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Amanda Mills,
Accessible showering in public-sector buildings is about more than meeting prescribed dimensions and providing the how people will actually enter, move around and use the space, whether In England, Approved Document M
Volume 2 provides statutory guidance on meeting the Building Regulations requirements for access to and use BS 8300-2:2018 is a current code
of practice, rather than legislation, with wider recommendations for Requirements differ across the devolved nations, so those relevant to the project Under the Equality Act 2010, the duty on service providers and those exercising public functions to make reasonable adjustments is anticipatory: barriers should be considered before an Start with how the space will be used The most effective accessible showering spaces begin with the user rather than independent use or assistance where Some users may require an individual
self-contained compartment with manoeuvring and transfer space must therefore be considered alongside the shower seat, support rails, controls Where more than one individual
accessible shower compartment is provided, Approved Document M calls for a choice of layouts suitable for left- and projects, early investigation is especially and wall construction may affect the preferred layout or how equipment can
before selecting products can prevent Safety is part of accessibility support rails and wall-mounted slip- resistant tip-up seats in wheelchair- accessible changing and shower and shower area should be slip-resistant The emergency assistance pull cord
emergency assistance alarm system is a reachable shelf and says shower- control markings should be logical and Design for different needs circulation and transfer space, controls, seating, support and room for assistance be confused with assuming that one Where a building or service has known users with particular requirements, these should inform the brief and Nor should inclusive products be treated as the purely functional, institutional-looking relatives Modern design matters just as much in an accessible environment: dignity, comfort and the character of a space are part of the user When specifying a shower tray,
look for low-level designs and, where appropriate, products that can be cut to offer maximum peace of mind, but this is
always subject to site and installation address practical needs without making Where an integrated cubicle suits the
project, look for a package that brings together the tray, panels, door, shower options can support easier access, the cubicle sit comfortably within a Solutions that offer fold down seats,
grab rails and even magnetic rails for easy shower replacement are all worth consideration in an accessible bathroom meet the required layout, transfer and support provisions; a low threshold alone does not make Think beyond handover Accessibility must remain effective planning ahead, reviewing reasonable adjustments, carrying out access audits, seeking disabled people’s views and maintaining auxiliary aids as examples For public-sector estates, this Alongside installation, consideration should be given to inspection, maintenance and keeping facilities functioning as intended throughout The strongest schemes bring
regulatory requirements, inclusive- design guidance and real-world use facility safely, practically and with as much independence and dignity between adding accessible features and
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