above and below it.
 Rooms intended for any use, not provided with artificial ventilation system, shall be provided
with a window or windows with a total free area of openings equal to at least 10% of the floor
area of the room, provided that such opening shall be not less than 1.00 sq. meter.
 Ventilation or vent shafts shall have a horizontal cross-sectional area of not less than 1.00 sq.
meter for every meter of height of shaft but in no case shall the area be less than 1.00 sq. meter.
No vent shaft shall have its least dimension less than 600 millimeters
 Location and Orientation - Locate and orient the buildings to maximize the use of natural
ventilation and lighting and minimize energy consumption within the constraints of the
functional requirements, the topography and site configuration. North-south exposure of
buildings has the advantage of maximizing the cooling effect of prevailing winds coming from
the southeasterly and southwesterly directions. Such exposures minimize the effect of
afternoon solar heat at the same time.
 Site Drainage - Drainage is a basic site design consideration and must be done in conjunction
with siting and orientation of buildings, location of parking lots and roads, consideration of
topography and compliance with functional site requirements. Parking lots, roads and walks
must be graded to assure positive drainage for each major site element and must be
coordinated into a total drainage system.
 Site Drainage - Drainage is a basic site design consideration and must be done in conjunction
with siting and orientation of buildings, location of parking lots and roads, consideration of
topography and compliance with functional site requirements. Parking lots, roads and walks
must be graded to assure positive drainage for each major site element and must be
coordinated into a total drainage system. Existing drainage ways, if any, should be utilized to
retain the original character of the site and to avoid unnecessary earthwork.
 Grading Design - Balance the cut and fill for the entire site as closely as possible to eliminate
the need for hauling earth on or off the site.
 Vehicular and Pedestrian Access and Circulation - Access and circulation patterns to and within
the site must be studied in the process of site planning.
 Site Utilities and Services - Provide adequate underground utilities and services such as
concrete or masonry trench with retractable covers for maintenance and avoid diggings of new
roads.

RULE IX - SANITATION

 Whenever available, the potable water requirements for a building used for human habitation
shall be supplied from existing municipal or city waterworks system.
 The quality of drinking water from meteoric, surface or underground sources shall conform to
the criteria set in the latest approved National Standards for Drinking Water Standards.
 The design, construction and operation of deepwells for the abstraction of groundwater shall be
subject to the provisions of the Water Code of the Philippines (PD 1067).
  Rainwater drainage shall not discharge to the sanitary sewer system
 All pipe materials to be used in buildings/structures shall conform to the standard specifications
of the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

RULE X – BUILDING PROJECTION OVER PUBLIC STREETS

 No part of any building or structure or any of its appendages, shall project beyond the building
line except as provided herein.
 Whenever required by existing building and zoning regulations, arcades shall be constructed on
sidewalks of streets. The width of the arcade and its height shall be uniform throughout the
street provided that in no case, shall an arcade be less than 3.00 meters above the established
sidewalk grade.
 Arcaded pedestrian walkways shall have a clear height of 3.00 meters
 Canopy or Marquee is a permanent roofed structure above a door attached to and supported by
the building and projecting over a wall or sidewalk.
 Projection and Clearances. The horizontal clearance between the outermost edge of the
marquee and the curb line shall be not less than 300 millimeters.
 Construction. A marquee shall be constructed of incombustible material or materials of not less
than two- hours fire- resistive construction.
 Location. Every marquee shall be so located as not to interfere with the operation of any
exterior standpipe connection or to obstruct the clear passage from stairway exits from the
building or the installation or maintenance of electroliers
 Awning is a movable shelter supported entirely from an exterior wall of a building and of a type
which can be retracted, folded, or collapsed against the face of a supporting building.
 Clearance. The horizontal clearance between the awning and the curb line shall not be less than
300 millimeters
 Doors, windows, and the like less than 2.40 meters above the pavement or groundline shall not,
when fully opened or upon opening, project beyond the property line except fire exit doors.
 Every corner building or solid fence on a public street or alley less than 3.60 meters in width
shall be truncated at the corner. that in no case shall the length of the chaflan be less than 4.00
meters
RULE XI - PROTECTION OF PEDESTRIANS DURING CONSTRUCTION OR DEMOLITION

