Accessibility: public restrooms for everyone!

How can public toilets be made accessible to everyone, able-bodied and disabled alike? Aimed at manufacturers and project owners, the new edition of the French voluntary standard P99-611 proposes four configurations.

Accessibility, dimensions, hygiene, user safety... The French voluntary standard P99-611, originally published in 1992, has been revamped. The aim is to guarantee a safe, reliable, clean service for everyone! The issue of accessibility has been the common thread running through this new version, emphasizes Yves Bozelec, president of the BNBA (wood and furniture standardization office, under the authority of AFNOR) standardization commission. Street furniture that enhances the atmosphere and cleanliness, but also road architect at the Paris City Planning Department. The revision work was initiated following a request from associations that assist people with disabilities. Professionals also expressed the need to update this voluntary standard, which had become obsolete.

Because since 1992, a lot has changed. . Particularly in terms of accessibility. Since 2005, Law No. 2005-102 has made it mandatory for establishments open to the public and public transportation to be accessible to people with reduced mobility. Since then, new regulatory requirements have been introduced to reinforce this law.

Manufacturers, public authorities, local authorities... Professionals from all walks of life have worked together to develop a new version that takes into account these regulatory changes and technical developments. , emphasizes Yves Bozelec.

Public restrooms: hygiene, safety, accessibility

Published in early January 2018, the new version of the French voluntary standard P 99-611 proposes four types of toilets according to their degree of accessibility, with different functions and uses. Accessible from both sides or without turning inside... The four configurations offered enable manufacturers and project owners to best meet the needs of users, both able-bodied and disabled, as well as the expectations of local authorities. All types of disabilities are taken into account, including visual impairments. For example, visual contrast is essential to facilitate the detection of certain equipment and the reading of signage or information. , concludes Yves Bozelec.

Other major changes have been made to voluntary standard P 99-611 on hygiene and safety. Automatic cleaning must now cover the entire public toilet: toilet bowl, floor, lower walls, etc. As for user safety, recommendations are issued on visibility, isolation, and presence detection.

For manufacturers and project owners, the voluntary French standard P99-611 is a major asset that sets them apart in calls for tenders by offering accessible public toilets that comply with current regulations.