BYTNAR - TALKS
EPISODE: 036 - APPROVED DOCUMENT T - TOILET ACCOMMODATION
This episode is for people who want to know more about Approved Document Part T
You should like this episode if you ask yourself questions like:
What are the building regulations for unisex and single-sex toilets in the UK?
What are the minimum dimensions for ambulant toilet cubicles under UK regulations?
What are the requirements for universal toilet design in non-dwelling buildings?
How do UK toilet regulations define accessible and inclusive restroom design?
What are the accessibility standards for toilets in public buildings?
When are unisex toilets allowed instead of single-sex toilets in the UK?
What are the privacy and safety requirements for toilet cubicles under UK building standards?
What are the general design provisions for toilets in workplaces and schools?
What features are required in ambulant and wheelchair-accessible toilets?
This is Bytnar Talks the Engineer Takes on Construction Episode 36 hi I'm Piotr Bytnar each day I help my clients plan and design building projects through Bytnar limited a Consulting Chartered Structural Engineers practice my biggest passion and the cornerstone on which I've built my business is finding clever solutions for construction projects I am a chartered structural engineer and a budding software developer so you can rest assured that I will strive to talk about the best practices and the use of new technologies in the industry and if you're embarking on a construction project or are involved in planning designing and building the world around us you'll find this podcast useful approv document T toilet accommodation [Music] hi guys and welcome to Bitner talks your favorite podcast on all matters of architecture engineering and construction it is Thursday the 21st of November 2024 and I'm here back with you with the 36th episode and information on approved document T toilet accommodation what an end to the last week Bitner had the pleasure of taking part in the fundraising galad dinner for the local charitable Grant making trust that works to alleviate physical impairment poor mental health and homelessness in Kent what a name in it they help our families your neighbors or relatives make ends meat when their life strikes unexpectedly with hardship of All Sorts from accidents and sicknesses to incapability to cope with a economical or mental situations what is particularly important it is that they help locally making big impact in people's lives if you can help go to DW a.org to find out more about them and to chip into local help to local people last week we started an Outreach campaign as well to gather your views on the construction in England we are waiting for your engagement so don't hesitate and just keep on sending them emails and direct messages when We Gather your opinions and experiences we will be able to combine them for the benefit of all so please do not hesitate to email us together we will be able to deliver better results okay that is it from me let's go back to the delivery of this episode starting with the recap of the last one first in in the last episode I talked about the approved document s infrastructure for charging electric vehicles section zero of that document told us that this guidelines apply to new residential and non-residential buildings those undergoing significant use changes and major Renovations mix use buildings are included if relevant work is performed we were also reminded of related regulations including regulation B K M and P section one covered new residential buildings where for residential buildings with parking requirement S1 regulation 44d are satisfied following the recommendations of the document obviously charging points must match in the numbers that the parking spaces or dwellings served if no one if no onside parking exist charging points are unnecessary for spaces with without charging points Provisions for future installations are required if costs stay under £3,600 per connection building control must verify connection costs with at least two quotes one from a distribution Network operator section two deals with change in use and major residential Renovations when it comes to material change of use requirement S2 and S three together with regulation 44e and 44f apply when adding or removing dwellings charging points must match in Number the number of new dwellings unless electrical upgrades are needed exemptions May apply to Historic or traditional buildings major renovation on the other hand for for renovations with 10 plus parking spaces charging points are required proportional to space of dwellings kept at 7% of renovation costs covered spaces need Future Ready cable routes even if charging points aren't installed section three talks about new non-residential buildings and here we're talking about nonr residential buildings with 10 plus parking spaces at least one charging point is required in such case plus cable routes for every five additional spaces cable routes should ideally be external but must be provided in covered parking areas if applicable section four is with major non-residential Renovations here if after renovation non residential building is with 10 plus parking spaces this needs at least one charging point and cable routes for every five spaces again here installation if installation cost goes over 7% of the total renovation cost we don't need to do it external charging points also prefer with cable routes mandatory in all cases section five deals with mixed use buildings if we don't know how many parking spaces to