THE SANITATION

CODE OF THE
PHILIPPINES
 THE SANITATION CODE –
P.D. 856
• Promulgated by the late President Marcos on
December 23, 1975.
• improve the way of the Filipinos by directing public
health services
• protection and promotion of the health
• Codify and update the scattered sanitary laws to
ensure the provision of reference and guide for fast
reinforcement.
 CHAPTER I: GENERAL PROVISIONS

• Section 1: Title “Code on Sanitation of the Philippines”

• Section 2: Definition of Terms
a. Code – Sanitation Code of the Philippines
b. Department – Department of Health
c. Secretary – Secretary of Health
d. Regional Director – Head of Regional Health Office
e. Local Health Authority – official or employee in a local political
subdivision
f. Health Officer – provincial, city or municipal
g. Engineer – Sanitary Engineer
h. Section – any section of the code unless specifically mentioned
• Section 3: Functions of the Department of Health
• Section 4: Authority of the Secretary – promulgate rules and
regulations
• Section 5: Authority of the Bureau Directors – manage staff
activities
• Section 6: Authority of Regional Officers - administer health
functions in their regions
• Section 7: Authority of Health Directors- administer health
functions in their areas
• Section 8: Miscellaneous Provisions
a. International treaties, agreements and conventions
b. Rights and proceedings
c. Delegation of power and assignment of duty
d. Language required – English or Pilipino only
e. Mailing of notices – through postal service only
f. Condemnation or seizure of property
g. Command responsibility
 CHAPTER II: WATER SUPPLY
• Section 9: Prescribed Standards and Procedures – the
treatment of drinking water must conform to the criteria set
by the National Drinking Water Standards
• Section 10: Jurisdiction of the Department
a. Sites of water sources before their construction
b. Delivery of water to consumers from new or recently repaired
water systems
c. Operation of a water system after an order of closure was
issued by the Department
d. Plans and specifications of water systems and subdivisions
and projects prior to the construction of housing units thereat
e. Certification of potability of drinking water
• Section 11: Types of Water Examinations Required
a. Initial Examination – physical, chemical, bacteriological
examinations
b. Periodic Examination – examinations of at least six month-
interval
• Section 12: Examining Laboratories and Submission of Water
Samples – examination of water samples shall be performed
only in private or government laboratories.
• Section 13: Other Protective Measures
a. Washing clothes or bathing within 25-meter radius from well or
any source of drinking water is prohibited
b. No artesian, deep or shallow well shall be constructed within 25
meters from any source of pollution
c. No radioactive sources or materials within 25-meter radius from
any source of drinking water unless the radioactive source is
adequately enclosed
d. No physical connection between distribution system and any
water supply unless regularly examined to its quality and found
to be safe and potable.
e. Installation of booster pumps connected to the main
distribution line is prohibited.
 CHAPTER III: FOOD
• Section 14: Sanitary Permit
ESTABLISHMENTS
a. No food establishment without securing a permit from local
health office
b. Sanitary Permit shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the
establishment
c. Payable fees must be in amounts imposed through a
resolution by City/Municipal Authority
d. In case of changed ownership, the new occupant shall apply
to the City/Municipal Health Office for noting the permit and
pay corresponding fees
e. Every City or Municipality shall keep a record of all
establishments in respect of permits issued or renewed
f. The record shall show the following:
i. Name and address
ii. Location of the establishment
iii. Purpose/s for the issuance of permit
iv. Date of first issuance and dates of every renewal
v. Every change in occupation and management of the establishment
vi. Conditions under which the permit was issued and renewed
The record shall be available at all times for inspection
• Section 15: Health Certificates – no one shall be employed in any
food establishment without a Health Certificate issued by the
Local Health Authority, after the required physical and medical
examinations.
• Section 16: Quality and Protection of Food
a. Meat, meat products and fish shall be procured from sources
under sanitary or veterinary supervision
b. All meats and fish shall be cooked properly before serving
c. No food sources shall be procured in radioactive contaminated
areas
d. Milk and fluid products must be sterilized, pasteurized, or at least
heated
e. Milk shall be stored in refrigerators; canned and packed ones be
refrigerated once opened
f. All perishable and hazardous foods shall be stored at 45°F (7°C)
or below
g. Cooked food intended to be served hot must be kept at
temperature not lower than 140°F (60°C)
h. Raw fruits and vegetables must be washed thoroughly before
used
• Section 17: Structural Requirements
1. No person shall use any room for/in connection with food
processes which is used as sleeping room or toilet, home for
animals, as room for other purpose which may lead to
contamination, or is not exclusively for the purpose.
