Layout
Single entrance/exit plans work satisfactorily provided the path of the preschoolers do not cross each other and the main entrance is wide enough for at least a preschooler and an accompanying adult to enter the toilet. Dispensing with the main entrance door to the toilet not only helps to improve the ventilation within the toilet but also minimizes hand contact for hygiene reasons .
The main entrance shall preferably have no door, and the cubicles, urinals and mirrors shall be away from the line of sight from the main entrance. For example, the door can be replaced by offset entrance maze which blocks the view yet allows easier, hands-free access.
For installation of main entrance without doors, there are several screening arrangements showing the visibility from outside in each case . Consideration should be given to the positioning of the mirrors and to the gaps created by the hinges. For example, the access entrance to male toilets should not open directly to the urinal area. Avoid entrances opening onto a wall surface with the mirror reflecting the urinals.
The toilets should be designed to minimise hand contact as far as possible for hygienic reasons. Electronic products for toilets such as flush valves and faucets require minimum maintenance but offer enhanced operations that promote sanitation and perceived cleanliness because of hands-free operation.
Location of accessible toilets should not be too remote from the main traffic area to avoid long travel distance. It should be easily accessible for those with urgency. Directional signs leading to such toilets should meet the requirements specified in Building and Construction Authority's (BCA) Code on Accessibility in the Built Environment. Visit BCA's website at www.bca.gov.sg for the latest Code.
Clear signage should be designated for each gender of required toilet facilities. The location of the signs should be near the entrance to each toilet facility and clearly displayed at noticeable locations in main traffic passageways to direct the preschoolers to the toilets. The design of signage should be of a commonly recognized female/girl and/or male/boy figure in dark colour contrasted on a light background. Clear signage should be displayed within the toilet indicating the name of cleaning attendant/caretaker and/or cleaning company, contact details and scheduled toilet cleaning time(s). Signage should be easily seen and distinguished by preschoolers. Fancy signages using “Queen” and “King” or “Hat”, “High-heel shoes” are confusing, and are thus not encouraged.
The ratio of fittings in male and female toilets shall be 3:5, for example, 1 WC and 2 Urinals for male: 5 WCs for female which is in accordance to the NEA’s COPEH. As far as possible, fixtures such as urinals and WCs should be fitted back-to-back with common pipe ducts in between.
All toilets should be mechanically ventilated. Small toilets should be fitted with an exhaust fan as minimum.