Everyone should have access to clean, convenient and comfortable toilets – which is why accessible toilets are a must. Accessible toilets provide essential facilities for everyone, including individuals with disabilities. But are you confident that your toilets are fully accessible?
From hand dryer height to providing the right signage, there are several steps you can take to ensure your accessible toilets meet all the requirements. In this article, we’ll explore how you can ensure proper hand dryer height as outlined by the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) in the UK, and what you can do to further improve accessibility in your facilities.
What makes toilets accessible?
An accessible toilet accommodates people with various disabilities, allowing them to use the facilities with ease, privacy and safety. Accessible toilets typically offer:
- Adequate space for wheelchair access
- Support rails and grab bars
- An outward opening door for easier access
- Emergency assistance features
- Clear and visible signage
These adjustments ensure the toilets serve a diverse range of needs, making it easier for individuals to go about their day comfortably and independently. It is also important to consider different user demographics, such as men's washrooms when designing accessible toilets to ensure compliance with guideline heights and functionality.
Understanding Accessibility Regulations
Ensuring that your washrooms are accessible is not just about meeting legal requirements; it’s about creating an inclusive environment for all users. The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and the UK Building Regulations emphasise the importance of accessibility in public washrooms, including the installation of hand dryers.
Document Part M of the UK Building Regulations provides comprehensive guidelines for accessible washrooms. This includes specific recommendations for the installation of hand dryers in disabled toilets. According to the DDA, hand dryers should be installed at a height of 875mm above the floor in disabled bathrooms to ensure they are accessible for wheelchair users. This height ensures that individuals can comfortably reach and use the hand dryer without any difficulty.
In addition to hand dryers, the UK Building Regulations also stress the importance of providing accessible hand dryers alongside paper towel dispensers in wheelchair accessible toilets. This dual provision ensures that all users have options that suit their preferences and needs.
Moreover, the WELL Standard WELL v2, Q1-Q2 2023, endorses hand dryers with HEPA filters as part of the Hygiene Support feature. These hand dryers not only improve hygiene but also enhance accessibility for users with diverse needs, ensuring a healthier and more inclusive washroom environment.
What is the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and what does it say about hand dryers?
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) is a significant piece of legislation that enforces accessibility standards across public spaces. It aims to prevent discrimination against people with disabilities, meaning businesses and organisations must ‘provide facilities that cater to all users’ needs. Accessible toilets are one focus area of the DDA, where specific guidelines cover elements such as the height of hand dryers, grab bars and other fittings.
According to DDA recommendations, amenities like hand dryers should be installed at a height that makes them easy to reach for individuals using wheelchairs or with limited mobility. Installing these devices within comfortable reach isn’t just a consideration for convenience - it’s a legal obligation under the DDA to ensure all users can access them independently.
What is the ideal hand dryer height for your toilet?
The height at which you install a hand dryer can make a big difference to accessibility. For public or disabled access toilets in the UK, the recommended height for hand dryers, based on the DDA guidelines, is generally:
- Between 940 mm and 1,100 mm from the floor to the centre of the dryer for individuals in wheelchairs.
- Between 1,150 mm and 1,350 mm for standing users.
By installing hand dryers at these heights, businesses can make them accessible to more users, fulfilling the requirements under the DDA and providing better service to all.
Should hand dryers only be a certain height in disabled toilets?
While the DDA height guidelines are mandatory for accessible toilets, it’s good practice to consider these standards in all toilets. Providing hand dryers at a more accessible height in all washrooms can benefit a wider range of users, such as children, shorter individuals, or those with temporary mobility issues.
By installing hand dryers at a universally accessible height across all facilities, you demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and ensure your facilities are convenient and user-friendly for everyone, not just those in designated disabled toilets.
Hand Dryer Installation and Placement
When it comes to installing a hand dryer, considering the washroom configuration and user type is crucial to ensure both accessibility and safety. The hand dryer mounting height is a critical factor, and the recommended height varies depending on the type of hand dryer and the user.
For ‘hands under’ dryers, the recommended installation height is measured from the air outlet at the bottom of the dryer to the floor. In disabled washrooms, the ideal height is 940mm. This ensures that wheelchair users can easily access the dryer without straining.
Placement is another key consideration. Hand dryers should be installed at a distance of at least 60cm from the sink and other washroom features to avoid any disruption for users. This spacing helps prevent congestion and ensures a smooth flow within the washroom.
Visual accessibility is also important. Using the same colour scheme for hand dryers and other washroom fixtures can help users with visual impairments navigate the space more easily. Consistency in colour helps in identifying and using the facilities without confusion.
Different washrooms, such as men’s, women’s, and children’s washrooms, have varying recommended hand dryer installation heights. It is essential to consider the target audience when installing hand dryers to ensure they are accessible to all users.
Lastly, electrical appliances, including hand dryers, should always be installed by a qualified electrician to ensure safety and compliance with UK Building Regulations. The IP rating of the hand dryer should also be considered, especially when installing it near sinks, showers, urinals, and toilets, to ensure both safety and accessibility.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your washrooms are not only compliant with regulations but also accessible and user-friendly for everyone.
What else can you do to make your disabled toilets accessible?
In addition to appropriate hand dryer placement, there are other measures you can take to make your disabled toilets more accessible, including:
Clear signage
Ensure that toilets are clearly marked and that signs are easy to read, with high contrast colours, Braille, and large fonts. This helps people with visual impairments or learning disabilities locate and use the facilities with ease. You could also make sure that signs are placed near dryers letting them know the noises may be loud – this can be very beneficial to those who are sensitive to noise.
Spacious layout
Accessible toilets should offer enough space for a wheelchair user to enter, manoeuvre and exit comfortably. This includes enough room to turn and move close to amenities like the sink, dryer and toilet.
Support bars
Install support rails beside the toilet and sink to assist users with limited mobility in standing, sitting, or transferring. These should be securely fixed and tested regularly to maintain safety.
Emergency assistance
Provide emergency pull cords or buttons that allow users to call for help if needed. Make sure these are within easy reach and function correctly to offer peace of mind for users.
Non-slip surfaces
Flooring should be non-slip, with any hazards or slopes clearly marked. This helps users with limited vision navigate the space safely.
Consistent lighting
Good lighting helps visually impaired users navigate the space more easily. Avoid creating shadows or excessively bright spots that can cause disorientation.
Create accessible, comfortable toilets with phs Warner Howard hand dryers
Creating accessible toilets that comply with DDA regulations is a proactive step towards inclusivity. By installing hand dryers at the correct height and adding other accessible features, businesses can ensure their facilities serve all users effectively and with respect.
At phs Warner Howard, we provide a range of hand dryers to meet different user needs. With hand dryers in different sizes, you can find the ideal hand dryer for your toilet, helping them to meet accessibility requirements and give your users the best possible experience. Check out our full selection of hand dryers or contact us to discuss your needs.