provide just follow the dwelling side of things this s of combines the residential and non-residential rules for renovations the strictly residential standards usually apply charging points and cable routes should be installed externally where possible with an internal installations only if needed EV charging standards are covered in section six which should comply with fire and electrical safety codes like BN 61851 for systems and bs7671 for installations charging points must offer at least 7 kilow of output have a universal socket and meet safety codes cable routes should enable future installations be marked accessible durable and safe accessibility and spacing must support convenient future upgrades so enough space all around that the point where the cables come out and that will be different from from the charging point that stands on the floor from that that hangs on a on a wall in this episode I will move to approv document T toilet accommodation so without further Ado let's dive straight into [Music] this in this episode I'll talk about the stri guidance contained with the approved document T toilet accommodation anyone who ever struggled by using the public toilets in non-residential buildings should be a little bit happier with new standards coming in in new buildings being built or the old ones under going major Renovations the document covers the requirement T1 which is a new requirement allog together freshly added to the suit on the 1st of October of this year it is contained within seven sections section 0 to six and is somewhat addition to the requirement M access to and use of buildings it covers the introduction application guidance and performance as well as common design Provisions for toilets and it divides them in types 8 2D so let's get into the Integrity of this [Music] document all right guys starting with the text of the legislation first part T toilet accommodation requirement T1 paragraph 1 toilet accommodation in buildings other than dwellings a must consist of I reasonable provision for male and female Single Sex toilets or double I where space precludes provision of Single Sex toilets Universal toilets and B may consist of universal toilets in addition to Single Sex toilets paragraph two in this requirement Single Sex toilets means toilets facilities which a are intended for the exclusive use of persons of the same sex and B provide wash basins and drying facilities in I either the toilet room or cubicle or double ey a separate area intended for use only by persons of that of that sex Universal toilet means toilet facilities which a are provided in a fully enclosed room with which contains a water closet and wash basin and hand drying facilities and B is intended for individual use by persons of either sex requirement T1 does not apply to EA and and facilities in individual rooms for residential purposes B residential rooms in Care Homes as defined at section three of The Care standards act 2000 C schools as defined in section four of the Education Act 1996 D premises or part of any premises used wholly or mainly for early years provision within the meaning of section 20 of the Child Care Act 2006 by early years provider to whom section 40 of the childcare act 2006 duty to implement early years Foundation stage applies e cellular accommodation in custodial facilities simple so what is the Secretary of State happy with right in section section zero we are being told that although building regulation do not impose on us maintenance requirements they do assume the building will be properly maintained the design should be inclusive of all genders ages and abilities is whether visiting living or working in a building this document deals with unisex or single sex ambulant toilets but for the wheelchair accessible unisex toilets and baby changing or changing places toilets we are sent to the requirement M Volume 2 we are reminded that ways to satisfy this requirement contained within this document are the minimum standards and anything over and Beyond is acceptable this requirement holds to buildings other than dwellings which are either newly built or extended or being worked on either materially changing it or providing or extending control services and fittings as however the existing building cannot be less compliant but after the work but all new elements shall be up to speed with current regulations this document gives guidance on the design and layout of universal toilets ambulant toilets and toilet cubicles in the gist we shall follow the priorities of providing sing Single Sex toilets first with separate or shared hand washing facilities with unisex toilets providing if space allows on the other hand if there is not enough space to facilitate Single Sex toilets we may consider providing fully enclosed un6 toilets instead all should be clearly signed though section one deals with application guidance and performance we already know the application which is buildings or the dwellings but additionally schools and early year provision premises cellular accommodation in custodial facilities or and Suites in hotels care homes or similar are not included this requirement also extends the provision of facilities under the regulation 20 of the workplace regulation 1992 and directs us to HSC publication l24 this document describes the size layout fittings and Equipment of universal toilets and single sex toilets and is an extension to some consideration and the requirement M given ambulant versions of these toilets we are reminded that other Provisions will also be required like that