What is the difference between ambulant and accessible washrooms?

Reading time: 4 minutes / Updated: September 30, 2022

There are two types of accessible washroom cubicles to accommodate wheelchair users and those with limited dexterity or mobility – these are called ambulant and accessible washrooms. Sometimes there is confusion around which type of accessible cubicle must be included in a washroom design to remain compliant with regulations.

Dolphin Solutions supplies Doc M packs and Doc M sets that accommodate both types of accessible washrooms, and from our experience in helping designers with their accessible washroom needs, we can help you by explaining the difference between each type and what it means to have a compliant Doc M washroom.

In this article, we will elaborate on the difference between wheelchair-accessible and ambulant accessible washrooms, what each include, and briefly touch on accessible washroom regulations.

To learn more go to our Learning Hub or Click our Contact Page above

What does an accessible washroom include?

A wheelchair-accessible washroom is essentially the same design concept as a superloo. It includes all the washroom fittings in one self-contained cubicle, such as the hand rinse basin, mirror, waste bin, tissue paper dispenser etc.

But what’s more, they include specific fittings required by law, such as an alarm pull cord, alarm reset button, and grab rails. Each fixture and fitting must conform to accessible layouts and dimensions as specified in BS 8300 and Doc M standards.

Learn more about what is included in a Doc M pack in our learning hub.

What does an ambulant cubicle include?

The fittings in an ambulant toilet are known as a Doc M set. The set includes stainless steel accessible essentials such as grab rails, a padded back rest (for cubicles with concealed cisterns), and two clothing hooks.

If the toilet cubicle accommodates a flat-topped close-coupled cistern, then the WC acts as a back rest and provides the space for a colostomy bag changing surface for standing users.

Enlarged ambulant accessible cubicles may have extra fittings such as a hand rinse basin, paper towel dispenser, mirror and shelf.

Accessible washroom regulations

Under the Equality Act 2010, all organisations have a duty to provide accessible goods and services. Whichever accessible washroom is the preferred approach, you must ensure to familiarise yourself with the various regulations and recommendations to accommodate users with different needs. There are also design and layout provisions that must be adhered to depending on the type of accessible toilet in the building.

You can find the various regulations and British standards that relate to designing an accessible washroom in:

• Document Part M – Access to and use of buildings
• BS 8300-2:2018 – Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment – Buildings. Code of practice

Washrooms should accommodate accessible or ambulant toilet cubicles because suitable sanitary accommodations should be available to everybody, including wheelchair users and people with ambulant impairments.