Accessible hygiene rooms are a critical part of making education accessible for all. As schools strive to create inclusive environments, the Department for Education (DfE) plays a pivotal role in guiding the construction and design of school facilities.

Among its technical annexes, Technical Annexe 2A dated November 2022 outlines essential requirements, with particular attention to accessible hygiene rooms—a fundamental aspect often overlooked in educational infrastructure planning. 

What Are Accessible Hygiene Rooms?

Accessible hygiene rooms serve as crucial spaces within schools, catering to students with diverse needs. This includes those with physical disabilities, medical conditions, or sensory sensitivities. Recognising this, the DfE Output Specification outlines comprehensive guidelines to ensure these rooms are not only functional but also conducive to promoting inclusivity and well-being. 

One of the primary requirements highlighted in Annexe 2A pertains to accessibility. The specification mandates that accessible hygiene rooms must be easily accessible, preferably located on the ground floor, and equipped with appropriate entrances to facilitate smooth entry for students with mobility aids or assistance.  

Moreover, ample space within the room is emphasised to accommodate wheelchair users and provide flexibility for caregivers or support personnel. In Primary Schools this is an area of 3m x 3m, a total of 9m2, and in Secondary Schools 4m x 3m giving a floor area of 12m2. 

In addition to accessibility, accessible hygiene rooms must adhere to stringent standards of hygiene and cleanliness. The DfE outlines specifications for flooring, surfaces, and fixtures to ensure ease of cleaning and maintenance, minimising the risk of infection and promoting a safe environment for students with compromised immune systems. 

Furthermore, the technical annexe underscores the importance of sensory considerations. Lighting, acoustics, and ventilation are meticulously addressed to create a comfortable and non-threatening environment, particularly for students with sensory sensitivities or conditions such as autism spectrum disorder. 

Required Equipment

Beyond physical infrastructure, the DfE Output Specification also emphasises the need for appropriate equipment and facilities within accessible hygiene rooms. Based on the Changing Places Specification, the Annexe covers the requirements for the following,

• H frame system hoist system (ceiling mounted or wall mounted) 
• Height adjustable changing couch 
• Height adjustable basin 
• Full Height mirror 
• Drop down grab rails 
• 600mm straight grabrails 
• WC 
• Shower (Secondary Schools only) 
• Height adjustable shower seat (Secondary Schools only)

In conclusion, the DfE Output Specification’s technical annexe A underscores the significance of accessible hygiene rooms in promoting inclusivity and accessibility within educational settings. By adhering to these guidelines, educational institutions can create environments that prioritise the well-being and dignity of all students, fostering a culture of equality and support. 

How to Get Started with Accessible Hygiene Rooms

To assist teaching professionals, OTs, Architects and others, Multicare has produced a comprehensive guide to the accessible hygiene room requirements and their practical implementation. 

To download your free digital copy of this guide, simply fill in the form below, or contact us for a hard copy.

Upgrading hoists can be an expensive business. However there is another option – what if the hoist unit itself could be upgraded, and the track left in place? Well the good news is that this can be done. Here’s 5 considerations if you’re fitting new hoists to old track.

1. Check Compatibility of hoist and rail. In order for the hoist to run on the old rail, the new hoist trolley must be compatible with the existing rails. This should be checked and confirmed that the trolley not only fits in the rail, but that the trolley moves freely around track curves, through gate systems and through switch tracks and turntables if fitted.
2. Safe Working Load. It is important that the hoist has the same Safe Working Load as the rail. The rail system has been designed to take a specific loading, and it is important that eth hoist does not exceed that loading, and put the users at risk.
3. Charging. Check how the new hoist will charge, as if the old rail system has an in track charging system, the new hoist may not be compatible. A modern hoist such as the GH1 has a handset charge system meaning that it can be fitted to any type of pre-existing rail system.
4. Spreader Bar. Ensure that if there are any specific requirements on yor existing spreader bars, these can be also supplied on the new hoist. A hoist such as teh GH1 will have a range of spreader bars to meet differing requirements.
5. Training. If your hosts are being upgraded, consider whether a training session may be required to familiarise staff with the features of the new hoists. Multicare offer a range of training sessions including on line refreshers, face to face and complete manual Handling Training.

Upgrading your hoists by fitting a new hoist on an existing track track offers many benefits at a reduced cost when compared to replacing the whole system.

• Increased lift height – Modern hoists are far more compact than previous generations, so it is highly likely that you will gain significant lift height making transfers safer and easier.
• Faster lifting. The GH1 offers an improved hoisting speed so your staff will save time all day every day when hoisting.
• Improved reliability. A new GH1 will offer vastly improved reliability over your existing hoist. Furthermore you can opt for 3 or 5 year extended warranties, giving you total peace of mind.

Interested in upgrading your hoists systems? Call us today on 024 7647 2600 or fill in the form below.