Public toilets are more than just a convenience — they are a basic necessity that ensures everyone can participate fully in society. From shopping centres and sports stadiums to hospitals, airports, and offices, the way toilets are designed has a direct impact on accessibility and inclusivity.
Good toilet design isn’t just about meeting legal requirements. It’s about creating safe, comfortable, and hygienic facilities that can be used by people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. In this article, we’ll explore why toilet accessibility matters, the standards that apply in the UK, and the design features that make the biggest difference.
Why Accessible Toilets Matter
For millions of people, using a poorly designed toilet can be a barrier to everyday life. According to Scope, there are 14.6 million disabled people in the UK, and many of them face difficulties when public toilets don’t meet accessibility needs.
Accessibility in toilet design benefits more than just people with permanent disabilities. It also supports:
- Elderly people, who may need grab rails, extra space, or higher seats.
- Parents with young children, who require baby-changing stations and family-friendly layouts.
- People with temporary injuries or health conditions, who might struggle with standard facilities.
When toilets are designed inclusively, public spaces become more welcoming and practical for everyone.
UK Regulations and Standards
In the UK, building regulations set out clear requirements for accessible toilets in public buildings. These include:
- Building Regulations Part M – guidance on access to and use of buildings.
- BS 8300:2018 – British Standard on the design of accessible and inclusive built environments.
- Equality Act 2010 – ensures that services, including toilet facilities, are not discriminatory.
For larger buildings, Changing Places toilets are also increasingly required. These provide additional space, a hoist, and other equipment for people with more complex needs.
What Part M / Approved Document M requires for Toilet / Sanitary Facilities
Here are some of the main mandated or strongly guided features in UK law & guidance for toilets in public / non-domestic (i.e. public, commercial, etc.) buildings:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair-accessible unisex toilet | At least one must be provided in locations where standard toilets are available for visitors. It should allow use by someone in a wheelchair plus their assistant. (GOV.UK) |
| WC provision scale | Number of toilets required depends on building type / occupancy. The “scale of provision” is referenced in guidance and standards (BS 6465 etc.). (idealspec.co.uk) |
| Fittings layout & space | The layout must allow a wheelchair user to manoeuvre. There are minimum dimensions: for example, a wheelchair-accessible unisex toilet must meet certain width and depth criteria (clear space beside pan, door widths, turning space etc.). (GOV.UK) |
| Grab rails / support rails | Rails must be provided at specific positions beside the WC, to assist transfer. Also drop-down rails in some installations. (GOV.UK) |
| Height of fixtures | The height of WC seats, wash basins, flush controls etc. must be within certain ranges to be usable by people with reduced mobility. Standards provide those heights. (Dolphin UK) |
| Emergency assistance alarm | A disabled WC must include an emergency pull-cord or alarm to allow the user to summon help. (Baldwin Boxall) |
| Baby-changing / family facilities | Where relevant (e.g. public buildings, places visited by families), there should be baby-changing facilities. Approved Document M recognizes this. (GOV.UK) |
| Changing Places Toilets | For buildings of certain size/use, Changing Places toilets (adult changing bench, hoist, extra space, etc.) are required or strongly recommended. BS 8300 includes recommendations; statutory guidance has been moving toward mandating in “destination buildings.” (GOV.UK) |
| Universal / single/unisex toilets | Universal (unisex) toilets should be provided where possible. Single-sex toilets should also be adequately available and identified. Approved Document T (recent updates) addresses provision around this. (GOV.UK) |
Examples of Specific Dimensions & Layouts (BS 8300 / Doc M Guidance)
Here are some representative dimensions and layout requirements, from guidance (not always strictly legal minimum but good best practice and often required for compliance):
- Clear floor space beside WC for transfer (side transfer) typically ≥ 900 mm wide. GOV.UK+1
- Minimum internal dimensions for a wheelchair accessible unisex toilet (depth × width) to allow turning / manoeuvre. (E.g. some layouts suggest ~ 2200mm × 1500mm depending on configuration). GOV.UK
- Horizontal grab rails: typically on the wall adjacent to the WC, at certain distances from centreline of WC pan; plus sometimes a drop-down rail on the opposite side if spacing is tight. GOV.UK+2Dolphin UK+2
- Seat heights: WC seat height should be accessible; BS 8300 gives recommendations (often around 460-500 mm depending). Dolphin UK
Key Features of Accessible Toilet Design
Accessible toilets go beyond just providing a wider doorway. Thoughtful design can make a huge difference in usability and hygiene. Important features include:
- Adequate space: enough room for wheelchair turning and assistance if needed.
- Grab rails and support bars: positioned for stability and ease of use.
- Raised toilet seats: to help users transfer safely.
- Low-level sinks and hand dryers: accessible for wheelchair users and children.
- Automatic or easy-to-use flush mechanisms: reducing physical strain.
- Good lighting and signage: making facilities easy to locate and navigate.
- Touch-free technology: such as sensor taps and flushes, improving hygiene and ease of use.
The Role of Drainage and Hygiene
Behind the scenes, the drainage system also plays a role in accessibility. Traditional gravity drainage can limit toilet placement, making it difficult to install accessible facilities in older or complex buildings.
Vacuum drainage systems overcome these restrictions by allowing flexible layouts. This means accessible toilets can be placed where they’re most needed, without being tied to existing pipework. In addition, vacuum systems improve hygiene and reduce odours — important factors in creating toilets that feel safe and welcoming for all users.
Conclusion
Toilet design directly impacts accessibility in public buildings, shaping how inclusive and functional a space truly is. By following regulations, incorporating thoughtful design features, and using modern drainage solutions, facilities can provide toilets that meet the needs of every visitor.
At European Vacuum Drainage Systems (EVDS), we help architects, contractors, and facilities managers create smarter, more flexible toilet solutions that support accessibility and hygiene. To find out how vacuum drainage could improve your building’s design, contact us today.