for the changing of children or disabled people for other Provisions or the calculations of the number of required toilets we are sent to BS 6465 sanitary installations but specifically part one and four also workpl workplace regulations and Sport England guidance School premises regulations educational regulations and NHS England's health building notice 00 part two should be consulted when it comes to Performance this document concentrates on four types of toilets that are considered suitable for the considerations of this requirement that is type a fully and closed self-contained ambulant Universal toilets type B fully and closed self contained University toilet type c ambulance Single Sex toilet cubicle not self-contained type D Single Sex toilet cubicle not self-contained if there are no clashes with part and requirements we can choose what to do either A or B or C or D soin the same category either Universal or single sex performance criteria apply by requirement M we will need to provide a wheelchair accessible unisex toilet so other toilets should be single sex in the amount judged by the occupancy of the building ambulant toilet where required should be either type A or type c Single Sex cubicles stalls should ideally open outwards into the properly s was bacing area using used within Single Sex environments Universal toilet should open into well L corridors or circulation spaces regarding the spaces and dimensions of the toilet accommodation we are yet again sent to BS 6465 but this time part two accessible and inclusive toilets layouts are generally provided within the proov document M or BS 8,300 part two in any case the layout when entering and exiting and using a toilet or cubicle should cater for the safety privacy and dignity of users the me minimum space size for each type of toilet is given in next sections and also an itemize list is provided in the appendix D so when you go about planning the space these are the good places to start especially if you want to go over and Beyond and provide more items within the space this will necessitate the requirement of bigger space overall or likely to section two deals with design Provisions that will apply to all of the types of the of the toilets so the general Provisions for all toilet accommodation despite of the type things like well look into BS 6465 for General stuff that's what we been told but the document mentions some spe aspects specifically like that Ur no should be divided with privacy screens and one should be provided for little people went separate and through Ur urinal provided to extend capacity where needed toilet cubicles or rooms should have a toilet paper dispenser enough space for a disposal bin and two hooks one at 1685 mm above the floor level and one at 50 mil over a meter the door to a toilet cubicle the toilet room or the universal toilet should typically not obstruct emergency exits when opened ideally opened outwards but have an emergency external opening mechanism if needed be suitable to be operated by a closed Fist and be light require requiring under 30 Newtons of forc to open it to 30° and then 22.5 Newtons to 60° and adequately resist the passage of sound if the doors open inwards they should not encroach on on a circulation space in front of the water closet pan socalled column of clearance or activity space the column of clearance is considered to have a base of 465 mm in diameter the outward opening on the other hand should have a closing bar installed functionality is the key throughout but more about the door features can be found in BS 8300 100 part two doors opening onto corridors should be in the reest and have 1200 mm space to the front of them when opened direct Sid lines from the corridor to the water closet and wash basin should be avoided whilst reducing the necessity of lobbies as these make access more difficult clear way finding should be provided like signage in the building and at the toilet facility on each and every floor of the building you guessed it the universal toilet sign showing a pair of men and women is covered by an international standard and it and it should be to pipf 003 from bsiso 70001 controls fixtures fittings and alarms should follow standards like for wash basins that of paragraph 5.4 of approved document M Volume 2 a a flash mechanism catering for dexterity and strength impaired people fire alarms should emit Visual and audible signals lighting controls that require precise hand movement should be located at 750 mm to 1200 mm above the flow level but a simple push button not higher than 1200 mm as is the case in document M heat emitters need to be either screened or emit Heat at temperatures lower than than 43° we are again reminded that the document considers space within the unit so should for reasons of piping concealment or vanity units the space violate the minimums then the space will need to be extended we also need to think about contrast between the features and the surfaces they are mounted on floor to the wall Junction or the light that ideally would be suitable for diverse need and for that we are referred to pass 6463 NE neurodiversity and the built environment we are also reminded that baby changing facilities should be provided in addition and should not be contained within any of these four types of toilets covered by this document the baby changing facility should also not be provided in a wheel accessible unisex toilet unless it is the only s sanitary facility provided within the building so let us move on to the types of toilets which are covered in the next