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Frequently asked questions - access

• Where can I obtain a key to open wheelchair accessible public toilets, and how do I find where they are located?
• Could you give me some advice on installing a wheelchair accessible toilet?
• Our premises has stepped access and is therefore not accessible to wheelchair users. Where can I find guidance on installing a ramp?

Where can I obtain a key to open wheelchair accessible public toilets, and how do I find where they are located?

The organisation RADAR co-ordinates the National Key Scheme and keys can be purchased from there, priced £5. In addition, some local council Social Services departments have keys that they will issue to disabled people living in their area for a small fee.

RADAR has compiled a directory of toilets fitted with a Key, and this can be ordered via its web site bookshop, www.radar.org.uk, or from:

Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation
12 City Forum
250 City Road
London EC1V 8AF
Tel: (020) 7250 3222
Fax: (020) 7250 0212
Minicom: (020) 7250 4119
Email: radar@radar.org.uk

There is another directory that gives details of the location of over 4000 accessible WCs in England and what to expect when you open the door! This publication, "The ITAAL Directory of Accessible Loos in England" costs £10 and is available from:
Equal Ability
170 Benton Hill
Wakefield Road
Horbury
W. Yorks WF4 5HW
Website: www.equalability.com

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Could you give me some advice on installing a wheelchair accessible toilet?

Design and layout of a WC for use by people in wheelchairs is covered by the following:

• BS 8300:2001 Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people - code of practice, ISBN 0 580 38438 1. Price guide - £150. Published by:
  British Standards Institution
  BSI House
  389 Chiswick High Road
  London W4 4AL
  Tel: (020) 8996 9001 Fax: (020) 8996 7001
  Email: info@bsi.global.com
  Website: www.bsi-global.com
• The Building Regulations 2000, Access to and use of Buildings, Approved Document M 2004 edition, ISBN 0 11 753901-5. Price guide £12. Published by TSO and available from:
  TSO
  PO Box 29
  Norwich NR3 1GN
  Tel: 0870 600 5522 Fax: 0870 600 5533
  Website: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop

Advice is also available from the Centre for Accessible Environments, which specialises in advising on design and layout of the built environment:
Centre for Accessible Environments
Nutmeg House
60 Gainsford Street
London SE1 2NY
Tel: (020) 7357 8182 Fax: (020) 7357 8183 Minicom: (020) 7357 8182
Email: info@cae.org.uk
Website: www.cae.org.uk

In addition to running an advice service, this organisation distributes a book entitled "The Essential Companion to The ITAAL Directory of Accessible Loos in England" that gives information on design and management of public access WCs and user views. Price: £5.

You'll also find the majority of suppliers are fairly knowledgeable. There are several companies supplying equipment packages to furbish a WC to BS/Building Regulation requirements and the Disabled Living Foundation's Helpline can give you details. Phone 0895 130 9177 or email an advisor.

There is the option of installing accessible toilet facilities by using an appropriately kitted-out, pre-fabricated building. This may be less disruptive and particularly useful if the existing size or building layout make it difficult to incorporate an additional toilet. Again, the DLF's Helpline staff can advise you about suppliers.

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Our premises has stepped access and is therefore not accessible to wheelchair users. Where can I find guidance on installing a ramp?

Design specifications for permanently installed ramps for use by people in wheelchairs can be found in:

• BS 8300:2001 Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people - code of practice, ISBN 0 580 38438 1. Price guide £150. Published by:
  British Standards Institution
  BSI House
  389 Chiswick High Road
  London W4 4AL
  Tel: (020) 8996 9001 Fax: (020) 8996 7001
  Email: info@bsi.global.com
  Website: www.bsi-global.com
• The Building Regulations 1991, Access & Facilities for Disabled People, Approved Document M 1999 edition, ISBN 0 11 753469 2. Price guide £7.95. Published by the HMSO and available from:
  The Publications Centre
  PO Box 29
  Norwich NR3 1GN
  Tel: 0870 600 5522 Fax: 0870 600 5533
  Website: www.stationeryoffice.com

Guidance advises that:

• Gradients should be:
  • 1:12 maximum if the ramp is no longer than 2m
  • 1:15 maximum if the ramp is no longer than 5m
  • 1:20 maximum if the ramp is no longer than 10m
  • For lengths between those specified above, it is acceptable to calculate an intermediate gradient e.g. a 7m ramp can have a gradient of 1:17.
• Width should be 1200mm minimum.
• Landings:
  • Size 1200 x 1200mm should be provided at the top and bottom of a ramp.
  • An intermediate landing of 1200 x1500mm should be provided if the ramp exceeds 10m in length to give the wheelchair user a rest area.
• Handrails:
  • A handrail must be provided. If the ramp does not exceed 2m in length and there is a second access route via steps, a handrail on one side is sufficient. If there is no alternative stepped access route or if the ramp is longer than 2m then handrails on both sides should be provided.
  • The width between handrails should be 1000mm minimum.
  • The height of the handrail should be between 900mm and 1000mm from the surface of the ramp.
  • The handrail should extend 300mm beyond the start and finish of the ramp.
• Maximum rise:
  • A ramp or series of ramps should not cover a rise any greater than 2m. If the rise is greater, then an alternative means of access (such as a lift) should be provided.

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