a. Floors – must be concrete or wooden, at least covered with linoleum
b. Walls – smooth, even, non-absorbent, painted in light colours
c. Ceilings – dust-proof, washable, smooth, non-absorbent, light-
coloured
d. Lighting – of sufficient intensity, free from glare, distributed to avoid
shadows
e. Ventilation – effective and comfortable to maintain comfortable
condition, adequate for proper air flow, at reasonable temperature
f. Overcrowding – sufficient floor space
g. Changerooms – adequate and suitable lockers
h. Wash-hand Basins – installed under specifications of National Plumbing
Code of the Philippines
i. Wash-hand Basin Maintenance – adequate supply of soap, clean
towels, roller towers, hot, cold and tempered running water
• Section 18: Use of Food-Service Spaces
a. Food-Service Spaces shall not be used as living/sleeping
quarters
b. Clothing and personal things must be kept in lockers
c. No animals and the like are allowed in these spaces
d. Persons not directly connected are not allowed to stay in
these spaces
e. Foods in storage or in preparation must not be handled by
anyone other than the preparation and serving staff
• Section 19: Food Handlers
a. Employees must be issued by a health certificate
b. Food handlers must at all times wear clean working garments
(caps or hairnets) ; observe good personal hygiene; and
wash hands and dry them thoroughly
• Section 20: Vermin Control
Vermin - a group of small animals or insects (flies, mosquitoes, lice,
rats, etc.) which are vectors of diseases
a. Storage of food and drinks are shall be so constructed and
maintained as to exclude vermin
b. All openings must be effectively protected with tight screen
or mesh wire
c. A vermin abatement shall be maintained in the
establishments
d. All foodstuffs utensils and equipment shall be covered while
deratting or disinfecting
e. Vermin control in public places shall be the responsibility of
the City/Municipal or Provincial governments
f. The procedure and frequency of vermin abatement program
shall be determined and approved by the local health
authority
• 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 be open directly into food preparation
spaces
c. Adequate hand-washing facilities must be provided within or
adjacently
d. Hot and cold running water, toilet paper, soap, and drying
devices must be included in facilities
• Section 22: Disposal of Refuse
a. Refuse cans may be used in food preparation areas for
immediate use only
b. Storage refuse cans shall be in a separate designated space
c. These cans shall be vermin-proof and easily cleaned
d. Cans shall be tightly covered at all times, except when in use
e. Holding bins may be used provided they are easily cleaned
and covered tightly
f. There must be a space for cleaning refuse cans
• Section 23: Equipment and Utensils
a. They shall be designed, fabricated and installed so cleaning is
easy and they don’t pose hazards
b. Lead-soldered containers and cadmium-lined piping and fixtures
shall not be used
c. Materials in contact with food and drinks must be impervious,
corrosion-resistant, non-toxic, easily cleaned, durable and
chipping-resistant
d. Sliding doors on cabinets shall be easily cleaned and removed
• Section 24: Washing of Utensils
a. They shall be scraped and pre-rinsed to remove food particles
b. They shall be thoroughly cleansed in warm water at 120°F (49°C)
with soap or detergent
c. Wash-water shall be changed frequently when running water is
not used
• Section 25: Bactericidal Treatment
a. Immersion for at least half a minute in clean hot water at
170°F (77°C)
b. Immersion for at least one minute in lukewarm chlorine
solution 50 ppm
c. Exposure in a steam cabinet at 170°F (77°C) for at least 15
minutes or 200°F (93°C) for 5 minutes
d. Exposure in an open or hot air cabinet at 180°F (82°C) for at
least 20 minutes
e. Any other method approved by the local health authority
• Section 26: Handling of Washed Utensils
a. Washed utensils must be drain dried in wire racks without
using drying cloths, or shall be stored in self-drying position
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 must be inverted for storage
c. Utensils and containers must be covered or inverted when not
stored in closed cupboards. They shall not be stored on the
bottom shelves of open cabinets
d. Racks, trays and shelves shall be made of materials that re
impervious, corrosion-resistant, non-toxic, smooth, durable and
resistant to chipping
e. Drawers shall be made of the same materials and kept clean.
The use of clean and removable towels for lining drawers is
acceptable
• Section 28: Dry Storage of Non-Perishable Goods
a. Designated spaces, lockers, cupboards, racks, shelves and
containers shall be used for storage
b. All spaces, lockers and cupboards shall be made of materials of
the same quality as used for food preparation and food serving
operations
c. Recommended dry stores have a temperature range of 50-60°F
(10-15°C)
• Section 29: Refrigerated Storage of Perishable Foods
a. They shall be kept at or below 45°F (7°C) except during
preparation or when held for immediate serving after
preparation.
b. When such foods are to be stored for extended periods, a
40°F(4°C) is recommended.
c. Fruits and vegetables shall be stored in cool rooms.
d. Recommended temperatures for perishable food storage
are:
1. frozen foods: not more than 10°F (-12°C)
2. meat and fish: 32-38 °F (0-3°C)
3. meat and milk products : 40-45°F (5-7°C)
4. fruits and vegetables : 44-50°F (7-10°C)
e. All refrigerating compartments and refrigerators must be kept
clean, in good repairs and free from odours.
• Section 30: Food Servicing Operations
a. Hand contacts with food or drink shall be avoided, sugar
shall be served in covered dispensers or in packages served
for single service.
b. The surface of containers and utensils which come in contact
with food or drink not be handled.
c. Disposable cups, plates, spoons and other single – service
containers and utensils shall be purchased in sanitary cartons
and stored in clean, dry place until used.
d. Clean clothes, napkins, spoons, towels and other cloth
equipment shall be stored in their designated clean places;
soiled linens shall be stored in a marked closed bin or locker.
e. Spoons, spatulas, dippers and scoops used intermittently for
dispensing frozen desserts shall be kept in running water or in
water maintained at 170°F and frequently changed, or they
may be washed and stored in dry place after each use.
