Good Loo Guide

I Inclusive Environments
Good Loo
Design Guide
? O M Edition
1-
100
-f
CENTRE FOR
~~
NVIRONMENTS
1 Enterprises
About this guide

The Good Loo Design Guide is part of a
new generation of design guides jointly
published by CAE and RlBA Enterprises.
The series articulates our joint
commitment t o environments designed
t o include the requirements of all users.
Design guidance in the series is based on
acknowledged good practice deriving
from user experience, good design and,
where possible, empirical research. The
Good Loo Design Guide is indebted t o
British Standard BS 8300:2001 Design of
buildings and their approaches to meet
the needs of disabled people - Code of
practice, and the new information it
supplies on how disabled people
interact with the built environment, as
well as t o Approved Document M of the
Building Regulations.
The CAE/RIBA Enterprises series of
guides will assist service providers,
employers and education providers
seeking t o fulfil their duties under the
Disability Discrimination Act 1995. It will
also help those responsible for the
development of the built environment
and those who use it, which can include
architects, designers, facilities managers
and a range of consumers including
disabled people.
Written and produced for CAE by
Andrew Lacey
Drawings by Vin Goodwin
Main photography by Nicholls & Clarke
First published: March 2004
0 Centre for Accessible Environments
and RlBA Enterprises, 2004
Designed by Steve Paveley Design

Typeset in 12 point Frutiger by
Column Communicat ions
ISBN 1 85946 144 1
Product code: 35236
Jointly published by the Centre for

Accessible Environments and RlBA
Enterprises:
Centre for Accessible Environments
Nutmeg House, 60 Gainsford Street
London SE1 2NY
TeVtextphone: +44 (0)20 7357 8182
Fax: +44 (0)20 7357 8183
Emai I: info@cae.org.uk
We bsite: www.cae .org.u k
The Centre for Accessible Environments
is a Company Limited by Guarantee
registered in England and Wales
No 31 12684, Registered Charity
No 1050820.
RlBA Enterprises
15 Bonhill Street, London EC2P 2EA
Tel: +44 (0)20 7256 7222
Fax: +44 (0)20 7374 2737
EmaiI: sa les@ribabooks.com
We bsite: www. riba bookshops.com
RlBA Enterprises is a Company Limited
by Guarantee registered in England and
Wales No 978271.
Acknowledgements
The support of the following individuals
and organisations during the
preparation of this guide is much
appreciated, particularly Nicholls &
Clarke for their generous contribution:
Richard Chisnell British Toilet
Association
Wendy Davis
Womens Design Service
Bob Feeney
Robert Feeney
Associates
Judith lrving
LSA Design Consultancy
Jessie Roberts
PAMIS
David Petherick ODPM
Andrew Smith
UK Paruresis
Association
David Spooner
Nicholls & Clarke
Diana Twitchin Is There An Accessible
Loo? (ITAAL)
Introduction
Legis1ation
B uiId ing Regulations

British Standard BS 8300
Disability Discrimination Act 1995
3
4
5
User needs: an inclusive

approach
Privacy, comfort and safety

People with disabilities
Who uses accessible WCs?
How do wheelchair users
transfer to and from the WC?
Independent lateral transfer
Assisted angled transfer
Use with assistance dog
6
6
7
Level of provision: how

many and where?
8
10
13
15
16
16
Male:female ratios
WC compartments for
ambulant disabled people
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
Layouts
18
18
18
19
19
20
20
20
21
21
Sta ndard-size WC compartments
22
22
WC layout for ambulant

disabled people
Unisex accessible corner WC layout
Universal WC compartment
23
24
27
Unisex accessible peninsular

WC layout for assisted use
Separate-sex provision
Urinals
Case study: Wetherspoon,
Macclesfie Id
Adult changing facilities
Case study: thecentre:mk
Combined WUs hower f aci I ities
Facilities for children
Facilities for babies
28
30
31
33
34
35
36
37
37
Design detail
38
Doors, door handles and locks
38
39
40
40
40
40
41
42
42
42
43
43
43
43
43
44
44
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 iI a t io n
Lighting
Heating
Finishes
Management issues
Access audits
Access plans and access strategies
Management checklist
PubIications
45
45
45
45
Legis1a t ion
Further practical advice
47
47
47
Organisations
49
vl
+-'
a,
+-'
In the 1988 Good Loo Design Guide the ground-breaking first version of this
publication - CAEs Chief Executive
Sarah Langton-Locktonwrote 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 is poorly
designed or even unusable? The answer,
we believe, is 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 is still a
long way to go. It is just as important
today that architects, designers, builders
and others responsible for fitting out
and managing buildings and facilities
understand what lies behind design
guidance. This is true perhaps more in
relation to WCs than to 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.
C
0
There are still many examples of where

