How to create a toilet for people with reduced mobility?
The installation of a toilet for disabled people in a public building must comply with the standards of the Building and Housing Code (Articles R 111-19-7 / R. 111-19-11). A public building that complies with disability standards must take into account four types of disability: motor, sensory (hearing and visual), mental (cognitive and psychological).
The TOILET FOR PEOPLE WITH A REDUCED MOBILITY (PRM) 2022 standard is based on the law of 11 February 2005 on equal rights and opportunities, participation and citizenship for people with disabilities, and decrees for existing buildings (2014) and new buildings (2017).
To fit out a disabled toilet or a PRM bathroom with a toilet, you need a room measuring at least 1.50 m by 2.10 m and a PRM toilet grab bar, placed at a height of 70 to 80 cm. Every detail is important for the accessibility of a PRM toilet. You must therefore also consider toilet accessories and products, such as soap dispensers, which must be placed at a maximum height of 1.30 m.
Toilets are one of seven areas that must be accessible in restaurants, hotels, schools, care homes for the elderly, theatres, etc., along with the entrance, reception area, signage, circulation routes and car park.
It is important to note that a disabled or accessible toilet must comply with standards that set out specific criteria or make recommendations.
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Disabled toilet standards
The PRM standard for toilets facilitates entry, exit, use and manoeuvring in a wheelchair. Everything must be taken into account, including the height of the PRM toilet paper dispenser (from 90 cm to 130 cm). There is a wide range of equipment available to ensure that toilets comply with PRM standards, such as toilet armrests and lifts. All equipment must be particularly sturdy to ensure that disabled toilets are reliable and safe.
There are many precise standards for disabled toilets, but you often have several options to make the space accessible and comfortable. Whether you opt for a wall-mounted or conventional toilet for people with reduced mobility, you may need a washlet toilet seat or to change the taps on the washbasin or the bin fixings. These rules also make it easier for elderly people (and in some cases children) to use the toilet.
Ideally, a PRM toilet should be covered with a non-slip coating to prevent falls. Disabled toilet standards are the same as those for public buildings in general, with flooring that complies with standard XP P 05-011. In addition, compliant flooring should not cause any visual or noise discomfort. Any carpet should have a lip of less than 2 cm.
For obese people, Identités offers XL/XXL commode chairs.
Dimensions of disabled toilets and height
The dimensions of disabled toilets are regulated to ensure sufficient space for wheelchairs, but also to provide comfort and make the toilet easy to use.
The dimensions of toilets for people with reduced mobility must allow enough space between the toilet and the door to manoeuvre a wheelchair (minimum diameter of 1.50 m). The passage width must be at least 85 cm. The washbasin must be at a height of 70 cm. The disabled toilet rail (side support rail) must be 40 or 45 cm from the toilet bowl. A toilet seat raiser, if necessary, allows the toilet to be raised to a height of 50 cm for PRM users.
A raised toilet for disabled users is essential, in accordance with the standard, for a height of between 45 and 50 cm. When designing a toilet for people with reduced mobility, also consider a sturdy and ergonomic toilet seat. Please note that the standard covers other aspects besides the dimensions of toilets for people with reduced mobility, such as the flush. There are sometimes no strictly defined rules, as for the size of toilets for people with reduced mobility, but these elements are mentioned in the regulations.
A study may be necessary, but a sample disabled toilet plan often helps to visualise the necessary fittings.
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All disabled toilet fittings at Identités
Identités offers a wide range of equipment to create a standard-compliant disabled toilet, as well as for access to baths and showers, for private individuals and professionals. The requirements vary depending on whether the building is existing or new. The regulations are more flexible for existing buildings, with several exemptions possible, for example, in the event of feasibility or financing issues.
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The disabled toilet standard sets benchmarks and dimensions, but many public buildings are improving their toilets for people with reduced mobility with additional solutions. Beyond the official requirements, going to the toilet when you have a disability is not easy, and there are many good practices worth considering.
In particular, toilets for disabled people could be better signposted and the passageway to them could be clearer. Finally, compulsory training in welcoming disabled people in public buildings with more than 200 employees is available to other establishments that wish to raise their staff's awareness of the needs of people with reduced mobility.
