Here are our top 6 things to consider when planning and designing Changing Places Toilets.

1. LAYOUT

The Changing Places Consortium have published detailed requirements for Changing Places Toilets, including specifications for everything from room size to placement of soap dispensers. These requirements must be followed to ensure that the toilet can be officially registered as a Changing Places Toilet.

With so much to think about, it can be easy to make mistakes during the initial planning and design stages which can affect compliance, including with things as basic as soil pipe placement or the location of an electrical spur.

Our Changing Places Toilet Project Managers are experienced in the planning and design of these fully accessible toilets, can give advice at every stage, and are aware of common pitfalls.

We can assist in the planning and design stages by offering:

 

  • Full turnkey solution
  • One-to-one project support and advice
  • Specifications, BIM and CAD files
  • Site-specific detailed drawings
  • Knowledge of the latest building regulations and recognised standards
  • Design troubleshooting
  • CPD training for Architects and Contractors

The Changing Places Toilet installation at Bath Abbey required us to be flexible and innovative in our layout plan.

2. SAFETY

Safety is paramount with the design and planning of Changing Places Toilets. 

All Astor Bannerman equipment manufactured in the UK is designed to be safe to use and has features to ensure maximum user safety. For example, split guards on the Astor Invincible Changing Table maintain the safety barrier while allowing access for carers, the Astor Aquba Height-Adjustable Washbasin includes an anti-trap sensor as standard, and the Astor Invincible and CTX2-CP Changing Tables are fitted with an emergency stop button.

Our R&D team also go above and beyond with the product testing regime, including testing not formally required.

The safety focussed services we offer include:

• Astor Bannerman equipment testing to required standards and beyond
• Equipment designed with safety as a priority
• Post-installation testing
• Advice on on-going safety checks
• Clear safety signage provided

One of the tests we performed on the Astor Invincible Changing Table was the bounce test.

3. PRODUCT SPECIFICATION

Choosing the right products for a Changing places Toilets is a crucial part of the planning and design process, and various factors need to be considered when making the decision, such as the type of venue, whether the Changing Places Toilet is to be used by the general public, and how it will be used (for showering after sport for example).

Astor Bannerman have been designing and manufacturing equipment for disabled people and their families for nearly 30 years, and we have been involved with Changing Places Toilets for over 10 years. With this wealth of experience, we are uniquely placed in the UK to advise on the appropriate equipment for Changing Places Toilet projects.

Astor Bannerman’s Changing Places Equipment services:

• Full range of Changing Places Toilet equipment
• Improved lead times & flexibility due to being a UK manufacturer
• Equipment designed specifically for public Changing Places Toilets
• Experienced installers and full project management oversight

Astor Invincible

The Astor Invincible Changing Table is the only changing table that has been spcifically designed for public Changing Places Toilets.

4. LOCATION & SIGNAGE

Determining the best location for the Changing Places Toilet within a venue is important to ensure optimum accessibility and visibility for those using it. We understand that it is sometimes difficult to locate the toilet in the best possible location, especially in existing buildings. That is why we are always happy to be involved with a project from an early stage, so that we can support the project team in their decision making.

We also offer a range of internal and external signage options, to ensure that the Changing Places Toilet is visible and easy to find.

Location & signage services:

• Advice on optimum Changing Places Toilet location
• Internal signage to include equipment instructions and safety information provided as standard
• A suite of external wall and door signage options
• Advice on incorporation of Changing Places Toilet information into existing venue signage

5. ROOM AMBIANCE

Functionally, there are certain things to consider, including colour contrast, avoiding shiny surfaces and noisy appliances such as hand-dryers.

However, Changing Places Toilets shouldn’t just be functional rooms – they can also be pleasant places to spend time.

We are happy to advise on the different ways that the ambiance of the Changing Places Toilet can be enhanced. From the best colours to use and themed wall decorations, to equipment and fittings chosen to fit with the venue’s brand.

6. MAINTENANCE

It is vitally important that post-installation, the Changing Places Toilet is regularly checked and maintained. We offer a range of services to assist the venue after the project has been completed:

 

  • Advice on responsibilities under LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) and the Changing Places Toilet regulations
  • Full service contracts available
  • Products designed to minimise maintenance requirements
  • Equipment maintenance checklists included within user manuals
  • Staff training

Our team can provide on-site staff training for all Astor Bannerman equipment.

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