- even though provision is clearly well
intentioned - mistakes in the design
detail or the fitting 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 will go
a long way towards meeting the needs
of many disabled people.
Without adequate WCs, disabled people
are limited in their ability t o go out into
the world: t o 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.
Legislation
Building Regulations
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 effect on 1
May 2004. Whereas previously, Part M
was concerned with 'access for disabled
people', now the requirement (for
non-domestic buildings) is simply that:
Access and use
'Reasonable provision shall be made for
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 fitting
within the building to be inspected,
repaired or maintained.
Access to extensions to buildings
'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 is extended.
Sanitary conveniences in extensions
to buildings
'If sanitary conveniences are provided in
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.
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 with
d isa biIities.
The 2004 revision brings Part M into line
with other Parts of the Building Regulations by extending i t s scope to include
alterations to existing buildings and
certain changes of use as well as new
buildings and extensions t o buildings.
Approved Document 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 Northern Ireland

Access regulations in Scotland are
integrated into general Technical

Standards. In Northern Ireland, Part R
of the Building Regulations applies.
Legis1a t ion
British Standard BS 8300

BS 8300:2001 Design of buildings and
their approaches to meet the needs of
disabled people - 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 t o
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
Disability Discrimination
Act 1995
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995
(DDA) introduced new measures aimed
a t ending the discrimination which
many disabled people face. In addition
t o 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 t o
employment, 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 t o 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'. Discrimination 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 to comply with
the duties under the Act. Two new
codes of practice will be issued in 2004
in relation to employment duties. The
Code of Practice for Rights of Access:
Goods, Facilities, Services and Premises
gives guidance to service providers on
how to fulfil their duties, including new
duties coming into force in 2004 relating
t o 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 t o 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 audits and Access
plans and access strategies under
Management issues.
It is useful to undertake an assessment

of customer, employee and visitor needs
for all kinds of buildings, including
employment buildings, premises t o
which customers and/or the general
public have access, and public lavatories.
The assessment should take an inclusive
approach, covering all aspects of WC
provision from standard WCs to
accessible WCs and other associated
facilities such as nappy-changing areas.
Consideration should be given to the

kinds of people that use the facilities
(for example, families with young
children or babies), numbers of users
and particular times of the day that
are busy.
Privacy, comfort and

safety
All users of WCs have a shared
need for privacy, comfort and safety.
Consideration should be given to:
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sanitary disposal units inside all

ladies' cubicles
hot and cold running water t o
washbasins in all facilities provided,
with adequate provision for soap
adequate provision for hand drying
lockable toilet tissue dispensers,
preferably with spare rolls/tissue
adequate heating and lighting
effective cleaning regime and
management, t o ensure proper
standards of cleanliness a t all times
(see Management checklist, p 45)
People with disabilities

It is estimated' that about 20 per cent of
the adult population in the UK - around
11.7 million people - are covered by the
provisions of the Disability
Discrimination Act. Of these:
7 million people have difficulty lifting
and carrying
6 million people have mobility
impairments
5.6 million people have difficulty with
physical coordination
3.9 million people have difficulty
learning and understanding
2.5 million people have visual or
hearing impairments
2.3 million people have difficulties with
manual dexterity
1.6 million people have continence
problems
0.7 million people have difficulties in
perceiving risk
Other estimates are that:
approximately 5 million people over the
age of 65 have a long-standing illness
there are around 5,000 working
assistance dogs'
around half a million people use a
wheelchair all or part of the time2
there are around 40,000 people (in
England and Wales) with profound and
muItiple learning d isa bi Iities3
up to 4 million people, mainly men, may
be affected by 'shy bladder syndrome'
(avoidant par~resis).~
See guidance on
Urinak, p 31 and case study on p 33
' The Disability Discrimination Act: Analysis of Data from an Omnibus Survey; In-house report 30, Grahame Whitfield,
' Is There An Accessible Loo?, ITAAL, 2001
MENCAP
UK Paruresis Association (UKPA)
DSS, 1997
User needs: an inclusive approach
Who uses accessible WCs?
anyone travelling alone with luggage

