What are the dimensions of a disabled shower room?

The dimensions of a disabled shower room must be of a suitable size to comply with modern building regulations (Doc M of the UK Building Regulations). The following article aims to further explore the dimensions and requirements of disabled and accessible shower rooms.

In hospitals and sports centres, disabled shower facilities should be designed to ensure that wheelchair users can approach, transfer to, and use the facilities. This may take the form of a self-contained room with a combined shower and changing facilities.

Check out our Expert Disabled Shower Design and Refurbishment Service

The Recommended Dimensions of a Disabled Shower and changing room are 2200mm Deep x 2000mm Wide.

The recommended dimensions of a disabled shower and changing room that also incorporates a corner WC are at least 2500mm deep x 2400mm wide.

Design considerations for a disabled shower and changing room include:

1. Doors should preferably be outward-opening and are fitted with a horizontal closing bar fixed to the inside face.

2. A wall-mounted tip-up seat should be supplied.

3. An emergency assistance alarm system should be accessible from both the wall-mounted tip-up seat and the floor.

4. Blue colour contrasting grab rails should be installed against white background walls for the visually impaired.

5. The correct number, size, and positioning of grab rails should be installed within the room.

6. A shower curtain should be installed that can be operated from the wall-mounted shower seat.

7. Both a fixed and an adjustable shower head should be installed with separate, independent controls.

8. A compliant Doc-M disabled shower pack.

Commercial Washrooms can supply all of the correct products for your disabled shower and changing room installation. We are also happy to advise on disabled washroom installations.

As always, our team is at the end of the telephone for all your queries and questions and have a wealth of knowledge they’re happy to share with you. If you need guidance or would like to discuss your options, you can contact them by calling 01202 014225.

Got a question? Get in touch.

Please note that since 2015, Approved Document (or Part) M of building regulations has been divided into two volumes. Volume 1 pertains to access to and use of buildings used as dwellings and is beyond the scope advised by Commercial Washrooms. Approved Document M: Volume 2 is concerned with buildings other than dwellings and is the guidance that commercial premises owners and managers should adhere to. It is in Volume 2 that more information can be found regarding the design and layout of accessible washrooms and bathrooms, including the dimensions of a disabled toilet room, accessible bathroom, changing room, or shower room.