Understanding your users’ needs is paramount to good washroom design, here we explore some of the main issues disabled users encounter…
Public toilets should be designed to serve everyone, meaning an intuitive approach is of upmost importance to getting it right the first time. With modern materials and sanitary ware now being even more robust than before, it’s an investment that is also going to last a considerable time - so future planning is important too.
With this in mind, no refurbishment project should be complete without looking beyond the simple like-for-like replacements, but also looking into improvements. There are a number of problems disabled users face when entering public toilets, and we have the ability today to make the experience much smoother and easier for all users. Here, we take a look at some of the common problems, and easy fixes when undertaking a new public washroom refurb.
Eradicate steps
It’s perhaps the most obvious issue, but also the most common one too. Steps are difficult to navigate, not just for those in a wheelchair, but also for anyone with impaired mobility. This could be anyone using crutches, those with difficulty moving their lower limbs, and even for able bodied users, steps pose a trip hazard we are best to avoid. Consider levelling floors, or implicating a number of different ramps and slopes to tackle this.
Consider those with impaired vision
Contrast is important in washroom design. For anyone with impaired vision, a room where every item is the same colour can cause a problem. This varies from bumping into things, to not being able to use the facilities properly. Grab rails must always be in a colour that contrasts heavily to the wall or surface they’re mounted on, but give thought to taking this beyond grab rails too. Cubicles can be a different colour to walls, while taps and wash basins can be mounted to vanity units that also provide colour contrast.
Grab rails are always a good idea
While we mention grab rails, it’s important to think about them outside of the disabled washroom too. When we look at ambulant disabled rooms, we also see support devices like grab rails. These enable those with impaired mobility, as well as the elderly, to move around the washroom efficiently, but also gain support when using facilities.
Give thought to door openings
The door on a regular cubicle will open inwards, which compromises the internal space of the cubicle for a user. This might be fine for many, but for anyone struggling with mobility, it significantly compromises stability. Consider at least one cubicle with a door that opens outwards. This cubicle is also going to need grab rails and perhaps a full height toilet pan. While this might not fully comply to Document-M of Building Regulations for a full disabled washroom, it will certainly make steps towards an ambulant room, and provide much needed space and support for the users who need it.
Transfer space
Cubicles that are too small can be difficult to navigate, especially for anyone using a wheelchair, but also those with walking aids like crutches or walkers. Giving ample room for ‘transfer space’ enables these users to gain privacy comfortably with enough internal space to use your facilities safely.
Tap difficulty
Traditional tap controls are difficult for those suffering from arthritis or other impairments of fine motor skills. Sensor taps are perhaps the easiest taps to install from a users perspective, but push taps, and those operated by a large format lever, are also great ways to improve usability for disabled washroom users.
If you would like further advice on designing, or creating specifications for disabled washrooms, get in touch with one of the Commercial Washrooms team on 0333 1380080.
