What Size Should A Disabled Toilet Be | More Ability

9 August 2018

What Size Should A Disabled Toilet Be?

Disabled toilet users need to be able to easily enter a disabled toilet, transfer to it and reach all the amenities as easily as possible. We’ve taken a look at the accessible design requirements that need to be adhered to.

Disabled Toilet Requirements

Disabled toilet size requirements and regulations can be found in Document M (Doc M) of the UK building regulations. As it sounds, it’s not the most exciting read, but it is important, so we’ve summarised the most important elements here.

According to Document M (Doc M) of the UK building regulations, wheelchair users should be able to comfortably approach, transfer to and use the sanitary facilities provided within a building.

In order to meet building regulations, a disabled toilet requires:

• A raised height WC with extra projection for wheelchair transfers
• A basin with lever taps to assist users with limited dexterity and five supporting grab rails.

• Access door to open outward
• An emergency assistance alarm system
• Supporting grab rails to be of a contrasting colour to aid the visually impaired
• Toilet flush to be of a paddle type design for ease of use.

Disabled toilet requirements are further explained by More Ability Senior Designer Nigel below:

Disabled Toilet Dimensions

Compulsory dimensions for a disabled toilet state that the room needs to be at least 2200mm in length and 1500mm in width.

These are of course just the minimum requirements. Dimensions larger than these will give a wheelchair user a larger turning circle, providing greater comfort. With larger dimensions, the key fixtures and amenities must still be correctly located.

These minimal disabled toilet dimensions exclude any items installed which are not required as part of Document M, meaning any additional fixtures and fittings that project into the disabled toilet room need to be taken into consideration when meeting the legal requirements.

Document M contains a diagram of a compliant disabled toilet, which should help you understand if you’re meeting all the necessary requirements.

What Is The Minimum Size For A Disabled Toilet?

As mentioned above in our video with Nigel, Disabled toilet heights can vary from 390mm up to 500mm, it is directly dependant to the disabled users needs.

The average and most common height of a disabled toilet is 450mm. This is based on the average height of an adult, and is high enough for the user to get on and off without having to bend.

Disabled Toilet Layout Examples

We’ve installed disabled toilets in all sorts of layout variations. See the below image of the disabled toilet facility in our Disabled Bathroom Showroom in Leeds for guidance on disabled toilet layout:

The auto wash dry disabled toilet with remote controlled adjustable air and water temperature, as pictured above, completely eliminates the requirement of manual cleaning.

These specialist self cleaning disabled toilets are commonly taller in height; making getting on and off easier, and are the bespoke system of choice for people who struggle cleaning themselves.

Also known as shower toilets these self cleaning toilets for the disabled are typically installed as a result of a number of health related conditions including arthritis, muscular dystrophy, severe MS, Parkinson diseases and for amputee’s.

This disabled toilet room set up can be seen in further detail by More Ability Senior Designer Nigel below:

For a quick demonstration of how a auto wash dry disabled toilet works watch the 40 second animated video here.

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More Ability, part of the Passmore Group, is Yorkshires only 5* rated bathroom adaptation company. Specialising in accessible, mobility and disabled bathroom solutions we are extremely proud of the exceptional service we continuously deliver from design right through to installation and after care. Whether you want a future proofed solution or require a more specialist adaptation in order to remain independent at home More Ability can help create a safe space to bathe for you or your loved ones.

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