In response to a growing trend towards ‘gender neutral’ toilets, Government has published a consultation on a new Part T of the Building Regulations that deals with toilet provision.
The proposed new Part T in Schedule 1 of the Building Regulations will require the provision of separate single-sex restrooms for men and women in new non-domestic structures, with either shared single sex or individual washing facilities. It will also require that where universal toilets are provided, they are fully enclosed for both privacy and safety reasons.
Importantly, these changes won’t alter the current guidance for accessible toilets or sanitation provisions. The government’s aim is to clarify toilet specifications and counter the rise of gender-neutral facilities.
The proposals are for new non-domestic buildings to have separate single sex toilets and accessible toilets, with the option of ‘universal” toilets in addition.
These regulations are prospective, impacting new construction work rather than existing structures.
Read an online article on Part by Hywel Davies HonFCIBSE at www.cibsejournal.com. The consulation is at bit.ly/CJPartTPr
