Good Loo Guide

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Good

I

Inclusive Environments

Loo

Design

Guide

i

100

I

? O M

Edition

1



Int roduct ion

Leg s1a t o n

B

u d ng Regulations

British Standard BS

8300

Disability Discrimination Act

1995

User needs: an inclusive

approach

Privacy, comfort and safety

People with disabilities

Who uses accessible WCs?

How do wheelchair users

Independent lateral transfer

Assisted angled transfer

Use with assistance dog

transfer to and from the WC?

Level o f provision : ho w

many and wh ere?

Male:female ratios

WC compartments for

ambulant disabled people

2

3

3

4

5

6

6

6

7

8

10

13

15

16

16

16

Wheelchair-accessible compartments

16

Design principles

Finding and getting to the WC

Lobbies

Small buildings

Public conveniences

support

Fittings

Colour contrast and lighting

Safety

Space

18

18

18

19

19

20

20

20

21

21

Layouts 22

Sta

ndard-size WC compartments

22

WC layout for ambulant

disabled people 23

Unisex accessible corner WC layout

24

Universal WC compartment

27

Unisex accessible peninsular

WC layout for assisted use

Separate-sex provision

Urinals

Case

study: Wetherspoon,

Adult changing facilities

Case

study: thecentre:mk

Comb ned WUs hower f

aci

i t es

Facilities for children

Facilities for babies

Macclesf

e

d

Design det ai l

Doors, door handles and locks

wcs

Paper dispensers

Hygienic disposal units

Shelves

Grabrails

Wash basins

Hand drying

Dispensers and vending machines

Emergency assistance alarms

Fire alarms

Mirrors

Other accessories

Vent

a t

o n

Lighting

Heating

Finishes

Man agem ent issues

Access audits

Access plans and

access

strategies

Management checklist

Pub cat

o

n

s

Leg

s1a t

on

Further practical advice

Organisat ions

28

30

31

33

34

35

36

37

37

38

38

39

40

40

40

40

41

42

42

42

43

43

43

43

43

44

44

45

45

45

45

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49

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In the

1988

Good Loo Design Guide

-

the ground-breaking first version of this

publication

-

CAE’s Chief Executive

Sarah Langton-Lockton wrote ‘The

archive of errors is voluminous -the

flush handle and hand dryer way out of

reach to a person in a wheelchair, the

battery of grabrails which effectively

barricades the WC from use. Why

is

it,

despite the quantities of technical

guidance available, that so much WC

provision for disabled people

i s

poorly

designed or even unusable? The answer,

we believe,

i s

the lack of forthright,

unembarrassed and factual information

on how disabled people actually use a

unisex or other loo. Without this,

designers are interpreting technical

guidance with imperfect or no

knowledge as to what it is for. The

Good

Loo

Design Guide is intended to

illuminate their task.’

The Good

Loo

Design Guide became

a

CAE bestseller. A decade and

a

half

later, there is no doubt that there have

been improvements in access to the

built environment, including the

provision of accessible WC

accommodation- and yet there i s still a

long way to go. It i s just

as

important

today that architects, designers, builders

and others responsible for fi tt ing out

and managing buildings and facilities

understand what lies behind design

guidance. This

i s

true perhaps more in

relation to WCs than t o other aspects of

building design, because the precise

layout and the way compartments are

fitted out are

so

critical in determining

how useful they are to disabled people.

There are still many examples of where

-

even though provision is clearly well

intentioned

-

mistakes in the design

detail or the f it ting out compromise

the usability of WCs that are intended

to be accessible.

This guide takes an inclusive approach

to the provision of WCs that suit as wide

a range of users as possible, and gives

guidance on various WC layouts,

including the unisex accessible corner

WC. It also gives advice on planning,

distribution and management issues and

on resolving potential conflicts between

the needs of disabled people and other

user groups, such

as

parents with babies

and young children.

In situations where

it

may not be

possible to follow all best practice

guidelines (for example,

in

very small

buildings), this guide will assist in

thinking through the issues and coming

up with creative solutions which wi ll go

a

long way towards meeting the needs

of many disabled people.

Without adequate WCs, disabled people

are limited in their ability to go out into

the world: to work, to shop and to

enjoy their leisure. Equipped with the

Good

Loo

Design Guide,

architects,

developers, building control officers and

other building professionals will be

helped to design the enabling

environments that disabled people seek.

C



Legislation

Bu ilding Regu lat ion s

In England and Wales, building design

and construction

is

governed by the

Building Regulations. Part M of the

regulations sets minimum legal

standards for

access

and use of buildings

by all building users, including disabled

people. The most recent - and most

radical- revision comes into ef fec t on

1

May 2004. Whereas previously, Part M

was concerned wi th

'access

for disabled

people', now the requirement (for

non-domestic buildings) is simply that:

Access and use

people to gain access to and use the

building and its facilities

This does not apply to any part of a

building that

is

used solely to enable

the building or any service or fit ting

within the building to be inspected,

repaired or maintained.

Reasonable provision shall be made for

Access t o extension s to building s

Suitable independent access shall be

provided to the extension where

reasonably practicable

This does not apply where suitable

access to the extension is provided

through the building that i s extended.

Sanitary conveniences in extension s

to bu i ld ings

any building that is to be extended,

reasonable provision shall be made

within the extension for sanitary

conveniences

This does not apply where there is

reasonable provision for sanitary

conveniences elsewhere in the building

that

can

be accessed by building users.

If sanitary conveniences are provided in

The regulation avoids specific reference

to, and

a

definition of, disabled people.

This inclusive approach means that

buildings and their facilities should be

accessible and usable by

all

people who

use buildings - including parents with

children, older people and people wi th

d

sa

bi

t

es.

The 2004 revision brings Part M into line

wi th other Parts of the Building Regul-

ations by extending

i t s

scope to include

alterations to existing buildings and

certain changes of use as well as new

buildings and extensions to buildings.

Approved Docum ent M

Building Regulations are supported by

'Approved Documents' which give

practical guidance with respect to the

regulations. While their use is not

mandatory

-

and the requirements of

regulations can be met in other ways -

Approved Documents are used

as

a

benchmark by the local authority.

The new Approved Document M

(AD M), published in November 2003,

offers technical guidance on providing

access

to and within buildings.

It

is

based largely on the relevant British

Standard BS 8300:2001 (see p 4). Section

5

covers Sanitary accommodation in

buildings other than dwellings. See AD

M for details of the circumstances in

which Part M applies, what provision is

required, and the role of Access

Statements to assist building control

officers in making judgements about

whether proposals make reasonable

provision for access.

Scotland and No rth ern Ireland

Access regulations in Scotland are

integrated into general Technical

Standards. In Northern Ireland, Part R



Leg s1

a t

on

Bri t ish

Standard

BS 8300

BS

8300:2001

Design of buildings and

their approaches to me et th e needs

of

disabled peo ple - Code of practice

explains how the built environment can

be designed to anticipate and overcome

restrictions that prevent disabled people

from making full use of premises and

their surroundings.

The design recommendations in

BS

8300

are, where relevant, based for the first

time on ergonomic research, user trials

and validated desk studies which

formed part of

a

research project

commissioned in 1997 and 2001 by the

Department of the Environment,

Transport and the Regions.

BS

8300

includes commentary which provides

a

context and rationale for the design

guidance. Reference is also made to

management and maintenance issues in

recognition that good management

plays an essential part in ensuring the

accessibility of services and facilities to

disabled people.

Guidance in the standard covers

a

wide

range of impairments and the use of the

built environment by disabled people

who may be residents, visitors,

spectators, customers, employees or

participants in sports events,

performances and conferences.

Section 12.4 covers Lavatories.



Legislation

Disabi l i ty Discr im inat ion

Act 1995

The Disability Discrimination Act

1995

(DDA) introduced new measures aimed

a t ending the discrimination which

many disabled people face. In addition

to granting new rights to disabled

people, the Act also places duties on,

among others, employers (Part

2 ,

providers of goods, facilities and services

(Part 3) and education providers

(Part

4).

The main thrust of the legislation is to

improve

access

for disabled people to

em ployment, education and services.

While the DDA does not directly require

accessible environments to be provided

for disabled people, either in their place

of work, or for access to goods,

facilities, or services (for example in

shops, restaurants or offices to which

the public have access), duties under the

Act include the requirement to consider

barriers created by physical features of

buildings and to make adjustments in

certain circumstances.

The Act defines a disabled person

as

'someone who has a physical or mental

impairment which has a substantial and

long-term adverse effect on his or her

ability t o carry out normal day-to-day

activities'. D scrim nation occurs where

without justification, and for

a

reason

which relates to the disabled person's

disability, a disabled person is treated

less favourably than others to whom the

reason does not or would not apply.

Discrimination may also occur when

there is a duty to make a reasonable

adjustment and any failure to meet that

duty cannot be justified.

