FAQs

Changing Places Toilets in Scotland FAQs

Where can I find out more about what Changing Places Toilets (CPTs) are and who might need them?

Further information on CPTs can be found in the PAMIS Support Hub.

You can also visit the UK Changing Places Toilets Consortium website at www.changing-places.org.

What does a CPT look like?

You can find images, case studies and example floor plans by visiting PAMIS’ Changing Places Toilets Support Hub. You can also visit the Changing Places Toilet UK website.

How much does it cost to install a CPT?

The cost of installing a single Changing Places Toilet (CPT) will depend on the site, whether you are putting the toilet in an existing building or installing a modular based toilet, and whether you are eligible for VAT relief. Recent evidence suggests the approximate cost of installation could be between £45,000-£90,000. Costs are likely to be higher for remote and rural areas. We recommend contacting a specialist supplier of Changing Places Toilets for individual quotations.

What is the difference between an accessible toilet and a CPT?

Thousands of people with various disabilities, cannot use standard accessible toilets. They need additional carer support to have their personal care needs met. Standard accessible toilets do not provide changing benches or hoists. Most are too small to accommodate more than one person or larger powered wheelchairs. Without Changing Places toilets, the person with disabilities is put at risk, and families are forced to risk their own health and safety by changing their loved one on the floor.

A standard accessible WC is designed for independent use by an individual. Grabrails are located to the side and rear of the WC, aiding self transfer between a wheelchair and WC. There is usually insufficient room for assistants.  Standard accessible WC’s are designed to facilitate a standard wheelchair but are unlikely to accommodate, for example, a larger powered wheelchair or those fitted with additional head or leg supports. Many independent wheelchair users would be unable to use a CPT due to the peninsular toilet and differing grabrail configuration. As a result, an accessible toilet and a Changing Places Toilet cannot be combined as they are for different users.

The British Standards for Changing Places toilets details that CPT facilities should be provided in addition to and not as replacement for standard accessible toilets. See also the FAQ below relating to statutory requirements in Scotland. 

Each Changing Places toilet must provide:

The right equipment:

• a height-adjustable, adult-sized, freestanding changing bench
• a ceiling tracking hoist system with full room coverage
• a centrally placed (peninsular) toilet with room either side for the carers
• a screen or curtain to allow the disabled person and carer some privacy

Enough space:

• 12sqm in size (3mx4m) to provide adequate space in the changing area for the user and up to two carers.

A safe and clean environment:

• wide tear off paper roll to cover the bench
• a large waste bin for disposable pads
• a non-slip floor

For project specific advice, discussions with local authority building standards departments and planning professionals are essential for site specific advice to determine whether installing a CPT requires statutory consents and for further guidance on the need to have both an accessible toilet and a Changing Places toilet.

Is there a statutory requirement on the owners of publicly accessibly buildings to provide a CPT in Scotland?

There are existing statutory requirements for certain types and size of public buildings to include a Changing Places Toilets in Scotland:

1. Section 41B of the Town and Country Planning Scotland Act 1997, as amended by The Town and Country Planning (Changing Places Toilet facilities)(Scotland) regulations 2020 .
2. Scottish Building Standards includes a statutory duty for certain public buildings to include a CPT. Please refer to the latest edition of the Scottish building standards technical handbook 2019 for non-domestic buildings, clause 3.12.13 for the most current details. The Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 apply to the design, construction or demolition of a building, the provision of services, fittings or equipment in or in connection with a building, and the conversion of a building. The building regulations contain building standards that must be met, these functional standards are supported by guidance in the Scottish Technical Handbooks, which include the need to provide a CPT based on the qualifying categories below:

“3.12.13 Changing Places Toilets

A Changing Places Toilet (CPT) provides sanitary facilities suitable for use by people that have more complex care needs and will also assist many other people for whom standard accessible sanitary facilities, for reasons of form or size, are not adequate. Accommodating such a facility within smaller buildings is often not proportionate and in some cases may not be reasonably practicable. In recognition of this, provision of a CPT is sought in larger buildings to which the public have access.

Provision of a CPT should be in addition to, not instead of, the provision of standard and accessible sanitary accommodation. A CPT should be located to provide easy access for users, taking into account factors such as security or payment barriers and the access route to and within the building.

New Construction – a Changing Places Toilet (CPT) should be provided on construction of

 Toilet (CPT) should be provided on construction of: 

1. a) A retail building (shop), assembly building or entertainment building, or a building combining any of these uses, which:

• is over 5,000 m², or 

• has a capacity of more than 1,000 persons, or 

• contains a swimming pool. 

1. b) A hospital, or
2. c) A secondary school providing community facilities.

Conversion or Extension – where a Changing Places Toilet (CPT) is not already present within a building, one should be provided where a building in any of the above categories is created by conversion or where such a building is extended such that its gross floor area increases by 25% or more. “

The building regulations do not apply to existing buildings unless new work triggers the above increase in floor area in the specified building types.

