It is vital that toilet modifications are designed and modified correctly to make them accessible and useable by people with disability. The following are the primary standards that set out the design and fit out of accessible toilets:
- Australian Standard 1428.1, Design for access and mobility, Part 1: General requirements for access—New building work
- Australian Standard 1428.2, Design for access and mobility, Part 2: Enhanced and additional requirements—Buildings and facilities.
Access to Premises guidelines and information are also now available via the Australian Human Rights Commission website. Links to this information can be found in our relevant links section.
Toilet modifications within the workplace can assist a person to access and use toilet facilities independently or with help. Toilet modifications can include:
- provision of clear identification signs in alternative formats such as, information displayed in tactile and braille including the international symbol for access
- widening doors and circulation spaces within the toilet
- provision of grab rails, sinks, mirrors, taps and paper towel holders which can be reached and accessed by persons using a wheelchair
- toilet door modifications ensuring they are easy to open, close and lock.
All building modifications need to be approved by local council and, consultants and building surveyors may be employed to provide additional information regarding access and building modifications.
More information on building modifications for persons with a disability can be found at the links below:
References
Standards Australia 2001, AS 1428.1, Design for access and mobility, Part 1: General requirements for access—New building work, Standards Australia, Sydney.
Standards Australia 1992, AS 1428.2, Design for access and mobility, Part 2: Enhanced & additional requirements—Building facilities, Standards Australia, Sydney.
Australian Human Rights Commission 2011, Access to buildings and services: Guidelines and information, Australian Human Rights Commission, Sydney, viewed 10 November 2011, http://www.hreoc.gov.au/disability_rights/buildings/guidelines.htm.
Australian Human Rights Commission 2011, Access to premises, Australian Human Rights Commission, Sydney, viewed 10 November 2011, http://www.hreoc.gov.au/disability_rights/buildings/access_to_premises.html.
Association of Consultants in Access Australia Inc. 2010, Policies, Acts & Regulations, Association of Consultants in Access Australia Inc, Sydney, viewed 10 November 2011, http://access.asn.au/policies_acts_regulations.