who does not want t o leave it
unguarded while they use the WC
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:
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
adults with mental health problems
or learning difficulties, assisted by carers
0 disabled parents with babies and
small children
disabled toddlers and children, assisted
by parentdcarers
young or older people assisted by carers
0 visually impaired people alone or
assisted by carers
anyone using an assistance dog
older people who may need extra
space or who find accessible WCs safer
and easier t o use because of layout
and grabrails
0 older people who need assistance from
personal carers
0 people who benefit from extra space
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 t o keep children with them while
they use the WC
parents, grandparents and carers
accompanying small children of the
opposite sex
People with disabilities who need to use

accessible WCs may include:
people with arthritis, which affects the
joints, who may find it difficult to bend
or grip
hemiplegics (with paralysis down one

side) who have difficulty balancing
paraplegics who may have total or
partial paralysis of the lower limbs and
will therefore be unable to stand up
without su pport a nd/or assista nce
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
people with ataxia whose involuntary
movements make them particularly
vulnerable to sharp, protruding features
ambulant (walking) disabled people
who may need extra support
visually impaired people who
appreciate good colour contrast and
lighting and, if accompanied by an
assistance dog, need larger than
standard compartments
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hearing impaired people accompanied

by an assistance dog
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Note: there are 3.3 million families with

children under the age of five.
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How do wheelchair
users transfer to and
from the 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) transfer
the wheelchair is manoeuvred until it is
more or less parallel with the WC, with
the front of the wheelchair aligned with
the front of the pan. Alternatively, the
transfer maybe angled, with the
wheelchair a t about 45"to the WC (see
bottom left plan, Figure 1 )
the wheelchair armrest nearest the WC
is 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 angled (oblique) transfer
the wheelchair is positioned facing the
WC a t an angle
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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
adjust clothing
This kind of transfer is 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 is
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 transfer
through zipped seat back of wheelchair
Assisted transfer
This may be done with the wheelchair
in any of the transfer positions
mentioned above. Assistance is needed
when the wheelchair user has little or
no functional use of the lower limbs
and impaired upper limbs. He/she will
need t o be manually lifted or heaved
from the wheelchair seat to the WC seat
and back. Clear, unobstructed space on
both sides of the WC is important to
allow the assistant (or assistants) to
bend, turn and move freely when lifting
a disabled person's weight.
Figure 1
Transfer techniques
I
* do not reduce effective space with pipes,

ducts, heaters, bins etc
----
1000 doorset
drop-down rail allows approach from transfer

side and support when getting off WC
all equipment within reach of seated

I
Frontal transfer
Oblique transfer
using grabrails to
pivot from
wheelchair onto WC
using grabrails
andlor grasping wc
pan itself
Lateral transfer
(angled)
grabrails andlor WC
pan grasped to
transfer
right-handed
one wheel backed

up to rear wall with
wheelchair set at an
angle to the WC pan
Lateral transfer
grabrails or WC pan
grasped to transfer
-5
m
both wheels backed

up to rear wall with
chair parallel to WC
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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 Kralik
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 the hinged drop-down

rail. This also provides support and
balance while reaching for loo
paper, soap dispenser and paper
towels (see photo 5)
Using grabrsils for support these

need to be secum& fixed to take
*I/ body w@ight
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easy lleiach so t t hands

~ can be
wad& while still sitting on the loo
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P a n M n g back to the
wheelchair, with support from
&ed grabrail and WC pan
hand drying

rn
isted angled transfer

Anne Davies OBE
Former Chairman of CAE and consultant
on access and disability issues
Anne has multiple sclerosis, which has
left her with very little strength in her
legs and arms. She requires assistance to
transfer to and from the WC.
head on tb thg loo and the

assistant
aJ
0Assistant folds the wheelchair

footplate back and positions
AnneL feet on the floor
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Anne lowers the drop-down rail

(for later use)
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54

m
[stance dog
Janet 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
little space for the dog.
On the other hand, a big
open space can be a bit
daunting - I need to be
able t o find things and
touch things easily. Here,
all the different elements
follow in a logical
sequence - the only
difficulty would be things
like identifying buttons on
the sanitary towel
dispenser. The smooth,
rounded surface of the
dispenser is good because
it is safer.'
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lanet and her dog a d a rosriCjr, standadkd

