Why does my event need disabled toilet hire?

For councillors and community event organisers, making sure your event includes appropriate disabled toilet facilities is not just good practice, it is a legal requirement. Organising public events such as fairs, Remembrance events, markets, festivals or community celebrations involves a long to-do list, from risk assessments and traffic management to entertainment and catering. 

At Fortis Hire, we can help with the one often overlooked area – disabled toilet hire. For organisers, understanding the basics of accessible toilet hire can help avoid complaints, improve visitor experience and ensure your event complies with UK legislation.

The legal responsibilities of event organisers

Under the Equality and Human Rights Commission guidance which surrounds the Equality Act 2010, event organisers have a duty to make “reasonable adjustments” so disabled people can access services in the same way as everyone else. 

At its simplest this means that, if your event is open to the public, you should be considering disabled access from the very beginning — and that includes toilets.

For many temporary events, standard portable toilets are simply not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility difficulties. This is where professional disabled toilet hire becomes essential.

What makes an accessible toilet compliant?

An accessible toilet unit should provide enough internal space for wheelchair manoeuvring, wider doors for easy access and support features designed to help visitors use the facilities safely and comfortably.

There should also be:

•    Step-free, level access or low-gradient ramps

•    Wide self-closing doors

•    Grab rails positioned around the toilet

•    Enough turning space for wheelchairs

•    Emergency pull cords

•    Non-slip flooring

•    Reduced-height sinks and mirrors

•    Adequate lighting and ventilation

At Fortis Hire, our luxury disabled toilet hire units include all of the above, as well as hot running water, modern interiors, baby changing stations, helping councils deliver a more comfortable and inclusive experience for guests.

Why size and layout matter

Accessible toilets must be larger than standard portable loos because wheelchair users need enough room to enter, turn and transfer safely. HM Government’s Approved Document M advises that wheelchair turning circles need around 1500mm of clear space.

However, even the most compliant units can be difficult to use if they are poorly positioned. At public events, disabled toilet units must be positioned on level ground with suitable access paths leading to them. We will advise on positioning of our units at your event venue. 

Clear signage is important too. Accessible toilets should never feel hidden away or treated as an afterthought. 

Good accessibility planning benefits everyone, including elderly attendees, parents with pushchairs and people recovering from injuries.

Industry guidance for public events

For councils and local authorities organising public events, inclusivity is an essential aspect of the planning process. Government guidance states that toilet facilities “should be accessible to disabled people” and easy to reach throughout the event. Disabled attendees should also have toilet access equal to that of non-disabled toilet users. 

How many disabled toilets do I need for an event?

Many organisers mistakenly assume that one disabled toilet is sufficient, regardless of event size. However, as with any portable toilet provision, the number you will need depends on several factors including event size and expected visitor numbers, event duration and audience demographics. 

For example, a small village fête may need just one accessible toilet unit, while a large outdoor festival or civic celebration may need several units spread across the site.

Our experienced team will work with you to assess what you will need to remain compliant, while giving guests a great experience. 

Luxury disabled toilet hire

For event organisers wanting to deliver quality visitor experiences, luxury disabled toilet hire is their preferred option. It demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and visitor wellbeing, rather than simply providing the bare minimum.

Our luxury units include stylish, modern interiors, LED lighting and flushing toilets, helping maintain a positive impression at civic and community events.

What happens if I don’t have disabled toilets at my event?

The implications to public event organisers of NOT having disabled toilet facilities are twofold. From a legal perspective, failing to provide suitable facilities could lead to complaints under the Equality Act 2010. Reputationally, organisers risk negative publicity and feedback where there is a lack of accessibility and inclusivity which can result in loss of attendance at future events.

Disabled toilet hire from Fortis Hire

At Fortis Hire, we have two options available to organisers:

Luxury disabled toilet hire – our DDA compliant luxury disabled toilet features a wide doorway which opens outwards, to accommodate standard-width wheelchairs, and offers ramp access that can be reduced by 50%. The inside of the unit is spacious enough to allow wheelchairs full manoeuvrability, with room for a carer in attendance, and features a reduced-height sink and mirror and handrails throughout.   

Plastic disabled toilet hire – ideal for organisers working within budget restrictions, and for events requiring multiple units, our DDA compliant plastic disabled toilet has a wide doorway and level, roll-in access. 

The luxury disabled toilet and the plastic disabled toilet each have an integral baby-changing station, perfect for family-friendly events. 

Contact us

Our experienced sales team can guide you through the entire hire process – we will advise on the number of units needed, positioning onsite, and the best options for your event and budget.

To talk to one of our friendly team, call today on 01525 643850. Alternatively, email us some event details to sales@fortishire.co.uk and we will be in touch.