If you are in the middle of a washroom refurbishment project, or about to undertake one for the first time, you may have come across the meticulous guidelines of Document M. You'll know it relates to disabled people's use of buildings, but what do you need to do to comply? In this feature, we provide an overview of the main areas you’ll need to focus on.
What is Document M?
Document M is all about access and use of buildings. In new build development, you must comply with Document M to meet the Building Regulations. In commercial premises, the building needs to be accessible to all users, including those who are ambulant disabled and those who require a wheelchair. The aim is for everyone to have access to and use all the facilities provided in the building.
However, in existing buildings and premises, not all parts of Document M need to be met. For detailed advice, speak to your local planning department, which can provide specific guidance.
There are several parts to Document M, but here we will focus on the washroom (toilet and showers).
Refurbishing an Existing Premises
If you are refurbishing an existing washroom, then not all parts of Document M need to be met. However, you should be looking to improve access to the best of your ability. No one expects you to knock down walls and rebuild the building's structure, but if additional features can be installed correctly, they should be. In many cases, fitting a Doc M toilet Pack or a Doc M shower Pack can drastically improve the usability of your washroom.
What is a Doc M Pack?
Doc M Packs are an easy way to purchase everything needed to fit out your disabled access washroom. They include a disabled toilet that is BS8300-compliant, meaning it is at a raised height to facilitate easy access for wheelchair users. The pack also includes a washbasin, easy-to-operate taps, and all the grab rails to comply with Document M.
We Only Have Space For One Toilet
In a new build, if you only have one toilet, it must be wheelchair accessible. However, on an existing site, you should aim to make the washroom suitable for at least ambulant disabled people. An outward-opening door means that, in the unlikely event that someone passes out inside the cubicle, you can still gain access. It also creates more manoeuvring space inside the toilet. The tap and door handle should be operable with a closed fist, so think large paddle taps or sensor-activated ones.
Do I Need Grab Rails?
Grab rails, included with the Doc M pack, improve usability and access considerably. They help users with manoeuvring throughout the washroom as well as with sitting and standing. Your outward-opening cubicle door should have a horizontal grab/closing rail fitted to make it easier to close and, when locked shut, aid manoeuvrability. It is important to remember that grab rails must contrast in colour with the wall they are mounted on. This makes them easier for the visually impaired to make out. For more detailed requirements of what your particular premises are likely to require, speak to your local planning officer. If you'd like to read more about grab rails and how they benefit disabled users, why not read Grab Rails: Improving the Usability of Your Washroom?
What is Transfer Space?
Transfer space is the area adjacent to the toilet pan where wheelchair users need to manoeuvre from their wheelchair onto the toilet; this is where the drop-down grab rail comes into play. The space provided for manoeuvring should enable wheelchair users to adopt various transfer techniques, enabling independent or assisted use.
Locating The Disabled Wash Basin
Disabled users should be able to wash their hands whilst still seated on the toilet. The Doc M Toilet layout drawing shows how close the basin and tap should be to the toilet.
Do I Need A Special Toilet Pan?
Some wheelchair users find it difficult to use a standard-height toilet (400mm high) and, for them, it’s important that the toilet is either raised or accepts a variable riser. In a Doc M pack, you get a compliant toilet pan included, which is why they're so popular. When installed correctly, they address all users' needs in one go.
Do I Need Special Flooring?
Non-slip flooring should be fitted throughout the washroom and contrast in colour with the walls. Contrasting the floor colour enables the visually impaired to estimate the depth of the room much more easily, and the non-slip flooring helps prevent accidents from spilt water. The slip resistance grade should be higher in a disabled shower room than in a toilet room.
New Build: Where should I locate our wheelchair accessible washroom?
Washroom facilities should be located as close to the entrance as possible and, where there are multiple floors, be situated in a similar location on all floors.
Forward Planning & Research
Access to and use of the washroom need to be well planned in advance, and forward planning can make the refurbishment project much smoother. Seek advice from your local authority during the planning and research stages, or consider outsourcing the project to a specialist company such as ourselves. We can advise on the best approach to washroom upgrades, including all disabled-access elements applicable to your environment. 3D visuals can be put together before any work actually takes place and allow clients to understand exactly how the washroom will look and work, as well as the cost involved. Consider our washroom design service for specialist input.
As always, our team are 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 some guidance or would like to talk through your options, you can call them on 01202 650900.
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