/ayout of fi'ums and fittings
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Levels of provision: how 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:
"ummr ot male cubicles plus number

of male urinals x 2 = required number
of female cubicles
WC compartments for
ambulant disabled people
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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.
16
Wheelchair-accessible
compartments
The time taken to reach a WC - as well
as actual distance - is 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 nondomestic 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, separate-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?
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.
The provision of accessories in WCs for
disabled people should be the same as
in WC accommodation for non-disabled
people, but it should not affect the
ability of wheelchair users t o manoeuvre
or transfer to the WC. Fixtures and
fittings should be of the same quality as
in standard compartments.
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.
In situations with a high volume of

users, such as busy motorway service
areas, it is likely to be better t o 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
practicaI approach.
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 is 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 t o the WC
(see Figure 7, p 27).
A wheelchair user should not normally
have t o travel more than 40m on the

same floor to a unisex WC or a separatesex 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 is
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.
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Desim 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 getting to

the 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
facilities are clearly indicated. Signing
should be clear and consistent throughout the building. One or a combination
of the following might be used:
wa II- mo unted/suspended signs

a t a height of 1400mm
raised, tactile symbols
letters and arrows a t a height of
around 1OOOmm
colour contrast between lettering
and background
Source BS 8300:2001 section 6.3.6.2 and figure 13
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 is 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 lifts,
for example. This is because an assistant
Figure 2
Lobbies
/
/
1570mm x 750mm zone for a wheelchair user

plus attendant to be clear of door swings
Design principles
may need t o open the door to leave the

compartment once the disabled person
is on the WC and to enter again t o
provide assistance.
Screens without doors are preferable to
lobbies. Curtains may be appropriate in
situations where, due t o lack of space, it
is not possible t o fit a fixed screen.
Small buildings
Provision of accessible WCs in small
buildings is not always easily resolved the demand on space may seem out of
proportion.. Several options may be
appropriate including:
omitting lobbies, except where
statutori ly required
combining provision for staff and
customers
0
combining accessible WC with male or

female provision
in very small buildings with only one
WC, making it an accessible one
avoiding designating accessible WCs
for the exclusive use of disabled people
- facilities that are rarely used are
more likely t o 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
Public conveniences
Signposting
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 t o 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.
Vandalism and safety

CCn/ surveillance, staff in attendance
and careful location of public lavatories
- including 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.
Design principles
National Key Scheme

The National Key Scheme (NKS) offers
independent access t o disabled people
t o public conveniences which are
normally locked. The scheme was
introduced because a number of local
authorities and other organisations
providing facilities chose t o lock their
WCs t o 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 fitting 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 is absolutely necessary because
of vandalism and misuse'. It should not
be necessary to lock internal accessible
WCs (such as in pubs and restaurants).
Support
Well placed and firmly fixed support
rails particularly benefit:
people with joint difficulties (such as
those affected by arthritis who may
find it painful to bend their knees t o
s i t down)
people with poor balance (such as
hemiplegics with paralysis down one
side of the body)
people with total or partial paralysis of
the lower or of both upper and lower
limbs (such as paraplegic and tetraplegic
wheelchair users)
5Q
-3
.-L
visually impaired people who use rails

t o help orientate themselves within the
compartment
.-$,
G
n
frail older people
Fittings
People with 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 in w heelcha ir-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 is therefore extremely
important to specify good-quality
equipment, and ensure that all fittings
and fixtures are very securely fixed,
using fittings appropriate for the type
of wall.
CoIour contrast
and lighting
People with visual impairments or with
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 it is fixed. People
with visual impairments need spaces
that are consistently well lit throughout.
Design principles
Safety
Space
Making sure that there are no sharp or

protruding items is important for all
users, particularly ataxic people with
invoIunt a ry movements, w heeIc ha ir
users who may find the transfer from
wheelchair t o WC awkward, visually
impaired people who may not see
the hazard, and people with learning
difficulties who may not recognise
the hazard.
Greater space provision is required in

accessible WC facilities than in standard
WC compartments for:
Floor surfaces which are not slippery

when wet are an important safety
feature for all users, particularly people
who have poor balance, people
transferring from a wheelchair to the
WC, and people with visual impairments
who may not notice that the floor is wet.
people who use wheelchairs to

approach the WC compartment, enter
and close the door behind them,
transfer from their wheelchair to the
WC pan and back again, gain access
t o the washbasin, move around
within the compartment, and leave
through the door. The amount of space
required depends to some extent on
the size of the wheelchair - powered
chairs are generally larger than standard
wheelchairs
people who need the assistance of one
or two people to help them transfer to
See also p 42 Emergency assistance

alarms.
and from and use the WC

visually impaired or hearing impaired
people accompanied by assistance dogs
Every potential user of a WC has his or

her own particular needs and
preferences - so it is 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 BS 8300 embody this
culmination of experience and good
practice.
Standard-size WC
compartments
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 inwardopening 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 detail.
Figure 3
Standard WC compartment with
in ward-opening door
Layouts

disabled people
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.
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.
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.
Figure 4
disabled people
600mm-long
clothes hook at
15" or horizontal
100
k500 min -+I4
-750mm
I activity space
clear of door swings
m
3
c,
Lay0uts
Unisex accessible corner

