Accessible WC design guidance

There are still many examples of where – even though provision is clearly well intentioned – mistakes in the design details or the fitting out compromise the usability of WCs that are intended to be accessible. CAE takes an inclusive approach to the provision of WCs that suit as wide a range of users as possible. Below you will find guidance on various WC layouts taken from the Good Loo Design Guide. Other best practice design guidance is available in the Approved Document M: Access to and use of buildings 2004 edition and the British Standard BS 8300:2001 (Incorporating Amendment No. 1) Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people – Code of practice. Click on each link for best practice design guidance.

• standard-size WC compartment
• WC layout for ambulant disabled people
• unisex accessible corner WC layout
• universal WC compartment
• unisex accessible peninsular WC

Other issues

Fitting out stage

ITAAL stressed the importance of paying care and attention to the placing of equipment within the cubicle at the fitting out stage, whether it is a new or refurbished accessible loo. ITAAL found evidence of many a well designed WC spoilt for want or care and attention at this stage. All too often flush handles, dryers, paper towel and soap holders were badly placed and out or reach of someone sitting in a wheelchair.

The space within the WC compartment

ITAAL had a number of concerns regarding the layout of accessible WCs, believing that current best practice guidance is too small for larger powered-wheelchairs or someone needing assistance. ITAAL backed the campaign Changing Places – Accessible Loos for All, organised by the Profound and Multiple Impairment Service (PAMIS).

The Changing Places Consortium recently launched a national campaign. Read more.

Loo bowls

ITAAL found that the height of the loo bowl came high in the list of user complaints. The standard, 480mm high, recommended in the Approved Document M meets the needs of most wheelchair users, as it corresponds to the height of most wheelchairs. However, it does not meet the needs of all disabled people. Many ambulant disabled people said that they need a much higher loo bowl. There is no easy answer to this problem. ITAAL found that a number of disabled people carry a portable loo riser with them when travelling or staying away from home. The riser fits onto the loo bowl and raises its height.

It is therefore important to ensure at fitting out that the loo bowl corresponds to the height recommended in the Approved Document M. The loo bowl should be of a standard design that will allow the fitting of a loo riser.