A Typical Changing Places Toilet Room Specification

Changing Places is a nationally recognised toilet system which provides accessible washrooms. But these washrooms go beyond what you might think of when someone mentions a disabled toilet. This is largely because your standard disabled washroom doesn’t actually cater for everyone. Some people are limited in mobility and need extra equipment to access the toilet or change continence pads. Changing Places also provide the the necessary equipment for carers to change children and adults with certain disabilities too. 

 

The Big Differences between Disabled Rooms and Changing Places Toilets

As well as a full height toilet pan with the associated grab rails, Changing Places Toilets (CPTs) also have a hoist and a changing table. These facilities also have much more space available than your standard disabled toilet, which don’t normally have enough space for more than one person. 

Changing Place Hoists

The hoist enables users and carers to safely lift someone from a chair, and move them across to the changing table or toilet. Sometimes a hoist is ceiling mounted and runs along a track that gives easy access to both toilet and changing table. There are also freestanding hoists that run on wheels, so the same manoeuvrability is given, but this type of hoist may require a little more floor space to move and use effectively. 

Adult Changing tables

The changing table is a full length item. Most public changing tables are designed for babies, which makes things extremely difficult for anyone that needs changing from about the age of three right up to old age. The hoist and changing table combination is a vital requirement for disabled and care-giver usability and dignity.

Adjustable Height Wash Basins

Adjustable wash basins mean a user can lower or raise the wash basin to suit their needs. This is required for many independent people with extra mobility needs so that they can wash and sanitise effectively. You may also find showers in some Changing Places washrooms, and many changing tables come with a shower attachment too. 

Changing Places Equipment checklist:

• A height adjustable changing bench
• A tracking hoist system
• Ample space within the room - 12 square metres
• A centrally placed Disabled Toilet with Grab Rails and room either side for carers
• A Weighted Shower Curtain or Screen
• A wide tear-off paper roll to cover the bench
• A large waste bin for disposable pads
• Anti-slip safety flooring

 

Changing Rooms washroom specification - regulations for disabled toilets uk

Toilet Ceiling:

• Install ceiling mounted hoist and track system
• Install a suspended ceiling. Tiles to be 600mm x 600mm Danotile white ceiling tiles throughout the toilet area with a white grid.

 

Toilet Flooring:

• Prepare flooring areas as necessary using latex self-levelling screed.
• Install Aco Floor Gulley Drainage System and connect to mains drainage.
• Install Altro anti-slip safety flooring using appropriate adhesives and cove form at edges of the room.

 

Toilet Walls:

• Prepare the walls as necessary.
• Install white Altro Whiterock hygienic wall cladding.

 

Specialist equipment:

• Install 1x changing bench
• Install 1x guard rail for 1800mm changing bench
• Install 1x wide paper towel dispenser at end of changing table
• Install set of fixed and drop down grab rails in room
• Install emergency pull cord and alarm
• Install white curtain rail and curtain
• Install 1x colostomy bag shelf
• Install 1x large waste care bin

 

 

Plumbing:

• First Fix – Supply and Install first fix the plumbing as required.
• Install 1x Doc-M compliant full height toilet pan.
• Install TMV3 valves at all hot water outlets. 
• Install 1x adjustable height wash basin.
• Install 1x sequential mixer tap.
• Install 1x shower attachment to changing table.

 

Electrical Work:

• Install LED downlights, of which 3 will be emergencies with 3-hour battery backup.
• Lighting to be switched via a PIR sensor.
• Install Executive Hand Dryers.
• Install electric power supply to changing table.
• Install electric power supply to hoist.
• Install electric power supply to Disabled Toilet Room Audio Visual Alarm System.

 

Paint/Decorate:

• Prepare woodwork within washrooms as necessary, undercoat, and paint to a gloss finish (colour TBC).

 

Miscellaneous Items:

• Install a Single Frameless Wall Mirror above each wash hand basin (approx. 400 x 800mm).
• Install full length mirror (1000 x 400mm).
• Install Changing Places door sign.
• Install brushed jumbo toilet roll holder.
• Install Coat Hooks.
• The clear site of all unwanted materials, clean rooms and wipe down surfaces.

 

If you would like further advice, or support in designing your Changing Places washroom specification, please get in touch on 01202 650900