WC layout
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 - thereby avoiding the
possibility of soiling clothes or the
wheelchair.
'Unisex' in recognition of the fact 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.
Figure 5
Wheelchair-accessible corner
WC compartment: plan
\
rising butt hinges for
gentle door closing
alternative door b
position
' w-
recommended
800mm min
effective
clear width*
'
I\
* 750mm may be acceptable in

an existing building
+q
sanitary dispenser
ifII
waste bin
II
mirror
shelf
II ~,
II
II
clothes
clothes hook
hook
--+ 2200
'-
vertical grabrails
2200
II
I /
60
drop-down rail
sanitary disposal
vertical grabrail
150
320
500
colostomy shelf for

standing users
Lay0uts
Doors should open outwards wherever

possible, and be fitted with a horizontal
closing bar on the inside face.
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 t o 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.
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 is
provided, the layout should be reversed
(handed).
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 t o operate and
mounted on the transfer side of the
cistern, within easy reach. A lever-type
flush is recommended.
Figure 6
Wheelchair-accessiblecorner
WC layout: elevation
initary dispenser with

i n slot between
50-1 OOOmm
/
,-
vertical grabrails \
alarm pull cord

with two red
bangles one at
100mm, the other
at 800-1 OOOmm
above floor level
Toilet paper dispenser
Alarm reset button
Soap dispenser
Paper towel dispenser
Hot air hand dryer
centre line
of grabrail
100
8001OO(
*height of drop-down rails to

be the same as other
horizontal grabrails
shelf
padded backrest
colostomy shelf at 950mm
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 alarms.
Sink plumbing returned to the wall

(rather than run to the floor) is
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.
Coat hooks and mirrors should be fixed

a t heights usable by standing and
seated users. A recommended height
for a coat hook is 1200mm. See p 43
Mirrors.
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
cornpartment
Where there is space for only one WC in
a building, the WC should be accessible
to all users. This can be achieved by
increasing the width, as for the unisex
accessible corner WC layout, from
1500mm to 2000mm to 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 where there is
space for only one WC in a building
1500
5,00
/p
the standard-height washbasin

should be positioned clear of the
wheelchair turning space
0
0
N
N
I
I<
1500
5,00
1-
L,
1500
500
1-
Layouts
Unisex accessible
peninsular WC layout
for assisted use
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.
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.
BS 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.
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).
Ic
towel rail
7
-
T- -
--
Figure 8
Wheelchair-accessiblepeninsular
WC layout: plan
sanitary dispenser
1500mm x 15OOmm
wheelchair turning space
shelf
waste bin
two clothes hooks
0
0
N
/dra, down rail

alarm
1400
150
320
320
,.
.A
ir
mirror
150
1000 4
Lay0uts
Overall dimensions: 2200mm min long x

2400mm min wide.
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 is
positioned outside the minimum
1500mm x 1500mm wheelchair turning
space shown in Figure 8.
Basins should be approachable in a

wheelchair with all associated fittings
within reach.
Figure 9
Wheelchair-accessiblepeninsular
WC layout: elevation
__
alarm pull cord with

two red bangles
-600-700
db
II
padded
back rest\
4
-
T=i
T
I
3
-
Qo
ASoap dispenser
@ Hot air hand dryer
0
N
h
Layouts
Separate-sex provision
There are some disabled people who
prefer accessible separate-sex provision,
in line with what the general
population expect - t o be able t o '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, it should
be possible for them to 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 t o suit children and people of
short stature.
760
Figure 10
Urinals
e Ievat ion
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.
900
horizontal
grabraiI
--
7'
0
0
0
I
1 '
T
360 min
horizontal grabrail
plan
wall space kept free

of pipework to
200mm above floor
unless urinal
projects more than
the minimum
360mm from wall
I
.
I
I
c - - -I
900mm wide x
1350mm deep for
wheelchair users and
ambulant disabled
people
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 Figure 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.
layout of urinal 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
latter area being able to view the
urinals; and adequate screening of the
urinals from the entry door
'line of sight' privacy
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 is an issue, frosted
panels may be used
Shy bladder syndrome

