As outlined in Section 6.3, it is important that disabled people can easily gain access to a Changing Places Toilet without having to overcome complex security arrangements or depend on security staff to open the facility. Ideally, a Changing Places Toilet should be left unlocked when not in use as this makes it easy for disabled people to access and use.
For safety and security purposes, on-site security staff and the use of external closed-circuit TV can be a way of monitoring the use of the Changing Places Toilet. Attention to obligations pursuant to data protection law is necessary when installing CCTV. For further information refer to The Data Protection Commission.
Where a Changing Places Toilet is locked for security reasons, the following measures should be in place:
- A management strategy with arrangements to ensure that user access is available as and when it is needed. This strategy should consider that some users may require urgent access to a Changing Places Toilet
- Staff training, see Section 8.4
- Accurate pre-visit information on any security arrangements in place should be promoted and provided. If a door lock is required to prevent un-authorised access, information should be provided in advance about the type of lock and key in use (for example a Radar or Abloy universal key) and where to go upon arrival to obtain the key to the Changing Places Toilet
- Gathering feedback from end-users, making any necessary improvements regularly and ensuring access is well maintained
- Security arrangements for users to easily gain access to the Changing Places Toilet including for example the:
- provision of a universal key system: Where a universal key system, for example a ‘Radar’ or ‘Abloy’ universal key, is in place for Changing Places Toilets, guidance on where to obtain a key should be displayed at information points and at customer services desks to facilitate visitors/customers who do not possess a universal key.
- provision of complementary keys, where there are regular users of the centre or facility wherever the Changing Places Toilet is located.
- identification of complimentary systems to a door lock. For example, alternative ways of gaining access to the Changing Places Toilet (fob access; keypad code; access via mobile phone, utilising new technologies).
- provision of an accessible intercom at the entrance to the Changing Places Toilet as a way for people to contact building management to gain access to the Changing Places Toilet. The design of the intercom should be accessible to all users.