The amended Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 (BP 344) includes updated accessibility standards for buildings and public spaces, with key changes focusing on enhanced features for people with disabilities. These amendments clarify requirements for elements like ramps, handrails, parking, and signage, incorporating international best practices and providing more detailed design specifications to improve safety and usability for all.
1. Accessible Ramps
1.1. Changes in level shall require a ramp except when served by a dropped sidewalk, curb ramp, an elevator, or other mechanical device.
1.2. Accessible ramps shall have the following facilities and features:
a. Minimum clear width of 1200 mm
b. Gradient not steeper than 1:20. Steeper gradients may be allowed in special cases depending on the length to be covered.
d. Accessible ramps with a total length longer than 10.50m shall be provided with intermediate landings with a minimum length of 1800 mm.
i. Landing served by a doorway shall conform to the requirements as provided under Clear Level Space for Doors.
e. Level area not less than 1800 mm at the upper end and lower end of any ramp.\
f. Handrails on both sides of the ramp at 700 mm and 900 mm from the finished floor of the ramp to the top of the handrails.
g. 300 mm horizontal extension of the handrail shall be provided at the upper end and lower end of ramps.
h. Raised edge on both sides of the ramp with a minimum height of 100 mm.
i. Ramps shall be provided with tactile warning strips at the head, foot, and landings. The warning tactile blocks shall have a depth of 600 mm and shall be installed: i. 300 mm from the head and foot of the ramp and, ii. at the center of each landing
j. Any ramp with a rise greater than 200 mm and leads down towards an area where vehicular traffic is possible, shall have a railing across the full width of its lower end, not less than 1800 mm from the foot of the ramp.
2.1. In all cases, floor surfaces shall be slip-resistant during both wet and dry conditions, level, and stable.
2.2. Floor surfaces shall have a minimum luminance contrast of 30% from the adjacent walls. Otherwise, the skirting shall provide a clear distinction between the floor and the wall.
2.3. Contrasting color bands and detectable warning surfaces shall be employed to alert users of changes in levels.
2.4. If carpets or carpet tiles are used on a floor surface: a. it shall be securely attached; b. have a firm cushion, pad, or backing; c. have a level loop, textured loop, level cut pile, or level cut/uncut pile texture; d. maximum pile thickness shall be 13mm; e. Exposed edges of carpets shall be fastened to floor surfaces and have edge trims along the entire length of exposed edges;
3. Channel Covers and Floor Protrusions
3.1. Covers to channels shall be flushed with the surface of the floor, minimizing any height difference that could pose a tripping hazard.
3.2. Holes in the covers shall not exceed 13mm in size.
3.3. There shall be no hazards from floor projections or unexpected changes in level along the accessible path.
3.4. Wiring, outlets, and similar shall not create tripping hazards whether dormant or in use and shall be positioned away from the accessible pathways, corridors and the like.
4. Gratings
4.1. Gratings shall be slip-resistant during both wet and dry conditions.
4.2. Gratings shall be level with the surrounding floor.
4.3. Gratings must have a minimum luminance contrast of 30% to distinguish them from the surrounding floor.
4.4. Spacing between grates shall not exceed 13mm.
5. Handrails and Grab Bars
5.1. Handrails shall be required for accessible ramps for changes in grade higher than 170 mm.
5.2. Handrails shall be installed on both sides of ramps and stairs. Handrails may be provided at dropped sidewalks but shall not be installed beyond the width of any crossing so as not to obstruct pedestrian traffic.
5.3. Handrails shall be installed at 900 mm and 700 mm above ramps and stairs.
5.5. A 300 mm long horizontal extension of the handrail shall be provided before the start and after the end of the ramps and stairs, and shall end with a closed-end that turns down or returns fully to the end post or wall face, without projecting into the travel path.
5.6. Handrails and grab bars that require full grip shall have a round cross-section with a diameter of 1 3/16” (30 mm) to 1 37/64” (40 mm).
5.7. Handrails attached to walls shall have a minimum clear distance of 50 mm from the wall. Handrails on ledges shall have a minimum clear distance of 40 mm.
5.8. Handrails shall be continuous throughout the entire length and around landings less than 2100 mm in length, except where it is intersected by an alternative path of travel or has an entry door leading into it.
5.9. Handrails shall be made of slip-resistant material and shall have a continuous gripping surface without any sharp edges or projections. 5.10. The upper handrail extensions, at the top and bottom of stairs and ramps, shall be marked with the destination in Braille accompanied by written characters.
5.11. Handrails shall remain unobstructed. Placing any objects on top of handrails that are not an essential part of the handrail design or do not serve a safety purpose is strictly prohibited.
STAIRS
10. Stairs
10.1. Complementary ramps, lifts, or escalators shall be provided where staircases are present along an accessible route.
10.2. Uniform risers of 150 mm (maximum) and treads of 300 mm (minimum) shall be used.
10.3. Tread surfaces and nosing shall be slip-resistant in wet and dry conditions
10.4. Nosing shall not protrude. All risers shall have a backward tilt of 25mm.
10.5. Stair nosing shall be durable and slip-resistant in wet and dry conditions with a minimum luminance contrast of 30% to the stair risers and treads.
10.6. Open stringers shall not be allowed.
10.7. A tactile strip (warning tactile blocks) with a depth of 600 mm and with a length spanning the entire width of the stairs, shall be installed 300 mm before hazardous areas or intended stops, such as sudden changes in floor levels and at the top, bottom and intermediate landings of stairs.
10.9. Handrails shall be installed at 900 mm and 700mm above stair treads.
10.10. The stair handrail shall be bent down at a radius of 150 mm back to the newel post.
10.12. Braille floor level indicators shall be installed at the end of handrails to indicate what floor level.
10.13. Handrails shall extend horizontally at least 300 mm beyond the first and last step of each flight of stairs and shall end with a closed end that turns down or returns fully to the end post or wall face, without projecting into the travel path.
10.14. Winding and spiral staircases shall not be allowed due to their non-uniform steps. Straight or L-shaped staircases with leveled landings shall be used.
10.15. Accessible staircases shall have a clear width of 1.50m. This minimum width allows for two-way traffic.
10.16. Landings on the stairs shall be provided at a distance where rest is deemed appropriate. Landings shall be provided at intervals of 3 meters or less. Landing depth shall be equivalent to the clear width of the stairs, and shall also be not less than 1500 mm.
10.17. Landings shall not be unobstructed by protrusions such as door swings.
10.18. Adequate lighting shall be provided at a minimum level of 200 lux throughout corridors and on stairways.
10.19. A clear space of at least 1.20m in depth shall be provided before and after a staircase.
10.20. A raised edge with a minimum of 100 mm in height shall be installed on both sides of a staircase except when a wall is in place.
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