A peninsular WC layout should be provided with a clear circulation space provided around the pan. The space either side of the WC pan is to allow for Personal Assistants/Carers to assist on both sides of the WC pan. Refer to Figure 4 for the clear space required in front of and on each side of the WC pan. A distance of 750mm should be provided from the back wall to the front of the WC pan.
Wall-mounted drop-down support rails and vertical grab rails should be provided on both sides of the WC pan. The top edge of the drop-down rails should be 680mm high above floor level. Refer to Figure 4 for the location of wall-mounted drop-down support rails and vertical grab rails on both sides of the WC pan.
A toilet paper dispenser should be provided on at least one of the drop-down support rails and preferably on both drop-down support rails. Wherever possible, dropdown support rails should be height-adjustable as this offers greater flexibility.
Vertical rails should be a minimum of 600mm in length.
Image 5 A simulated image of a peninsular WC pan arrangement.
The WC pan should have a seat height of 480mm above floor level. In some building types for example day centres, health-care settings, or schools a different height WC pan may be preferred.
Where high- or low-level cisterns or concealed cisterns are provided, a rail with a padded back rest should be provided. Where a flat topped close-coupled cistern is used, the cistern should be adequate to also act as a back rest.
Providing a separate colostomy shelf is preferred to using the WC cistern as a shelf. This is to ensure that a hygienic and safe space is provided for personal care items, which can include not only colostomy care items, but also sanitary pads, wipes, hygiene products, incontinence wear and personal protective equipment (PPE). Refer to Section 7.20 for further guidance on the provision of shelves.
The following additional provisions should be considered in consultation with users:
- A height-adjustable WC pan:
A height-adjustable WC pan offers flexibility in use. People of shorter stature may prefer a lower WC pan height. Others may prefer a higher WC pan height for example to make the movement from sitting to standing easier.
- An automatic ‘wash and dry’ WC pan:
An automatic ‘wash and dry' WC pan removes the need to wipe after toileting and may be preferred by users for a number of reasons including cultural preferences, enhanced dignity in care or limited reach-range to wipe.
Image 6 Example of a height-adjustable WC pan, courtesy of Pressalit
Figure 4 Changing Places Toilet WC Pan Circulation Space and Fittings
Key
A. Vertical grab rail ∅ diameter 35mm
B. Drop down rail ∅ diameter 35mm
C. Padded back rest
D. WC pan
E. Personal care shelf
F. Alarm reset button
G. Alarm pull cord
H. Privacy screen
Eq. Equal distance
Note: All dimensions in millimetres.