Changing Places facilities are typically installed in public venues to ensure that everyone, regardless of their access needs or disability or reliance on the assistance of carers or specialist equipment, can use a toilet facility with dignity and hygienically.

The Changing Places consortium, established in 2005, continues to work tirelessly and campaign to support the rights of people with disabilities. At the heart of the campaign is the call for Changing Places toilets to be installed in all big public spaces so that people can access their community.

In July 2020 the government announced that from January 2021, Changing Places facilities are mandatory in all new public buildings within certain parameters. With the help of Government funding through the DLUHC (Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities), we are seeing a huge number of Changing Places toilets being retrofitted into a wide range of venues across the UK.

What Size Should a Changing Places Toilet Be?

Changing Places toilets have specific requirements which are laid out in British Standards: BS 8300:2009 recommends that a Changing Places toilet should be at least 12 square metres in size, for instance 3m wide by 4m long, and have a minimum ceiling height of 2.4m.

These recommendations safeguard the provision of the right equipment, adequate space and, more importantly, a safe, clean, and accessible environment.

This specification is intended to ensure that larger buildings and complexes meet the needs of disabled people and is recommended for implementation in large airports or railway stations, health and leisure facilities, education establishments, shopping centres and any other key building within a town or city including libraries, town halls, museums, or concert venues.

Find out more in our blog – What size should a Changing Places facility be?

What Equipment Is Required in a Changing Places Toilet?

People may be limited in their own mobility so need equipment to help them with their toileting, hygiene, and care necessities, and it’s vital that there’s adequate space for a wheelchair and one or two carers.

A Changing Places toilet needs to include specific equipment to meet with minimum standards.

Every Changing Places toilet is required to provide the following equipment:

• A height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench that can lift 200kg (31 Stone)
• A ceiling track hoist on a XY track system that can lift 200kg (31 Stone)
• A privacy screen or curtain
• A large basin with a thermostatic tap, preferably mounted to a height-adjustable bracket, placed at least 1m away from a wall
• A raised height toilet placed at least 1m away from a wall

The smaller furnishings in a Changing Places toilet can easily be overlooked in the design. Items such as grab rails, clinical waste bin and a colostomy bag shelf are all necessary requirements.

Find out more in our Changing Places project series – Changing Places – what equipment do I need?

What Does a Compliant Changing Places Facility Look Like?

Watch our video which explains the compliance requirements of a Changing Places install.