17 March 2025
Door lock colour indicators
The assumption that disabled toilet door lock regulations require indicators to be red and white is incorrect.
There is no specific legal requirement in the UK mandating these colours for accessible and ambulant toilet door locks. However, these UK regulations (Document Part M, Document Part T, BS 8300-2:2018, Disability Discrimination Act 1995) emphasise the importance of high visual contrast to support individuals with visual impairments.
While red and white offer strong contrast and are commonly used, other colour combinations that provide sufficient contrast are also acceptable. However, using colours other than red and white is generally less common practice.
An example of a colour contrast that would not be acceptable is red (indicating occupied) and green (indicating vacant), because these colours are too similar in hue, making them difficult to distinguish for individuals with certain visual impairments, particularly those with red-green colour blindness.
High Visual Contrast
The disabled toilet door lock regulations highlight the need for adequate visual contrast to assist all users, particularly those with visual impairments.
“High Visual Contrast” means that the accessible door lock, accessible toilet door handle, and pull bar door handle should be a noticeably different colour or shade from the accessible door itself.
For example:
- A black handle on a white door provides strong contrast.
- A silver handle on a light grey door may not be as easily visible.
To ensure easy identification, all door-opening hardware should stand out visually against the door surface.
According to Colour Blind Awareness, there are approximately 3 million people in Britain who are colour blind. This is why it is essential to focus on contrast and colours, ensuring that any chosen combination meets accessibility guidelines and supports those with visual impairments effectively.
Braille Signage
Braille signage and tactile indicators are used to ensure that individuals who are blind or partially sighted can easily locate and operate the washroom.
However, according to a 2024 survey done across the UK by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), only around eight percent of people who are registered blind or partially sighted use braille.
Their survey also revealed that nearly 90% of blind and partially sighted braille users agreed that braille enhances their sense of independence.
Although disabled toilet door lock regulations do not explicitly require braille, incorporating braille door furniture can still enhance accessibility, ensuring that ambulant and accessible washrooms are as inclusive as possible.
Locking and unlocking
Door handles and other architectural ironmongery must comply with the locking and unlocking requirements specified in disabled toilet door lock regulations.
Locking and Unlocking Main Features:
- As per Document T, toilet cubicles, toilet rooms, and universal toilets should be fitted with light action privacy bolts to accommodate users with varying levels of dexterity and strength.
- Any lock or latch must be designed for one-handed operation, allowing users to activate it with a closed fist, without the need for twisting or grasping.
- Wherever possible, lever action handles should be used in conjunction with locks and latches to enhance accessibility.
- Rising butt hinges help wheelchair users close the door behind them upon entering the WC compartment while also ensuring the door fully shuts, allowing the lock to engage securely.
Emergency release door stop
All doors to sanitary facilities, whether they open inwards or outwards, must be designed to allow emergency access from the outside if someone inside has collapsed against the door and cannot move.
This can be achieved by using pivot hinges alongside an emergency release door stop and an accessible door lock that can be operated externally.
Privacy lock emergency release
A door with a privacy lock, like the Dolphin Accessible Thumbturn, must include an emergency release that can be operated from the outside.
This can be effectively achieved with an emergency release mechanism, such as a specially designed key or a coin operated slot, allowing quick access when needed.
Inward opening doors
Although accessibility regulations and standards prefer outward-opening doors, there may be situations where this is not possible. In existing buildings, however, inward-opening doors should only be used if no feasible alternative is available.
An inward-opening door should have a double-action pivot hinge and an externally operable emergency release mechanism, allowing it to be opened outward from the outside when necessary.
Accessible Toilet Door Hardware Dimensions
Designers need to adhere to disabled toilet door lock regulations while also ensuring that toilet handles and pull bars are properly placed and easy to use.
These commercial washroom fittings should be designed for minimal effort, allowing one-handed operation and accommodating users with limited arm strength to promote a seamless and accessible experience.