Changing Places

Requirements

Changing Places Legal Requirements and Regulations

Changing Places are governed by the British Standard Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment. The standard “brings diverse advice together to provide a definitive source of authoritative recommendations on the inclusive and accessible design of buildings”.

The standard was published on the 27th February 2018, and recommends that Changing Places toilets should be provided in larger buildings and complexes, such as:

major transport termini or interchanges, e.g. large railway stations and airports
motorway services
sport and leisure facilities, including large hotels
cultural centres, such as museums, concert halls and art galleries
stadia and large auditoria
shopping centres and shopmobility centres
key buildings within town centres, e.g. town halls, civic centres and main public libraries
educational establishments
health facilities, such as hospitals, health centres and community practices.

Download our Changing Places Action Handbook

There are further duties placed on public bodies to reduce discrimination and ensure equality. Relevant laws include;

The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 which introduced the Disability Equality Duty (DED) requiring public authorities, including government departments, to consider how their policies and practices affect disabled people.
The Equality Act 2010 introduces the Public Sector Equality Duty which brings together the DED with other existing duties (on race and gender). It also covers age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, pregnancy and maternity, and gender reassignment. The new duty came into force on 5 April 2011.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a duty on employers to “ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all their employees”.

How to Comply

Prior to opening your Changing Places facility you should carry out a full risk assessment.

You should not place responsibility on staff to provide assistance to users for the Changing Places. Visitors are expected to be accompanied by a carer or assistant who is familiar with the user’s needs and is able to provide the care needed.

It is recommended that an emergency alarm is fitted so that users can raise the alarm in the event of an emergency.

Any equipment installed should be regularly checked, maintained and tested in accordance with the manufacturer guidelines, and relevant legislation. (E.g. LOLER 1998)

Easy to read instructions should be provided for all equipment, including necessary information such as Safe Working Load for the hoist and Changing Bench.

Room Size and Space

A Changing Places room must measure at least 4m x 3m with a non-slip floor. It must be well lit, and be a consistent temperature.

Access can be controlled in a number of ways, many organisations choose to use a RADAR key. However some installations require users to obtain a key from a reception desk or other manned area.

Equipment Overview

Ceiling track hoist system
Height adjustable changing couch 1800mm long
Wash hand basin (Preferably height adjustable)
Full length mirror
Colostomy shelf
600mm vertical grab rail
Privacy Screen
Drop down support rail
Standard height toilet with flush lever
Emergency alarm cord and reset button
Large hygiene roll
Shower unit
2 sets of three coat hooks
Paper towel dispenser
Soap dispenser
Waste bin
Sanitary disposal bin

About Changing Place

Changing Places Equipment

Contact Us for Advice

About us

Who we are

Knowledge Base

Blog

Services

Products

Online shop

My Account

Policies

Multicare Medical Ltd

Progress House
Jacknell Road
Dodwells Bridge Industrial Estate
Hinckley
LE10 3BS

Call us 024 7647 2600

[email protected]

Contact

© 2023 Multicare Medical Ltd - Registered in England and Wales No. 08565494.
Registered Office: Progress House, Jacknell Road, Dodwells Bridge Industrial Estate, Hinckley. LE10 3BS