Introducing the updated Toilet Accommodation: Approved Document T Guidance

A requirement for separate single-sex toilets in non-residential buildings in England took effect on the 1^st of October 2024 with Approved Document T. Here we explore the implications on the design and layout of toilet facilities and what it means for professionals involved in the built environment.

In May 2024, the previous UK government announced the revision of Approved Document T, introducing new requirements for single-sex toilet facilities and those that change use, aiming to alleviate concerns regarding safety, privacy, and dignity.

The publication follows a 2020 Call for Evidence, which attracted approximately 17,500 replies, and a subsequent consultation in 2023. The consultation produced results highlighting that 81% of respondents advocated for provision of separate single-sex toilet facilities in applicable buildings and 82% for the installation of universal (for use by any gender) toilets.

The approved document requires that non-residential developments provide designated single-sex toilets. Universal (non-designated) toilets are permitted if this criteria is met, or if the building is too small to accommodate single-sex provision.

When will Toilet Accommodation: Approved Document T be enforced?

Toilet Accommodation: Approved Document T came into effect on the 1^st of October 2024, supporting new requirements and complemented by new revisions to Approved Document G: Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency and Approved Document M: Access to and use of buildings.

Key Areas and Amendments to Approved Document T

Section one emphasises the importance of security, privacy, and safety in toilet facilities, by ensuring comprehensive signage and design layout. Universal toilets (defined as toilets for use by any gender) are an enclosed space including a toilet, sanitary facilities and a sink, confined into a cubicle. The intention behind of Part T is that universal toilets can be provided once the provision for designated single sex facilities are met. Where space precludes the provision of single-sex toilet facilities under Approved Document T, fully enclosed universal toilets should be fitted.

Approved Document T does not define the number of toilets, but it does describe the recommended size, layout, fittings, and equipment required for universal and single-sex toilet, as well as the layout, dimensions, and fittings required.

Guidance on the design of wheelchair-accessible unisex toilets and WC cubicles for ambulant people with disabilities is provided in Approved Document M (ADM). Additionally, ADM describes the sanitary provision that should be made for baby changing and Changing Places-standard toilets.

It is important to note that Approved Document T does not apply to dwellings, schools, premises used for early years provision, cells in custodial facilities, or en-suite toilets in individual rooms for residential purposes at, for example, hotels and care homes.

Part T introduces improvements to the spatial and detail design for fully enclosed toilets and cubicles, particularly for those that are accessible to people with ambulant disabilities. The improvements in the overall design of ambulant accessible toilets allows more people to use them than before.

Approved Document T and accessible toilet provision

Approved Document T does not acknowledge accessible toilets to the same degree as other best practice documents including the Good Loo Guide, BS8300, and BS6465 Sanitary. These best practice documents further acknowledge the need for consideration of decibel levels of hand driers, provision of sanitary products, and other measures that can be taken to go the extra mile to ensure that toilet facilities are welcoming and inclusive to all users.

Motionspot Inclusive Design Consultants can also support to understand how to ensure toilets remain accessible and inclusive.

How will Approved Document T revisions impact projects?

Transitional arrangements exempt work in progress. As such, the new guidance and legislation will not apply if a building notice, initial notice, or application for building central approval (with full plans) has been given for permission by the relevant authority prior to the 1st of October 2024. If work has already started before this date or has sufficiently progressed within six months of the October date, the revised legislation will not apply.

Motionspot and Approved Document T

Motionspot is experienced in understanding all the latest legislation and guidance as it impacts the design of the built environment and inclusion. Our Inclusive Design Consultancy services support clients to meet and exceed regulations and create inclusive, accessible, and welcoming spaces for people with any protected characteristics. Contact Motionspot to discuss your project requirements and whether Motionspot can support.

Approved Document T Key Terms

Universal toilet: A universal toilet is intended for use by all; such facilities are defined as being provided in a fully enclosed room that contains a toilet itself along with a washbasin and hand-drying facilities, for individual use by persons of whatever sex. Universal toilets can be provided in addition to single-sex facilities where space allows, and where there is insufficient space for single-sex toilets then fully enclosed universal toilets should be provided.

Single-sex toilet: Toilet facilities intended for the exclusive use of persons of the same sex, and with washbasins and hand-drying facilities in either the toilet room or cubicle, or in a separate area intended for use only by persons of that sex.

Wheelchair-accessible unisex toilet: A toilet room that can be used independently by a wheelchair user of either sex, by a disabled person and at times by a toilet user with support from someone of the opposite sex. Unisex means the toilet is not sex specific.

Changing Places toilet: Facilities designed for individuals with complex and multiple disabilities who may require the assistance of up to two assistants.

Ambulant self-contained toilet: A room or building that contains a toilet and may also contain a washbasin, for use by ambulant people. A room for one person only used by either an ambulant disabled person or any person who can walk but with reduced mobility, or by other people who would benefit from a larger toilet cubicle with grab rails, such as people with luggage, people with a sports injury or pregnant women.

Ambulant single-sex toilet cubicle: A ventilated compartment not self-contained, used only by people of the sex identified at the entrance to the toilet room, with no washbasin, for use by ambulant people. A compartment for one person only used by either an ambulant disabled person or any person who can walk but with reduced mobility, or by other people who would benefit from a larger toilet cubicle with grab rails, such as people with luggage, people with a sports injury or pregnant women.

Toilet provision for men and women: call for evidence - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk

Toilet provision in buildings other than dwellings: a technical consultation paper - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)