Each

Part

of the DDA is supported by

one or more codes of practice which

give guidance on how t o comply with

the duties under the Act. Two new

codes of practice will be issued in 2004

in relation t o employment duties. The

Code of Practice fo r Rights of Access:

Goods Facilities Services and Premises

gives guidance to service providers on

how to fulfi l their duties, including new

duties coming into force in 2004 relating

to physical features of buildings.

Building designers, while not legally

required to respond to the DDA, should

anticipate the requirements of the Act

by presuming that employees and

customers will

fit

the definition of

'disabled person' under the Act, and

design buildings accordingly. Those

commissioning new buildings or

adaptations to existing buildings should

consider the implications of the DDA in

terms of their ability to employ and

offer services to disabled people on an

equal basis.

The DDA applies to the whole of the

UK, including (with modifications)

Northern Ireland.

See also p 45 Access aud its and Access

plans an d access strateg ies under

M an ag em en t issues.



User needs: an inclusive approach

Who uses accessible WCs?

A wide range of people find it either

impossible or extremely difficult to use

standard WC accommodation, for a

variety of reasons. Broad groups of users

of accessible WCs include:

0

independent disabled people

-

including people using sticks, crutches,

frames or a wheelchair - who use the

WC without assistance

adults with a physical disability or

medical condition, assisted by carers

0

adults with mental health problems

or learning difficulties, assisted by carers

0

disabled parents with babies and

small children

0

disabled toddlers and children, assisted

by parentdca rers

0 young or older people assisted by carers

0

visually impaired people alone or

anyone using an assistance dog

older people who may need extra

assisted by carers

space or who find accessible WCs safer

and easier to use because of layout

and grabrails

personal carers

and equipment because of incontinence

and colostomy/ileostomy, who may need

to catheterise themselves (for example,

people who have undergone cancer

treatment) and/or empty colostomy/

ileostomy bags and urine bottles

0

people of short stature (dwarfism) who

find they can become trapped in

standard WCs because of the height of

door handles or cubicle locks

0

parents and carers of babies and small

children who need extra space or who

need to keep children with them while

they use the WC

accompanying small children of the

opposite

sex

0

older people who need assistance from

0

people who benefit from extra space

parents, grandparents and carers

.

anyone travelling alone with luggage

who does not want t o leave i t

unguarded while they use the WC

People with disabilities who need to use

accessible WCs may include:

people wi t h ar thr i t is , which affects the

joints, who may find it difficult to bend

or grip

0

hemiplegics (with paralysis down one

side) who have difficulty balancing

0

paraplegics who may have total or

partial paralysis of the lower limbs and

wil l therefore be unable to stand up

without su pport and/or assista nce

0

tetraplegics who have either total or

varying degrees of paralysis of both

upper and lower limbs, and who may

have very weak arms. They are normally

unable to stand a t all and may need

assistance with transfer

0

people w i t h a tax ia whose involuntary

movements make them particularly

vulnerable to sharp, protruding features

0

amb ulant (walking ) d isabled people

who may need extra support

0

visually imp aired p eople who

appreciate good colour contrast and

lighting and, if accompanied by an

assistance dog, need larger than

standard compartments

0

hearing impaired people accompanied

by an assistance dog

Note: there are

3.3

million families with

children under the age of

five.

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Ho w do wheelchai r

users transfer t o and

f rom th e

WC?

The technique used to transfer from

a

wheelchair to the WC and back varies

according to factors such as: the size

and design of the wheelchair; the level

of function that the disabled person has

(for example, strength in upper limbs);

whether the transfer is independent or

assisted; and personal preference. Here,

and in Figure 1 p

9,

we describe a

number of common transfer techniques:

Unassisted side (lateral) trans fer

the wheelchair i s manoeuvred until it i s

more or

less

parallel wi th the WC, with

the front of the wheelchair aligned with

the front of the pan. Alternatively, the

transfer maybe angled, wi th the

wheelchair a t about

45

o the WC (see

bottom le f t plan, Figure

1 )

the wheelchair armrest nearest the WC

i s

removed

the footrests are pushed out of the way

the user slides him/herself from the

wheelchair to the WC (and back) using

a

rail, wheelchair and WC pan for support

Unassisted ang led (obliqu e) transfer

the wheelchair is positioned facing the

WC

a t

an angle

r [ ~

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6

;/i adjust clothing

the user stands or partially stands up

and, using the vertical grabrail for

support, swivels the feet to turn, and

lowers him/herself down onto the

WC pan using the horizontal wall rail

and

seat

for support. The grabrails may

be used as

a

support while rocking

from side to side on the WC seat to

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This kind of transfer i s only possible for

users able to stand briefly and take

some weight on their legs.

Frontal transfer

the wheelchair

is

positioned facing the

WC head on (note: sufficient space i s

needed to allow this)

the user stands and uses support rails on

both sides of the WC to shuffle around

through 180°, and lowers him/herself

onto the WC or

double lower-limb amputees and some

other wheelchair users may choose to

use the WC facing the cistern by sliding

forward from their wheelchair onto the

WC seat, using the rails on either side of

the WC

Rear trans fer

through zipped seat back of wheelchair

Assisted transfer

This may be done with the wheelchair

in any of the transfer positions

mentioned above. Assistance i s needed

when the wheelchair user has

l i t t le

or

no functional use of the lower limbs

and impaired upper limbs. He/she will

need to be manually lifted or heaved

from the wheelchair

seat

to the WC seat

and back. Clear, unobstructed space on

both sides of the WC i s important to

allow the assistant (or assistants) to

bend, turn and move

f reely

when lifting

a

disabled person's weight.



User needs: an inclusive app ro ach

Figure

1

Transfer techniques

* do not reduce effective space with pipes,

ducts, heaters, bins

e t c

drop-down rail allows approach from transfer

ide and support when getting off WC

----

all equipment within reach of seated

Frontal transfer

using grabrails to

pivot from

wheelchair onto

WC

Lateral trans fer

(angled)

grabrails andlor WC

pan grasped to

transfer

one wheel backed

up to rear wall with

wheelchair set at an

angle to the WC pan

Oblique transfer

right-handed

left-handed

1000 doorset

using grabrails

andlor grasping

pan itself

wc

Lateral transfer

grabrails or WC pan

grasped to transfer

both wheels backed

up to rear wall with

chair parallel to

WC

Pan

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Due to our national reticence few

of us feel able to ask how disabled

people actually manage in the loo.

The following sequences of

photographs will help rectify this

gap in designers’ knowledge by

conveying visually why certain

components of an accessible WC

have to be in certain positions. In

addition, the correct location of

rails can assist users when

removing and replacing clothing.

Anthony

Kral ik

Chair, Enfield Disability Action

Anthony has Friedrichs ataxia, a

neurological condition which affects

movement, balance and coordination.

He uses

a

self-propelled wheelchair and

is able to use the loo independently.

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Lowering th e hinged drop-down

rail. This also prov ides support and

balance wh ile reaching

for

loo

paper,

soap

dispenser and paper

towels

(see

photo

5)



User needs: an inclus ive approach

E

k

-

Using

grabrsils for support these

need to be secum f ixed

to

take

*I/ body w@ight

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loo

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User needs: an inclusive appro ach

P a n M n g

back

to the

wheelchair, wi th support f rom

ed

grabrail and

WC pan

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hand

drying

1



User needs : an inclusive app ro ach

rn

isted angled transfer

Anne Davies OBE

Former Chairman of CAE and cons ultant

on access and disability issues

An ne has m ul tip le sclerosis, wh ich has

lef t her wi t h very l i t t le st rength in h er

legs an d arms. She req uir es assistance t o

t ransfer to and f rom the WC.

head on tb

thg

loo and the

assistant

r

Assistant folds the wheelchair

fo ot pl ate back and positions

An neL feet on the f loor

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User needs: an inclusive appr oach

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Anne lowers the drop-down rail

(for

later use

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m

[stance

dog

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anet Adams

Member, Enfield Vision

-------

Janet

is

blind and

is

accompanied by her guide

dog Kas.

'In

a

standard

compartment, the door

opens in and there

is

very

l i t t le

space for the dog.

On the other hand, a big

open space can be a bit

daunting - I need to be

able to find things and

touch things easily. Here,

all the different elements

follow in a logical

sequence - he only

difficulty would be things

like identifying buttons on

the sanitary towel

dispenser. The smooth,

rounded surface of the

dispenser

is

good because

it i s safer.'

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lan et and her dog a d a

rosriCjr

s t a n d a d k d

/ayout of

fi ums

and fittings

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Levels

of provision: h o w many

lale:female ratios

Women may use the WC more

frequently than men (particularly during

menstruation

or

during and after

pregnancy) and on average take longer

in

a

cubicle than do men

a t a

urinal.

AD M suggests that there should be a t

least the same number of WCs for

women

as

there are urinals for men,

and that in some building types (for

example, large retail buildings, theatres,

concert halls and other music venues)

there should be

a t

least twice as many.

