Sanitary facilities shall be designed to accommodate a variety of users. Accessible toilets that can be used by both sexes (unisex accessible toilets) allow the greatest flexibility for people who require assistance hence is the preferred option. Wheelchair accessible unisex toilets should always be provided in addition to wheelchair accessible separate sex toilets. Similarly, a provision of an enlarged cubicle for ambulant disabled people in a separate sex toilet room can also benefit parents with children and people who need an enlarged space (for example those with luggage).
The accessible toilet room shall be located as close as possible to the entrance/reception/waiting area of the building and should be easy to find. It should not be so located that it compromises the privacy of users.
If only one toilet is decided to be provided considering the estimated requirement as per this Code, it shall be Type A unisex accessible toilet (see B-9.2 for types of toilets). Where, more than one accessible toilet is provided, different options exist.
Where sanitary facilities are provided, the following shall also apply:
a) At least one unisex wheelchair user accessible toilet room of Type A, with central placement
PART 3 DEVELOPMENT CONTROL RULES AND GENERAL BUILDING REQUIREMENTS
of WC, shall be provided, which shall always contain a washbasin.
b) One accessible toilet (Type A or Type B) in single sex toilet block (male and female section of toilet block) shall be provided depending on the footfall and space.
c) When more than one accessible corner toilet of Type B is planned, a choice of layouts suitable for left hand and right hand transfer shall be provided. In case such toilets are located in similar position on each floor of a multi-storey building, it should allow for right and left hand transfer on alternate floors. In any case, a unisex accessible toilet of Type A shall be provided on the ground floor so as to be able to meet the need for both left and right side transfers.
d) In all separate sex toilet/sanitary rooms there shall be provision for one cubicle suitable for use by ambulant disabled.
e) Where urinals are provided, there shall be urinals for wheelchair users and ambulant disabled people.
f) Where there is requirement for only one toilet or sanitary room in a building, a wheelchair accessible unisex toilet of Type A shall be provided but of a greater width to accommodate a standing height washbasin and a urinal.
g) The provision of the accessible toilets shall be such that any wheelchair user/ambulant disabled person doesn't have to travel more than 30 m on the same floor.
h) The design of toilet facilities shall incorporate ease of use for all people and location of fittings should follow a logical sequence.
j) Care shall be taken in placing mirrors and lights to avoid confusion and dazzling for visually impaired users.
k) Soap dispensers and hand towels or driers shall be placed in a convenient and logical position so that they are easy to locate, identify and use.
m) Visual contrast and lighting shall be in accordance with B-9.16.
n) An emergency assistance alarm according to B-9.12, including a reset control, should be provided in all accessible toilets and sanitary rooms.
p) If facilities are provided such as buttons or taps which operate by use of sensors, accessible signage shall be provided to explain the same.
q) Signage at accessible toilet entrance shall be as per B-9.18.
r) Tactile signs should be used beside rather than on doors to indicate ‘Ladies’ or ‘Gents’;
s) For the benefit of the persons with vision impairments, all general toilets shall have marked on plates with raised alphabets and braille put on the wall next to the door latch, preferably on the left side. An additional signage shall also be provided on the door at 1 500 mm height. See also B-24 for other requirements of signage.
t) Many persons with visual impairments find it convenient to use the toilets where internal dimensions, accessories and fixtures placement are standardized. A tactile layout of the toilet should be provided on the wall, near the latch side at 900 mm height.
u) A distinct audio sound (beeper/clapper) may be installed above the entrance door for the identification of the toilets by persons with visual impairments.