• Section 31: Evaluation of Food Establishment – inspection and
evaluation of food establishments by Provincial, Municipal or City
Health Officer at least every six months
a. Service of Notice – non-complying items lead to a service of
notice, and possibly happen twice if not complied with
immediately after the first
b. Revocation of Permits – after prior notice and hearing, permit is
revocable
c. Summary Suspension of Permits – if unsanitary or unhealthy
conditions are found in an establishment, immediate permit
suspension is ordered
d. Appeals – decisions in hearing may be confirmed, modified or
reversed
e. Protection of Food – protection of food from contamination of
any sort
f. Power of Entry – any Sanitary Inspector or duly authorized officer
may at all reasonable times enter a premise connected to food
establishment
• Section 32: Special Provisions
a. Groceries or “sari-sari” stores
1. No store shall be within 25-meter distance from any source of
contamination
2. Foods not requiring further cooking shall be protected from
contamination
b. Bakeries – delivery trucks and carts must always be kept
clean
c. Dairies
1. No dairy shall keep unhealthy or infected cows, carabaos or
goats for the production of milk, or feed them unwholesome
food
2. No animals used for the production of milk shall be allowed to
graze on land contaminated by radioactivity
3. No dairy shall sell unwholesome milk that has not been
previously pasteurized or otherwise sterilized
d. Ice Plants
1. Only potable water must be used in manufacturing ice
2. Precautionary measures shall be taken to avoid
contamination while storing and transporting
 e. Ambulant Food Vendors
1. These vendors shall only sell food, drinks, biscuits, and
confectionaries
2. Foods requiring utensils are prohibited to be sold
f. Oyster Beds
1. Oysters shall be planted and grown in duly authorized places by
the Secretary or licensed by Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources
2. Oysters sold, originating from not approved places, shall be
confiscated and destroyed
g. Fish Marketing Areas
1. Only fresh and wholesome fish products shall be sold
2. Fish caught in radioactive zones shall be condemned and not be
allowed for public consumption
3. Consumption of fish caught using explosives and chemicals is
prohibited
• Section 33: Responsibility of Local Health Officers
a. Make periodic inspections for sanitation maintenance in food
establishments and their premises
b. Take samples of food and drinks from any establishment as
often as necessary
c. Prevent, condemn, or destroy food and drinks unfit for human
health
d. Prohibit the use of probably unsanitary utensils, equipment,
etc
e. Enforce the provision of this Chapter and the rules and
regulation promulgated by the Secretary
 CHAPTER IV: MARKETS AND
ABBATOIRS
• Section 34: Prescribed Standards of Construction
1. Suitability of site insofar as elimination of nuisance conditions
and prevention of contamination are concerned
2. Availability of ample water supply for cleaning
3. Accessibility of adequate drainage facilities
4. Durability of construction to protect vendors and customers
from any hazard and exposure to the elements
5. Facilities for sanitation maintenance, such as cleaning and
elimination of harbourages of vermin
• Section 35: Responsibility of Local Health Officers
a. On Markets
1. Make periodic inspections to ensure sanitary conditions
2. Supervise and control proper care and use of market stalls
3. Prohibit construction of living quarters within the market and its
premises
4. Enforce the ban on construction of partitions within the market area
b. On Abbatoirs
1. Supervise the maintenance of adequate sanitation
2. Enforce the requirements on the examination of meat
3. Permit the slaughter of animals for public consumption in other
designated areas, provided public health is adequately protected
4. Supervise the sanitary disposal of all abattoirs wastes
5. Ensure that only healthy animals are slaughtered; slaughtering
methods and techniques are in accordance with prescribed
standards
• Section 36: Responsibility of Local Government and Public
Operators – the employment of adequate number of
personnel to ensure efficient operation and hygiene
management
 CHAPTER V: PUBLIC LAUNDRY
• Section 37: Sanitary Permit – no public laundry shall operate
without sanitary permit from the Secretary or his duly authorized
representative
Public Laundry – laundry established and operated for commercial
purposes, open to the public and not for exclusive clientele
• Section 38: General Requirements
a. Structural Requirements
1. The site should be distant from sources of nuisance
2. Only durable construction materials shall be used
3. Smooth and water-tight materials shall be used for flooring
4. All work rooms shall be properly ventilated and provided with proper
lighting
5. Adequate drying facilities shall be provided and protected from
contamination
b. Sanitary Requirements
1. Laundry supplies must be properly stored, prepared, handled and
labelled
2. Employees shall be provided with clean facilities for personal hygiene
3. Employees shall be provided with lockers
4. The plant, its premises and its equipment shall be maintained clean
always
• Section 39: Special Requirements
a. All articles to be laundered from hospitals and infected
sources shall be treated by exposure to sufficient quantity of
hot water and other means
b. All articles that had contact with radioactivity shall be
isolated and monitored by Radiation safety personnel before
sending for laundry
c. All articles for laundry must be kept in closed containers until
removed at the laundry
d. Laundry vehicles shall be kept clean and sanitary at all times
e. A separate room shall be used for receiving, sorting, marking
or handling unwashed articles
f. Laundered diapers for delivery shall be packed in sealed
sanitary containers to be protected prom pathogenic
organisms that could harm the skin of the infant
 CHAPTER VI: SCHOOL SANITATION
AND HEALTH SERVICES
• Section 40: Definition of Terms
a. School – any institution of learning, either public, private or
parochial
b. Special School – school that uses biological cultures for
studies & research
c. Physical Environments – school plants, ground, and facilities
d. Emotional Environment – factors that affect emotional health
of students and members of the faculty
• Section 41: The Physical Environment
a. Site – avoidance of traffic hazards but not sacrificing
accessibility to public transportation
b. Grounds – acreage shall be large enough to permit
playgrounds, athletic fields and school gardens
c. Building – preferably constructed of strong and curable
materials, and free from all hazards
d. Sanitary Facilities – school population shall be provided with
potable water sewage and waste disposal systems
• Section 42: The Emotional Environment
a. Suitable Location – school site must be located away from
disturbances and undesirable influence
b. Recreational Facilities – safe and attractive playgrounds and
adequate facilities for sports and games
c. Rest Rooms – facilities for resting for faculty members after
teaching chores
• Section 43: Health Services
a. Periodic physical and medical examination
b. Periodic immunization
c. Medical and dental treatment
d. Treatment for common emergencies
e. Counseling and guidance
• Section 44: Requirements for Special School
