When designed well, a wheelchair-accessible bathroom helps to promote inclusivity and independence, but what exactly constitutes ‘good washroom design’?
Although all adapted washrooms should be tailored to the individual’s requirements, there are common design elements that should be considered when designing and installing any wheelchair-accessible toilet.
Key questions and considerations
- Is the doorway/entrance wide enough for a wheelchair to pass through?
- Is the doorway threshold-free?
- Is the door lightweight?
- Does the door have a horizontal bar fixed across it?
- Does the door open outwards?
- Are there sufficient grabrails?
- Is the toilet seat raised?
- Are the fixtures and fittings at the right heights?
- Is everything within reach of wheelchair users?
- Are there emergency equipment fitted and are they placed correctly?
- Are there clear signs to locate the washroom?
- Have you abided by all laws and regulations surrounding disabled washrooms?
- Is there the correct amount of floor space and space between fittings?
How to design a good wheelchair washroom
Accessible toilets are an absolute necessity for many people living with a disability, especially in workplaces, commercial properties and public washrooms. A crucial part of inclusive spaces includes design features which allow wheelchair users and individuals with a range of (physical) disabilities to use the toilet as independently and safely as possible.
These features and touchpoints include:
Prioritising level access
Step-free, or level across means you have lifts, ramps and level surfaces available so customers, visitors or clients don't have to use stairs or escalators which will majorly disrupt their access.
No external plumbing or pipes
To ensure ease of movement, an accessible washroom should ensure that any plumbing work or pipes are hidden or concealed. Causing a potential hazard, these need to be concealed or installed into systems such as IPS units.
Outward facing doors
By installing an outward-facing door, you are increasing the space within the bathroom and also assisting in the case of an emergency. This should not however be applied if the washroom is located near the top of the stairs.
Placements of radiators and heat sources
These fittings can hinder wheelchair movement and are also considered to be a safety hazard. If you are installing radiators or fixtures such as towel rails, you must ensure that you opt for low-surface temperature sources or underfloor heating instead.
Slip-resistant flooring
Like any washroom, disabled toilets especially need to be fitted with slip-resistant flooring in order to maximise the traction of the wheelchair and minimise the risk of any falls.
Choose the right basin
When choosing the basin or vanity unit for the accessible toilet, you will need to opt for one with handles or a concave design which makes it much easier for the user. Other things to consider include the height of the fixture and the sizing.
Grab rail placements
Consider rail placement beside the WC, wash basin and level-access shower if you have one; depending on the bathroom’s layout, fold-up rails may benefit some users. You will also want to fit a grab rail to the door as this helps the wheelchair user close the door behind them, without the need for additional support.
Emergency equipment
There are a range of safety features required for wheelchair-access washrooms, most of which are standard regulations across the UK. This includes things such as installing an emergency alarm cord and providing staff with the relevant training.
Transfers to a WC
It is important to allow sufficient space to the side, diagonally, and in front of the WC for a range of transfer requirements. According to Building Regulations for England, new wheelchair-accessible bathrooms should comply with a range of manoeuvrability requirements, most of which you can find here.
Accessible toilet refurbishments by Inspired Washrooms
From initial site visits to designs and snagging, we’re boots on the ground right the way through, making sure your commercial washroom project is running as it should.
We offer our washroom refurbishment services in Nottingham, Derby, London, Leicester, Birmingham and the rest of the UK.
Give us a call at 0115 811 4242 if you want to discuss your disabled toilet ideas or have any queries about our service.