Wheelchair accessible unisex sanitary accommodation - design principles

Wheelchair users should be able to approach, transfer to and use the sanitary facilities provided within a building. This requires the provision of a wheelchair accessible unisex toilet. The relationship of the water closet to the hand rinse basin and other accessories should allow a person to wash and dry hands while seated on the water closet before transfering back to the wheelchair. The space provided for manoeuvring should enable wheelchair users to adopt various transfer techniques that allow independent or assisted use. It is important that the transfer space alongside the water closet is kept clear to the back wall. When transferring to and from their wheelchair, some people need horizontal support rails. The time needed to reach a wheelchair accessible toilet should be kept to a minimum when considering the location of unisex toilet accommodation. Some wheelchair users find it difficult to use a standard height water closet seat and, for them, it is important that the water closet pan can accept a variable height toilet seat riser.