What This Requirement Covers
Changing Places toilets provide facilities for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets, including those who need the assistance of a carer and those who need to use a hoist or changing bench. Since 2021, the Building Regulations require Changing Places toilets in certain new buildings.
Key Requirements
When a Changing Places Toilet Is Required
Under Regulation 15A of the Building Regulations 2010 (as amended), Changing Places toilets must be provided in new buildings or extensions that are
- Shopping centres or retail parks with a floor area of 30,000 m² or more
- Cinemas with 5 or more screens
- Recreation or leisure centres (sports halls, swimming pools, arenas) with a capacity of 2,000 or more
- Hospitals and other healthcare buildings
- Educational buildings (universities with 350+ students, schools with 150+ students)
- Stadia, theatres, and concert halls with a capacity of 350 or more
- Transport hubs (railway stations, bus stations, airports) with more than 1 million passengers per year
Minimum Provision
- At least one Changing Places toilet per building (or one per floor in very large buildings)
- The facility must be located on an accessible route from the main entrance
- Signage must clearly indicate the location of the Changing Places toilet
Room Specification
- Minimum floor area: 12 m² (3 metres x 4 metres)
- Height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench (minimum 1800 mm long)
- Ceiling track hoist (or mobile hoist if the ceiling cannot support a track hoist)
- Peninsular WC (accessible from both sides) with space for a carer on each side
- Washbasin at accessible height
- Emergency alarm cord reaching the floor
- Adequate privacy (lockable door, no overlooking)
- Non-slip floor with a drain
- Shower or rinse facility (recommended)
Practical Compliance Tips
- Check whether your building type triggers the Changing Places requirement at the planning stage
- The 12 m² minimum is challenging to retrofit; plan the location and size from the outset
- Coordinate the ceiling hoist with the structural design; the ceiling must support the hoist and user weight
- Ensure the changing bench is securely fixed and can support an adult; specify a commercial healthcare-grade product
- The peninsular WC layout requires careful planning; ensure there is 1000 mm clear space on both sides
- Register the Changing Places toilet on the Changing Places website so users can find it
- Include the Changing Places toilet in the building management plan for regular cleaning and maintenance