The British Toilet Association

recommends the following ratio of

provision

u m m r ot male cubicles plus num ber

o f m ale urinals x

2

= required number

of

fem ale cubicles

WC compartments for

ambulant disabled people

A WC suitable for use by ambulant

disabled people (that

is,

people who do

not use

a

wheelchair) should be

provided within each range of WC

compartments in separate-sex WC

washrooms. Good practice would entail

providing

as

many compartments

as

possible to this standard, rather than

just one in each range.

Where there are four

or

more WC

cubicles in separate-sex accommodation,

one of these should be an enlarged

cubicle for use by people who need

extra space.

Wheelchair-accessible

compartments

The time taken to reach

a

WC - as well

as

actual distance - s an essential

consideration when planning the

location of facilities. As far as possible,

disabled people should be able to find

and use suitable WC accommodation

as

easily

as

non-disabled people.

At

least

one accessible unisex WC should

be provided

a t

each location in non-

domestic buildings where WC

accommodation

is

provided for the use

of customers, visitors and employees.

In hotels and motels, unisex WC

accommodation should be provided

near to bedrooms designed for

wheelchair users if the general sanitary

arrangement for standard bedrooms

is

not en suite.

In conference centres, unisex WC

accommodation should be provided

near main rooms.

In existing buildings where space

constraints make

it

impossible to provide

a unisex accessible WC a t entrance

level,

and on any storey that is accessible to

wheelchair users, sepa rate-sex WC

washrooms should contain an accessible

cubicle and accessible facilities. Indeed,

some disabled people prefer this to

unisex accommodation, as they,

like

other users, prefer to 'go the ladies' or

'go to the gents' rather than to what

they may see as a special WC for

disabled people.



Levels of provision: how many and where?

0

A unisex accessible WC should be located

as close

as

possible to the entrance

and/or waiting area of a building.

0

The location of WC accommodation in

a

multi-storey building should preferably

be in a similar place on each floor,

which makes provision easier for people

to find. Where WC accommodation is

provided in various locations

throughout

a

building (such

as

in

a

hotel with different classes of dining

facilities), accessible WCs should be

provided a t each location.

0

The provision of accessories in WCs for

disabled people should be the same as

in WC accommodation for non-disabled

people, but i t should not af fec t the

ability of wheelchair users to manoeuvre

or transfer to the WC. Fixtures and

fittings should be of the same quality

as

in standard compartments.

0

WCs for disabled people should be

located on accessible routes that are

direct and free of obstruction. Doors

from lavatory accommodation, when

open, should not obstruct emergency

escape routes.

0 A wheelchair user should not normally

have to travel more than 40m on the

same floor to

a

unisex WC or

a

separate-

sex WC with accessible washroom and

lobby, or more than 40m combined

horizontal travel distance where WC

accommodation

is

accessible by

lift

on

another floor of the building.

A

level

travel distance of less than 40m i s

preferable. There may be situations (for

example,

if

access routes are free of any

obstructions such as doors) where a

distance greater than 40m is acceptable.

0

In situations wi th

a

high volume of

users, such

as

busy motorway service

areas, i t i s likely to be better to provide

accessible WCs for disabled people and

nappy-changing facilities in separate

accommodation. In

a

small

cafe

or

similar situation, however, integrating

provision for

as

many needs

as

possible

in the one unisex WC may be

a

more

practica approach.

0

Where use of the WCs tends to be

concentrated a t particular times (such as

during the interval a t performance

venues, half-time a t sports stadia or

breaks

a t

conference venues), extra

levels of provision may be required so

that disabled people have time to get

to, use and return from the WC without

missing important activities.

AD M

states

that where there i s space

for only one WC in a building, it should

be of

a

wheelchair-accessible type, but

of a greater width t o accommodate a

standing-height basin in addition to the

finger-rinse basin adjacent to the WC

(see

Figure 7,

p

27).

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D e s i m

principles

This section identifies inclusive design

principles which need to be taken into

account to make sure that the usual

degrees of privacy, comfort and safety

expected by any users of WCs are

afforded to as broad a range of

disabled users as possible.

Finding and get t in g

to

t he

WC

This is affected by the number of doors

that have to be negotiated. WCs should

be located on accessible routes that are

easy

to find, direct and free of

obstruction.

It

is important that all accessible WC

facil ities are clearly indicated. Signing

should be clear and consistent through-

out the building. One or

a

combination

of the following might be used:

wa

I

moun ed/s us pe nd ed

si

g ns

raised,

tact i le

symbols

letters and arrows a t

a

height of

colour contrast between lettering

a t

a

height of 1400mm

around 1OOOmm

and background

Good design of standard WC

accommodation (for example, door

opening pressure, colour contrast,

specification and positioning of locks

and taps and other fittings) can greatly

benefit older and disabled people who

do not use wheelchairs. See p

22

for

design guidance on standard-size WC

accommodation.

Lobbies

Building Regulation G requires that

'sanitary conveniences ... shall be in

rooms separated from places where

food

is

stored or prepared'. This does

not, however, imply the need for a

lobby: separation by a door i s adequate.

Lobbies should be avoided where

possible: negotiating successive doors

presents considerable difficulties for

wheelchair users and ambulant disabled

people, and lobbies take up

a

lot of

space. Privacy and dignity should not be

overlooked, however,

so

compartments

should not open directly in front of l i f t s ,

for example. This i s because an assistant

Figure 2

Lobbies

/

/

/

Source BS 8300:2001 section 6.3.6.2 and figure 13

1570mm

x

750mm zone for a wheelchair user

plus attendant

to

be clear of door swings



Design principles

may need to open the door t o leave the

compartment once the disabled person

is on the WC and to enter again to

provide assistance.

Screens without doors are preferable to

lobbies. Curtains may be appropriate in

situations where, due to lack of space, it

is

not possible to f it

a

fixed screen.

Small bui ldings

Provision of accessible WCs in small

buildings

i s

not always easily resolved -

the demand on space may seem out of

proportion.. Several options may be

appropriate including:

omitting lobbies, except where

statutori y required

combining provision for s ta f f and

customers

0 combining accessible WC wi th male or

female provision

0

in very small buildings with only one

WC, making i t an accessible one

Public conveniences

Sign postin g

Consideration should be given to

adequate directions to public

conveniences for both pedestrians and

car users (where appropriate) and to

clear signage, both outside and inside

the WCs, including facilities available,

the person/authority responsible, and

how to contact

if

required.

Access

Being able to get in and out of and

move around within public lavatories is

important for all users, especially those

with heavy luggage, shopping, small

children, prams or buggies, as well as

for people with disabilities. Stairs,

turnstiles and heavy doors should be

avoided wherever possible.

Vandal ism and safety

CCn/ surveillance, staf f in attendance

and careful location of public lavatories

- ncluding entrances that are easy to

find, well lit and not hidden by high

shrubs or fences - may attract less

vandalism and feel safer, particularly

for women.

0

avoiding designating accessible WCs

for the exclusive use of disabled people

- acilities that are rarely used are

more likely to end up being used as

storage space

if

there is a conflict between

accessibility and privacy (for example, a

WC compartment opening straight onto

a

public area), then in small buildings

it

may be acceptable to compromise on

privacy



Design principles

Nat iona l

Key Scheme

The National

Key

Scheme (NKS) offers

independent

access

to disabled people

to public conveniences which are

normally locked. The scheme was

introduced because

a

number of local

authorities and other organisations

providing facilities chose to lock their

WCs to counter vandalism and misuse or

to reduce costs. Providers- including

some 400 local authorities, rail providers

and other organisations- may join the

NKS,

which involves fi tt ing standard

locks to the WC doors and making keys

available to disabled people. Although

administered by RADAR, the

organisation

states

that

it

is not

RADAR'S policy to encourage the locking

of public toilets for disabled people

unless

it

i s absolutely necessary because

of vandalism and misuse'. It should not

be necessary to lock internal accessible

WCs (such as in pubs and restaurants).

Suppor t

Well placed and firmly fixed support

rails particularly benefit:

people wi th joint difficulties (such as

those affected by arthritis who may

find

it

painful to bend their knees to

s i t down)

people with poor balance (such as

hemiplegics with paralysis down one

side of the body)

people wi th total or partial paralysis of

the lower or of both upper and lower

limbs (such as paraplegic and tetraplegic

wheelchair users)

3

- compartment

, frail older people

G

visually impaired people who use rails

Q

to help orientate themselves within the

L

Q

-

Fit t ings

People wi th limited strength or manual

dexterity can be helped by rails, taps,

the flush, door handles and other

fittings that can be operated without

needing to be firmly gripped, such

as

electronic touch-flush mechanisms or

spatula-type lever handles that can be

operated by elbow pressure.

With n w heelcha r-accessible

compartments, the transfer process can

put a lot of stress not only on the

person, but on fittings and fixtures in

the WC compartment. In addition to

grabrails designed specifically for the

purpose, many people use the WC pan,

cistern, washbasin and the like for

support. It i s therefore extremely

important to specify good-quality

equipment, and ensure that all fitt ings

and fixtures are very securely fixed,

using fittings appropriate for the type

of wall.

