Being able to access toilet facilities is essential for everyone. However, some members of the public have additional needs, and as a result, standard toilet layouts are not always suitable for people with limited mobility, sensory impairments or other disabilities.
For building owners, facilities managers and planning teams, keeping up to date with disabled toilet regulations is important to ensure equality, dignity and legal compliance.
While it is always advisable to consult professional accessible toilet installers for tailored guidance, the following information outlines the key points to consider under current UK regulations and guidance in 2025.
Examples Of Accessibility Needs To Consider
Amputation Arthritis Artificial limb usage Cerebral palsy Epilepsy Multiple sclerosis Musculoskeletal injuries One sided paralysis Sight impairment Spina bifida Spinal cord injury Stroke.
Disabled Toilet Dimensions And Types
Accessible unisex toilet
This is the most common form of accessible toilet and is designed to allow wheelchair users to transfer safely from their chair to the toilet.
Typical minimum internal dimensions are around 2200mm by 1500mm, allowing space for manoeuvring and assisted transfer. A larger layout may be required depending on the building type and expected use.
Larger accessible toilet
In some settings, a larger accessible toilet may be provided to allow greater circulation space, carer assistance or use of mobility equipment. These layouts often allow transfer from either side of the toilet and may include a larger turning circle.
Ambulant accessible toilet
Ambulant accessible toilets are designed for people who can walk but may need support. These toilets usually include grab rails and additional space but may use standard sanitaryware.
Ambulant toilets are normally provided as part of a wider toilet provision rather than as a replacement for a wheelchair accessible toilet. The number and location required depend on the building use and size.
Features Common In Accessible Toilets
Clear and visible signage, including tactile or braille where appropriate Slip resistant flooring Good colour contrast between walls, floors and fittings Adequate lighting with easily operated controls Outward opening or sliding door Sufficient clear door opening width to allow wheelchair access Grab rails positioned to support safe transfer Accessible washbasin with lever or sensor taps Emergency assistance alarm with pull cord reaching the floor.
UK Regulations And Guidance For Disabled Toilets
The Equality Act 2010 places a duty on service providers, employers and public bodies to make reasonable adjustments so that disabled people are not placed at a substantial disadvantage. This duty is ongoing and applies to physical features, policies and the way services are provided.
Design standards for toilets are primarily set out in Building Regulations Approved Document M and British Standard BS 8300. These documents provide practical guidance on layout, dimensions, fittings and circulation space for accessible sanitary facilities.
Compliance is usually assessed through building control as part of the design, construction or refurbishment process. The exact requirements depend on the building type, size and use.
Changing Places Toilets
Changing Places toilets are designed for people with more complex needs who require additional space and equipment, such as a ceiling mounted hoist and a height adjustable changing bench.
Under current Building Regulations guidance, Changing Places toilets are required in certain new public buildings and large extensions, including major shopping centres, transport hubs, hospitals, leisure facilities and large public venues. They are not required in every building, but must be provided where the criteria set out in Approved Document M are met.
Existing buildings are encouraged to provide Changing Places toilets where reasonably practicable, particularly where large numbers of people are expected to visit.
Disabled Toilet Layout
Accessible toilet layouts are designed to be consistent so that users know what to expect. Toilets typically include clear transfer space, well positioned grab rails and a washbasin located close to the toilet for ease of use.
Good layout also considers privacy, ease of cleaning and safe access for carers where required.
Disabled Toilet Door Size
The door to an accessible toilet must allow sufficient clear opening width for wheelchair users and people using mobility aids. Doors should open outwards or slide to avoid reducing internal space and to allow assistance in an emergency.
Door furniture, including handles and locks, should be easy to operate with one hand and without tight grip or twisting.
Disabled Toilet Installation UK
If you want to ensure that your building meets current accessibility requirements, working with experienced accessible toilet specialists can help ensure compliance and good user experience.
Disabled Toilet Installation UK - Inspired Washrooms
If you want to ensure that your building meets the needs of those with accessibility needs, then you're in the right place. Inspired Washrooms installs disabled or accessibility-friendly toilets and washrooms right across the UK. Some of the environments we install in include hospitals, schools, restaurants and public buildings.
Interested in starting a project with us? Download our Inspired Washrooms Brochure to view our full range of products and services.
For help and advice with anything we've mentioned above, please get in touch on 0115 811 4242, and our friendly team will get back to you.