Changing places standards
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The Changing Places Consortium has produced a list of Changing Places standards which all toilets must meet to be registered on our website. This is to ensure that any facility advertised as a Changing Places toilet meets the needs and expectations of customers.
As a result of the British Standard 8300: 2009 having come into force in February 2009, the Consortium now differentiates between the Changing Places Minimum Standard and the Changing Places Gold Standard, with toilets in the future being clearly identified accordingly on the map on the website. Please note, that we are also currently reviewing our minimum standard in light of the British Standard and our work around Part M of the Building Regulations.
The Consortium urges people to follow the Gold Standard, wherever possible.
Please remember, that in addition to the specialist equipment needed in a Changing Places toilet, the other standard features of an accessible toilet, such as an emergency alarm and grabrails must also be provided.
Changing Places toilets should be installed in addition to standard accessible toilets for independent use and cannot replace these facilities.
Changing Places facilities must be accessible to the public.
Remember, your planned toilet is unique. Good planning and advice will help you:
- choose the best equipment
- ensure that it meets your individual needs
- ensure that what you choose works well in the appropriate layout
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Specialist equipment needed in a Changing Places toilet
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Requirements to meet the Changing Places Minimum Standard
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Requirements to meet the Changing Places Gold Standard
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A height adjustable, adult-sized changing bench
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The length of the changing bench should be 1.8m or greater
The bench must be height-adjustable
The bench can be either free-standing or wall mounted.
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The changing bench must be a minimum length of 1.8m
The bench must be height-adjustable
The bench can be either free-standing or wall mounted.
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A tracking hoist system, or mobile hoist
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A tracking hoist system is preferable, but a mobile hoist would be acceptable
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Toilets must have a tracked hoist system (either wall or ceiling mounted) providing access to the toilet, washbasin, changing bench and in and out of the wheelchair
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Adequate space in the changing area for the disabled person and up to two carers
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The minimum size acceptable is approximately 3.5m x 2m or the equivalent floor space 7m²possible, with a ceiling height of 2.4m
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The CP facility must be at least 3m x 4m or the equivalent floor space of 12m², with a ceiling height of 2.4m
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A centrally placed toilet with room either side for the carers
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A peninsular toilet must be provided
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A peninsular toilet must be provided
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A screen or curtain to allow the disabled person and carer some privacy
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A dignity screen/ curtain should be considered
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A dignity screen/ curtain must be provided
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Wide tear off paper roll to cover the bench
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Wide tear off paper roll should be provided
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Wide tear off paper roll must be provided
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A large waste bin for disposable pads
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A large waste bin for disposable pads must be provided
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A large waste bin for disposable pads must be provided
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A non-slip floor
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A non-slip floor must be provided
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A non-slip floor must be provided
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Washbasin
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A washbasin must be provided. A height-adjustable washbasin would be desirable, but is not required.
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A hydraulic/ manual or power-operated height-adjustable washbasin should be provided
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Shower/ floor drain
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Not required.
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A shower/ floor drain should be installed in specific types of managed buildings such as leisure centres, travel hubs or for specific projects. A shower is not required for all Gold Standard Changing Places toilets.
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The Changing Places Gold Standard is based on the BS8300:2009; however, the standard requirements above should not be regarded as a substitute for information included in the British Standard. For further details about what is included in the BS8300:2009, please visit the British Standard website.
Facilities which do not provide all the features in the Changing Places Standard section above, or alternative layouts, may not be identified as a Changing Places toilet. They may, however, still be of benefit to disabled people and their carers, and as such information regarding these facilities might be included on the website and identified as a toilet facility with additional features.
Information on standard features needed in an accessible toilet is published on page 52 of Approved Document M – Access to and use of buildings. (This does not include Changing Places facilities at this time.) Approved Document M can be downloaded free of charge from the Planning Portal.
Download a checklist of features required in a Changing Places toilets.