Co

Iou

r

contrast

and l igh t ing

People with visual impairments or w ith

learning difficulties need fittings which

contrast with the surround, such as

a

basin which

is a

different colour or tone

from the wall to which i t is fixed. People

with visual impairments need spaces

that are consistently well li t throughout.



Every potential user of a WC has his or

her own particular needs and

preferences - so it i s impossible to

design

a

WC compartment that will suit

'all of the people all of the time'.

However, cumulative experience,

recommended good practice in design,

and recent ergonomic research into how

disabled people use WCs, have all

contributed to recognised design

solutions that go a long way to meeting

as

many needs

as

possible for

a

broad

range of users. AD

M

and British

Standard

B S

8300 embody this

culmination of experience and good

practice.

Standard-size

WC

compar tments

Some disabled people may not find

conventional 'accessible' WCs

convenient to use: for example, people

of short stature (dwarfism) and people

with mobility problems who find larger

spaces more difficult as there is less

support when they are balancing to

remove or adjust clothing. They may

prefer to use standard WCs, where the

partition walls may aid in maintaining

balance. People who, for whatever

reason, do not feel comfortable using

an accessible WC can benefit from a

more user-friendly environment in the

standard WC.

The following design guidance is likely

to improve

access

for all users.

Door handles located between

800

and

1OOOmm are reachable by people of

short stature (this means that a person

of short stature can use the

compartments, and also prevents the

possibility

of

someone being unable to

escape in the event of

a

fire).

Cubicle locks which slide and which are

between 800 and 1OOOmm are suitable

for adults with short stature.

A minimum 450mm diameter

manoeuvring space should be provided

between the swing of an inward-

opening door, the WC pan and the side

wall of the compartment (see Figure 3).

Colour or tonal contrast between

washbasin and splashback, cubicle door

and surroundings, and WC pan and

surroundings, makes identification of

facilities easier.

Floors surfaces should be non-slip.

See

also section on

Design d etail.

Figure 3

Standard WC compartmen t w i t h

in ward-open ing door



Layouts

WC

l ayou t

fo r

ambulant

disabled peo ple

WC compartments for ambulant

disabled people are not designed to

accommodate wheelchair users but are

useful for people with mobility

impairments and for users who may

require more space than

a

standard WC,

such

as

parents or carers with prams or

baby buggies. At

least

one cubicle per

range of WC compartments within

separate-sex accommodation should be

provided.

0

Overall dimensions: 1500mm min long x

800mm min wide.

0

Ensure that the side grabrails protrude

no more than approximately 90mm

from the internal partition wall so

as

not to restrict space within the cubicle.

0 Wherever possible, the door should

open outwards and be fitted with

a

horizontal bar

a t

1OOOmm above floor

level on the inside face. In situations

where the door opens inwards, the

750mm-long

activity

space must be

maintained, and the door should be

designed so that it can be opened

outwards in an emergency.

Provide a coat hook a t 1200-1400mm

high, and

a

shelf if space permits.

Where there are four or more WC

cubicles in separate-sex accommodation,

one of these should be 1200mm wide

for use by people who need extra space,

and should include a horizontal grabrail

adjacent to the WC, a vertical grabrail

on the rear wall, and space for

a

shelf

and

a

fold-down table.

See also section on Design

detail.

Figure

4

WC layout for ambulant

disabled people

600mm-long clothes hook at

15

or horizontal

I

00

k 00 min-+I4

- I50mm activity space

m

c

3



Lay0

u

s

if-

position I I

alternative door b

I I

I I

I I

mirror

Unisex accessible corner

~,

WC layout

'Unisex' in recognition of the fac t that

disabled people using

it

may well be

assisted by a spouse, partner or carer of

the opposite

sex,

and 'corner' referring

to the position of the WC within the

compartment, this is the standard layout

recommended in BS 8300 and described

in AD M. The layout and dimensions are

based on the needs of wheelchair users,

but the compartment is equipped so

that it is also suitable for use by

ambulant disabled people.

rising bu tt hinges for

gentle door closing

\

The corner layout can accommodate a

variety

of

methods

of

transfer (but not

all) and allows most users to wash and

dry their hands while seated on the WC

before transferring back to their

wheelchair

-

hereby avoiding the

possibility of soiling clothes or the

wheelchair.

Figure 5

Wheelchair-accessib le corner

WC com partment: p lan

* 750mm may be acceptable in

\

'

an existing building

recommended

\

800mm min

'w- effective+q

--

22

lothes hook

sanitary dispenser

clear width*

waste

shelf

bin

vertical grabrails

z r

clothes hook

-

2200

I

I

60

sanitary disposal

drop-down rail

vertical grabrail colostomy shelf for

standing users

I

I

I

drop-down rail

vertical grabrail colostomy shelf for

standing users

150

320

500



Lay0u

Overall dimensions: 22OOmm min long

x

1500mm min wide. This allows enough

space for most wheelchair users plus an

assistant,

if

required.

0

Clear usable space: the minimum space

inside the compartment, clear of

fittings and doorswing, needs to be

700mm

x

1100mm.

The dimensions relating WC pan to

basin and associated fittings and

equipment, and to wheelchair

manoeuvring space, are critical for

independent use.

0 This non-symmetrical layout favours

access from one side only, which may be

a problem for some users. Where more

than one accessible WC compartment i s

provided, the layout should be reversed

(handed).

T

00-

1OO

Figure 6

Wheelchair-accessible corner

WC layout: elevation

Doors should open outwards wherever

possible, and be fitted with a horizontal

closing bar on the inside face.

Use plastic-coated handrails and

grabrails, and drop-down rails that

are

easy

to operate.

0

The horizontal raiI/backrest to the rear

of the WC should be padded if there is

no WC lid to rest against. A backrest

may not be required

if

the cistern is

low-level.

The flush should be easy to operate and

mounted on the transfer side of the

cistern, within easy reach. A lever-type

flush is recommended.

alarm pull cord

with

two

red

bangles one at

100mm, the other

at 800-1 OOOmm

/

\ bove floor level

ertical grabrails

initary dispenser with

i n lot between

50-1 OOOmm

, -

-

shelf

padded backrest I

colostomy shelf at 950mm

e Toilet paper dispenser

@

Alarm reset button

@

Soap dispenser

@

Paper towel dispenser

@ Hot air hand dryer

centre line

of grabrail

100

*height

of

drop-down

be the same as other

horizontal grabrails

rails to



Layouts

Emergency alarm systems should be

provided. These should be audible

as

well

as

visual. The call signal outside

the compartment should be located so

that it can be

easily

seen and heard by

those able to give assistance. Pull cords

should extend to floor level and be

easy

to grip.

See

also p 42

Emergency

assistance alarm s.

Coat hooks and mirrors should be fixed

a t

heights usable by standing and

seated users. A recommended height

for a coat hook

i s

1200mm.

See

p 43

Mirrors.

Sink plumbing returned to the wall

(rather than run to the floor)

i s

preferred as this leaves more clear

space below the hand washbasin.

The boxing in of pipes should be

carefully considered

so

as not to

compromise manoeuvring space.

See also section on

Design d etai l .

Fittings such

as

radiators, vending

machines, sanitary disposal units and

wastepaper bins should be recessed

where possible

so as

not to obstruct

transfer space or manoeuvrability.



Layouts

Universal

WC

corn

p ar tm e n

Where there

is

space for only one WC in

a

building, the WC should be accessible

to

al l

users. This can be achieved by

increasing the width,

as

for the unisex

accessible corner WC layout, from

1500mm to 2000mm t o accommodate

a

standing-height washbasin,

a t

780-800mm rim height, as well

as

the

finger-rinse basin associated with the

WC (see

Figure

7 .

Figure 7

Suggested layouts w her e there is

space for o nly on e WC in a bui ld ing

N

N

k

1500 ,500

/p

the standard-height washbasin

should be positioned clear

of

the

wheelchair turning space

I<

1500 ,500 I

1-

L, 1500 500

.

1-



Layouts

Unisex accessible

peninsular WC l ayou t

for assisted use

The peninsular layout

-

so called

because of the position of the WC away

from both flank walls - allows for

approach and transfer from either side

and space for one

or

more assistants.

This layout is only appropriate when

skilled assistance

is

available.

The absence of fixed grabrails means

that there is insufficient support for

some people to transfer independently

(although some people can manage to

transfer using just the wheelchair and

seat

for support).

N

alarm

c

towel rail

This layout does not provide

for

use

of

the washbasin from the WC seat.

However, some people who use

wheelchairs may be able to use the WC

to urinate, then adjust clothing and

move to the washbasin.

B S 8300

states

that the peninsular

layout, where provided, should be in

addition to, rather than instead

of,

two

separate unisex accessible WCs with

reversed (handed) corner layouts.

Figure 8

Wheelchair-access ible penin su lar

WC layou t : p lan

\

\

7

T-

--

anitary dispenser

1500mm

x

15OOmm

I

wheelchair turning space

/dra, down rail

shelf

waste bin

two clothes hooks

mirror

ir



Lay0u

s

Overall dimensions: 2200mm min long x

2400mm min wide.

