Changing Places Toilets: planning guide

Considerations

There are several important things to think about when planning to build a CPT. It is important to consult expert organisations as well as specialist CPT supplier companies. The Changing Places Consortium provide a free CPT Practical Guide which includes planning and design advice, equipment and environment specifications and technical advice, management and maintenance guidance and the legislative background for CPTs.

Identifying an appropriate space for your CPT

A CPT requires a minimum space of 4 x 3 metres (12m2). This provides adequate manoeuvring space for wheelchairs including larger-powered wheelchairs or adapted and customised wheelchairs. It also gives space for several carers and/or family members to support the individual.

The height of the ceiling must be a minimum of 2.4 metres to accommodate the hoisting of an individual.

Other factors to consider are the availability of disabled parking spaces at your venue and the accessibility of the routes to the CPT.

Consulting stakeholders

When planning the provision of a new CPT, consultation with relevant organisations and individuals will help with the design process and in the selection of equipment. This will ensure that

the facility meets a wide range of needs. It might be useful to contact organisations and people such as:

• PAMIS;
• local and national disability groups;
• local and national carers’ groups;
• local authority access officers and equalities teams;
• Access Consultants or Auditors – a list of which is available from the National Register of Access Consultants;
• occupational therapists; and,
• third sector organisations.

Planning, design and equipment

In most cases, venues considering building a CPT will need the services of an architect or building surveyor to prepare the plans and obtain the relevant statutory consents. There is also a range of specialist CPT suppliers who offer a full design and planning service. Most specialist CPT suppliers provide a site visit service and can provide costings for the provision and/or installation of equipment.

They can also often find solutions in older buildings which may have challenges regarding the space available.

The Changing Places Consortium offers a list of CPT providers as well as the CPT Practical Guide, which contains example designs showing several different room arrangements and detailed information on key elements such as lighting and décor, assistance alarms, types of changing benches, maximisation of manoeuvring space and correct installation of the hoist. The guide also provides comprehensive equipment and environment checklists and covers all aspects of the design process.

It is also recommended to seek advice from a fully qualified access consultant to assist with broader accessibility issues.

PAMIS can review CPT plans to ensure that they meet the required criteria for registration.

Maintenance and management of a CPT

Efficient management and maintenance of the CPT is essential to their day-to-day operation and sustainability. Good management includes regular cleaning and servicing of equipment as well as provision of clear signage and instructions on the use of specific equipment. Staff training is important particularly for front-of-house, cleaning and security staff.

For guidance on how best to train staff or to engage the services of a qualified trainer, contact PAMIS and the Changing Places Consortium.

Regularly testing alarm systems and ensuring risk assessments are in place is also important.

Certain regulations govern the frequency and type of maintenance, for example, hoists need to be serviced and maintained in accordance with Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations.

The level of security required for a CPT will vary depending on the location and management of the facility. The CPT Practical Guide includes information on maintenance and management.

Promotion and registration

Once a CPT is nearing completion and ready to open to the public, it is highly recommended to register the facility with the Changing Places Consortium. The Consortium can add details of the facility to the CPT interactive map and assist in its promotion. Only registered CPTs can use the official branding and appear on the map. In all cases, instructions explaining how to access the CPT should be displayed on the venue’s website.