What is a Changing Places Toilet?

A Changing Places toilet is an accessible restroom for individuals with profound disabilities, offering features like height-adjustable benches and hoist systems, ensuring safe and dignified usage. The Changing Places campaign, active since 2006, aims to install these facilities in every large public space, having grown from just over 250 registered facilities in 2010 to over 2,300 in the UK today. These toilets provide essential space and equipment that standard accessible toilets lack, accommodating the needs of over 250,000 individuals in the UK who require assistance for personal care.

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Should Workplaces Have a Changing Places Toilet?

Businesses are becoming more aware of the important role they play in promoting accessibility and inclusivity. Many have acted to comply with legal standards, especially new buildings. Others have worked hard to make their venues more accessible, particularly for customers and visitors.

However, one aspect that is often overlooked is about creating work environments that value and respects the needs of all individuals. Accessibility should be a fundamental aspect of corporate social responsibility, and this includes providing adequate facilities like Changing Places toilets.

Prioritising accessibility has far-reaching benefits. For employers, it leads to a more diverse and inclusive workforce, driving innovation, improving employee satisfaction, and enriching the company culture. From an external point of view, the resounding message is one of a business committing to equality, enhancing brand loyalty and public perception.

It is also important to note that the legal landscape is evolving, with increasing pressure on businesses to take further steps to ensure they offer adequate facilities for people with disabilities.

By taking proactive steps, such as installing Changing Places in the workplace, companies can stay ahead of regulatory requirements and demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity.

You can read more here – The Importance of Changing Places in the Workplace

What Equipment is Needed In a Changing Places Toilet?

To be registered as a Changing Place, the facility must include:

• Overhead Hoist System
• Height-Adjustable Changing Bench
• Peninsular Toilet
• Dropdown Rails
• Height-Adjustable Wash Basin With Soap Dispenser
• Vertical Grab Rails
• Wide Paper Roll Dispenser
• Retractable Privacy Screen
• Full Length Mirror
• Paper Towel Dispenser
• Hand Dryer
• General Waste Bin
• Sanitary Bin
• Coat Hooks
• Colostomy Bag Shelf
• Shower (Optional)

Failure to meet those requirements can result in a facility that isn’t fit for purpose, resulting in venues having to incur additional costs to rectify the issues and ensure they have the correct Changing Places equipment and design.

You can read more in our article here – Changing Places Equipment – What does it need to include?

Should Hospitals Have Changing Places Toilets?

Since January 2021, any new hospital or primary care centres are now legally required to install Changing Place facilities. Following a lengthy consultation, this is the government’s response to a proposal to increase the provision of Changing Places toilets.

This new legislation is particularly important in reference to the government’s plan to build 40 new hospitals by 2030, with all needing to comply with the new regulations in their planning applications. These are set out in Document M and BS 8300-2:2018 building regulations.

You can read more here – Why Hospitals need Changing Places

Do Service Stations Need to Have Changing Places Toilets?

Our opinion, yes! Service stations do need to have changing places toilets.

There are just shy of 200 service stations in the UK. They are used day and night 365 days a year. We’ve all visited one and stopping at a service station is a key part of any long car journey. So, why should a service station have a Changing Places facility?

There are over 250,000 people in the UK with disabilities meaning they require help with changing and using the toilet. Without a suitable Changing Places toilet, having a rest stop and toilet break is almost impossible when travelling.

Why Service Stations Need Changing Places