Basins should be approachable in a

wheelchair with al l associated fittings

within reach.

Larger peninsular layout

is

suitable for

accommodating an adult changing table

(see p 34 Adult changing facilities) for

the benefit of severely disabled people

and their carers, so long as the table

i s

positioned outside the minimum

1500mm x 1500mm wheelchair turning

space shown in Figure 8.

See also section on Design detail.

Figure

9

Wheelchair-accessiblepeninsular

WC layou t: e levat ion

padded

back rest

\

T

Qo

3

A

__ alarm pull cord with

two red bangles

-600-700 4

I

db

I

h

T=i

T

Soap dispenser

@ Hot air h and dryer



Layouts

Se pa ra e-sex provis ion

There are some disabled people who

prefer accessible separate-sex provision,

in line with what the general

population expect - t o be able to 'go to

the ladies' or 'go to the gents'. Where

space permits, accessible compartments

could be located within both male and

female accommodation, but (unless

these are an alternative to unisex

accommodation) this poses problems for

opposite-sex carers. Where accessible

compartments are provided only within

same-sex accommodation, it is

preferable that they be located

as

near

as possible to the entrance.

Where separate-sex washrooms can be

accessed by wheelchair users, i t should

be possible for them t o use both a

urinal (in male facilities) and washbasin

a t

a

lower height than

is

provided for

other users.

Follow guidance

as

for the unisex

accessible corner WC layout, p

24.



Layouts

Urinals

Ambulant disabled men who have

difficulty standing or balancing benefit

from suitably positioned grabrails either

side of the urinal. It is recommended

that steps up to urinals are avoided

where possible.

Within banks of urinals, consider

positioning one or more a t a lower

height to suit children and people of

short stature.

Figure 10

Urinals

Male wheelchair users may be able to

pull themselves to a standing position to

use

a

urinal or may be able to use

a

urinal from their wheelchair.

Space in front of the urinal should be

level (see Figure 70 for required size

of

level areas for wheelchair users and

ambulant disabled people).

Lower-height urinals can benefit some

wheelchair users and people of

restricted height.

760

-

00

e

I

eva

o

n

7

I

1

horizontal

gra bra

wall space kept free

of pipework to

200mm above floor

-

unless ur inal

projects more than

the minimum

360mm from wall

T

I

L

60 min horizontal grabrail

I

plan

0

900mm wide x

1350mm deep for

ambulant disabled

wheelchair users and

I people

I

c I



Layouts

Where there are no privacy dividers

between urinals in a stall, vertical

grabrails should be provided on either

side of each urinal.

In wheelchair-accessible washrooms,

provide

a t

least one lower-level urinal

with grabrails (see Figu re

70 .

Urinals should contrast in colour, tone

and luminance (degree of reflection)

with the wall. This

is

preferable to

having to feel for the urinal.

A new design of female urinal being

marketed currently may be of use to

users who cannot bend their knees, but

this has not yet been tested in practice

by a significant number of disabled

women.

Shy bladd er synd rom e

'Shy bladder syndrome' (or avoidant

paruresis) describes an anxiety disorder

where a person finds it difficult or

impossible to urinate in the presence

(real or perceived) of another person.

The degree of severity will depend both

on the individual man or woman

concerned and also on the WC

environment. Nine out of ten people

with shy bladder syndrome are men,

largely due to the convention of the

male urinal.

A significant proportion of men find

open-plan, trough-like urinals with no

dividers difficult to use and may be

forced to resort to using cubicles, which

causes further embarrassment and

increased anxiety. The UK Paruresis

Association (UKPA) guidelines stress

principles of design that can reduce

anx e ty, in Iud ng

layout of urin al areas

consider providing: adequate space (to

avoid overcrowding); 1OOOmm between

urinals; use of partitioning between the

urinal area and the washbasin/hand

dryer

area

so

as

to prevent men in the

lat ter area being able to view the

urinals; and adequate screening of the

urinals from the entry door

' l ine of sight ' pr ivacy

screens between urinals prevent other

users (both next-urinal users and other

men in the room) from seeing whether

or not the person is urinating. As a

minimum, screens should be from

approximately shoulder-height down to

knee-height, but preferably head-height

to improve the feeling of personal

space. Where light i s an issue, frosted

panels may be used

use of background music or sea sounds

i s preferred to 'unnatural' silence

See

also

case

study on p

33.

For more

information on paruresis, contact UKPA

(see Organisations) or

see

website

www.shybladder.org.uk



Layouts

C a s e

s t

Wetherspoon,

Macclesf eld

This recent refurb ish m ent of a

Wetherspoon p ub in Macclesfield

i l lustrates many features o f goo d

design for peop le w ith shy bladd er

syndrome (see p 32)

in

the male

WC area.

On entering th e room, urinals are

no t visible

Dividers betw een u rinals

Screen separates ur inal area from

basins. Wh en standing at a urinal,

ther e is no -one directly behind user

Urinals are

out of

v iew

from

tha

basins



Layouts

A d d changing fac i li ties

Some people who are being cared for

by family members need to be laid f l a t

to be changed within WC

accommodation. They include people

with profound and multiple disabilities

who have continence problems, some

very frail older people, and some people

with severe physical disabilities. In WC

compartments without changing

facilities, carers have to change the

person on the floor, which is both

unhygienic and undignified and

involves heavy lifting, wi th the potential

risk of serious damage to the carers'

backs. It

is

recommended that adult

changing faci l i t ies be considered in

large-scale developments such as

shopping centres, leisure centres and

motorway service areas.

PAMIS (the Profound and Multiple

Impairment Service) recommends larger

than standard-size peninsula r-layout

accessible compartments measuring

3500mm x 2000mm to provide enough

space for the person with the disability,

the wheelchair, a changing bench, hoist

and one

or

two carers.

Changing benches

Options to consider are:

0

height-adjustable wall-mounted folding

benches, which can be adjusted

manually or electrically, and can be

positioned a t

a

height which is

comfortable for transfer and for the

carer. These are useful in confined

spaces, as they fold f l a t when not in use.

Many have optional side rails for

safety

0

free-standing benches, which are raised

and lowered hydraulically or electrically.

A two-section plinth with a washable

padded surface and pair of side rails for

,

safety is

most suitable

?i

Hoists

Lifting people in and out of

wheelchairs, on and off benches

or

to

and from the WC can put a tremendous

amount of strain on the carer

or

carers.

If attended by professional support

workers, there may be legal restrictions

on personal lifting. Mechanical lift ing

hoists with variable styles and

sizes

of

slings effect transfer between the

wheelchair, bench and WC.

Accessories

A wide, tear-off paper roll to cover the

bench and

a

large waste bin for

disposable pads are also recommended.

See also case study, p 35 and details of

the PAMIS video

Time

for a Change.



Layouts

I C a s e

s t u d v

thecentre:mk

As part of a f 16m refurbishment of

a

shopping centre in Mif ton Keynes,

thecentre:mk dramatically improved

customer

WC facilities

by providing:

double the number of male and

female WCs than previously

le f t and right-hand transfer unisex

compartments

a compartment fitted with a

changing bench and hoist

parent and child/baby-changing

faci l i ty

to including nursing room

with television and spacious baby-

changing area; bottle warmers;

changing stations with special

toddler seats; a water fountain and

vending machines for nappies,

dummies and baby wipes; wall-

mounted toys and

a

decorated floor

to keep toddlers entertained;

a

baby

mat and mobile plus magazines for

mums to read while feeding

Enlarged compartment fitted with

adu it changing bench and hoist

In

1999 the

centre won two

National

Loo of th e Year Awards

for

accessible WCs and baby-changing

faci I

ties.

Goo d-quality finishes an a improv ed

Parent and c hild baby -changin g area



Layouts

Combined WC

shower faci

I

t ies

Where space permits, shower

compartments are best separated from

WC accommodation. However, where

provided in conjunction with accessible

WC

facilities,

the shower should also be

accessible.

Figure

1 1

Corn

bined WUshow er faci l i t ies

drain

alarm pul l cod

vertical grabrail

drop-down rail ==

towel rail-

<

2400 4

500

-320*

-------

fa l l of floor

\ / -

/

'



Layouts

Faci t es fo r c

h d

ren

Consideration should be given where

appropriate to the needs of children,

particularly, for example, in visitor

attractions, leisure facilities and

shopping centres.

Many children are deterred from

independent use of WC facilities by

aggressive door closers and stiff locks

which cause them to fear being locked

into cubicles. In some circumstances, for

example in large shopping or leisure

centres,

it

might be possible to provide

a

children's WC, perhaps in conjunction

with a nappy-changing area.

Parents and carers of young children

find larger compartments invaluable,

as

they may need to keep them under

supervision while they use the WC

themselves. Small children need

assistance in the WC, which also

requires extra space.

