Implications of Part M 2010 on the design of sanitary facilities and unisex accessible WCs
The following list indicates a number of design considerations relating to Part M and Technical Guidance Document (TGD) M on the design of sanitary facilities:
- Provisions for wheelchair accessible unisex WCs: If more than one WC facility is provided in a building at different locations, at least one wheelchair accessible unisex WC should be provided at each location. Where more than one wheelchair accessible unisex WC is provided, the layouts should be handed. Note: Where there is only one WC facility provided within a building it should be a unisex accessible WC and incorporate a standing-user height washbasin For further details see Diagram 15a & 15b of TGD M 2010.
- Determination of size of Accessible WCs: Where the nett floor area per floor is greater than 200m2 - provide 1800mm X 1800mm turning area (See Diagram 15a of TGD M 2010). Where the nett floor area per floor is less than 200m2 - provide 1500mm X 1500mm turning area (consider 1800mm where possible) (See Diagram 15b of TGD M 2010).
- Design of Accessible WCs: The design of accessible unisex WC’s should meet the minimum requirements set out in Sections 1.4.4 and 1.4.5 of TGD M 2010.
- Standard cubicles in washrooms: Where standard cubicles have inward opening doors, there should be a minimum 450 mm diameter manoeuvring space provided between the swing of the door, the WC pan and the side wall of the compartment (refer to Diagram 18 of TGD M 2010).
- Ambulant disabled cubicles in washrooms: Where WC cubicles are provided in standard male and female washrooms at least one WC cubicle should be provided for ambulant disabled people. The ambulant disabled cubicle design should meet the guidance provided in section 1.4.6.2 of TGD M 2010.
- Enlarged cubicles in washroom: Where four or more WC cubicles are provided in a washroom, one WC cubicle should be an enlarged cubicle for use by people who need extra space in addition to the requirement for the provision of an ambulant disabled cubicle outlined above. If there is more than one enlarged WC cubicle provided, layouts should be handed as the WC is offset (this will help people who are stronger on one side). The enlarged cubicle design should meet the guidance provided in section 1.4.6.3 of TGD M 2010.
- Provisions for urinals in male washrooms: Where one or more urinals are provided in male washrooms at least one urinal should be suitable for use by ambulant disabled people (See Section 1.4.7 & Diagram 20 of TGD M 2010). Where six or more urinals are provided in male washrooms at least one urinal should be suitable for use by ambulant disabled people and one should be suitable for wheelchair users (See Section 1.4.7 & Diagram 20 of TGD M 2010). One low wash hand basin should also be provided for wheelchair users in this washroom where six or more urinals are provided.
- WC Lobbies: Internal lobbies leading to wheelchair accessible areas (i.e. where a wheelchair accessible urinal is provided) should be in accordance with section 1.2.5 of TGD M 2010.
- Where communal separate-sex changing and/or showering facilities are provided, accessible changing and/or showering facilities should be provided in communal areas by subdividing the area and providing accessible space and fittings as for self-contained facilities in accordance with the guidance in section 1.4.9 (Diagram 24 & 25).
- In sport facilities, accessible individual unisex self-contained showering and/or changing facilities should be provided as per 1.4.9 of TGD M 2010 in addition to communal separate-sex facilities. Where it is not practicable to provide both communal and individual facilities, an individual unisex and accessible showering and/ or changing facility as per 1.4.9 should be provided (Diagram 24 & 25).
For further information and design details refer to section 1.4 of TGD M 2010. If you would like further information on any of the above information or need further assistance in relation to designing accessible WCs or buildings please do not hesitate to contact one of our team on 01-4151285 or e-mail [email protected].
