Ambulant Toilets – Building with Inclusivity

Ambulant Toilets – Building with Inclusivity:

Deciphering AS1428.1-2009 for Compliant Ambulant Sanitary Facilities in Australia

Creating an inclusive and accessible built environment is a fundamental responsibility for designers and builders. As Australian trained and certified access consultants, we understand the necessity of bringing your construction projects up to, and surpassing, the guidelines stipulated by Australian Standard AS1428.1-2009.

The focus of our discussion zeroes in on providing a compliant ambulant sanitary facility—specifically adhering to Clause 16 of the AS1428.1-2009. The term ambulant disability refers to people with a wide range of disabilities who are not regular wheelchair users. This could include people who have diabetes, epilepsy, cancer, arthritis or walking stick users. These people require support but not necessary support of a fully accessible facility.

About AS1428.1-2009, Clause 16

The AS1428.1-2009 standard constitutes an integral part of Australian regulations aimed at championing easy access within architectural designs for individuals with varying abilities. Clause 16 of this standard, in particular, delves into the specifications concerning ambulant sanitary compartments, providing detailed instructions on their design and placement. For example the 900mmx 900mm circulation space in front of the toilet pan and external to the cubicle. 

Understanding Ambulant Sanitary Facilities

Clause 16 stipulates that an ambulant sanitary facility provides a width of 900-920mm and a minimum depth of 900mm in front of the WC pan, providing wider doorway access and increased internal area compared to conventional toilets, although it maintains a smaller size compared to fully accessible toilets. These facilities are indispensable for those who may find common hindrances challenging but do not necessitate the larger space typified by a fully equipped accessible toilet.

Essential elements for construction of an ambulant facility include a door of minimum width 700mm, strategically situated toilet pans, supporting grabrails on either side of the toilet, and clear signage plus anti-slip surfaces according to the AS 4586 standards. These specifications are designed to improve safety, comfort, and functional simplicity for users. 

Implementation Guide for AS1428.1-2009 BY Decision Easy

Comparison with Accessible Unisex Toilets

In contrast, accessible unisex toilets, which follow the AS1428.1-2009 guidelines, are robustly equipped to cater to a diverse range of users, including people using wheelchairs or those relying on a carer’s assistance. These facilities necessitate a minimum clear area sizing of 2300mm x 1900m, (toilet circulation space only) enabling effortless navigation for wheelchair users. Their design comprises in-room sinks, proportioned grabrails, a backrest, and lower-laid mirror.

These toilets provide increased space compared to ambulant sanitary facilities, accommodating a broad spectrum of user needs, from those with movement impairments to those necessitating the accompaniment of a carer. 

Implementation Guide for AS1428.1-2009 BY Decision Easy

Distinguishing the Differences

Although both ambulant sanitary facilities and accessible unisex toilets are crafted considering accessibility guidelines, their utility, size, provided facilities, and the degree of accessibility vary considerably.

Ambulant sanitary facilities are positioned between regular/ generic toilets and fully accessible toilets and are designed to serve those temporarily or periodically having difficulty with movements, such as those with conditions like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or recovery post-surgery.

Accessible unisex toilets, conversely, are designed to cater to a wider array of physical conditions and often necessitate the continued assistance of a carer. The heightened space requirements allow for wheelchair turning, dual-directional access to the toilet, alongside providing extra amenities catering to the needs of diverse users.

The Role of Importance

Ambulant sanitary compartments bring with them an essential requirement, specifically bridging the gap for individuals who utilise mobility aids such as walking frames or crutches.  These compartments effectively close the gap between standard and fully accessible toilets, delivering the vital supportive infrastructure for users who don’t require a larger accessible toilet yet need more support than what standard facilities offer.

An ambulant sanitary facility is a type of toilet facility designed for people who are able to walk, but may still require support due to conditions such as arthritis, limited mobility, pregnancy, and other conditions that don’t require full wheelchair accessibility.

An individual with mobility impairments, such as a person suffering from severe arthritis or Parkinson’s disease, could require an ambulant toilet. This person might have difficulty with movement, including walking or standing, and hence, the supportive features of an ambulant toilet such as support rails could greatly assist them in maintaining their safety and independence.

Decoding Clause 16 Guidelines

Unpacking the pertinent guidelines outlined in Clause 16, we can derive a comprehensive plan to design compliant ambulant sanitary facilities:

1. Dimensions: Such a facility needs to have a width of 900-920mm and an unobstructed clearance of 900mm in front of the pan for seamless manoeuvrability and support.

2. Doorways: The door needs to meet a minimum width of 700mm.

3. Grab Rails: Essential to install on both sides of the toilet. Each rail and fastener must be sufficiently sturdy to withstand an 1100N force from any direction, with a minimal 50mm clearance and a maximum of 60mm from the adjacent wall.

4. Hand Basins: Though not a mandatory requirement within the compartment, if included, they should not encroach on the necessary circulation space.

5. Signage: Clear designated signage should be prominently displayed inside and outside the compartment.

6. Coat hook: The compartment should house a coat hook situated between 1350mm and 1500mm from the floor.

7. Slip-resistance: All flooring inside the compartment should meet a slip-resistance classification as per AS 4586 for wet areas.

8. The distance between doorways in vestibules and air locks on a path of travel to ambulant toilets shall be in accordance with Figure 34(B) of AS1428.1-2009 – i.e. minimum 900mm clearance between successive doors.

An All-Inclusive Approach

Understanding and implementing these standards are crucial to building a compliant ambulant sanitary facility. It’s not just about legal compliance, it’s about promoting inclusivity, and ensuring comfort and ease for all users.

It is also good practice to periodically audit your facilities to ensure they remain compliant as wear and tear, or design updates occur.

Take time to review your design, consult with experts, engage users – incorporate feedback loops for continuous improvement. Remember, these standards are a minimum requirement – innovation and exceeding compliance can create superior, human-centered solutions leading towards a more inclusive society.

We hope this guide provides a comprehensive overview of designing an ambulant sanitary facility as per Clause 16 of the AS1428.1-2009. Your journey towards creating a more accessible and inclusive environment is just as important as the destination.

Let’s build a better, more inclusive world, one ambulant sanitary facility at a time.