Where the building regulations identify the need for a CPT, this is in addition to the other sanitary facilities that the Technical Handbook advises and this will be dependent on the building type and the scale of the refurbishment and or extension/conversion.

The building warrant applicant should always speaking directly with their local authority building standards departments to discuss project specific details to ensure any additional facilities including the possible need for an accessible toilet as well as a Changing Places Toilet have been considered.

There is also a code of practice providing guidance on Changing Places toilets for those involved in the design of buildings. This is contained within British Standard (BS) 8300.  The code of practice recommends that CPT facilities should be provided in larger buildings with public access and further details key room and door width dimensions as well as equipment layout and dimensions. The British Standards also details that CPT facilities should be provided in addition to and not as replacement for standard accessible toilets.

As stated above, discussions with local authority building standards departments and planning professionals are always essential for site specific details to ensure any additional facilities have been considered.

I am looking for planning advice and technical guidance to help me design a CPT. Where can I find technical guidance and example plans?

You can visit the PAMIS Support Hub where you will find lots of helpful documents including the Changing Places Toilets Practical Guide – the key document for advice and guidance which contains floorplans and design guidance. You can also find information within the Scottish Government’s Changing Places Toilets Planning Guide. You can also find an example room layout document as well as a helpful equipment and environment checklist below:

CPT Scotland Example Room Layout Plan

CPT Equipment and Environment Checklist

For project specific advice, discussions with local authority building control officers, architects and other planning professionals are always advised for site specific advice. 

PAMIS also recommends contacting a specialist supplier of Changing Places Toilets as early as possible into your project for specialist advice and guidance.

What is required as part of any ongoing maintenance of the Changing Places Toilet equipment?

Certain regulations govern the frequency and type of regular maintenance. Hoists need to be serviced and maintained in accordance with the  Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) and Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998  

These regulations relate to the examination and maintenance of lifting equipment, but only for equipment used at work. However, where the Health and Safety at Work Act applies to non-employees, the Health and Safety Executive has stated that it would expect the standards associated with these regulations to be adhered to.

The Changing Places Toilet Consortium recommends that all specialist equipment should be fitted, regularly inspected and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Hoists and some adult sized changing benches will need to be serviced and maintained in accordance with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) It is the responsibility of the building management to ensure this takes place. We recommend that:

1. A programme of regular inspections, maintenance and servicing of all moveable and motorised equipment should be implemented.
2. Accurate records of all equipment tests, inspections and servicing should be kept.

For site specific advice and guidelines costings we advise contacting a specialist supplier of Changing Places Toilets who can provide you with more information about what is required for your facility. Please refer to the list of recommended suppliers available at the PAMIS Support Hub. Some suppliers offer a maintenance package and will be able to give tailored advice and site specific quotations.

Is there a map to find nearby CPTs and how do I register my new CPT?

There is a Changing Places Toilet website with a map showing all the facilities across the UK: https://www.changing-places.org/find

The map helps users find their nearest CPT and has a helpful journey planning tool. Any venue that registers their CPT will have their own dedicated page on the website which is also helpful in promoting new CPTs.

PAMIS are Chair of the UK Changing Places Toilet Consortium which administrates the UK Map and registration process. Only facilities which meet the required standards are eligible for registration.

If you are a venue which would like to register your new CPT then you can create an account of the official Changing Places Toilet website and then complete the online registration form. This is then submitted to the CPT Consortium for review and if the facility meets the required standards it will then be officially registered and added to the map. We would then love to share your new CPT across the CPT Consortium social media channels and let users know it is now available.

What support is available from PAMIS to help with Changing Places Toilets in Scotland?

PAMIS have a free enquiry and support service to help guide anyone interested in installing a Changing Places Toilet in Scotland. The email address for enquiries is: [email protected]

You can also find helpful resources on the PAMIS Changing Places Toilets Scotland Support Hub including the Changing Places Toilet Practical Guide which includes detailed chapters on planning and design, equipment and layout, management and maintenance. PAMIS can also help with media and publicity of new Changing Places Toilets and can register your new facility so it appears on the UK interactive map. PAMIS also offer comprehensive Changing Places Toilet awareness training for front line staff. We can connect you with other partners who have already built a Changing Places toilet.

There are a range of specialist Changing Places Toilet suppliers who can also support with site visits and surveys, planning and drawings, equipment advice and quotations, installation, testing and commissioning and training. You can find a list of leading Changing Places Toilet Suppliers here.

💬 Get in Touch

If you have questions or want to talk through your ideas, contact our Changing Places Toilet Scotland team directly:
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: 01382 755389

Let’s work together to make Scotland more inclusive – one Changing Places Toilet at a time.