a. Cadavers must be kept in morgues and dissected in
dissecting rooms, all of which constructed and maintained
according to standards prescribed by the Department
b. Poisonous or harmful plants and animals shall be kept in
adequate and secured areas
c. Viral and bacterial cultures shall be kept in laboratories under
standard security measures
d. Schools utilizing radioactive materials or sources for study or
research should closely conform to the requirements and
guidelines given by the Radiation Health Office and the
Philippine Atomic Energy Commission concerning radiation
protection
 CHAPTER VII: INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE
• Section 45: Sanitary Requirements for Operating an Industrial
Establishment
a. No operation of industrial establishment without obtaining first a
sanitary permit
b. Industrial establishments shall be allowed to operate only in
places assigned for the kind of industry by existing zoning laws,
ordinances, or policies
c. Adequate potable water supply must be provided to the
employees
d. Sewage disposal shall be by means of a municipal or city
sewage system whenever possible
e. All wastes incident to the operation of the industrial plant shall be
collected, stored, or disposed of in a manner to prevent health
hazards, nuisance and pollution
f. An abatement program for vermin control shall be maintained
g. Adequate restrooms and mess halls shall be provided for
employees
h. All workrooms, machineries and equipment shall be kept clean
and sanitary
• Section 46: Responsibility of the Secretary
a. Issue a list of maximum of atmospheric contaminants
b. Review concentration values at regular intervals
c. Specify other concentrations of short intermittent duration
capable of causing acute impairment of health
d. Require control of other contaminants known or believed to
be capable of causing impairment to health but not
included in the list already issued by the Department
e. Prescribe measures to eliminate transmission of infectious
diseases through processing or handling of industrial products
or wastes
f. Prescribe illumination standard values and order their review
at regular intervals to alter or amend when indicated
g. Promulgate measures to effectively and adequately control
any possible radioactivity to which workers may be exposed
while on the job
h. Promulgate control measures to reduce noise and pollution
• Section 47: Responsibilities of the Employer and the Employee
a. Employer Responsibility
1. Provide, install and maintain in good repair all control measures
and protective equipment
2. Inform affected employees regarding the nature of hazards and
reason for, and method of control measures and protective
equipment
3. Make periodical testing of hearing of all employees in noisy areas of
operation
4. Adopt measures so that the noise produced is within allowable limits
5. Request the Department a permit for variation from the requirements
when other means of protection are provided
6. Provide personal protective equipment and/or protective barriers
when necessary
b. Employee Responsibility
1. Observe strictly protective control measures which are prescribed
2. Use equipment provided to them properly
• Section 48: Environmental Provisions
a. Control of atmospheric contaminants
1. Workers shall not be exposed to atmospheric contaminants hazardous to
health
2. Control of atmospheric contaminants shall be accomplished by
methods approved by the Secretary
b. Control of infectious agents - control measures shall be provided to
eliminate or control the transmission of infectious diseases through
processing or handling of industrial products or wastes
c. Control of possible sources of radiation hazards should be carried
out under the supervision of the Radiation Health Officer
d. Noise – control measures shall be provided to reduce intensity of
noise sufficiently
e. Illumination
1. Adequate lighting shall be provided in all work areas
2. Supplementary lighting shall be supplied when general lighting is not
enough
f. Ventilation
1. Natural or artificial ventilation shall be provided in all work areas
2. Proper control measures shall be used to reduce concentration of toxic
contaminants to allowable limits
3. Air inlets and exhaust system shall be arranged, located and equipped
properly
• Section 49: Personal Protective Equipment
a. Personal protective equipment and/or protective barriers
shall be provided to prevent possible injury
b. Respiratory protectors and other accessories and equipment
shall fit to each exposed worker
c. X-ray film badges or pocket decimeters should be worn by
workers who are exposed to even a small amount of
radiation
d. Supervisors and employees shall be familiarized with all the
equipment
• Section 50: Health Services – medical services shall be
provided to all employees
 CHAPTER VIII: PUBLIC SWIMMING OR
BATHING PLACES
• Section 51: Sanitary permit - no operation of swimming and bathing
places without obtaining first a sanitary permit
• Section 52: Protection of Customers
a. Rules and regulations concerning:
1. Correct sanitary practices to prevent transmission of communicable
diseases
2. Correct sanitary procedures for personnel working to maintain
cleanliness and sanitation
3. Adequate number of trained persons and equipment for life-saving
and rescue
4. Post conspicuous signs to warn public if the presence of hazards
b. Standards and criteria concerning:
1. Sanitary structural requisites to prevent pollution of waters
2. Sanitary structural standards for appurtenances to eliminate the risk of
infections
3. Methods of determining the sanitary quality of water especially in
pools
4. Criteria to be used in the limitation of swimming or bathing loads of
swimming pools in accordance with the type of water treatment
applied
• Section 53: Responsibility of the Local Health Authority
a. Inspect the state of sanitation of public swimming or bathing
places
b. Ascertain if their personnel are examined regularly for the
presence of any infectious or contagious diseases
c. Enforce rules and regulations of the Department in this
Chapter
d. Recommend to the Department the revocation of their
permits when it is deemed necessary for the protection of
public health
 CHAPTER IX: REST AREAS, BUS
TERMINALS, BUS STOPS AND
SERVICE STATIONS
• Section 54: Provision of sanitary facilities for the convenience
and personal necessities of the traveling public.
a. Rest areas, bus terminals, bus stops and service stations shall
be established with ample area to prevent overcrowding of
travelers
b. They shall be provided with adequate ventilation and lighting
c. Safe and adequate water supply shall be provided in
accordance with the provisions of Chapter II of this code
d. Excreta and sewage collection and disposal shall be in
accordance with the provisions of Chapter XVII of this code.
e. Refuse collection and disposal shall be according to Chapter
XVIII of this code
f. Adequate number of comfort rooms and auxiliary facilities
shall be provided in accordance with Chapter XVII of this
code
g. Waiting sheds shall be of adequate size to comfortably
accommodate a minimum of 30 persons
h. Sale of foodstuffs in those establishments shall conform to
Chapter III of this code
 CHAPTER X: CAMPS AND PICNIC
GROUNDS
• Section 55: No camps and picnic ground shall be open for
public patronage without a sanitary permit.
