There’s a raft of regulations and guidelines that control the design of accessible bathrooms and washrooms.
But how do you pick through all this information?
Ideal Standard’s latest blog is a whistle-stop tour of the Equality Act 2010 (Disability) Regulations, Building Regulations and quality standards, and how they work together to ensure accessibility and inclusivity. It also covers wider issues like reconciling practicality and aesthetics, and gender identity in washroom design.
All the key facts you need to know are here, in a six-minute read.
What are the regulations?
Here are the key legislation and regulations that govern accessibility and inclusivity in bathroom and washroom design.
The Equality Act 2010 (Disability) Regulations
These regulations significantly influence the design of bathrooms and public washrooms throughout the UK, establishing rigorous standards for the built environment and ensuring that all spaces are inclusive and accommodating, regardless of physical abilities.
Part M of the UK Building Regulations
Also known as Document M or “Doc M,” these are fundamental in fostering accessibility, equality and inclusivity in bathroom and washroom design, outlining strict requirements to ensure that buildings cater to the needs of everyone.
British Standard BS 8300
Although this standard shares many similarities with the regulations above, BS 8300 is not legally mandated. Instead, it serves as a quality mark and a valuable reference tool for designers, architects and building professionals aiming to create inclusive spaces.
What else?
Beyond the legal framework and quality marks, there are other forces at work when it comes to accessibility and inclusivity in bathroom and washroom design such as aesthetics vs functionality, practical must-haves, and gender identity.