 Materials and equipment necessary for work to be done under a permit when placed or stored
on public property shall not obstruct free and convenient approach to and use of any fire
hydrant, fire or police alarm box, utility box, catch basin, or manhole and shall not interfere with
any drainage of any street or alley, gutter, and with the safe and smooth flow of vehicular and
pedestrian traffic.
 The mixing of mortar, concrete, or similar materials on public streets shall not be allowed.
 When the Building Official authorizes a sidewalk to be fenced or closed, or in case there is no
sidewalk in front of the building/structure site during construction or demolition, a temporary
walkway of not less than 1.20 meters shall be provided
 When the Building Official authorizes a sidewalk to be fenced or closed, or in case there is no
sidewalk in front of the building/structure site during construction or demolition, a temporary
walkway of not less than 1.20 meters shall be provided
 Fences shall entirely enclose the construction/demolition site and shall be erected on the
building side of sidewalks or walkways and shall be made of approved materials (e.g. G.I. sheet,
wooden boards and/or planks, plywood or Lawanit, sawali), not less than 2.40 meters in height
above the curb line.
 The street side of the canopy shall be kept open for a height of not less than 2.40 meters above
the curb. The underside of the canopy shall be properly lighted at night with not less than
100Watts bulb every 6.00 meters of its length
 Gas welding or cutting or arc welding shall not be done above pedestrians and workers. When
unavoidable, an incombustible shield shall be provided between the work and workers below.
 Whenever a typhoon is expected to pass at or near the construction site, all construction
materials and equipment shall be secured against displacement by wind forces
 Every hoisting engine shall be provided with adequate brakes capable of holding the maximum
load at any point of travel.
 Platform hoists for the handling of materials in buildings under construction shall have the car
substantially constructed and provided with covers, either solid or wire mesh.
 Derricks shall be so designed and assembled that no part shall be stressed beyond the safe
working stress for the material under its maximum rated load in any possible position. Such
maximum load shall be conspicuously posted on each derrick.
 Derricks shall be so designed and assembled that no part shall be stressed beyond the safe
working stress for the material under its maximum rated load in any possible position. Such
maximum load shall be conspicuously posted on each derrick.
 Cables, ropes, chains and blocks shall be of such size that the maximum load supported by them
will not exceed one-sixth (1/6) of their breaking strength.
 Ladders shall not be extended by joining two (2) or more together. No single ladder shall exceed
6.00 meters in length. When greater heights are to be reached, intermediate platforms shall be
erected.
RULE XII - GENERAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

 Before undertaking excavation works, drilling or otherwise disturbing the ground, the persons
doing the work, or causing such work to be done, shall contact all public utilities/services to
determine the possible location of underground facilities, to avoid hazard to public safety,
health and welfare caused by the inadvertent disruption of such facilities.
 Cut slopes for permanent excavations shall not be steeper than two (2) horizontal to one (1)
vertical and slopes for permanent fills shall not be steeper than two (2) horizontal to one (1)
vertical.
 Where water is encountered in excavation, a sump should be maintained below the level of the
excavation in order that surface and groundwater can be led into it and pumped out;
 Veneer is a nonstructural facing of brick, concrete, tile, metal, plastic, glass, or other similar
approved materials attached to a backing or structural components of the building for the
purpose of ornamentation, protection, or enclosure that may be adhered, integrated, or
anchored either on the interior or exterior of the building or structure. Veneer shall support no
load other than its own weight and the vertical dead load of veneer immediately above.
 Vertical openings shall be enclosed depending upon the fire resistive requirements of a
particular type of construction as set forth in the Code.
 Roof covering for all buildings shall be either fire-retardant or ordinary depending upon the fire-
resistive requirements of the particular type of construction.
 Roof trusses shall have all joints well fitted and shall have all tension members well tightened
before any load is placed in the truss.
 Draft Stops. Regardless of the type of construction, draft stops shall be installed in trusses roofs,
between roof and bottom chords or trusses, in all buildings exceeding 2000 sq. meters.
 Roof drains shall be installed at low points of the roof and shall be adequate in size to discharge
all tributary waters
 Flashing and counterflashing shall be provided at the juncture of the roof and vertical surfaces.
 Every building or usable portion thereof shall have at least one (1) exit. In all occupancies, floors
above the first storey having an occupant load of more than ten (10) shall not have less than two
(2) exits
 If only two (2) exits are required, they shall be placed a distance apart to not less than one-fifth
(1/5) of the perimeter of the area
 Exit door shall swing in the direction of exit travel when serving any hazardous areas or when
serving an occupant load of fifty (50) or more. Double acting doors shall not be used as exits
serving a tributary occupant load of more than one hundred (100);
 Stairways serving an occupant load of more than fifty (50) shall not be less than 1.10 meters.
Stairways serving an occupant load of fifty (50) or less may be 900 millimeters wide. Private
stairways serving an occupant load of less than ten (10) may be 750 millimeters. Trim and
handrails shall not reduce the required width by more than 100 millimeters.
 All skylights shall be constructed with metal frames except those for Groups A and J
Occupancies. All skylights, the glass of which is set at an angle of less than 45º from the
horizontal, if located above the first storey, shall be set at least 100 millimeters above the roof.
  The installation of lath, plaster and gypsum wall board shall conform to the fire-resistive rating
requirements and the type of construction of building

RULE XIII - ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL REGULATIONS

 In Subdivisions, Housing Projects, Commercial and Industrial Buildings, overhead transmission

and distribution voltages are required to supply power source including transformers, poles and
supporting structures
 Where building/s exceed 15.00 meters in height, overhead lines shall be arranged where
practicable so that clear space or zone at least 1.80 meters (horizontal) will be left adjacent to
the building or beginning not over 2.45 meters (horizontal) from the building, to facilitate the
raising of ladders where necessary for fire fighting.
 Oil-insulated transformers rated more than 15 kV between conductors shall be installed inside a
transformer vault.
 An adequate space or area shall be provided at load centers where panel boards, breakers,
switchgears and other electrical equipment are installed.
 When four (4) or more elevators serve all or the same portion of a building, they shall be located
in not less than two (2) hoistways and in no case shall more than four (4) elevators be located in
any one hoistway.
 Minimum number of hoisting ropes shall be three (3) for traction elevators and two (2) for drum
type elevators.