'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
a nxiety, inc Iud ing:
use of background music or sea sounds

is 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
Case s t
Wetherspoon, Macclesfield
This recent refurbishment of a
Wetherspoon pub in Macclesfield
illustrates many features of good
design for people with shy bladder
syndrome (see p 32) in the male
WC area.
On entering the room, urinals are

not visible
Dividers between urinals
Screen separates urinal area from

basins. When standing at a urinal,
there is no-one directly behind user
Urinals are out of view from tha

basins
Layouts
A d dt changing facilities
Some people who are being cared for
by family members need to be laid flat
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, with the potential
risk of serious damage to the carers'
backs. It is recommended that adult
changing facilities 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 peninsular-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 flat when not in use.
Many have optional side rails for safety
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 lifting
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
Case studv
thecentre:mk
As part of a f 16m refurbishment of a
shopping centre in Mifton Keynes,
thecentre:m k dramatically improved
customer WC facilities by providing:
double the number of male and
female WCs than previously
left and right-hand transfer unisex
compartments
a compartment fitted with a
changing bench and hoist
parent and child/baby-changing
facility to including nursing room
with television and spacious babychanging area; bottle warmers;
changing stations with special
toddler seats; a water fountain and
vending machines for nappies,
dummies and baby wipes; wallmounted 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

aduit changing bench and hoist
In 1999 the centre won two National

Loo of the Year Awards for
accessible WCs and baby-changing
faci Iities.
Good-quality finishes ana improved

lighting
Parent and childbaby-changing area
%
cu
-I
Layouts
Combined WC/
shower faci Iities
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
Cornbined WUshower facilities
<
2400
500 -320*
drain
alarm pull cord.

vertical grabrail drop-down rail ==
-------
towel rail -
fall of floor
\/'
'
I'
Layouts
FaciIities for c hiIdren
Facilities for babies
Consideration should be given where

appropriate to the needs of children,
particularly, for example, in visitor
attractions, leisure facilities and
shopping centres.
Baby-changing facilities
Ideal provision would include:
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.
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 t o 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.
AD M states that wheelchair-accessible
unisex WCs should not be used for

baby-changing.
Breast and bottle-feeding
It is not hygienic to have breast-feeding
areas within general WC provision. Ideal
provision would include separate breastfeeding areas restricted to women, with
enough space for a chair, double buggy
and nappy-cha nging f aci Iit ies.
Design detail
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 t o provide assistance if the door
opens outwards.
Alternatives t o 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
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 t o
open the door with one hand.
D-handles are not recommended, as it is
difficult for some people t o hold the
door in the closed position while
operating the lock.
Doors from WC compartments should

not obstruct emergency escape routes
when they are open. (It may, however,
be permissible for a door t o open
outwards into an escape route if the
door swings in the direction of
emergency escape.)
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.
Clear opening width should be a t least

equal t o 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 fitted 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.
A visual indicator showing whether the

WC is vacant or occupied in both words
and colour change is recommended.
Locks and latches should be easy t o

operate using one hand, without having
t o tightly grasp the locking mechanism
or twist the wrist, for example by using
a closed fist.
Rising butt hinges t o assist in closing the
door are recommended as they preclude
the need for heavy door-closing
mechanisms.
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 t o BS 5503-3 or BS 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 feet 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 effective 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 with 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 is not too great.
A chain pull is an
alternative, but
care should be
taken in its
positioning and
ease of operation.
Automatic magiceye' 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 is 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 tilt 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 is 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
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
lifting themselves off the WC seat.
However, some women users who need
to catheterise themselves do prefer gapfront 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 t o access them easily.
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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
preferred. Certa in
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 t o
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 will 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).
Grabrails
Weight-bearing grabrails are used t o
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 t o 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 is important that rails are securely
fixed t o 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 t o partition walls, especially
where these are thin.
They should be easy t o 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 t o 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 t o be lifted 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 t o 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" t o
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 t o a standing position. They are also
important for a male with impaired
mobility standing t o 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 ine/reflection)
with surfaces against which they are
seen.
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) with 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 is
positioned on the side of the basin
nearest the WC so that it can be easily
reached by someone seated on the WC.
The advantage of side-mounting is that
it is easier t o wash out urine bottles
under the tap by angling them in the
basin (it is impossible t o 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 is awkward t o wash out
equipment such as urine bottles and
catheterising equipment and for
disabled women t o deal with
menstruation. One possible solution
can be t o recess a slightly larger basin
into the wall if the structure of the
compartment permits this.
Hot water from a washbasin should not
exceed 41C a t the outlet. In small handrinse basins, ensure that the water
supply through a mixer tap is not too
forceful, otherwise the water simply
shoots out from the basin, soaking the
user and making the floor very wet.
Design detail
Soap dispensers
should be located
directly above
washbasins to
avoid soap
dripping onto the
floor and making
it slippery, and be
suitable for singlehanded use by
people with weak
arm movements.
Hand drying
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 vending