a. Camps and picnic grounds shall not be subject to flooding
b. Camp and picnic houses shall be provided with adequate
lighting and ventilation. Flooring shall be at least 4 inches
above ground in case of tents
c. Adequate and safe drinking water shall be available at all
times in accordance with Chapter II of this code
d. Adequate number of sanitary facilities shall be provided
e. Sewage disposal shall be in accordance with Chapter XVII of
this code
f. The storage, preparation and serving of food shall be
according to Chapter III of this code
g. Refuse cans shall be provided at strategic points in the ground
area with a tight fitting cover
h. Camps and picnic grounds shall be at times maintained clean
i. A program on Vermin Control shall be made in accordance
with Chapter XVI of this code
 CHAPTER XII: TONSORIAL AND
BEAUTY ESTABLISHMENTS
• Section 58: Definition of Terms
Tonsorial and Beauty Establishments include barber shops, beauty
parlors, hairdressing and manicuring establishments and figure
slenderizing salon
a. Requirements
1. Sanitary permit
2. Maintained clean and sanitary at all times
3. Employees issued with health certificates
b. Correct Sanitary Practices
1. Washing of hands with soap and water before servicing customers
2. Wearing of clean working garments
3. No smoking or eating while working
4. Clean and disinfected implements of work before and after use
5. Supply of clean and fresh towels, drapes and other linen necessary
6. Observance of precautionary measures to prevent disease
transmission
 CHAPTER XIII: MASSAGE CLINICS
AND SAUNA BATH ESTABLISHMENTS
• Section 59: Definition of Terms
a. Massage – a method wherein the superficial parts of the body are
rubbed, stroked or kneaded for remedial, aesthetic or hygienic
purposes
b. Massage Clinic - an establishment where massage is administered
to customers
c. Masseur – a trained, duly licensed person to perform or supervise
massage
d. Massage Clinic Attendant – a trained, duly permitted person to
massage under the guidance of a masseur
e. Sauna Bath Establishment – establishment where customers are
exposed to steam generated by sprinkling water on hot stones or
by other means
f. Sauna Bath Attendant – a person who applies the proper
technique of giving steam bath to customers
• Section 60: Sanitary Permit – no person shall operate a massage clinic
and/or sauna bath without securing first a sanitary permit
• Section 61: Sanitary Requirements
a. Massage Clinic
1. Reception and office rooms shall be properly lighted and ventilated
2. Every massage room shall be properly ventilated, with a sliding
curtain at entrance and a suitable and clean massage
table
3. Sanitary and adequate hand washing, bath and toilet facilities must
be available
4. Customers shall be provided with soap, clean towels, sanitized
rubber/plastic slippers, and a thorough bath before massage
5. Masseur and attendant shall wash their hands with soap and water
before and after massage
6. The establishment and its premises must be maintained clean and
sanitary always
b. Sanitary Bath Establishment
1. Reception and office rooms shall be properly lighted and ventilated
2. Sauna bath room shall be properly lighted, with thermometers, and
maintained clean and sanitary at all times
3. Sanitary and adequate hand washing, bath and toilet facilities shall
be available
4. Customers shall be provided with soap, clean towels and sanitized
rubber/plastic slippers
• Section 62: Personnel
a. Masseur
1. The person must have a certificate as a registered masseur issued
by the Committee on Examiners for Masseur of the Department
2. An up-to-date health certificate issued by the local health authority
3. A clean working garment when attending to customers or
attendants
b. Massage Clinic Attendant
1. Satisfactory completion of a training course study given by a
government office
2. An up-to-date health certificate issued by the local health authority
3. A clean working garment when attending to customers
c. Sauna Bath Attendant
1. An up-to-date health certificate issued by the local health authority
2. A clean working garment when attending to customers
 CHAPTER XIV: HOTELS MOTELS AND
APARTMENTS, LODGING, BOARDING OR
TENEMENT HOUSES AND CONDOMINIUMS
• Section 63: Definition of Terms
a. Hotel – a building where transient guests are received and supplied
with and charged for meals, lodging and other services
b. Motel – a roadside hotel for motorists, usually consisting of private
cabins
c. Boarding House – a building where selected persons for fixed
periods are supplied with and charged for sleeping
accommodations and meals
d. Lodging House - a building where people are supplied with and
charged for sleeping accommodations only
e. Tenement House – a building or portion which is leased or sold to
and occupied by four or more families living independently
f. Apartment House – a building with a number of separate residential
suites
g. Condominium – a building with multi-unit residential suites
h. Establishments – a collective term construed to include items (a)-(g)
• Section 64: General Provisions
a. No establishment shall be opened without an issued sanitary
permit
b. Any extension or additional construction in the establishment
cannot be operated unless provided with a sanitary permit
c. All establishments shall provide adequate water supply, toilet
and facilities
d. Establishments and their premises shall be kept clean and
sanitary at all times
e. Periodic insect and vermin control measures shall be
undertaken to eradicate vectors of diseases
f. Animals, fowls and pets shall be housed in appropriate kennels
or cages separate from living quarters
g. No person shall be employed without procurement of a health
certificate from the local health authority
• Section 65: Special Provisions
a. Hotels and Motels
1. Storage, preparation and serving of food shall be according to
Chapter III of this code
2. Customers shall be provided with clean linen such as bed sheets,
pillow cases, towels and napkins
3. When rooms/cabins are vacated, toilets or baths shall be cleaned
and sanitized and fresh linen shall be provided before occupancy
b. Condominiums
1. Choice for sites shall consider transportation availability
2. Nearness to place of works, schools, police stations and clinics
3. Availability of low-cost goods
4. Parking facilities and playgrounds for children
5. Facilities for refuse disposal and cleanliness of buildings
6. Efficiency of lifts
CHAPTER XV: PORT, AIRPORT, VESSEL
AND AIRCRAFT SANITATION
• Section 66: Port and Airport Sanitation
a. Every port and airport shall be provided with potable drinking water
and wholesome food supply
b. Drinking water and food handling shall be proper as to avoid
contamination
c. There shall be organized medical and health services with
adequate staff, equipment and facilities
d. Local health authority shall take all practicable measures to avoid
port and airport installation rodent-free
e. In port/airport entry points, immunization facilities shall be provided
for international travel
f. All areas of port and airport shall be mosquito-free
• Section 67: Vessel Sanitation – application of provisions of Art. II of
Quarantine Regulations promulgated under Sec. 5 or Rep. Act No.
