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Introduction 01
Regulations from Doc M 02
Other regulations 05
Bibliography 07
Further information 08
Building regulations
Introduction
* Will not apply in relation to building work which has already started before 1 May 2004, provided that the
building work began in accordance with:
a building notice and a commencement notice given to the local authority; or
full plans deposited with, and a commencement notice given to, the local authority; or
an initial notice or an amendment notice given to the local authority.
** A material alteration covers anything that could result in a building no longer complying with relevant building
regulation requirements where previously it did.
01
Building regulations
Regulations from Doc M
Wheelchair
accessible unisex
cubicles
The wheelchair accessible layout The height to the top of the WC
has been modified (see Figure 1) as has been increased from 450 to
follows: 480mm.
Figure 1.
Wheelchair accessible
unisex cubicle
Ambulant disabled
cubicles
Every same-sex washroom must An outward opening door
have at least one WC compartment (because of activity space
(cubicle) that is suitable for the considerations).
ambulant disabled. See Figure 2.
If there is only one cubicle in the Closing and opening bars on the
washroom then this must be suitable door.
for an ambulant disabled person.
The ambulant disabled cubicle The height to the top of the WC
must include: should be 480mm.
02
Building regulations
Regulations from Doc M
Enlarged cubicles
Where four or more cubicles are A space for a shelf and folding
provided in a washroom one of these changing table.
must be an enlarged cubicle. See
Figure 3. An outward opening door.
The enlarged cubicle is there to assist Closing and opening bars on
the ambulant disabled, people with the door.
babies or with small children, and/or
people with large bags.
Standard cubicles
Each standard cubicle (see Figure 4) An emergency release
MUST now have: mechanism that allows doors to
open outwards from the outside
A minimum of 450mm diameter in an emergency.
manoeuvring space within the
cubicle.
03
Building regulations
Regulations from Doc M
Colour contrast
To aid partially sighted people, the
design of washrooms MUST allow for
contrasts in colours in the following
areas:
04
Building regulations
Other regulations
Other requirements are as follows: A unisex wheelchair access WC Large buildings require adult
must be provided wherever changing tables within unisex
In new building installations and there is a male/female standard toilets.
instances of major refurbishment, washroom (one unisex facility by
all taps must be of a type that is the entrance lobby is no longer Where showers are provided
operable with a closed fist. Non- sufficient). for staff then at least one
lever taps (with the exception compartment should be made
of push down non-concussive Where more than one unisex suitable for wheelchair users.
types) can no longer be used. wheelchair access WC is used,
Whenever taps are just being then the layout must be handed Similarly, in leisure facilities,
replaced then the closed fist rule LH / RH to give choices of transfer self-contained showering and
does not apply. from wheelchair to WC. changing facilities must also
be provided. For more details
All hot water outlets should There is a need for wheelchair regarding the leisure industry
be thermostatically controlled. usable WC pans to accommodate DDA compliance, refer to the
Further information can be found a variable height toilet seat guidance notes published by
in guidance note G18.5 of the riser. The riser is a device that Sport England entitled Access for
Requirements for Water Fittings replaces the standard toilet seat Disabled People.
Regulations 1999, SI 1999/1148. and lowers or raises the user to a
sitting or standing position. Artificial limb stores (lockers)
Where a separate sex washroom should be provided in changing
is accessible to wheelchair users WC flush mechanism must be and shower areas.
then: on the opposite side to the wall
in wheelchair and ambulant In hotel room installations where
One urinal must be set disabled WCs. en-suite facilities are provided
lower and have two vertical for wheelchair users, there
grab rails. The minimum clear effective door should be an equal number of
One basin must be set at a opening width for wheelchair shower rooms to bathrooms. This
lower lip height. access is specified as 825mm. 50:50 division does not apply to
We will continue to use 900mm, rooms that are not designated
If a building only contains one as cubicles are very often sited wheelchair-accessible.
toilet area, it should be of the within confined spaces that are
unisex wheelchair access type, difficult to manoeuvre by wheel
with the width increased from chair users. See Figure 5 for cubicle layout
1500mm to 2000mm. An extra example.
basin must be provided set at Wheelchair access toilets must
standard height, in addition to the not be used as baby changing
low height finger washbasin. areas.
05
Building regulations
Other regulations
06
Building regulations
Bibliography
DISCLAIMER
Great care has been taken to produce this
document. However, Amwell Systems Ltd accepts no
responsibility for inaccuracies or omissions.
07
Building regulations
Further information
08
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