Regulations Revised for Changing Places Facilities

Apr 18, 2023

The Irish Government published ‘SI 608 of 2022 – Building Regulations (Part M Amendment) Regulations 2022’ on the 2nd of December 2022. As a result, Part M of the Second Schedule of the Irish Building Regulations is changing from the 1st January 2023 (subject to a number of transitional arrangements).

There will now be five requirements of the regulations M1 to M5, the main changeof which will be M4 which is the introduction of Changing Place Toilets. 

 

What is a Changing Place Facility?

 A Changing Place toilet goes beyond a conventional wheelchair-accessible toilet in that it includes additional features including height adjustable adult-sized changing bench, and peninsular toilet (toilet has enough space on both sides for assistants). This allows a person with a disability and assistants more space and the right equipment to take care of personal hygiene, in safety and comfort.

  

The changes to the regulations include the following:

• An 1,800mm x 1,800mm clear space to be provided outside the changing place facility. A 2,000mm x 1,800mm clear space shall be provided internally.
• The outward opening door must have a minimum clear width of 1,000mm (clear of obstructions). A 600mm leading edge must be provided on the pull side.
• The Changing Places room size should be a minimum 4,200mm x 3,000mm, excluding heat emitters, skirting, tiles and boxing in of pipework. The size of the space helps facilitate a person with a disability and up to two carers.
• Changing Places meet the needs of people with a range of abilities who may require assistance and provides specific equipment including an adult changing bench, peninsula toilet and tracking hoist. A shower should be provided where showering facilities are provided within the building.
• Note: A Changing Place Facility is an addition and not an alternative to an Accessible WC, Accessible bathroom / shower rooms and other changing and / or showering facilities

 

What buildings does it apply to?

Changing Places Facilities applies to buildings where sanitary facilities have been provided for use by building users (other than staff members). Dependant on size criteria, Changing Place toilets should be provided in hospitals, day centres, place of assembly for social or recreational purposes, sports facilities, roadside service facilities, schools, third level education, travel terminus, offices, shops, shopping centres/ retail parks, hotels and public sanitary facilities.

 

When does it come into effect?

It applies to new works, material change of use, or where the works commence or change of use take place on or after 1 January 2024.

The revised regulations do not apply to works commencing before or on the 31 December 2023, where the works, or buildings are the subject of:

• A planning application made on or before 31 December 2023 for planning permission or approval under the Planning and Development Act 2000.
• A notice of a proposed development under Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001
• A fire safety certificate or a disability access certificate under the Building Control Regulations, in respect of the works or buildings, has been granted on or before 31 December 2023
• Where the structure of the external walls has been erected by 31 December 2025

comments powered by Disqus