123
• Section 68: Aircraft Sanitation – adoption of requirements in the
Guide to Hygiene and Sanitation in Aviation of the World Health
Organization
 CHAPTER XVI: VERMIN CONTROL

• Section 69: Definition of Terms

a. Place – land, building, residence, pier, watercraft, aircraft, or
any means of conveyance
b. Vermin – group of insects or animals which are vectors of
diseases
• Section 70: General Requirements
a. A vermin abatement program shall be maintained in places
by their owners, operators or administrators
b. Vermin control in public places shall be the responsibility of the
provincial, municipal or city governments
c. Procedure and frequency shall be determined and approved
by local health authority
 CHAPTER XVII: SEWAGE COLLECTION AND
DISPOSAL, EXCRETA DISPOSAL AND
DRAINAGE

• Section 71: Definition of Terms

a. Public Sewerage System – system serving 25 persons or more
b. Septic Tank – water tight receptacle receiving the discharge of
a plumbing system or part of it
c. House Sewer – pipeline conveying sewage from house/building
to septic tank
d. Septic Tank Absorption Bed or Drain Field – underground system
of pipes leading from the outlet of the septic tank
e. Effective Capacity of Septic Tank – actual liquid capacity
contained below the liquid level line of the tank
f. Effective Depth of Septic Tank – actual liquid depth measured
from inside bottom to the liquid level line
g. Freeboard or Airspace of a Septic Tank – distance measured
from liquid level line to inside top
h. Distribution Box – small concrete receptacle between septic
tank and the drain field
i. Approved excreta disposal facilities:
1. Flush toilets connected to a community sewer
2. Flush toilets connected to a septic tank built with accordance to this
Chapter
3. Any approved type pit privy built with accordance to this Chapter
j. Privy – structure not connected to a sewerage system used for
reception, disposition and storage of fees or other excreta from
human body
k. Septic Privy – where the fecal matter is placed in a septic tank
containing water and connected to a drain field but not served by a
water supply under pressure
l. Box and Can Privy – fecal matter is deposited in a can bucket that is
removed from emptying and cleaning
m. Concrete Vault Privy – pit is lined with concrete to make water tight
n. Chemical Privy – fecal matter is deposited into a tank containing
caustic chemical solution
• Section 72: Scope of Supervision of the Department
a. Construction of any type of toilet, including community toilet
b. Plans of individual sewage disposal and sub-surface absorption
systems
c. Location of any toilet or sewage disposal system in relation to a
source of water supply
d. Plans, design, data and specifications of a new/existing sewage
system or sewerage treatment plant
e. Discharge of untreated affluent of septic tanks and/or sewage
treatment plants to bodies of water
f. Manufacture of septic tanks
g. Method of disposal of sludge from septic tanks / other treatment
plants
• Section 73: Operation of Sewage Treatment Works
a. Provide laboratory facilities for control tests and examinations
needed
b. Forward to local health authority operating data, control tests and
such records
c. Inform the local health authority in case of breakdown or improper
functioning of sewage treatment works
d. Provide for the treatment of all sewage entering the treatment
plant
• Section 74: Requirements in the Operation of Sewerage Works
and Sewage Treatment Plants
a. All houses covered by the system shall be connected to the sewer
b. Outfalls discharging effluent from treatment plant shall be carried
to the channel of the stream or to deep water where the outlet is
discharged
c. Storm water shall be discharged to a storm sewer; sanitary sewage
be discharged to sanitary system carrying sanitary sewage only
d. Properly designed grease traps shall be provided for sewers from
establishments where the sewage carries large amounts of grease
• Section 75: Septic Tanks
a. Generally rectangular in shape. In case of compartments, first
compartment shall have the capacity ½ to 2/3 of total volume of
the tank
b. Built of concrete, precast or poured in place
c. Built not within 25 meters from any water supply
• Section 76: Disposal of Septic Tank Effluent – effluent shall be
discharged into a sub-surface soil, absorption field where applicable or
shall be treated with some type of purification device. Treated effluent
may be discharged into stream or body of water if it conforms to quality
standards of National Water and Air Pollution Control Commission
 • Section 77: Determination of Septic Tank Capacity
QUANTITIES OF SEWAGE FLOW
Type of Gals/ Type of Establishment Gals/ Type of Establishment Gals/
Establishment Day/ Day/ Day/
Person Person Person
Small 50 Tourist camp/trailer 35-50 Hospitals (gal/bed) 150-250
dwelling/cottage park
Large dwellings 75-100 Resort camps (night 50 Public institutions 75-125
and day) other than hospital
Multiple family 50 Luxury camps 75-100 Factories 15-35
residence gal/person/shift
Rooming houses 40 Work/construction 50 Public picnic parks 5
camps
Boarding houses 50 Day schools w/o 8 Picnic parks w/ bath 10
cafeteria/gym/shower house etc
s
Hotels and motels 50 Day schools w/ 12 Swimming pools and 10
cafeteria, no bathing places
gym/showers
Restaurants (toilet 7-10 Day schools w/ 20 Luxury residences and 100-150
and kitchen cafeteria, gym, estates
wastes/person) showers
Restaurants (kitchen 2-1/2-3 Boarding schools 75-100 Country clubs/
• Section 78: Sanitary Privies
a. Shall consist of earthen pit, pit-covering floor, water-sealed bowl
b. Pit shall be at least one meter square
