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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 or if space is restricted a sliding door.
- 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.
- 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.
- In general, similar considerations apply whether a WC is for the use of staff or visitors.
- 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. It should be located at a point where the disabled person is at most risk when transfering from the wheelchair to the WC.
CHECKLIST
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Is there adequate provision of toilets for use by disabled people? In a multi-storey building, are there toilets on each floor? ( )
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Are the toilet cubicles themselves of a good size and properly designed? ( )
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Are hand washing and drying facilities provided within the cubicle? ( )
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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.
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