Washroom provision, no matter the sector you operate in, is an essential facility for your business. 

We all want workplaces to be functional and as comfortable as possible, including providing appropriate washroom and hygiene facilities for staff, contractors and customers. 

It is particularly important in public and communal areas where users’ needs are often unknown and cannot be predicted. 

If you are planning a new building or renovating an older property, you’ll want to make it accessible for everyone. This includes considering physical and mental disabilities, whether seen or invisible. 

The legal requirements for building compliance are explained in the Document M regulations issued by the UK government in 2015.

What is Document M?

Document M is a set of building regulations laid out under the Buildings Regulation Act 2010 that applies to residential and non-residential buildings in the UK. 

It is designed to improve access to and within buildings for people with disabilities of all types. It covers both mandatory and optional access requirements. 

For non-residential and commercial properties, Document M regulations cover:

  • Lifts and ramps
  • Signage and lighting
  • Entrances to buildings
  • Washrooms, toilets and showers
  • Width of doors and corridors
  • Height of light switches and intercoms

The regulations also include alterations and extensions to existing buildings with caveats for historic and listed properties. 

Why was Document M created?

The introduction of the Equality Act in 2010 consolidated multiple laws and legislation under one umbrella.

The laws give stronger protections against discrimination and support equality for nine protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, race, sex, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, and sexual orientation. 

In larger organisations, the law is upheld through Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (DEI) policies and training. The practical applications can be seen in building layouts and features, especially toilet facilities. 

For a workplace to be compliant with the law, the business needs to provide washrooms designed to fulfil Document M requirements. 

What is an Approved Document M washroom pack?

Often shortened to a Doc M pack or Approved Doc M, these are commercial toilet cubicle packs or showers that can be installed to help a business be compliant with Document M building regulations. 

Instead of a business owner having to think about all the measurements and features needed, the packs come with everything included. Hence, the ‘approved’ title is given to them. 

What are the key features of a Doc M toilet pack?

A Doc M pack for a toilet will usually include the following sanitary hardware items ready for installation in your accessible washroom:

  • Toilet pan with cistern assembly, either exposed or concealed
  • Ring toilet seat
  • Handwash basin
  • Mixer taps for the basin with an elongated handle for accessibility
  • Thermostatic valve to control water temperature
  • Spatular-shaped cistern lever for flushing
  • Grab rails
  • Hinged rail with lock mechanism

Additional items may include soap dispensers, toilet roll holders, hand towel dispensers, sanitary bins, mirrors and hand dryers. Many accessible toilets also include a larger bin for sanitary items, such as incontinence products and colostomy bags. 

What does a Doc M shower pack include?

A Doc M shower pack can either be recessed into the wall or exposed with fittings on show. Items in the box can include:

  • Grab rails and one or more hinged support rails with a locking mechanism
  • Mixer shower with thermostatic control and extended lever handle
  • Shower seat for wheelchair transfer and to provide a seated option for non-wheelchair users

Shower facilities may also include sanitary product bins, shampoo and body wash dispensers, shelving for personal items, seating for changing, towel rails and privacy curtains. 

How is Document M different from Document T?

Though they are often mentioned together, there are key differences between these two types of building regulations when it comes to washrooms. 

Document M building regulations apply to existing and new buildings and focus on accessibility. The regulations are not just about washrooms but cover all types of workplace, public space and domestic access provision. 

Document T is a more recent regulation introduced in 2025, with the T standing for toilet. It focuses entirely on toilets and washrooms. The regulations only apply to non-residential buildings and require single-sex facilities. 

For buildings without the space for single-sex provision, universal toilets can be provided. These are individual toilets, sometimes called superloos, that are completely separate with floor-to-ceiling partitions and their own handwash basins.

How can your business stay compliant with Document M?

To make life easier for businesses that want to stay on the right side of the law, Plumbware has a selection of Doc M packs available. 

Both shower and toilet packs are fully compliant with the regulations, boxed and ready to go. They come in a variety of styles and finishes, including wall-hung toilet bowls and concealed fixings. 

Make sure your business is compliant by installing approved Doc M washrooms in your building.

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