TOTAL APPROACH SIMPLIFIES TOILETING SPECIFICATION BEYOND DOCUMENT M

The continuing drive towards inclusivity for elderly and disabled people has seen a raft of new legal requirements and directives for ‘good practice’ in toilet provision.

To help specifiers better understand the requirements, beyond Building Regulations Approved Document M, leading disabled toilet provider Total Hygiene has published a white paper: Accessible Toilets, Bathrooms and Washrooms.

“We go to the toilet on average eight times a day. Research shows people make a conscious decision NOT to go somewhere if they feel they cannot ‘spend a penny’ in an appropriate, clean environment, so it makes sound commercial and moral sense to ensure toilet facilities outside the home are properly specified, designed and installed,” says Robin Tuffley Total Hygiene marketing manager.

“Everyone knows about Document M, which is being revised in 2013, but few specifiers are aware of the raft of additional guidance which is either a legal requirement or ‘good practice’. For example, the Equality Act replaced the Disability Discrimination Act, and now requires ‘reasonable’ adjustments are made to accommodate disabled people. Every building to which numbers of the public have access should implement BS8300:2009; public toilets are covered by the new BS6465-4, rail hubs by the Department of Transport’s Accessible Station Design Code of Practice, and schools by Building Bulletin 102.”

The white paper covers all the new documents, and simplifies the requirements in one place. To further facilitate appropriate specification, from the white paper on Total Hygiene’s website (www.clos-o-mat.com/products/downloads), specifiers can link directly through to each appropriate reference source.

Founded 50 years ago, Total Hygiene is the UK’s biggest supplier of disabled toileting solutions. It is the only company in its field with the in-house capability and expertise to design, supply, install, commission and service all the equipment for an accessible toilet, bathroom or washroom, from grab rails through hoists and height adjustable basins to ‘wash and dry’ toilets and toilet lifters. Total Hygiene is also sponsor of the Changing Places campaign for toilets that meet the needs of people who require the support of at least one carer.