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Universal Washrooms

In our last article, we explored guidelines in the federal built environment standards for accessible washrooms in buildings. In this article, we explore guidelines in the standards for universal washrooms.

Universal Washrooms

A universal washroom is a large, single-stall washroom with a toilet and sink. These spaces are accessible for people entering a washroom along with their:

Moreover, in old buildings where accessible gendered washrooms cannot be retrofitted, universal washrooms may meet people’s needs instead.

Requirements for paths of travel, controls, fixtures, grab bars, and accessories in other washrooms apply to universal washrooms. Furthermore, the standards include measurements for the area of universal washrooms. People should have enough room to transfer from assistive devices onto toilet seats, with the help of support persons if needed. If a building has more than one (1) universal washroom, at least one (1) washroom should have transfer space on the left side of the toilet. Conversely, at least one (1) washroom should have transfer space on the right side of the toilet.

In addition, the door of a universal washroom should have a:

  • Power-assisted door opener
  • Lock on the inside
  • Key to unlock the door from the outside in an emergency

Moreover, signage on universal washroom doors should include:

  • The international pictogram of access
  • An all-gender pictogram, or male and female pictogram
  • Instructions for finding the key, in case of an emergency

Universal washrooms should also have emergency call systems. The standards list requirements for the locations of emergency call buttons. For example, a button must activate audio and visual alarms both inside and outside the washroom. Furthermore, a call button must have tactile signage stating that the button will activate these alarms.

Sinks in universal washrooms should always have counters. In addition, a universal washroom should also have at least one (1):

  • Shelf
  • Hook

Adult Change Tables and Change Benches

Some universal washrooms may also have adult change tables or change benches. If a building has more than one (1) universal washroom, signage on each washroom door should indicate:

  • Whether the washroom includes an adult change table
  • If not, the location of the nearest washroom with an adult change table

The standards list measurements for change tables and change benches, including:

  • Length
  • Width
  • Height ranges
  • Weight they can support
  • Length and placement of a horizontal grab bar
  • Transfer area

Surfaces should be:

  • Easy to clean
  • Smooth
  • Free of sharp edges or corners

Change tables and benches should have shelves nearby for people to place their supplies. Moreover, change tables should be height-adjustable. The standards provide measurements for the placement of height-adjustment controls.

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