How Big is an Accessible (Disabled) Toilet

One size does not fit all!

One of the most common questions we get asked in our office is “how big or what is the size of a disabled toilet or shower”? or more correctly “how big are accessible toilets and showers”? This simple question, however, is not easily answered due to the number of variables that affect the overall size. The guiding legislation we use when designing an accessible toilet is Australian Standard AS 1428.1-2009 Design for access and mobility – General requirements for access – New building work In determining the size of an accessible (disabled) toilet we have to consider

• WC location and required circulation
• Hand basin and required circulation
• Shower location and circulation
• Door type, location and required circulation.

Do Cafes & Restaurants need to provide Disabled (accessible) Toilets

We get asked this question allot.

BCA Table F2.3 Sanitary Facilities in Class 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 OR 9 Buildings states:

Sanitary facilities need not be provided for patrons if the total number of persons accommodated in the building is not more than 20.

This same clause talks about the provision of toilets for Patrons and Staff so we can only, therefore, conclude the reference above ‘number of persons‘ must include staff and patrons.

Therefore if there are 20 or more staff and patrons, an accessible toilet must be provided for use by staff and patrons.