Facil i ties fo r babies

Baby-changing facil i ties

Ideal provision would include:

a separate area for nappy-changing

facilities, including

a

safe, hygienic

surface, paper roll dispenser for lining

the table and cleaning babies, shelf

space for belongings and cleaning

materials, warm water and

a

nappy

disposal bin

additional children's WC

facilities available to either

sex

and

accessible to disabled parents or carers

two changing tables

a t

800 and

1200mm for shorter and taller people

respectively

In restricted spaces, a 'pull-down' facility

is acceptable.

A D M

states

that wheelchair-accessible

unisex WCs should not be used for

ba by-c hang ng

Breast and bo tt le-feeding

It

i s

not hygienic to have breast-feeding

areas within general WC provision. Ideal

provision would include separate breast-

feeding areas restricted to women, with

enough space for a chair, double buggy

and nap py-cha ng ng f aciI t es.



Design detai l

Doors, door handles

and locks

0

Outward-opening doors are strongly

recommended for all accessible WC

compartments, and are included in

guidance in AD M. This is very

important for people with mobility

or

balance impairments. Someone who

collapses in the compartment may fall

against the door, preventing

it

from

opening inwards. It is therefore much

easier to provide assistance if the door

opens outwards.

Doors from WC compartments should

not obstruct emergency escape routes

when they are open. (It may, however,

be permissible for a door to open

outwards in to an escape route if the

door swings in the direction of

emergency escape.)

Clear opening width should be a t least

equal to that provided by

a

1OOOmm

doorset or

a

900/914mm door.

An emergency release mechanism

incorporated into the lock and operated

from the outside should be fitted t o the

door.

0

A horizontal pull bar should be fit ted t o

the inside of an outward-opening door

so

that someone in

a

wheelchair can

pull the door closed behind them. The

door needs t o be robust enough

so

that

the bar can be securely fixed.

Alternatives to outward-opening doors:

an inward-opening door -

so

long as

the door does not prevent wheelchair

manoeuvring

-

fitted with

a

device

which allows the door t o be opened in

an emergency; or sliding door.

0

A visual indicator showing whether the

WC i s vacant or occupied in both words

and colour change

i s

recommended.

Lever-action door handles are

recommended (spherical or circular

shapes and twist-turn knobs are difficult

for people with arthritis

or

weak grip).

It

should be possible for most users to

open the door with one hand.

D-handles are not recommended, as i t is

diff icult for some people to hold the

door in the closed position while

operating the lock.

Door-opening pressure should not be

greater than

20

newtons. It is important

that the weight of the door and the

door closer should not be too heavy for

ease

of use by all disabled people.

0 Locks and latches should be easy to

operate using one hand, without having

to tight ly grasp the locking mechanism

or twist the wrist, for example by using

a

closed fist.

0

Rising butt hinges to assist in closing the

door are recommended

as

they preclude

the need for heavy door-closing

mecha n sms.

Automated doors with press-button

opening, closing and locking systems are

not recommended, as many users feel

insecure about their privacy when using

the WC.



Design detail

wcs

WC pans in wheelchair-accessible

compartments and compartments for

ambulant disabled people should

conform to B S

5503-3

or B S 5504-4 so

that variable-height seat risers can

be used.

The shape of the WC pan is important.

Many wheelchair users and ambulant

disabled people need to clean

themselves while sitting on the WC, and

in some cases may need to manually

empty their bowels. It is useful if the pan

offers

a

wide opening.

0

Wall-mounted cantilevered WC pans are

preferred, because they allow

f ee t

and

wheelchair footrests to move under the

WC pan rim, making

access

easier for

wheelchair users.

The WC should be made of a tough

material, the pan fixing must be strong,

and effect ive seat stabilisers are

important, as many transfers are

awkward and not controlled.

Where possible, the flush should be

operated by a spatula-type lever, which

is the easiest shape for the widest range

of people to use, possibly wi th the

elbow (if the person has sufficient

movement of the arm) rather than the

hand. A push-button flush mechanism is

acceptable

so

long

as

the button

protrudes from the surface and the

required pressure i s not too great.

A chain pull is an

alternative, but

care should be

taken in its

positioning and

ease of operation.

Automatic mag c-

eye'

flushing, if

used, should be

clearly indicated.

In a corner layout, the flush mechanism

should be positioned on the open

(transfer) side of the pan for

ease

of

use. Flushes located on the wall side are

difficult t o reach by people using

wheelchairs.

Where the cistern i s built into

a

duct or

is located

a t

a higher level, a horizontal

grabrail with a padded backrest for

comfort can aid transfer.

The top surface of the WC seat should

be set a t a height of 480mm above

finished floor level -this is the same

seat

height

as

the majority of

wheelchairs. However, many disabled

people need greater height, and

may carry seat risers with them. It is

essential that the WC can accommodate

a seat riser.

The seat in

a

wheelchair-accessible WC

should be designed for heavy-duty use

and be securely fixed into the rim of the

WC,

as a

wheelchair user transferring

from a wheelchair imposes high lateral

stress on the seat and seat fixings.

The position of the cistern and/or

support rail and backrest behind the

WC should allow the seat to ti lt beyond

the vertical when fully raised so that the

WC can be used as

a

urinal.

A

backrest

may not be required so long as the

cistern i s low-level and comfortable to

lean against.

Seat covers are not recommended, as

they may impede transfer when raised.

However, well designed and firmly

fitted

seats

when raised can provide

useful back support for the user.



Design detail

-

a

+

a,

U

c

m

Gap-front seats are not recommended,

because they make transfer from

wheelchair to WC more difficult. An

independent user with paralysis may

get a leg trapped in the gap when

lift ing themselves off the WC

seat.

However, some women users who need

to catheterise themselves do prefer gap-

front seats, so in situations where there

are a number of WC compartments

together, one may be provided.

Plinths should be avoided wherever

possible. However,

if

used to achieve

the right

seat

height, plinths should not

obstruct

access

to and use of the WC

by wheelchair users and ambulant

disabled people.

Consideration could be given to the

installation of automatic body-cleansing

and drying facilities to avoid the

need for hand-rinsing when seated on

the WC.

Paper dispensers

Should be within easy reach of the WC,

allowing those with limited or weak

arm movements to access them easily.

Dispensers should be lockable to

prevent paper rolls being stolen, and

suitable for single-handed use and for

use by people with impaired arm

movements or limited grip. Single-sheet

dispensers are

prefer red. Ce r t a n

types of dispensers

may be difficult or

impossible for

some disabled

people to use, such

as

when the loose

end of

a

paper

roll

gets wrapped

round the roll

inside the holder.

Hygienic disposal units

Disposal units for sanitary towels, bags

and pads should be provided in all

accessible WCs.

They should be located

so

as not to

obstruct transfer from the wheelchair to

the WC pan (see

Figures 5, 6

and 8).

A disposal unit should have an aperture

big enough to take incontinence pads

(which are larger than sanitary towels).

This wil l reduce the likelihood of them

being disposed of in the WC and

causing

a

blockage.

Shelves

A shelf should be provided, for use by

people when changing colostomy bags

or for other equipment, a t 950mm

above floor level, close to the WC

(see

Figures 5 6

and

8).

Gra brails

Weight-bearing grabrails are used to

provide support and stability when

transferring, sitting down and standing

up, and while adjusting clothing.

For

positioning of grabrails

see Figures

1 and

3-1

1 . Avoid adding in other rails

which can create

a

barrier to accessing

the WC.

Grabrails should be 32-35mm in

diameter, giving the most comfortable

grip for users with little strength or

movement in their hands, and should

allow 50-60mm clearance for knuckles.



Design detail

It i s important that rails are securely

fixed to the wall using the appropriate

type of fixing, so that they can support

the weight

of a

person. Strengthened

wall fixings may be required, for

example to partition walls, especially

where these are thin.

They should be

easy

to grip when wet;

plastic coating is recommended, ideally

with

a

slightly ridged surface.

A hinged drop-down rail is used in

combination with a fixed wall rail by

relatively independent users to provide

support when lowering themselves

onto the seat. Such rails should be of a

type that can easily be pulled down by a

person when seated on

a

WC and that

do not need to be li fted up before

being lowered.

BS 8300 recommends that drop-down

rails should 'incorporate vertical support

struts, set back from the front edge of

the rail by a t least half

i t s

projection

from the wall so

as

not to impede

wheelchair access'. At the time of

writing, no such design of drop-down

rail could be identified as readily

available on the commercial market,

so

where the drop-down rail does not have

vertical support struts, it should be

capable of bearing

a

weight of 171 kg

applied both vertically and

a t

45" to

vertical as well as significant lateral

force. Drop-down rails must be securely

fixed t o the wall.

Vertical rails are used for pulling back

up to

a

standing position. They are also

important for a male with impaired

mobility standing to empty his bladder

(perhaps when sticks or crutches have

been put t o one side).

For ease of identification, grabrails

should contrast in colour, tone and

Iuminance (degree of sh i ne/ref ection)

wi th surfaces against which they are

Washbasins

For position of washbasins and adjacent

grabrails see Figures 1 5-9 and 11.