c. Floor should cover the pit tightly to prevent entrance of flies
d. The water-sealed bowl shall be joined to the floor to form a
water-tight and insect-free joint
e. Suitable building shall be constructed to provide privacy and
comfort
f. Wooden floors and seat risers shall not be used
• Section 79: Drainage
a. Responsibilities of Municipalities and Cities – provision and
maintenance of a satisfactory system of drainage in a sanitary
state and in good repair
b. Connection to Municipal Drainage System – buildings or
premises producing waste water shall be connected to
municipal drainage system
• Section 80: Special Precaution for Radioactive Excreta and
Urine of Hospitalized Patient
a. Separate toilet facilities shall be given to patients given high
doses of radioactive isotope for therapy
b. Use of same toilet for radioactive patients and flushing at least
three times after use
 CHAPTER XVIII: REFUSE DISPOSAL
• Section 81: Definition of Terms
Refuse – inclusive term for ALL solid waste products
• Section 82: Responsibilities of Cities and Municipalities – provision of
adequate and efficient system of collecting, transporting and
disposing refuse in their areas
• Section 83: Additional Requirements
a. Occupants of buildings and residences shall provide a sufficient
number of receptacles for refuse. Refuse in receptacles shall be
protected from vermin
b. refuse shall be disposed through municipal collection service
c. Refuse shall not be thrown in any street sidewalk, yard, park or
any body of water, but rather in a suitable container while
awaiting final disposal
d. Streets shall be kept clean by occupants or owners of properties
lining the street
e. Parks, plazas and streets adjacent to public buildings shall be
kept clean by local government
 CHAPTER XIX: NUISANCES AND
OFFENSIVE TRADES AND
OCCUPATIONS
• Section 84: Definition of Terms
a. Nuisance – anything that injures health, endangers life, offends
the senses or produces discomfort to the community
b. Offensive Trades and Occupation
1. Soap boiling
2. Guts cleaning
3. Boiling of offal, bones, fat or lard
4. Glue or fertilizer manufacturing
5. Skin curing
6. Scrap processing
7. Manure storing
8. Lime burning
9. Lye making
10. Manufacturing processes using lead, arsenic, mercury, phosphorus
and other poisonous substances
• Section 85: Types of Nuisances
a. Public or private premises maintained and used a health-injuring
manner
b. Breeding places and harborages of vermin
c. Animals and their carcasses that are health-injuring
d. Accumulation of refuse
e. Noxious matter or waste water discharged improperly in streets
f. Animal stockage maintained in a health-injuring manner
g. Excessive noise
h. Illegal shanties in public or private properties
• Section 86: Responsibilities of Owners, Managers and Operators
a. Secure a sanitary permit before establishing and operating
business/trade
b. Remove daily all injurious by-products and wastes
c. Prevent the escape of industrial impurities and adopt methods to
render them innocuous
d. Maintain working establishments and premises clean and sanitary
always
e. Store all materials properly to prevent emission of noxious or
injurious effluvia
 CHAPTER XX: POLLUTION OF
ENVIRONMENT
• Section 87: General Provisions – Rep. Act No. 3931, Presidential Decree No.
480, rules and regulations of National Water and Air Pollution Control
Commission and of Radiation Health Office shall be enforced
• Section 88: Authority of the Secretary- authorized to promulgate rules and
regulations to control and prevent following types of pollution:
a. Pollution of pesticides and heavy metals
b. Pollution of food caused by chemical, biological agents, radioactive
materials, and excessive and improper use of food additives
c. Non-ionizing radiation caused by electronic products (laser beam,
microwave)
d. Noise pollution caused by industry, land and air transportation and
building construction
e. Biological pollutants including causative agents of intestinal
infections
f. Pollution of agricultural products with the use of fertilizers and plant
pesticides containing toxic chemical substances and unsanitary
practices
g. Any other type of pollution not covered by Rep. Act No. 3931,
Presidential Decree No. 480, rules and regulations of National Water
and Air Pollution Control Commission and of Radiation Health Office
 CHAPTER XXI: DISPOSAL OF DEAD
PERSONS
• Section 89: Definition
a. Burial Grounds – cemetery, memorial park, or any place duly
authorized for permanent disposal of the dead
b. Embalming – preparing, disinfecting, preparing a dead body
for final disposal
c. Embalmer – person who practices embalming
d. Undertaking – care, transport, disposal of dead body other
than embalming
e. Undertaker – person who practices undertaking
f. Funeral Establishment – any place used in preparation and
care of the body of a dead person for burial
g. Remains – body of the dead person
h. Burial – interment of remains in a grave, tomb or sea
i. Disinterment – removal or exhumation of remains from places
of interment
• Section 90: Burial Grounds Requirements
a. It is unlawful for any person to bury remains in places not legally
authorized by the provisions of this Chapter
b. Burial ground shall be 25 meters away from any dwelling house
c. No burial ground shall be located 50 meters from any water supply
source
• Section 91: Burial Requirements
a. No remains shall be buried without death certificate
b. Shipment of remains shall be governed by the Bureau of Quarantine
c. Graves shall be at least 1.5 meters deep and filled well and firmly
d. The cost of burial shall be borne by the nearest kin
e. The burial of remains shall disregard race, nationality, religion, etc.
