A Doc M pack is a kit that includes all the sanitaryware needed to comply with disabled washroom provisions in Document M of the UK Building Regulations. It can refer to toilets, showers, changing rooms and also ambulant facilities. However, while most regulations apply to new-build commercial spaces, many choose to install a Doc-M pack in both ambulant and fully disabled washrooms in older buildings as well. That’s because the Doc-M pack offers a number of features that make using the washroom easier for people with impairments or disabilities.
This blog reviews the products included in a Doc M Toilet Pack.
Select Your Disabled Toilet Type
At Commercial Washrooms, you can select your Doc-M pack by toilet type. Choose from:
- Close coupled toilets: include a toilet with a ceramic cistern that remains visible and isn't concealed behind a service void.
- Back to wall toilets: include a plastic concealed cistern that is plumbed behind an IPS panel or a service void wall.
- Wall hung toilets: include a plastic concealed cistern, but the toilet is raised off the floor via a rear frame behind.
- Low level toilets: include a ceramic cistern that is independently wall-hung but connected to the toilet pan by a flush pipe.
Your installer will be able to advise you on the most suitable toilet type for your room.
Grab Rails
Doc-M packs come with 5 x 600mm grab rails. These should be a different colour from the walls to create a strong contrast. This helps the visually impaired. Grab rails are mounted to help users manoeuvre around the room and steady themselves, fitted to the wall on either side of the sink, one on the back of the door, and two near the toilet.
Lift & Lock Grab Rail
You’ll also get a lift-and-lock grab rail (also known as a fold-down grab rail) that comes down alongside the toilet pan. This rail can be lifted out of the way as a user moves onto the toilet, then dropped down to provide additional support when in place.
Toilet Pan and Cistern Assembly
Depending on your toilet selection, your Doc-M pack will include either a close-coupled, back-to-wall, wall-hung, or low-level toilet pan, with an associated cistern. In most cases, the toilet pan will be raised to make it easier for disabled users; higher toilets are easier to get on and off.
You’ll notice that Doc-M toilets also come with a spatula, or paddle lever control. This is to help make flushing the toilet easier, with a larger area to hold and also more leverage.
Disabled toilets can be purchased as a standalone product, without the grab rails, basin, or tap, if the other Doc M Pack components are in good working order. This often saves money when replacing a broken toilet.
Toilet Seat
The toilet seat in a Doc-M pack is a full ring, so there is no cut-out at the front. This is a sturdier, safer option and will be in a contrasting colour to the toilet pan to help the visually impaired. There is also no lid on the toilet seat, which can be a hindrance to some disabled users.
Wash Basin and Fittings
Of course, you will also find a hand-wash basin in your pack, along with all the fixtures and fittings to secure it to the wall next to your toilet. The top rim of this basin needs to be between 720 & 740mm from the floor, with two wall-mounted grab rails at either side of the mirror hanging above (not normally supplied within a pack).
Basin tap
Your basin mixer tap will have a control that can be used with elbows or a closed fist. This is a requirement of Document-M to ensure easy use of the wash basin for a broad range of disabilities and impairments.
In most Doc-M packs, you will also receive a TMV-3 mixer valve, which controls hot-water temperature and helps mitigate the risk of scalding. However, many of the cheaper packs exclude this, assuming a TMV is included in the first-fix plumbing installation.
What's Not Included in a Doc M Pack?
As critical as what you will get when you buy a Doc M Pack is what you won't receive, but still need to comply with Doc M. What's included is generally dictated by the price you pay. More expensive Doc M Packs will likely include more of the necessary components, but look out for the following:
- TMV3 valve: necessary for safe water temperature and sometimes built into the tap. If the pack doesn't include one, make sure you buy a TMV3-compliant valve such as the Intamix.
- Disabled Toilet Alarm: If a disabled toilet user gets into difficulty and falls, they may need help. Often, the only way to alert anyone is via the pull-cord alarm. An alarm is not often included in a Doc M Pack, but can be purchased separately (see Disabled Toilet Alarms).
- RADAR & Disabled Toilet Door Locks: Disabled toilet rooms differ from most other rooms in a commercial building because they include a door that must be accessible from the outside when locked in case of emergency. A disabled toilet door lock achieves this, but isn't usually included in a Doc M Pack. The RADAR lock is ideal for this purpose.
If you would like to discuss Doc-M requirements and which solution is right for you and your organisation, please get in touch with one of the team on 01202 650900.
