Changing Places
The following standards are advocated by the Changing Places Consortium in the UK, a leading charity campaigning for changing places to be introduced in all public facilities including:
- Shopping malls
- Arts venues, such as museums, galleries and theatres
- Hospitals
- Transport hubs like train stations, airports and motorway service stations
- Leisure and sports complexes
- Sports stadiums and arenas
- Entertainment venues, restaurants and cinemas
- Attractions, such as theme parks and zoos
Their standards are in addition to the typical features of an accessible toilet, such as an emergency alarm and grab rails.
A height adjustable, adult sized changing bench
- The changing bench should be a minimum length of 1800mm
- The bench must be height-adjustable
- The bench can be either free-standing or wall mounted.
A tracking hoist system
- A track hoist system (either wall or ceiling mounted) is strongly preferred.
- The hoist should provide access to the toilet, washbasin, changing bench and open space to transfer
Image courtesy of AMP, a directory for Changing Places installers (accessandmobilityprofessional.com/)
Adequate space in the changing area
- The changing places facility should be 3m x 4m (or the equivalent floor space of 12sqm), with a minimum ceiling height of 2.4m.
A centrally placed toilet with space either side for the carers
- A toilet should be placed in a peninsular arrangement, at least 1m away from the wall on either side.
- The toilet should have a seat height of 480mm
- The toilet can be a standard manual toilet.
- A close coupled or wash-and-dry toilet could be provided, but is not a requirement.
Image courtesy of Closomat, manufacturer and supplier of accessible bathroom/ toilet equipment (closomat.co.uk)
Screen or curtain
- A dignity screen/curtain should be provided to allow the disabled person and carer some privacy
- Wide tear off paper roll to cover the bench
Wide tear off paper roll
- Should be provided in a dispenser to the adjacent bench
Waste Bin
- A large waste bin for disposable pads
A non-slip floor
- Non-slip floor materials to be used
Image courtesy of PAMIS, a member of the Changing Places Consortium (pamis.org.uk)
Washbasin
- Standard washbasins are acceptable.
- If possible, a height adjustable model should be provided.
- The washbasin should have clear knee space below the bowl.
- If the washbasin is not height adjustable, the basin should be installed 720-740mm from the floor.
Shower/floor drain
- Showers are not a requirement of Changing Places.
- A shower/floor drain should be considered for specific relevant type of managed buildings such as leisure centres and transport hubs.
Image courtesy of OpeMed, official sponsor of the Changing Places Campaign (opemed.net)