four sections section three covers type a fully enclosed self-contained ambulance Universal toilet the Picture Tells a thousand words really so I will not describe every detail of the typical toilet layout of any type of these toilets please have a look at the provided diagrams in the document I will only mention the main points pertinent here for General information regarding Universal toilets we need to revert to colum to volume two of document M so the minimum overall Dimension is 985 mm width and 2,125 mm length the do clear opening width should be over 750 mm so 750 mm or more and should not impact the activity or column of clearance space one way of doing it is to provide outward opening doors and such should have a horizontal closing bar with hand clearance of 60 mm at least 500 mm long at some 900 mm above the flow level of the diameter between 19 and 35 mm column of clearance is a 465 mm diameter circle and the activity space in front of the water cloth pan is 600x 800 typical features otherwise horizontal grab rails on both sides walls of the toilet vertical rails to assist standing up wash basing and hand drying facilities within the cubicle a full hide door and partitions that is floor to ceiling space provision for a disposal being at least 5 40 mm by 210 mm small corner shelf above the disposal being 250 by 150 mm at 780 to 800 mm above the floor and hooks on wall beside the Basin at high and low level section four covers type B fully enclosed selfcontain Universal toilets and similar here I will advise you to have a look into the documents diagram as it shows the whole picture it is worth noting that the provisions for Universal toilets can also be used for self-contained toilets that are part of a single sex toilet so the minimum overall Dimension is 1050 mm to width and 1685 mm length the do's clear opening width should be 650 mm or more and should not impact the activity or column of clearance space column of clearance here is the same 465 mm diametric Circle and the activity space in front of the water closet pan 600 by 800 mm typical features otherwise a wash basin mirror and hand drain facilities within the cubicle a full height door and partitions that is floor to ceiling space Provisions for a disposal bin at least 540 by 210 small corner shelf above the disposal beam 250 by 150 at 780 to 800 m above the floor and hooks wall beside the Basin at highight and high and low level section five moves us to type c toilets which are ambulance Single Sex toilet cubicle not self-contained so the minimum overall Dimension here is 920 by 1465 mm the do clear opening with should be 750 mm or more and should not impact the activity or column of clearance space one way of doing it is providing outwards opening do and such should have horizontal closing bar with hand clearance of 60 mm at least 500 mm long at some 900 mm above the FR level with diameter of the handle 19 between 19 and 35 mm in diameter here the same column clearance is 465 mm diameter the activity space in front of water closet pan 600 by 800 but a clear space in front of the water closet of at least 6 76 65 mm should be provided typical features otherwise horizontal grab rails on both sides walls of the toilet wash basin and hand driving facilities with communal space a full highight doors and partition that is FL floor to ceiling space provision for a disposal bin at least 540 mm X 210 small corner shelf above the disposal bin 250 mm by 150 mm at 780 to 800 mm above the floor and hooks on one wall at high high and low level so we see the pattern most of the things are similar but the size of the space within and those vary depending on capability of the person using them section six deals with the last type which is type D Single Sex toilet cubicle not self-contained apart from General consideration I will mention in a moment uh we can also install re OS in MA mail toilets following BS 6465 Parts 1 2 and three guidance so now the minimum overall Dimension is 910 by 1740 the doors clear opening width should be 6 650 the cubicles the clearance space is 465 for the column and 600 by 800 as an activity space in front of the water closed cubicle typ feature features otherwise are watch basing and handra Facilities with communal space a full highight door and partitions as previously the disposal bin of at least space for disposal bin of 540x 210 small corner shelf of 250 by 150 at 780 to 800 mm above the floor level and two hooks on one wall at high level and low level more information is contained in appendix setting minimum sizes or amount for of of all elements like was Bings hand drying facilities toilet Panel System disposal beIN space horizontal grab rail vertical grab rail horizontal closing bar small shelf toilet paper dispenser mirror height and and low hooks [Music] so this is it folks the approved document T toilet accommodations I hope all of the toilet spotters out there are satisfied with the new regulations and what they can think of when roaming around public spaces let's sum it up section by section section Z is is an introduction and scope of the document the building regulations assume buildings are properly maintained and inclusively designed for all genders ages and abilities this document outlines the minimum standards for unisex and Single Sex ambulant toilets while requirements for wheelchair accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are covered in approved document M Volume 2 the regulations apply to newly built or altered buildings and thring new elements meet current standards without reducing compliance