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H
ow often do you go to the toilet? For most of us, it is something we do on average eight times a day without even thinking, pulling off sheets of toilet tissue, wiping
clean, grasping the flush… but appropriate toilet provision for dis- abled people, both in and out of the home, is a growing issue, and one which forward-thinking specifiers will accommodate for their clients to benefit from the spending power of the sector. Disabled consumers account for £80 billion of consumer
spending p.a. according to a report for the Office of Disability Issues. 10.5 million people, i.e. one in six of the UK population, have limiting illness, which impinges on their ability to carry out daily life – including going to the toilet. Some 20 million are affected by bladder and bowel incontinence. Research shows ¼ million people, including those with profound and multiple learning disabilities and other people with severe disabilities who need the support of at least one carer, cannot use standard acces- sible (Document M compliant) toilets because they need sup- port. Figures released by VisitEngland show overnight trips made by, or accompanied by, someone with a health impairment or condition accounted for almost £1 billion in the first six months of 2009, and people with access needs account for 12 per cent of all overnight domestic trips, let alone day trips or routine outings ‘to town’. As a result, there is a significant need and opportunity in the supply and installation of bathroom / wash- room solutions that meet special needs, at home and away. Commercial and public locations have to address Building
Regulation requirements and British Standards, perceived as ‘good practice’, including the latest BS6465-4 code of practice for the provision of public toilets. This integrates with BS8300:2009 accessible building design, which lays down stan- dard criteria for all buildings – and their toilets – to which num- bers of the public have access.
BS6465 states “Research and feedback from community
groups has shown that public toilet provision is essential in creating accessible and sustainable cities, and meeting the needs of commuters, tourists, visitors, and residents. To meet these needs, and those of people in towns, villages and rural areas, it is essential that there are adequate numbers of public toilets and that they are in the correct locations, accessible, well designed and suitable for user needs... From the economic point of view, public toilet provision, rather than being a burden on resources, can encourage people to visit a location, stay longer and spend more money in the area.” The Standard cross-references with BS8300:2009, which
recommends buildings to which numbers of the public have access – new and existing – should have an accessible toilet, so if there is capacity for only one loo, it should be unisex and have enough space for someone in a wheelchair or with a carer or guide dog to maneouvre. BS8300 further includes a whole new type of accessible toi-
let – Changing Places, the campaign for which Total Hygiene is sponsor. Changing Places toilets include adequate space for the disabled person and up to two carers, a height adjustable adult
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