What is accessible toilet hire? Accessible portable toilets are larger units designed for wheelchair users and people with mobility needs, featuring wide-access doors, interior grab rails, lowered fixtures, and a ramp for wheelchair entry. They meet BS 8300 accessibility requirements and start from around £45 per week including servicing. Any public event or construction site with workers or visitors who have mobility needs should provide accessible facilities.
Accessible toilet provision is both a legal requirement in many situations and simply the right thing to do. This guide covers when you need accessible units, what features to look for, and how to position them properly at your site or event.
When Do You Need Accessible Toilet Hire?
The Equality Act 2010 requires service providers and employers to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people. For events open to the public, this means providing accessible toilet facilities as standard. For construction sites, accessible facilities should be provided where reasonably practicable, particularly if any workers have mobility needs.
In practice, the following situations should always include accessible portable toilets:
- Any public event - festivals, county shows, fetes, sporting events, markets
- Wedding receptions at venues without existing accessible facilities
- Construction sites where any worker has a mobility impairment
- Film and TV productions open to the public or with cast and crew requiring accessible facilities
- Corporate events and functions
Even if you do not expect attendees or workers with mobility needs, it is best practice to include at least one accessible unit. You cannot predict who will attend a public event, and providing inclusive facilities from the start avoids problems on the day.
Features of an Accessible Portable Toilet
Accessible portable toilets are not just bigger versions of standard units. They are specifically designed to accommodate wheelchair users and meet formal accessibility standards. Key features include:
Wide-Access Door
The door opening is wide enough for a standard wheelchair to pass through comfortably. Doors typically open outwards to maximise interior space and make entry and exit easier.
Interior Grab Rails
Sturdy grab rails are fitted on both sides of the toilet to help users transfer from a wheelchair to the seat and back. These rails are positioned at the correct height according to BS 8300 standards.
Lowered Fixtures
The toilet seat, hand wash basin, mirror, and hand sanitiser dispenser are all positioned at a height accessible from a wheelchair. This means users can reach everything they need independently.
Wheelchair Ramp
A ramp at the entrance allows wheelchair users to enter and exit without assistance. The ramp gradient meets accessibility standards so it is manageable for self-propelling wheelchair users.
Interior Space
The unit interior provides enough turning space for a wheelchair. This is significantly larger than a standard portable toilet and allows users to manoeuvre, close the door, and use the facilities comfortably.
Positioning Accessible Units
Where you place accessible toilets is just as important as having them. Poor positioning can make an accessible unit effectively unusable.
Place accessible units on firm, level ground. Soft ground, gravel, or slopes make wheelchair access difficult or impossible. If your site has uneven terrain, choose the most level spot for your accessible units and ensure the approach route is also accessible.
Position accessible units alongside your standard toilets rather than in a separate location. Segregating accessible facilities can feel exclusionary and may mean disabled attendees have to travel further than everyone else.
Make sure the route to the accessible unit is clear of obstacles - cables, guy ropes, steps, and narrow gaps between barriers can all prevent wheelchair users from reaching the facilities. Signpost accessible units clearly so people can find them quickly.
How Many Accessible Units Do You Need?
For most events, one accessible unit per 75 standard toilets is a reasonable minimum. In practice, this means:
- Events with up to 500 guests - at least 1 accessible unit
- Events with 500-1000 guests - at least 2 accessible units
- Large events with 1000+ guests - discuss requirements with your hire company
If you know a higher proportion of your attendees will need accessible facilities - for example, events specifically serving older people or disability groups - increase the number accordingly.
Accessible Toilets on Construction Sites
The CDM 2015 regulations require adequate welfare facilities for all construction workers. If any worker on your site has a mobility impairment, accessible toilet facilities should be provided. This applies equally to directly employed staff and subcontractors.
On construction sites, accessible units are often positioned near the site entrance or welfare area for easy access. They should be on hardstanding or firm ground and kept clear of materials storage and vehicle movements.
Welfare units can sometimes accommodate accessibility needs depending on the specific requirements of the individual worker. Talk to your hire company about the best solution for your site.
Cost of Accessible Toilet Hire
Accessible portable toilets start from around £45 per week, which includes weekly servicing. This is slightly more than a standard portable toilet due to the larger unit size and additional features, but it is a small cost relative to the legal and moral obligation to provide inclusive facilities.
Delivery and collection costs are the same as standard units. Accessible toilets fit on a standard delivery vehicle and are set up by the driver on arrival.
Choosing a Provider
When hiring accessible portable toilets, check that the units genuinely meet accessibility standards rather than just being larger toilets labelled as accessible. Ask about grab rail positioning, ramp gradient, door width, and interior turning space. A good provider will be able to confirm their units meet BS 8300 requirements.
Ask about servicing too. Accessible units need the same regular servicing as standard toilets - emptying, cleaning, restocking - and the ramp and grab rails should be checked for stability at each visit.
We provide accessible portable toilet hire across Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey and London. All our accessible units meet BS 8300 standards with wide-access doors, grab rails, lowered fixtures, and wheelchair ramps. Call us on 01635 745095 or get a free quote online.