of existing parts guidance prioritizes Single Sex toilets with separate shed handwashing facilities if space constraints prevent this fully enclosed unisex toilets are an alternative all toilets should have clear signage ensuring accessibility and privacy for users section one application guidance and performance it tells us that consideration includes non-dwelling buildings but not schools custodial accommodations and workspaces the document extends guidance under workplace regulation 1992 referencing standards like BS 6465 for toilet provision calculations and other regulations for specific environments like NHS facilities performance considerations focus on four toilet types type a fully enclosed ambulance Universal toilets type B fully enclosed Universal toilets type c ambulant Single Sex cubicles type D Single Sex cubicles design must align with approved document M for wheelchair accessible toilets ensuring adequate Single Sex provision based on occupancy all layouts prioritize user safety privacy and dignity with minimum space requirements detailed in subsequent sections section two deals with common design Provisions General Provisions for all toilet types emphasize privacy safety and accessibility features include privacy screens for your Renos hooks at to Heights at 1,50 MM and 1685 mm and space for beans doors that open outwards with emergency mechanisms and minimum force requirements additional considerations include clear W fighting signage proper contrast for neurodiversity needs per pass 646 free and suitable lighting and thermal controls baby changing facilities must be separate and not included in wheel accessible toilets unless no other option exists section three covers type a fully enclosed ambulatory Universal toilet minimum dimensions of is 985 mm by 2125 mm key feature includes clear door opening of 750 m M outward opening preferred with a closing bar grab rails on both walls and Disposal being space of 540x 210 mm activity space being 600 by 800 in front of the water closet pan with a clearance column of 465 mm diameter full height doors small shelf above be and hooks at high and low level section four goes on to cover type B fully enclosed Universal toilets minimum dimensions of 1,50 mm X 1685 mm provision of 650 mm clear door opening avoiding clearance space conflicts wash basing hand drying facilities disposal bin and hooks should be included too similar activity space and clearance requirements as type a suitable for integration in Single Sex facilities section five type c uled Single Sex toilet cubicle not self-contained the dimensions here go down to 920 by 1465 mm those should remain at 750 mm of effective clear opening with with a horizontal closing bar if they open outwards grab rails on both side walls and communal hand washing facilities should be provided activity space are 600 by 8 00 mm in front of water closet pan with minimum of 765 mm clear space in front of the water closet hooks Bean space and shelf included similar to type a section six type D Single Sex toilet cubicle not self-contained the minimum space here is 910 910 by 7 1740 mm length doors with clear clear opening should be 750 mm activity and clearance space similar to type c wash basing and drying facilities are communal hooks beans space and shelf as per other types urinal can be included in male toilets following BS 6465 guidance appendix D provides little minimum dimensions and re requirements for fittings and features like was basing grab rails and mirrors to assist in planning compliance spaces in the next episode I'll will move to approve document s material and [Music] workmanship I hope you enjoyed this episode and that consideration of the approved document T toilet accommodation are a bit clearer for you now if you have any question reach out to me on LinkedIn or send me an email I'm more than happy to help you out if bitna we deal with planning designing and managing of your projects and we are always glad to facilitate a free initial consultation to steer you in the right direction visit www.but now.co JK and reach out to us whether your question is if we can help you with your project or what should I do we will be able to give you a piece of non obligatory advice at bitna we help our clients design and execute their dream homes or Investments if your building is falling apart we can also help investigate the reasons behind it and to provide you with an appropriate strategy design and specifications for the repair thank you again for listening please voice up your opinions I'm waiting for you on LinkedIn and I want to hear from you see you next week Bytnar Designs The World Around You, Toodloo!
Piotr Bytnar BEng (Hons) MSc CEng MIStructE
Chartered Structural Engineer who deals with the Architecture of buildings. His Master's Studies led him to an in-depth understanding of risk and contract arrangements in construction as well as specialist knowledge in soil mechanics.
He and his team help homeowners and property developers to design and deliver construction projects reducing waste in time and the cost. He believes that the construction project is an iterative process that can be well managed and it is best managed if all the aspects of the project definition and management are dealt with in-house or coordinated by one organisation. His team works to all stages of RIBA and ISTRUCTE stages of work and enables contractors to deliver projects on-site providing risk evaluations, methodologies for execution of works and temporary works designs.
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