Wheelchair users and ambulant disabled people should be able to wash or bathe independently or with assistance from others. The positioning of the bath in relationship with other bathing facilities is therefore paramount to the users needs. Consideration of room/cubicle layout is important to ensure that the user maintains independence and privacy.

Part M of the Building Regulations addresses the requirements for considerations for bathing facilities in buildings such as hotels, motels, relatives’ accommodation, in hospitals and student accommodation.

Layout requirements include provision for a special bath that is 480mm high with access for a mobile hoist

A transfer seat of 400mm depth and equal to the width of the bath should be provided

An emergency assistance pull cord/alarm system, easily identifiable and reachable from the bath or from the floor must be provided

For guidance on positioning of grab rails and fittings associated with a bath see diagram below.

Detail guidance on bathing facilities, including mobile and fixed hoists can be found within BS 8300.