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In a place welcoming the public, it is essential to choose the right equipment so that it is durable and functional for each user. This is why there are standards that must be respected, particularly in the ERP. The most important standard is the first one that we are going to mention, the PMR standard, which is intended for people with reduced mobility.
Communal toilets must allow wheelchair users enough room to manoeuvre easily. For this manoeuvring space count on a diameter of 1.5m where no object would hinder the passage of a wheelchair, it should be able to turn without any problem, preferably even 2m in diameter. Let's not forget that a user's comfort is the priority.
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Then make sure you follow these few essential rules:
For each level of an establishment that receives the public, it must have a sanitary facility equipped with a toilet with a washbasin adapted for PRM.
Toilets suitable for wheelchair users should be placed with the other toilets, not apart from them. Of course this works when the toilets are grouped together, but it is possible to have toilets on the whole floor.
Similarly, if the toilets are separated into male and female toilets, PRM toilets must be provided for each side.
It will be necessary to think of equipping the PRM bathroom with elements such as a mirror, a soap dispenser, a hand dryer... They must of course be accessible while seated on a wheelchair, approximately 130cm maximum from the floor for the soap dispenser.
Doors should always open outwards to allow space inside, for use spaces the dimensions are 130x80cm with the grab bar to help the user use the toilet should be 40-45cm from the toilet bowl.
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The equipment
In communal sanitary facilities, there are a number of facilities that are essential for their proper use. We find :
The Toilets
Toilets are used by everyone and must be adapted for children and adults, with urinals, Turkish toilets etc. There is a wide range of options to offer you comfortable solutions, suitable for collective use and for all budgets.
As far as materials are concerned, there are many possibilities with different advantages and budgets.
Porcelain, a natural material made from clay and minerals, offers a wide range of shapes and colours at affordable prices. Maintenance is fairly simple, but it is quite fragile, which makes it unsuitable for use in public buildings.
Glazed ceramic will be a more viable option for communities, although care must be taken as it is still quite fragile.
Stainless steel can be a real option as it is very resistant and easy to maintain. Its disadvantage is the price, which will be higher than the two previous options.
The basins
For communities, we will talk about washbasins, as several washbasins will be needed so that users can wash their hands together. Nowadays, solid surface is the material of choice for public areas. Resistant, antibacterial, easy to maintain and repairable if it breaks, solid surface is a solution that requires a good budget but will pay for itself in the long term.
Stainless steel alternatives can also be found, but these will give a very cold and unattractive look. They are generally used on building sites or in places with little maintenance.
Gel coat is also an option, although it lacks aesthetics and in this case resistance for intensive use. Like solid surface, it cannot be repaired, which can be a big disadvantage on a washbasin of several meters that would have to be changed completely.
As you can see, solid surface is still the best asset for a collective bathroom with an aesthetic worthy of the most beautiful bathrooms you can find. Many styles are available, a basin that will fit the size of the top or several basins in a row, classic colours such as white or black or unique colours for you to choose from.
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Taps and fittings
The tapware is also important, used almost every day by many people, if the tap is not of good quality, it will have to be changed regularly or repaired, which is rather inconvenient in a place that receives the public.
We recommend wall-mounted taps to simplify the cleaning of the washbasin, as there is no need to go around the tap. This will also add to the aesthetics of your washbasin, making it appear more streamlined. There are many wall mounted taps with handles or for communities it may be interesting to install wall mounted taps with motion detection, however beware it will be more fragile.
If you would like more information or if you have a project for a community, please contact us and we will be happy to advise you.