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Buildings

6.9 Design criteria for wheelchair accessible WC

[Dimensions in brackets] are specified in Part M Building Regulations 1991 (1999 Edition). [..] indicates that a reference is made in Part M Building Regulations.

References are to WC compartment unless otherwise stated.

Fixtures and fittings should be positioned so they can be used by a person seated in a wheelchair.

Height and similar dimensions are from finished floor level/wall surfaces and apply to a non-automated compartment.

Door - 925mm minimum clear opening width [1000mm single leaf doorset]
Sign on door and wheelchair symbol
Handle on outside of door 1040mm above floor level
Spring closer on door, but not too strong, e.g. hydraulic delayed action type exerting no more than 10 Newton
Lock on inside of door, large and easy to operate, 1040mm above floor [..]
Pull rail [35mm diameter] on inside of door 600mm long, fixed at 30° to horizontal sloping down to doors leading edge [..]
Light cord/switch, within reach 1040mm above floor level
Wheelchair turning room/floorspace, minimum floor area 1800mm x 2000mm [minimum floor area 1500mm x 2000mm]
Area should not be used for storage, should be free from obstructions
Floor surface level, smooth and skid-resistant
WC height [450mm to 475mm to top of seat]
WC distance from side wall [centre-line 500mm from side wall]
WC distance from back wall [front 750mm from back wall]
Seat of WC should be correctly fitted. Avoid open-fronted (horseshoe) type
Flush handle for WC should be on transfer side within reach, no higher than 1000mm
Twin hinged support rail [35mm dia.] next to WC [150mm from side of WC]
Hinged support rail - [height 750mm to top rail]
Horizontal support rail [35mm diameter, 600mm long] at side of WC [350mm from back wall]
Horizontal support rail - [height 700mm to top of rail]
Toilet paper holder with toilet paper, within reach to side of WC [..]
Wash basin on side wall, within reach, preferably with no pedestal protruding from wall [250mm from WC, 750mm height to top]
Tap(s) with running water, within reach on side nearer to WC, levertype easy to operate (not pressure taps) [..]
Soap (or single-handed easy to operate soap-dispenser) within reach from WC [..]
Hand-drier or towel, within reach from WC [..]
Vertical support rail [35mm diameter, 600mm long] on back wall [300mm from side of WC, height 800mm from bottom of rail]
Vertical support rail [35mm diameter, 600mm long] on side wall [950mm from back wall, height 800mm from bottom of rail]
Mirror above wash basin or on opposite side wall 500mm x 900mm [400mm wide x 900mm], fixed 1040mm above floor top wedged by 100mm downside [fixed 900mm above floor]
Sanitary waste disposal bin
Coat hook, within reach, 1450mm-1500mm high
Shelves for bags etc. within reach
Emergency alarm cord, red/colour distinguished, within reach from floor, large pull handle
Colour contrast of main features to assist people with impaired vision
Emergency alarm/light in suitable position(s) outside compartment
Corridors/approach to compartment level, suitable width to allow wheelchair manoeuvring, including door openings, and free from obstruction
Adequate lighting and signing to approach

Toilets, Toilets for wheelchair Users (additional requirements), Diagrams for a wheelchair accessible WC, Toilets for ambulant disabled people

next part of fact sheet 6.9