Washbasins should contrast in colour,

tone and luminance (degree of

shineheflection) wi th the walls and

surfaces around them.

Hand-rinse basins should be fitted with

a

single mixer tap which is either

controlled automatically or has

a

lever

action that can be operated by people

with poor grip by using the flat of the

hand, wrist or elbow.

It is recommended that the tap i s

positioned on the side of the basin

nearest the WC so that i t can be easily

reached by someone seated on the WC.

The advantage of side-mounting is that

it

is easier to wash out urine bottles

under the tap by angling them in the

basin (it

i s

impossible to rinse out a

urine bottle in a small basin under a

centralised tap).

The basin size in unisex accessible corner

WC layouts is small, and although this

means it can be positioned near the WC

without taking up too much transfer

space, it i s awkward to wash out

equipment such

as

urine bottles and

catheterising equipment and for

disabled women t o deal wi th

menstruation. One possible solution

can be to recess a slightly larger basin

into the wall

if

the structure of the

compartment permits this.

Hot water from a washbasin should not

exceed 41°C a t the outlet. In small hand-

rinse basins, ensure that the water

supply through a mixer tap

i s

not too

forceful, otherwise the water simply

shoots out from the basin, soaking the

user and making the floor very wet.



Design

detai l

Soap dispensers

should be located

directly above

washbasins to

avoid soap

dripping onto the

floor and making

it slippery, and be

suitable for single-

handed use by

people wi th weak

arm movements.

Hand d r y i ng

Paper towel

dispensers should

be suitable for

single-handed use

by people with

weak arm

movements.

Automatic hand dryers should be

provided in addition to

a

paper towel

dispenser, located on the door side of

the washbasin. So long as the paper

towel dispenser is easily reached while

seated on the WC, the automatic hand

dryer may be positioned further away

from the basin.

Dispensers and ven d in g

machines

Sanitary towel and incontinence pad

dispensers are often omitted from

accessible WCs, but there is no logical

justification for this. Dispensers should

be provided in all unisex and female-

only WCs. They should not reduce clear

width of door openings or impede on

wheelchair circulation space.

Vending machines for condoms,

-

-

a

+.’J

U

&,

$

wheelchair circulation space.

toothbrushes

etc

should not reduce

clear width of door openings or impede

.

Controls, buttons and coin slots for

dispensers and vending machines should

be visible,

easy

to operate and

preferably within a height range of

750-1

200mm. Where dispensers are

lower, they should be

a t

least

450mm

above floor level.

E

m e gen cy

ass

sta

nce

alarms

They should be designed so that they

are not confused with fire alarms.

The pull cord should be sited so that

it

can be operated from the WC and from

the adjacent floor area (in case someone

falls), but ideally not in the transfer

space. The cord should be coloured red

and extend to 1OOmm from finished

floor level. BS 8300 recommends two red

bangles on the cord set

a t

the bottom

and

a t

800-1OOOmm above floor level.

A clearly marked reset button, reachable

from both

a

wheelchair and the WC,

should be provided. If the precise

configuration of the alarm pull cord and

reset mechanism varies,

it

i s important

that the functions are clearly marked.

The emergency assistance alarm

indicator outside the WC compartment

should be located so that it easily seen

and heard by people (for example,

staf f

elsewhere in the building) able to give

assistance, and should indicate where

help is needed.

Visual and audible feedback should be

provided to indicate that the emergency

assistance system has been activated

when the cord has been pulled to

reassure someone needing assistance.



Design detail

Fire alarms

They should be visible (flashing light) as

well as audible. This i s important, as

deaf people are likely to use the WC

unaccompanied.

Mirrors

The recommended position for a mirror

within an accessible corner WC

i s

on the

wall opposite the handbasin

(see

Figure 5).

According to BS

8300,

a

mirror ranging

from 600-1OOOmm meets the needs of

both wheelchair users and ambulant

disabled people. However, with

a

bottom edge of 600mm, this does not

allow someone seated in

a

wheelchair

to check that their below-the-waist

clothing i s adjusted before leaving the

WC, so

it i s

preferable to extend the

mirror down t o 500mm above floor

level. If lower, wheelchair footrests

may damage the mirror,

so

extending

the mirror to floor level is not

recommended.

Large expanses of mirror should be

avoided, as they can cause difficulties

for visually impaired people.

Other accessories

Coat hooks: in unisex accessible WCs,

it

is recommended that a t least tw o coat

hooks are provided - one

a t

1400mm

and the other a t 1050mm above floor

level. If only one can be provided, the

preferred height is 12OOmm.

Shelves: provision of a shelf adjacent to

the washbasin, for placing items of

equipment.or handbags off

a

floor

which might be wet, is essential for

people with hand or mobility

impairments (see Figures 5 6 and

8

for

Shaver points: if provided, they should

be located

a t

the side of the mirror.

Disposal bins for paper towels and

other general rubbish should be easy to

operate (for example,

a

swing-bin

which does not require much pressure

to open), and should be positioned

so

as not to impede wheelchair circulation

space. A deep bin with

a

high lid i s

easier for people with mobility

impairments.

Vent

I

at o

n

Where single-compartment accessible

WCs are kept locked between use, it is

particularly important to provide

adequate air ventilation (or an air-

freshening system).

The general lighting level (or

'maintained illuminance') in WC

accommodation should be

a t

least 100

lux. However, higher levels are

recommended, particularly for reading

instructions on vending or dispensing

machines.

For individually controlled lighting, if a

pull cord

is

provided instead of

a

wall-

mounted switch, it should be set

between

900

and 11OOm above the

floor and located within 150mm of the

leading edge of the door.

Automatic lighting, where used, should

be supplemented by heat-sensitive

back-up lighting. The timing of

automatic lights should take into

account the extra time that many

disabled people take to use the WC.

-

r[l

+

a,

S

ETI

Consider provision of secondary lighting

.

n the event of failure of the main

lighting system. c



Design detail

Heat ing

Fi n

s

hes

WC compartments should be adequately

heated to provide

a

temperature of 2 O O C .

Radiators or other heating devices

should not be sited where they reduce

wheelchair manoeuvring or transfer

space. In

a

unisex accessible WC, heaters

should not be located on the same wall

as

the WC or adjacent to

it;

on the wall

directly opposite the washbasin (unless

the width of the compartment is

increased to accommodate it); or

underneath the washbasin or hand

dryer. Recessing heaters into the wall, if

practicable, is recommended.

Exposed surfaces of heaters should be

screened to protect from burns unless

maintained a t a temperature below

43°C. Low-surface-temperature radiators

are recommended.

Fittings and aids (such as WC seats,

grabrails and hand dryers) should all

contrast wi th the background wall and

floor finishes in terms

of

colour, tone

and luminance (degree of reflectivity).

A

band of different colour tiles may also

be used

as

a visual indicator of fittings

and fixtures.

Provide visual contrast between wall

and floor surfaces.

0

Shiny wall and floor surfaces should be

avoided, as they may produce

reflections and glare that confuse

visually impaired people. Small mosaic

ti ling tends to be less reflective because

there i s a higher ratio of grout to tiling.

Slip-resistant floor surfaces, even when

wet, are particularly important for both

visually impaired people and people

using wheelchairs, sticks and crutches.



'Accessibility cannot be guaranteed by

good design alone. How WC

accommodation is managed -whether

within buildings or in separate facilities

- has

a

huge impact on how

easy

it will

be for disabled people to use.

Access audits

Access audits are a useful starting point

in assessing the current

state

of

accessibility and usability of existing

buildings. Buildings which are designed

or adapted bearing in mind the access

needs of people with different

disabilities are likely to be more flexible

and make it easier for employers and

service providers to meet the

requirements of the DDA. An access

audit can form the basis of an ongoing

access

action plan. CAE's film Access

Audits: a planning

tool

or

businesses

uses a case-study approach to explain

what an

access

audit

i s

and how

i t s

recommendations can be used to

improve a business's premises and

custom er service.

Access plans and access

strategies

Access plans or access strategies are the

best way of ensuring that the

information gathered and

recommendations made in the

access

audit are effectively used. The plan or

strategy should include regular

monitoring and updating of the audit,

since even without major structural

adaptations, buildings and the way they

are used change over time. Access plans

or strategies take a long-term view of

improving access and identify

opportunities for change (for example,

a t

routine maintenance or when

a

major refit i s planned), demonstrating

a

serious commitment to making

buildings more accessible to everyone.

Man ag em en t check list

The following checklist will help achieve

good practice in the management of

faci

ties:

External approach rou tes

- ensure that

paths, ramps and steps to public WCs

are kept clean, unobstructed and, in

winter, free of

ice.

Intern al corridors, lobbies, l i f ts etc -

ensure that spaces required for

wheelchair circulation to and from

accessible WCs are not obstructed by

deliveries or storage.

Doors -

ensure that doors and door

ironmongery in WC accommodation are

regularly maintained.

Storage

- ensure that accessible WC

compartments are not used as unofficial

storage areas.

