Regarding soap dispensers in accessible toilets, what do English regulations recommend?
Approved Document M mentions two matters that would affect soap dispensers: contrast and location.
1) Bathroom fittings must have enough contrast among them and with the floor or walls, so that people with visual impairments or other conditions (dementia) can distinguish them.
Every surface has a LRV (light reflectance value) score. The difference between two finishes should be at least 30 points according to Document M. For example, white (85) can be combined with brushed stainless steel (45), but not with beige (70).
2) Several drawings illustrate in Document M how the toilet appliances and accessories have to be placed and at what distances. Diagram number 19 describes a unisex wheelchair-accessible toilet with a corner WC. As you can see, the soap dispenser (SD) is located above the washbasin, at 800-1000mm from the floor.
For what these regulations say about taps, we can also conclude that soap dispensers should be easily operated by all type of users.
This information has been shared following the Open Government License v3.0 of Document M.
Please, note that our interpretation could have mistakes. For further details about this, please, read the source text or consult a professional.
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