Consider cubicle systems that have fewer floor fixing for easy cleaning


Suitable mounting systems in on lockers ensure that locks can’t easily be removed


High-use public changing and wash-


room facilities need an early decision on the type of changing facility required. Currently, village/unisex changing ar-


eas are preferable for cost and ease of supervision, however, there is also the need to take account the needs of those using the facility – particularly ethnic mi- nority groups, who prefer added privacy and may be deterred from using the fa- cility if this was not available. It’s easy to calculate the size and


provision of both cubicles and lockers. Ex- perienced architects in leisure provision have access to recommendations from Sport England and can also draw from their past experience. Once the layout and size of the facility


has been decided there are important issues to consider regarding conform- ing with building and health and safety regulations as well as understanding the type of customer behaviour expected in a busy leisure facility.


CUBICLES: (Reference to Part M, Section five of Building Regulations) • WC compartment doors and doors to wheelchair accessible unisex toilets, changing rooms or shower rooms should have an emergency release mechanism so they can be opened outwards from the outside in case of an emergency. • Turning space should be a minimum of 450mm in WC cubicles and 550mm in changing and showers, from the


Issue 2 2012 © cybertrek 2012


It’s essential to employ the services of an experienced architectural practice that understands the community needs – today and into the future


edge of an open door to the pan, shower head or bench seat. • The fronts of cubicles should have a 30-point light reflection variance be- tween the door and frame or side panel • Division panels in laminate cubicles between cubicles or spine walls should be in a material that prevents the drill- ing of spy holes. • The hinge edge of the door needs to avoid finger traps and nipping on the inside and outside of the door. • Provision to stop people standing on bench seats and looking into cubicles • Provision for anti-camera skirts to prevent the use of mobile phone cameras underneath the cubicles. • Cubicle-framing head rails and anti- peep rails strong enough to enable users to carry out chin ups. • Consider cubicle systems, which have fewer floor fixings for ease of clean- ing and supervision or incorporate attachments bonded without screws penetrating through the floor finishes. • Provision of showers, pre-cleanse etc. within changing areas that cater for male and female, will now need to • be enclosed and opaque. • Relevant Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) provisions to be adhered to.


LIFE EXPECTANCY The materials should be designed for a minimum of 15 years life expectancy and remain rigid throughout their working life with normal levels of maintenance.


The strength relies on the construc-


tion of the cubicle not on bolted fittings through the panel media. Spring hinges will out-perform lower-cost rise and fall types. The type of cubicle latch should be designed to cope with heavy use – including slamming doors with the latch in the closed position.


LOCKERS There are many types of locks on the market, mechanical and electronic, with systems that prevent or reduce the likelihood of leisure facility users personalising their lockers. Suitable mounting systems are re-


quired to ensure locks cannot be easily removed or knocked from the back of the door. A good range of differs and availability of master series are essential. There are low cost lock and keys, which have the same master series, so anyone obtaining a master key from one leisure centre can open lockers in another. The same applies for the choice of


key. It’s easy to find methods of using a ‘bump’ key to open locks on the internet. However, there are locks with a large number of differs and master series, util- ising ‘drilled’ keys, which are safe to use and can’t be bumped. These are just some of the consid-


erations in preparing changing room specifications to ensure best practice and value – once the funding is in place. l


Jon Pearson is director of Prospec Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 67


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