11 March 2025
Ambulant Toilet Pull Bar Handle
As per Document Part T, accessible toilet door hardware dimensions for a fully enclosed self-contained ambulant universal toilet and ambulant single-sex toilet cubicle (not self contained), pull bar door handle dimensions include:
- Horizontal closing bar dimensions must be a minimum of 60mm from the inside of the bar to the door face.
- Width of the closing bar must be a minimum of 500mm.
- Installation height is a minimum of 900mm above the finished floor level.
- Pull bar handle should be between 19mm–35mm in diameter.
Wheelchair accessible door pull bar handle
For wheelchair unisex toilets, accessible toilet door hardware dimensions include:
- As per BS8300, this horizontal closing bar must be greater than or equal to 45mm from the inside of the bar to the door face.
- Width of the closing bar is typically between 300mm to 600mm.
- Installation height is a minimum of 800mm to 1 050mm above the finished floor level, though 900mm is preferred.
- Pull bar should be between 19mm–35mm in diameter.
Vertical pull bar handle dimensions
If installing a vertical pull bar handle on an accessible door, the bottom end of the pull handle must not be lower than 700mm and not higher than 1000mm above the floor.
The top end of a pull bar handle should not be installed lower than 1 300mm above the floor.
The diameter for the pull bar handle should be 19mm to 35mm.
Pull bar handle designs
Accessible regulations and standards typically illustrate the standard “D” pull handle; however, alternative designs are also acceptable if they meet the specified accessible toilet door hardware dimensions requirement.
Other pull bar door handle designs include:
Dimensions for door lever handles
As per BS8300, accessible toilet door hardware dimensions for handicap accessible door handles and wheelchair accessible door handles apply to all types of door levers:
- Hand grip zone (shaded) of at least 95mm.
- Hand grip zone at least 45mm from face of door.
- Lever diameter at least 19mm.
- Lock/latch backset at least 54mm from door edge.
- Start of hand grip zone at least 63.5mm set back from door edge.
- Disabled toilet door handle height is between 800mm to 1 050mm from the finished floor level, although 900mm is preferred.
Lever door handle designs
Architects are not limited to a specific design of lever handles for ambulant and accessible toilet doors but the selected handle must meet the accessible toilet door requirements outlined in BS 8300-2:2018 and Approved Document Part M with 2024 amendments.
Other pull bar door handle designs include:
Key considerations for Accessible WC ironmongery
Architects must consider key factors such as accessible toilet door hardware dimensions, ease of use, emergency access, accessible door thumbturn lock, and user independence when specifying accessible door hardware.
From opening door furniture that requires no twisting or grasping to emergency release mechanisms that allow quick access in case of an incident, every detail of an accessible toilet door handle plays a role in making a wheelchair washroom or ambulant cubicle truly accessible.
If you are designing an accessible commercial washroom and would like expert guidance, speak with a Dolphin washroom consultant today. They will walk you through all the essential accessible toilet door hardware dimensions, requirements, and commercial washroom accessories to ensure your commercial washroom design meets every necessary standard.