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Access For All Includes Washrooms Too!


Since 1st October 2004, any exemptions to the Disability Discrimination Act have ceased to apply. Mark Clayton-Smith, Product Manager at Tenon Washrooms explains what impact this will have on employers and all buildings that provide a service to the public.

Most of us probably don’t give a second thought as to how we access our place of work every day, or visit our local cinema or bar if we had some form of disability. To facilitate an end to the discrimination faced by many disabled people face in their everyday lives, the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) was introduced in 1995, the main thrust being to improve access to employment, education and services.

Until October 2004, the legislation only applied to companies with 15 or more employees, requiring only reasonable adjustments to be made, if practical. Since 1st October 2004, any exemptions have ceased to apply. In simple terms this now means all employers, plus all those that provide a service to the public such as leisure centres or educational facilities have to ensure that access to the workplace, facilities or public service must not be impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people. This includes washrooms and WC areas.

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Minimum Legal Standards


So how do employers, building owners, designers and contractors comply with the legislation? Well, first port of call is Part M of the Building Regulations, which sets minimum legal standards for access and use of buildings by all of its occupants, including the disabled.

Republished in November 2003, it applies to new or modified buildings. Section 5 – Sanitary Accommodation is the most important regarding Washrooms, providing a guide to minimum requirements. Helpful diagrams are included showing typical layouts. For example, the minimum dimensions of a cubicle are 2200mm x 1500mm, preferably with an outward opening door. A typical layout is shown in figure 1.

Good Loo Design Guide


Another excellent source of information is the “Good Loo Design Guide”, published by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). This highly informative guide expands upon Part M, such as door handles, locks etc. Alternatively, Tenon Washroom System specialists can provide hands on experience for designers and installers alike.

So, whilst legislation is now more stringent, seeking guidance from the appropriate documents or an industry specialist can ensure that a compliant installation can be achieved, with minimum fuss!

cubicle illustrationfigure 1

Footnote


Part M of the Building Regulations can be found on the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister’s website – www.odpm.gov.uk