Unusable 'accessible toilets' in cafes and public spaces

ANDREE WOODCOCK
Topic Education & trainingDesignSafety and securityPolicy making

There is a lack of standardisation/regulation of 'accessible' toilets. This means that it cannot be taken forgranted that a cafe claiming to have 'accessible facilites' actually has ones that are fit for purpose and consider the dignity of the user. This means that the carer has to make a 'dry run' in advance of all trips. the following are examples of typical problems.

  1. Narrow Doorways
    • Doors too narrow for standard wheelchairs (less than 850 mm wide).
    • Heavy or inward-opening doors that are difficult to maneuver while seated in a wheelchair.
  2. Insufficient Turning Space
    • Toilets that don’t provide the required 1.5 m turning circle, making it impossible for wheelchair users to turn or position themselves properly.
  3. Poorly Positioned Grab Rails
    • Grab rails placed too high, too low, or too far from the toilet.
    • Only one rail provided, limiting support for users who need assistance on both sides.
  4. Obstructed Access
    • Sinks, bins, or baby-changing tables blocking the transfer space beside the toilet.
    • Cleaning equipment or storage items left in the accessible stall.
  5. Inaccessible Fixtures
    • Flush handles, soap dispensers, or hand dryers placed too high or too far from reach.
    • Mirrors positioned for standing users only.
  6. Poor Lighting and Signage
    • Dim lighting that makes navigation difficult.
    • Inadequate or confusing signage that doesn’t clearly indicate the accessible toilet.
  7. No Emergency Assistance System
    • Missing or poorly placed emergency pull cords (e.g., tied up or out of reach from the floor).
  8. Inappropriate Layout
    • Toilet positioned against the wrong wall, preventing side transfer from a wheelchair.
    • Lack of space for a carer or assistant to help.

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Jump to comment-299
RICHARD BARTLETT

1 month ago

the door looks as if it is swinging inward

is there space for a carer? Do they have to be inside the toilet with its user? 

Is there any element of privacy or dignity within the design. It is hard to tell from the floor plan

Is transfer on to the toilet available from both sides?  A complaint from my user was that they are not usually accessible from both sides, without a usage diagram I can't imagine hwr the tre transfer would work.

where is the toilet roll postioned? in many public toilets this is poorly accessible. If squatting  on the seat you have to reach backwards to access. Ideally it should be postioned in front of the seat, not half way behind it

Jump to comment-286
PAUL MAGEE

1 month ago

Generated by Chat GPT using the content above on 23rd Octover 2025.

Jump to comment-285
PAUL MAGEE

1 month ago

I have used Copilot to turn this into an ideal framework for a suitable solution. . See below.

"

Key Design Standards

  1. Doorways & Entry

    • Minimum clear opening: 850 mm.
    • Doors should open outward or be sliding to avoid obstruction.
    • Lightweight doors or automated options for ease of use.

  2. Turning Space

    • Provide a 1.5 m diameter turning circle inside the toilet.
    • No obstructions within this space.

  3. Grab Rails

    • Two horizontal rails: one on each side of the toilet.
    • Height: 700–800 mm from floor.
    • Secure and non-slip finish.

  4. Clear Transfer Space

    • At least 800 mm clear space beside the toilet for side transfer.
    • No bins, baby-changing tables, or cleaning equipment in this area.

  5. Accessible Fixtures

    • Flush controls, soap dispensers, and dryers within reach range (700–1200 mm).
    • Mirrors angled or full-length for seated users.

  6. Lighting & Signage

    • Bright, glare-free lighting.
    • Clear signage with international accessibility symbol.

  7. Emergency Assistance

    • Pull cord reachable from floor level and toilet position.
    • Cord must not be tied up or obstructed.

  8. Carer Space

    • Layout must allow space for a carer to assist without compromising maneuverability.

Implementation

  • Adopt these standards in national building codes.
  • Require certification for businesses claiming “accessible facilities.”
  • Introduce digital verification platforms (e.g., apps showing compliant locations)."

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