Toiletmap's Frequently Asked Questions
The decision about security is one for the venue installing the CP toilet. After undertaking a risk assessment some venues prefer open access, some use a Radar key, some use access via an information point, some have membership schemes which offer greater security. See our Security and Access page (click here) and also our Signage page (click here)
Thousands of people with profound and multiple learning disabilities cannot use standard accessible toilets. They need support from one or two carers to use the toilet or to have their continence pad changed. Standard accessible toilets do not provide changing benches or hoists. Most are too small to accommodate more than one person. Without Changing Places toilets, the person with disabilities is put at risk, and families are forced to risk their own health and safety by changing their daughter or son on a toilet floor.
Changing Places toilets are different to standard disabled toilets with extra features and more space to meet these needs. Each Changing Places toilet provides:
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The right equipment:
- A height adjustable adult-sized changing bench.
- A tracking hoist system, or mobile hoist if this is not possible.
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Enough space:
- Adequate space in the changing area for the disabled person and up to two carers.
- A centrally placed toilet with room either side for the carers.
- A screen or curtain to allow the disabled person and carer some privacy.
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A safe and clean environment:
- Wide tear off paper roll to cover the bench.
- A large waste bin for disposable pads.
- A non-slip floor...
Estimated equipment costs for a Changing Places toilet are £12,000 - £15,000 including VAT. Equipment costs will vary depending on the specific equipment chosen. We are not able to estimate a total cost for the whole Changing Places toilet because other costs involved will vary depending on the venue. For example:
- Building costs if structural changes need to be made to an existing building.
- Maintenance costs.
- Security costs.
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Mobile height adjustable changing bench (with side safety rail) Hydraulic (manual version) £2,000 - £4,000 approximately VAT Carriage charge/delivery may apply.
Hoist - X/Y tracking hoist including track, motor and installation to cover a 2.5 x 2.5 metre room £3,000 approximately. This must be based on individual assessment of the fittings required to meet the structural requirements of the building.
Alternative fittings may increase costs. Motor to accommodate higher weight limits may incur higher costs. Grab rails - Drop down grab rails. 2 rails - wall mounted £80 - £120 approximately VAT Installation charges may apply Height adjustable wash hand basin - You may also like to consider installing a height adjustable wash hand basin (this is not essential for a Changing Places toilet)
Height adjustable wash hand basin on horizontal track - Hydraulic mechanism 2 metre track Includes basin, flexihose and mono mixer tap. £1,200 approximately VAT Installation charges may apply
Find out how to contact equipment manufacturers. VAT relief for disabled people. There is VAT relief available for individuals or certain types of charities for installing sanitary facilities. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has a designated advice service on VAT relief for charities and disabled people.
On the Find page type in a City, town, village, street or post code into the search box.
Different organisations will be responsible for different Changing Places toilets depending on how and by whom they were installed. Local authorities, other public sector or private organisations may all have installed a Changing Places toilet in your area.
Why not sign up to our on-line forum and talk to the many campaigners across the UK who have lots of information to share at: (click here). Find out more about campaigning for Changing Places toilets at: (click here)
No. A Changing Places toilet must have room either side for carers (a peninsular toilet). British standard BS:8300 recommends a minimum space of 1 metre between the nearest wall and the centre of the toilet. Please email or call us at the Changing Places consortium if you want to discuss and specifications in more detail.
The following information regards Section 106 agreements and potential funding via local authorities to provide Changing Places toilets (England and Wales only):
The local council authority can enter into a Section 106 agreement, otherwise known as a "planning obligation", with a developer where it is necessary to provide contributions to offset negative impacts caused by construction and development. Examples of contributions range from the provision of affordable homes and new open space to funding of school places or employment training schemes. Contributions could also include the provision of Changing Places toilets. The developer can either implement these or make payments to the council for them to be carried out. All Section 106 agreements must be relevant to the development they relate to. The council and planning applicants can use the Section 106 Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to guide negotiations for Section 106 planning contributions. Contributions may be required before planning permission can be granted.
Members of the public have the opportunity to be involved in Section 106 planning obligations and make representations to the planning authority for each planning application. Representations often include suggestions by members of the public for projects which may mitigate the impact of a new development on an area. Residents or businesses living and working adjacent to a development site will receive a letter at the start of the planning application process detailing who they can contactif they wish to make representations An example A developer constructing 30 new flats will be required to pay Section 106 planning obligations for infrastructure to support the new residents living in the development. The authority will seek to secure a number of planning obligations including:
- Payments towards new school places.
- Additional health facilities.
- Improvements to the streetscape.
- Improvements to the open space.
- Public transport improvements.
No. British Standard BS: 8300 includes a shower in its Changing Places information and this is recommended, especially in certain settings eg: a sports centre or swimming pool. It is not however compulsory for a Changing Places toilet to have a shower in order to register the facility on the Changing Places website. If installing a shower be aware that you will require appropriate floor drainage as waste water from a shower trolley may contain faecal matter.
To find out if there are sources of funding available to help you pay for the cost of installing a toilet (click here)
If you already have a Changing Places toilet at your venue, to find out how to nominate your venue for a prize at the Annual Loo of the Year awards (click here).
Yes it is possible to hire a mobile Changing Places toilet unit (click here).
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