Make your washroom a winner

We all need to go to the toilet, when and where we need it. This applies to all types of washroom users including able bodied adults, children, babies and those with a physical disability or severe and multiple learning difficulties. All users need clean and hygienic facilities and prefer an attractive environment that provides some privacy. The criteria for determining whether or not a particular washroom will meet our specific needs must include a number of factors...

Back to basics

All publicly accessible washrooms should include cubicles with clean WC’s, toilet tissue dispensed from a lockable dispenser, urinals with privacy screening in the male facilities, hand washing with hot and cold water, dispensed soap and adequate hand drying facilities as a minimum. Coat hooks should be provided in each cubicle and a shelf or vanity unit top is useful for users to place bags on whilst washing their hands. Mirrors are also much needed by female users and many males. A litter disposal facility should also be provided with a liner and lid/cover. Enhancements can include toilet seat sanitizers, air fresheners, vending etc.  

Family friendly 

Wherever possible baby change facilities should be provided in male, female and accessible toilets. If sufficient space is available, a family toilet can be included where parents or carers are provided with all of the facilities they need to change their babies, and young children and themselves can use the toilet facilities in one place.

Accessible to all

The layout of the washroom should provide easy access for all, with entrances wide enough to accommodate wheel chairs and double buggies and the relationship between hand washing and drying facilities designed to minimise waiting times or congestion within the space available. Sizes of cubicles, cubicle doors, accessible toilet fixtures, fittings, grab rails etc., should comply with the relevant British Standards and the Equality Act requirements. Changing Places toilets should, in addition, conform to the Changing Places Consortium criteria. 

Health and safety should be taken into account in respect of both washroom users and cleaning staff, and therefore materials should be chosen that reduce chances of slipping, falling, infecting or cutting users. Non-slip floor surfaces should be provided and no sharp edges should be exposed. Partition ceilings enable easy access to services but secure ceilings may be installed to avoid enclosed ceiling cavities being used to hide drugs and stolen goods. 

Consider colour 

Pale colours and white are better in terms of giving a light and clean appearance. To meet the needs of visually impaired people there should be a strong colour contrast between doors and walls, and essential grab rails. 

Signage

If the washroom is publicly accessible, e.g. a public toilet or those larger customer toilets located on commercial premises, signage will be required so that users are made aware of what facilities are available and where they are located. The use of symbols to show which facilities are available and, if appropriate, opening and closing times, will be useful to visitors particularly those from abroad.

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