Return to DIAL Doncaster's Home Page Profile of DIAL Doncaster DIAL Doncaster's Benefits Advice and Information Section DIAL Doncaster's Factsheets DIAL Doncaster's Information Sheets DIAL Doncaster's Lists of Local and National Disability Organisations. DIAL Doncaster's Access Audits Service. DIAL Doncaster's Disability Equality Training Service.
Links to other Disability Related Websites. How to Contact the DIAL Doncaster Office. Search DIAL Doncaster's Website for Specific Information. Site Map of DIAL Doncaster's Website. DIAL Doncaster's Charity Shop. Shop Online using DIAL Doncaster's Webshop and Earn Us Commission. DIAL Doncaster's Newsletter. What's New on DIAL Doncaster's Website This Month.
DIAL Doncaster, Unit 9, Shaw Wood Business Park, Shaw Wood Way, Doncaster, DN2 5TB
Toilet Design
Last updated on 31/03/08
Return to the Fact Sheet Contents Page

Requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act.

GENERAL SITUATION
Whilst having regard to the nature and scale of the building, sanitary conveniences should, in principle, be no less available for disabled people than for able-bodied people.

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

  1. Toilets for disabled people should be conveniently located, bearing in mind that some disabled people need to get to a WC quickly. Their position should, wherever possible, be adequate to ensure they are easily accessed.
  2. There are advantages in provision being based on a 'unisex' basis. It is more easily identified, allows assistance by a companion of either sex and it is less demanding of space than provision on an integral basis.
  3. WC compartments should be designed to reflect ease of access and use. They should allow for wheelchair manoeuvre and have space for a helper. Doors should open outwards.
  4. The cubicle should be provided with hand washing and drying facilities together with facilities for people with colestomy bags, preferably within reach from the WC.
  5. Dimensions of installed features in a disabled toilet are quite critical and include, e.g., toilet seat at height of 480 mm and horizontal support rails at 680 mm.
  6. In general, similar considerations apply whether a WC is for the use of staff or visitors.
  7. Ideally, and especially if a disabled toilet is in a remote area or is situated in a noisy part of a building, toilet cubicles should be fitted with alarms. This would consist of a long pull cord, with a ring, to floor level, which passes through a wall-mounted guide and is fed along the wall at skirting board level so it can be accessed from any point within the room.

CHECKLIST

  1. Is there adequate provision of toilets for use by disabled people? In a multi-storey building, are there toilets on each floor? ( )
  2. Are the toilet cubicles themselves of a good size and properly designed? ( )
  3. Are hand washing and drying facilities provided within the cubicle? ( )
  4. Is an alarm system provided and are there staff trained to be able to deal with any emergency? ( )

DIAL Disclaimer
Whilst all the information given in this fact sheet was correct at the time of going to press,
DIAL Doncaster cannot be held responsible for any subsequent changes.