In May 2004, government via Building Regulations introduced a revision to Part M which saw a raft of changes not only for disabled people but includes;

wheelchair users
ambulant disabled
people with babies and small children
people with learning difficulties, visual or hearing impairments 
people who lack tactile sensitivity

Although these changes to the Building Regulations mostly relate to commercial premises, major refurbishment and new housebuild, many of the objectives can be related for inclusive design in the domestic market, which is covered by a new fact sheet ‘Independent Living’ (click to download the PDF)

Part M of the Building Regulations takes into consideration the latest requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and addresses the main considerations that should be included in the provision of sanitary facilities. Attention to hot taps, WC cubicle doors, opening mechanisms, door widths and position of light switches should all be considered to ensure that bathing facilities meet the needs of all people.

Bathing products, wall and floor coverings must all contrast in colour to distinguish between different surfaces

Where there are more than 4 cubicles within male and female washrooms, one should be an enlarged cubicle to assist people with babies, small children, large bags and ambulant disabled. The cubicle must be 1200mm wide, have one horizontal and one vertical grab rail set around the W.C., a shelf and folding baby changing table – unless a separate facility for baby changing is available

Standard cubicles must have a minimum of 450mm diameter manoeuvring space within the cubicle when the door is open. All doors must either open outwards or be capable of being lifted off from the front to guard against cases where people have collapsed against the door. Indicator bolts and doors must be capable of being operated with a closed fist and the indicator bolt should contrast with the surface of the door

Wheelchair accessible unisex facilities must not be used to double as baby changing areas

For hotel bedrooms that are deemed wheelchair accessible there must be a 50:50 split between bathrooms with showers and bathrooms with baths

An emergency assistance call system must be installed.
Reference to other regulations should be considered with the above guidance notes:

Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 for WC requirements and terminal fittings compliance

For guidance on the provision of sanitary facilities in a sports building please refer to ‘Access for Disabled People’

For more detailed guidance please refer to BS 8300

Health and Safety Executive on slip resistance surfaces

BS 5395: Slip Resistance Floor Surfaces. 

The Bathroom Manufacturers Association has provided the above information as an indicator to the contents of Part M of the Building Regulations, but stresses the importance of contacting your local Building Regulations department for clarity to any issue if the reader is unsure.

The Bathroom Manufacturers Association via its fact sheet ‘Independent Living’ aims to address the main issues associated with the inclusive design for the bathroom in the home.

The BMA is the Trade Association which represents the interests of 87% of the manufacturing base in the UK for bathroom products, from Sanitaryware, Baths, Taps to Shower Valves and Enclosures. Our current membership consists of 38 major manufacturers, of which 20 members provide over 1100 bathroom products for the ‘Special Needs’ market. 
Manufacturers are always keen to work with related bodies and individuals to address the myriad of issues facing people with particular special needs.

A series of ‘fact sheets’ aimed at helping the consumer to choose the right products can be freely downloaded, please select the fact sheet button on the main menu.

Please feel free to contact the Bathroom Manufacturers Association to share your opinions on inclusive design and independent living associated with the bathroom. Email your comments to living@bathroom-association.org.uk don’t forget to include a return email address.