machines
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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 femaleonly WCs. They should not reduce clear
width of door openings or impede on
wheelchair circulation space.
Vending machines for condoms,
toothbrushes etc should not reduce
clear width of door openings or impede
wheelchair circulation space.
[oal
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.
Emergency assista 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 is 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, staff
elsewhere in the building) able t o 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 is important, as
deaf people are likely t o use the WC
unaccompanied.
Mirrors
The recommended position for a mirror
within an accessible corner WC is on the
wall opposite the handbasin (see
Figure 5).
According t o 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
t o check that their below-the-waist
clothing is adjusted before leaving the
WC, so it is preferable t o extend the
mirror down t o 500mm above floor
level. If lower, wheelchair footrests
may damage the mirror, so extending
the mirror t o 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 two 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 t o
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
position5).
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 t o
operate (for example, a swing-bin
which does not require much pressure
t o open), and should be positioned so
as not t o impede wheelchair circulation
space. A deep bin with a high lid is
easier for people with mobility
impairments.
Vent iIat ion

Where single-compartment accessible
WCs are kept locked between use, it is
particularly important t o provide
adequate air ventilation (or an airfreshening 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 wallmounted 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 t o use the WC.
Consider provision of secondary lighting
in the event of failure of the main
lighting system.
El
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Design detail
Heating
Finishes
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 t o accommodate it); or
underneath the washbasin or hand
dryer. Recessing heaters into the wall, if
practicable, is recommended.
Fittings and aids (such as WC seats,

grabrails and hand dryers) should all
contrast with 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.
Exposed surfaces of heaters should be

screened t o protect from burns unless
maintained a t a temperature below
43C. Low-surface-temperature radiators
are recommended.
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
tiling tends to be less reflective because
there is a higher ratio of grout t o 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 for businesses
uses a case-study approach to explain
what an access audit is and how i t s
recommendations can be used to
improve a business's premises and
customer 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 is planned), demonstrating a
serious commitment to making

buildings more accessible to everyone.
Management checklist
The following checklist will help achieve
good practice in the management of
faci Iities:
External approach routes - ensure that
paths, ramps and steps to public WCs
are kept clean, unobstructed and, in
winter, free of ice.
Internal corridors, lobbies, lifts etc ensure that spaces required for
wheelchair circulation t o 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.
Alarms - ensure that alarm systems in
WCs are regularly checked, that pull
cords are not tied up out of reach, and
that staff are trained in alarm response
procedures.
VI
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Management issues
Equipment and fittings - 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 Ioor surf aces s Iippery.
Redecorating - ensure that the
redecoration of WC compartments does
not compromise a carefully selected
colour scheme which helps people
orientate themselves within the
compartment and identify equipment
and fittings.
Lighting - ensure that blown light bulbs
along routes, in lobbies and in WC
accommodation are replaced swiftly.
Cleanliness - ensure that WCs are
regularly cleaned.
Staff training - ensure that staff
understand the importance of
maintenance and management of WCs
and are suitably trained to provide
emergency assistance to disabled people
in WCs if required.
Information - 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.
m
C
Legis Iat ion
Further practical advice
The Building Regulations 2000

Approved Document M: Access to and
use of buildings
ODPM, 2003
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.
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)
Access Audits: a planning tool for

businesses
CAE, 2003
Prize-winning f iIm which explains what
an access audit is and how i t s
recommendations can be used t o
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 t o 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
BS 8300:2001.
VI
Pub Iicat ions
Disability Discrimination Act 1995: An

Introduction for Small and MediumSized Businesses
Is There An Accessible Loo?: The
essential companion guide to the
English directory of accessible loos
ITAA L, 200 1
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
Disability Rights CommissionlE q uali ty
Commission for Northern 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 facilities in accessible loos
PAMIS, 2003
Video describing the need for WC
accommodation a t major venues t o
incorporate larger compartments with
adjustable-height changing benches and
hoists for disabled people who cannot
use the WC independently.
..-
British Standards Institution (BSI)

389 Chiswick High Road
London W4 4AL
Tel: 020 8996 9000
Fax: 020 8996 7001
Website: www. bsi.0rg.uk
Is There An Accessible Loo? (ITAAL)

10 Stilecroft Gardens
North Wembley
Middlesex HA0 3HE
Tel: 020 8904 8321
Ema iI: Acc LooProj8ao I.com
Publishes British Standards including BS

8300:2001 Design of buildings and their
approaches to meet the needs of
disabled people - Code of practice.
Produces a directory of accessible loos in