RULE XIV - PHOTOGRAPHIC AND X-RAY FILMS

 Film negatives shall be kept in properly insulated vented cabinets, vented storage vaults or
outside storage houses. Where the film stored exceeds 450 kilograms, it shall be in vented
storage vaults or in a detached structure or roof vault.
 Only incandescent electric light shall be permitted; protected with substantial wire guards or
vapor proof globes or both.
 No films shall be stored within 600 millimeters of steam pipes, chimneys, or other sources of
heat.
 Unless otherwise provided in the 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.

RULE XV – PREFABRICATED CONSTRUCTION

  To determine the structural adequacy, durability, soundness, weather and fire resistance of
prefabricated assemblies, they shall pass the special tests conducted by any accredited material
testing laboratories.
 In structural design, proper allowances shall be made for any material to be displayed or
removed for the installation of pipes, conduits, or other equipment.
 Placement of prefabricated assemblies shall be inspected to determine compliance with the
Code.
 During the placement of the prefabricated assembly, a safety engineer shall be required at the
site.

RULE XVI - PLASTICS

 Approved plastic materials shall be those which have a flame-spread rating of two hundred
twenty five (225) or less and a smoke density not greater than that obtained from the burning of
untreated wood under similar conditions when tested in accordance with generally accepted
engineering practices. The products of combustion shall be no more toxic than the burning of
untreated wood under similar conditions.
 Structural Requirements – All plastic materials shall be of adequate strength and durability to
withstand the prescribed design loads.
 Fastenings – Fastenings shall be adequate to withstand design loads and internal and external
stresses required of the assembly.
 Openings glazed with approved plastics at the ground floor shall be so located such that it shall
open directly to a street or into an exit court. Such openings at the upper floor shall be so
located at a horizontal distance not less than 3.00 meters from the enclosed stairway, outside
stairway or exit passageway leading to a street or into an exit court.
 Plastic skylights shall be separated from each other by at least 2.50 meters laterally and 3.00
meters along the slope of the roof.
 Curb Requirements – Plastic skylights in roofs having a slope of less than 1 in 3 shall have a 100
millimeters high curb.
 General - Where a fire-resistive rating is not required for the roof structure, and in all buildings
provided with an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system, approved plastics may be used
with or without sash as the light-transmitting medium in monitors and sawtooth; Except, that
plastics used in monitors or sawtooth roofs of Type II Construction shall be of materials
appropriate to be used according to flame-spread characteristics.
 Plastic light diffusers shall be installed in such a manner that they will not readily become
detached when subjected to room temperature of 80°C for 15 minutes, Except, for plastic light
diffusers which are installed in the first floor area of Group C Occupancies having egress directly
to the exterior of the building;
 Approved plastics may be used in lieu of plain glass in greenhouses in less restrictive Fire Zones.

RULE XVII - SHEET METAL PAINT SPRAY BOOTHS

  Paint spray booths shall be constructed of steel of not less than No. 18 U.S. gauge in thickness
and shall be designed in accordance with the Code. The area of a paint spray booth shall not
exceed 150 sq. meters nor 10% of the basic area
 Every spray booth having an open front elevation larger than 1.00 sq. meters and which is not
equipped with doors, shall have a fire curtain or metal deflector not less than 100 millimeters
deep installed at the upper outer edge of the booth opening.
 Paint spray booths shall be illuminated through hammered wire or heat-treated glass panels.
The glass panels shall be located in such a manner as to reduce the hazard of ignition caused by
paint spray deposit.
 Mechanical ventilation shall be provided direct to the exterior of the building. The mechanical
exhaust system shall be designed to move the air through any portion of the paint spray area at
the rate of not less than 30.00 lineal meters per minute.
 The discharge point for ducts in a paint spray booth shall be not less than 2.00 meters from the
adjoining combustible construction nor less than 8.00 meters from adjoining exterior wall
openings; except, that the discharge point for exhaust ducts is not regulated in a waterwash
spray booth.

RULE XVIII – GLASS AND GLAZING

 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.
 Exterior glass and glazing shall be capable of safely withstanding the load due to wind pressure
for various height zones above ground acting inward or outward. The area of individual light
shall not be more than the maximum allowable area of glass according to the wind load
multiplied by the appropriate adjustment factor.
 Regular plate, sheet, or patterned glass in jalousies and louvered windows shall not be thinner
than 5.6 millimeters minimal and shall not be longer than 1.20 meters. Exposed glass edges
shall be smooth.
 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.

RULE XIX – THE USE OF COMPUTERS

 The use of computer for all or any part of the design of buildings under the Code is
permitted provided that all programs to be used are documented.
  The output 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 computergenerated computations being submitted.

RULE XX - SIGNS