f. Notify concerned authorities in case of suspecting violence or crime as
reasons of death
g. No unembalmed remains shall be unburied longer than 48 hours after
death, unless required by legal investigation
h. Remains shall be buried within 12 hours after death if the cause is due
to dangerous communicable disease
• Section 92: Disinterment Requirements
a. Permission to disinter a person who died of non-dangerous
communicable disease may be granted 3 years burial
b. Permission to disinter a person who died of dangerous
communicable disease may be granted 5 years burial
c. Disinterment covered in (a) and (b) may be permitted within
shorter time, subject to approval of Regional Director concerned
d. In all cases, remains shall be disinfected and placed in a durable
and sealed container prior to final disposal
• Section 93: Funeral and Embalming Establishments
a. Scope of Inclusion – requirements shall be applied and enforced
to funeral parlors, embalming establishment and morgues
b. Sanitary Permit – no establishment shall operate without sanitary
permit
c. Classification
1. Category I – with chapels, embalming facilities, funeral services
2. Category II – with chapels, funeral services, no embalming facilities
3. Category III – funeral services only from the house of the dead to
the burial place
d. Sanitary Requirements
1. Funeral Chapels – requirements prescribed for places of public
assembly in this Code
2. Embalming and Dressing Rooms
i. Concrete or semi-concrete construction that can accommodate 5 bodies
at one time
ii. Concrete or other durable materials for floors and walls
iii. Ventilation and adequate lighting
iv. Single-marble slab table for embalming
v. Rubber gloves while embalmers and assistants work
vi. Washing facilities with soap, detergents and germicidal solutions for
working personnel
• Section 94: Licensing and Registration Procedures
a. Issuance of License to Practice
1. For embalming and undertaking, applicant of license shall pass
the examination given by the Department
2. Licensed undertakers and embalmers shall practice according to
prescriptions of the Department
3. Licenses shall be displayed conspicuously in the establishment
they work in
b. Issuance of Certificate of Registration
1. Paying P25.00 annual registration fee to Regional Health Office
2. First registration certificate issued shall end on last date of the
current year
3. Certificates of registration shall be posted conspicuously in the
establishments
c. Exemption – government and private physicians may perform
without license and registration certificates
• Section 95: Autopsy and Dissection of Remains
a. Persons authorized to perform these are health officers, medical
officers of law enforcement agencies, and members of medical
staff of hospital
b. Performance of autopsies in the following cases:
1. Whenever required by special laws
2. Upon orders of a competent court
3. Upon written request of police authorities
4. Upon request of Solicitor General, provincial or city fiscal
5. Upon request of nearest kin to ascertain cause of death
c. Autopsies of patients who died in accredited hospitals
1. Upon request of hospital Director, with notification to the nearest kin
2. Within 48 hours after death, provided no objection is raised
3. Upon securing of permit from local health authority in case no next
kin is present
d. Burial of remains after autopsy – remains shall be interred
according to provisions of this Chapter
• Section 96: Donation of Human Organs for Medical, Surgical
and Scientific Purposes
a. Authorization written by the donor specifying the recipient,
organ or part to be donated, and specific purpose
b. A married person can donate without the consent of the spouse
c. Nearest kin can authorize the donation of a deceased person
d. If in case of having no nearest kin, the hospital Director can
donate the organs or parts of the deceased
e. Simple written authorization with two witnesses present is already
sufficient
f. Any authorization granted with requirements in this Section is
binding to executors, administrators, and member of the family
of the deceased
• Section 97: Use of Remains for Medical Studies and Scientific
Research – unclaimed remains may be used by medical
schools and scientific institutions for studies and research
subjects
• Section 98: Special Precautions for Safe Handling of Cadavers
Containing Radioactive Isotopes
a. Cadavers containing only traces do not require special handling
precautions
b. Cadavers containing large amounts shall be labelled properly
with amount and date of administration of isotopes
c. Pathologist/embalmer shall be warned properly for proper
handling
d. Normal burial procedures may be applied if the amount of
radioactivity has decayed to its safe level
e. Cremation – if performed without autopsy, there is no handling
problem
• Section 99: Responsibility of Regional Director
a. Act on applications for establishment of burial grounds
b. Close any burial ground which is a menace to public health
• Section 100: Responsibility of Local Health Authority
a. Administer city or municipal cemeteries
b. Issue permits to inter, disinter, or transfer remains
c. Apply prescribed measures if death is due to a communicable
disease
d. Keep records of death occurring within area of jurisdiction
e. Authorize delivery of unclaimed remains to medical schools and
scientific institutions
• Section 101: Responsibility of Local Government
a. Reserve appropriate tracts of land for cemeteries
b. Utilize grants, gifts, etc. to establish or improve cemeteries
c. Close cemeteries under jurisdiction
• Section 102: Penal Provisions
a. Secretary may revoke or suspend the license of
undertaker/embalmer who violates any provisions of this Chapter
b. Penalty of P1000.00 for every violation of any provision of this
Chapter
c. Any prohibited business or practice shall be deemed a separate
violation for each day or any part, and subject to same penalty as
in the preceding paragraph
CHAPTER XXII: FINAL PROVISIONS
• Section 103: Penal Provision
a. Any violation, disobedience, refusal, omission or neglect under
this code shall be imprisoned for at most 6 months or pay a fine
not exceeding P1000.00, or both depending upon discretion of
the court
b. Same penalty with the preceding paragraph shall be given to
any person who would interfere with, oppose an officer or
agent in the performance of its duties
• Section 104: Separability Clause – in case of invalidation of any
part of this Code, others shall not be affected
• Section 105: Repealing Clause – all laws, pertinent rules and
regulations that are inconsistent with this Code are hereby
repealed or amended accordingly
• Section 106: Effectivity – This code is hereby made part of the
law of the land and shall take effect immediately.
Done in the City of Manila, this 23rd day of December of
the year of our Lord, nineteen hundred and seventy-five.