Supplies

-

ensure that supplies of toilet

tissue, sanitary towels, soap and paper

towels are regularly replenished.

Signs

- ensure that signs indicating WCs

are replaced correctly when removed

for redecoration. VI

2

Alarms -

ensure that alarm systems in

WCs are regularly checked, that pull

that

s ta f f

are trained in alarm response

procedures.

(0

aJ

v

+-'

.

c

ords are not tied up out of reach, and

aJ

OI

c



Management issues

Equipment and f i t t ings

- ensure that

dispensers, door handles, locks, hand

dryers, heaters

etc

are maintained in

good working order.

Surfaces

-

ensure that cleaning and

polishing do not render slip-resistant

f

I

oor surfaces s

I

ppe ry.

Redecorat ing -

ensure that the

redecorationof WC compartments does

not compromise a carefully selected

colour scheme which helps people

orientate themselves within the

compartment and identify equipment

and fittings.

Light ing -

ensure that blown light bulbs

along routes, in lobbies and in WC

accommodation are replaced swiftly.

Cleanliness -

ensure that WCs are

regularly cleaned.

Staff t raining

- ensure that s ta f f

understand the importance of

maintenance and management of WCs

and are suitably trained to provide

emergency assistance to disabled people

in WCs i f required.

In format ion -

provide information on

the nearest accessible WC if none is

provided, or on alternative accessible

WCs if the usual one is out of order for

any reason.

Policy issues

- review the number of

people, including disabled people, using

a building and needing WC facilities.

C



Leg

i I

t

o

n

The Building Regulations 2000

Approved Document M: Access to and

use of buildings

ODPM, 2003

BS

8300:2001 Design of buildings and

their approaches to meet the needs of

disabled people - Code of practice

BSI, 2001

Disability Discrimination Act 1995

The Stationery Office 1995

Code of Practice for the Elimination of

Discrimination in the field of

Employment against Disabled Persons

or Persons who have had a Disability

(Part 2)

Disability Rights Commission, 1996

Code of Practice for Rights of Access to

Goods, Facilities, Services and Premises

(Part 3)


Further pract ical advice

Access Audits: a guide and checklist for

appraising the accessibility of public

buildings

CAE, 2003

Includes guidance notes, series of

checklists, film Access Audits: a planning

tool for businesses and design guide for

public buildings Designing for

Accessibility.

Access Audits:

a

planning tool for

businesses

CAE, 2003

Prize-winn ng f m which explains what

an access audit is and how i t s

recommendations can be used to

improve a business's premises and

customer services. Available on VHS

cassette, CD ROM and DVD, with

subtitles or BSL.

Better Public Toilets

BTA, 2001

Comprehensive guide to the provision

and management of away-from-home

toilets.

Bringing the DDA to Life for Small

Shops: improving access to goods and

services for disabled customers


Series of booklets featuring case studies

of a Hairdressing salon, Newsagent,

Cafe and Clothes shop.

Designing for Accessibility

CAEIRIBA Enterprises,

2004

Up-to-date and user-friendly good

practice guide based on the 2004

Approved Document M and

B S 8300:2001.

VI

c



Pu b cat ons

Disability Discrimination Act

1995:

An

Introduction for Small and Medium-

Sized Businesses

Disability Rights Commission 1999

Is

There An Accessible Loo?: The

essential companion guide to the

English directory of accessible loos

ITAA L 2001

Covers issues and concerns for disabled

people using accessible loos and

guidance on planning, building and

managing accessible WCs.

Making access to goods and services

easier for disabled customers:

a practical guide for small businesses

and other small service providers

Disab ility Rights Co m m ssio nlE qua i ty

Commission for N orthe rn Ireland 2002

Helps small businesses and other service

providers in all sectors of the economy

meet their duties under the

DDA.

Time for

a

Change: the need for adult

changing facil ities in accessible

loos

PAMIS, 2003

Video describing the need for WC

accommodation

a t

major venues to

incorporate larger compartments with

adjustable-height changing benches and

hoists for disabled people who cannot

use the WC independently.



Bri t ish Standards Inst i tu t ion (BSI)

389 Chiswick High Road

London W4 4AL

Tel: 020 8996 9000

Fax: 020 8996 7001

Website: www. bsi.0rg.uk

Publishes British Standards including B S

8300:2001 Design of buildings and their

approaches to mee t th e needs

of

disabled people - Code of practice.

Bri t ish Toi let Association

Lane End

Edward Road

Winchester SO23

9RB

Tel: 01962 850277

Fax: 01962 870220

Email: [email protected]

Aims to raise the profile of the current

poor

state

of Britain's municipal WCs.

Centre for Accessible Envi ro nm ents

Nutmeg House

60

Gainsford Street

London SE1 2NY

Tekextphone: 020

7357

81 82

Fax: 020 7357 8183

Email: infoC3cae.org.u k

Webs i e: www.cae.o rg u

k

Information, training, consultancy and

publications on inclusive design.

Disabi l i ty Rights Comm ission

DRC

Helpline

Freepost MID02164

Stratford-upon-Avon

CV37 9BR

Tel: 08457 622

633

Textphone: 08457 622 644

Fax: 08457 778 878

Emai enq u [email protected]

Website: www.drc.0rg.uk

Is Th ere An Accessible Loo ? (ITAAL )

10 Stilecroft Gardens

North Wembley

Middlesex HA0

3HE

Tel: 020 8904 8321

Ema i Acc Loo Proj8ao com

Produces

a

directory of accessible loos in

England and works to increase public

understanding and appreciation of the

personal care needs of disabled people.

PAMIS (Profound and Mul t ip le

Impairm ent Serv ice)

Springfield House

15-16

Springfield

The University of Dundee

Dundee DDI 4JE

Tel: 01 382 3451 54


We bsite: www.d undee.ac. uk/pa m s

Provides families caring for people with

profound and multiple learning

disability with information and practical

help on all aspects of care, therapy,

rights and entitlements.

RADAR

12 City Forum

250 City Road

London

E C l V

8AF

Tel: 020 7250

3222

Textphone: 020 7250 4119

Fax:

020 7250 0212

Ema i : ra da r@a da r. o rg uk

Website: www.radar.0rg.uk

Administers the National Key Scheme.

Publishes codes of practice and other



Organisations

Royal Insti t ute of British Architects

(RIBA)

66 Portland Place

London WIB IAD

Tel: 020 7580 5533

Fax: 020 7255 1541

EmaiI:

i

nfo@i st. riba .org

We bsite: www.a rchitectu e.com

The RIBA advances architecture by

demonstrating benefits to society and

excellence in the profession.

The Stationery Off ce Ltd

PO

Box

29

S t

Crispins

Duke Street

Norwich NR3 I G N

Tel: 0870 600 5522

Fax: 0870 600 5533

Emai

:

boo [email protected]

On ne ordering :

www.tso.co.uk/bookshop

Sells printed versions of any item of

legislation or any other official

publication previously published by

HMSO.

UK

Paruresis Ass ociation

Box 420

Silk House

Park Green

Macclesfield SKI

1

7QJ


Website: www.shybladder.org.uk

Information on research, treatment and

support groups for people with shy

b adder syndrome (pa ru es

).



About CAE

Nicholls & Clarke

The Centre for Accessible Environments

is an information provider and a forum

for collaborative dialogue between

providers and users on how the built

environment can best be made or

modified to achieve inclusion by design.

Founded in 1969, registered as

a

charity

in 1976, the Centre i s the acknowledged

centre of excellence on the practicalities

of designing for accessibility. As

a

charity, we have

a

mission to share our

knowledge and expertise. Our services

include information, training,

consultancy and publications.

About RIBA Enterprises

RlBA Enterprises is

a

leading provider of

information in the fields of architecture

and construction for specifiers and

manufacturers,

as

well as for engineers,

surveyors, construct on

I

awyers,

contractors, academics and students.

We are committed to delivering a wide

range of products and services each

year, t o the highest quality, in practice

management, construction law, design,

specifying, construction contracts, forms

of appointment and associated

guidance and monographs.

With

a

comprehensive range

of

publications, products and services, and

a

history spanning more than

30

years,

RlBA Enterprises

i s

the perfect partner

to provide solutions to all your business,

professional and academic needs.

PhIexicare

N&C Phlexicare has enjoyed

a

close

working relationship wi th CAE for

a

number of years. Working in synergy

with CAE, N&C Phlexicare provides

product-specific expertise.

N&C Phlexicare has some

30

years'

experience in the disability and elderly

care markets, and offers a diverse range

of innovative products, including

accessible WCs, grabrails, and a new

height-adjustable kitchen range. Most

are designed and manufactured by the

company itself.

To

support the

company's portfolio of products, N&C

Phlexicare has just released the tenth

edition of its catalogue, which profiles

2,500

specialist independent living

products and services and is one of

the most comprehensive resources of

i t s kind.

Call 020 8586 4600 for further details.

We bsi

e:

www.ph exicare.com



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Good Loo Guide

Documents

Transcript of Good Loo Guide