Dyson Airblade hand dryers in disabled | accessible toilets

I have recently conducted both an onsite audit where a Dyson Airblade was installed and a desktop audit where one of these units has been specified.

It is my opinion that Dyson Airblade hand driers should not be used within accessible (disabled) toilets as they are not usable by  a person with a disability.

Photo of Dyson Airblade installed within an accessible toilet Also note the tap provided is not compliant)

Whilst Australian Standard AS1428.1, clause 15.4.3 nominates the height for hand dryers that are provided within accessible bathrooms, it is silent on the design of such fittings.

15.4.3 Soap dispensers, towel dispensers and similar fittings Where provided, soap dispensers, towel dispensers, hand dryers and similar fittings shall be operable by one hand, and shall be installed with the height of their operative component or outlet not less than 900 mm and not more than 1100mm above the plane of the finished floor, and no closer than 500mm from an internal corner.

We therefore have to adopt “best practice” when assessing such a fitting and in this instance we have chosen to compare it to a wash hand basin as their front on use is very similar.

The key issue is “reach range”

The reach distance for an individual in a wheelchair is in excess for them to both reach forward and insert their arms, this is physically impossible in a wheelchair.