England and works to increase public
understanding and appreciation of the
personal care needs of disabled people.
British Toilet Association

Lane End
Edward Road
Winchester SO23 9RB
Tel: 01962 850277
Fax: 01962 870220
Email: Britloos@co.com
PAMIS (Profound and Multiple

Impairment Service)
Springfield House
15-16 Springfield
The University of Dundee
Dundee DDI 4JE
Tel: 01382 345154
Email: pamis@dundee.ac.uk
We bsite: www.d undee.ac.uk/pa mis
Aims to raise the profile of the current

poor state of Britain's municipal WCs.
Centre for Accessible Environments
Nutmeg House
60 Gainsford Street
London SE1 2NY
Tekextphone: 020 7357 8182
Fax: 020 7357 8183
Email: infoC3cae.org.u k
Webs ite: www.ca e. o rg.uk
Information, training, consultancy and
publications on inclusive design.
Disability Rights Commission
DRC Helpline
Freepost MID02164
Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9BR
Tel: 08457 622 633
Textphone: 08457 622 644
Fax: 08457 778 878
E ma iI: enq uiry@drc-gb.org
Website: www.drc.0rg.uk
Publishes codes of practice and other
guidance on the DDA.
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 EClV 8AF
Tel: 020 7250 3222
Textphone: 020 7250 41 19
Fax: 020 7250 0212
Ema iI : rada r@rada r.o rg.uk
Website: www.radar.0rg.uk
Administers the National Key Scheme.
Organisations
Royal Institute of British Architects

(RIBA)
66 Portland Place
London WIB IAD
Tel: 020 7580 5533
Fax: 020 7255 1541
EmaiI: info@inst.riba .org
We bsite: www.a rchitecture.com
The RIBA advances architecture by

demonstrating benefits to society and
excellence in the profession.
The Stationery Off ice Ltd
PO Box 29
S t Crispins
Duke Street
Norwich NR3 I G N
Tel: 0870 600 5522
Fax: 0870 600 5533
EmaiI: book.orders@tso.co.uk
OnIine 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 Association
Box 420
Silk House
Park Green
Macclesfield SKI 1 7QJ
Email: UKPA@iclway.co.uk
Website: www.shybladder.org.uk
Information on research, treatment and
support groups for people with shy
bIa dder syndrome (paruresi5).
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 t o achieve inclusion by design.
PhIexicare
Founded in 1969, registered as a charity

in 1976, the Centre is the acknowledged
centre of excellence on the practicalities
of designing for accessibility. As a
charity, we have a mission t o 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, construction Iawyers,
contractors, academics and students.
We are committed t o 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,
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Good Loo Guide

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I Inclusive Environments

About this guide

Designed by Steve Paveley Design

Jointly published by the Centre for

B uiId ing Regulations

User needs: an inclusive

Privacy, comfort and safety

Level of provision: how

Sta ndard-size WC compartments

WC layout for ambulant

Unisex accessible peninsular

Doors, door handles and locks

There are still many examples of where

The regulation avoids specific reference

Scotland and Northern Ireland

integrated into general Technical

British Standard BS 8300

The design recommendations in BS 8300

Transport and the Regions. BS 8300

Each Part of the DDA is supported by

It is useful to undertake an assessment

Consideration should be given to the

Privacy, comfort and

sanitary disposal units inside all

People with disabilities

User needs: an inclusive approach

Who uses accessible WCs?

anyone travelling alone with luggage

A wide range of people find it either

independent disabled people including people using sticks, crutches,

People with disabilities who need to use

hemiplegics (with paralysis down one

tetraplegics who have either total or

hearing impaired people accompanied

Note: there are 3.3 million families with

User needs: an inclusive approach

the user stands or partially stands up

This kind of transfer is only possible for

User needs: an inclusive approach

* do not reduce effective space with pipes,

drop-down rail allows approach from transfer

all equipment within reach of seated

one wheel backed

both wheels backed

User needs: an inclusive approach

Due to our national reticence few

Lowering the hinged drop-down

User needs: an inclusive approach

Using grabrsils for support these

easy lleiach so t t hands

User needs: an inclusive approach

User needs: an inclusive approach

isted angled transfer

head on tb thg loo and the

0Assistant folds the wheelchair

User needs: an inclusive approach

Anne lowers the drop-down rail

User needs: an inclusive approach

Member, Enfield Vision

Janet is blind and is

lanet and her dog a d a rosriCjr, standadkd

Levels of provision: how many

"ummr ot male cubicles plus number

A WC suitable for use by ambulant