Universal toilet

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Universal toilet in a Régiolis multiple unit from TER Alsace

In universal toilets is toilets in railway vehicles of all travelers, including people with disabilities can be used and people with reduced mobility. Colloquially, they are also called wheelchair toilets or large toilets. Toilets in vehicles that are not designed for wheelchair use are called standard toilets . If the applicable requirements are not met either, the term “toilets” is used.

Specifications regarding the universal toilets result from the technical specifications for the interoperability regarding the accessibility of the railway system of the Union for people with disabilities and people with reduced mobility (TSI-PRM). The specifications include the presence, labeling with pictograms and tactile signs, accessibility (door width, door thresholds, maximum inclination of ramps) and technical features and equipment (surface, door handles, locks, operating elements, horizontal holding devices, call for help devices) and the test procedure. The usable clear width of the access door is at least 800 mm.

Specifications according to TSI-PRM influence vehicle manufacturers, railway companies and customers of transport services. The information on the availability of a universal toilet simplifies travel planning for wheelchair users, since in such trains it is generally possible for this group of people to use the toilet. It is therefore about a partial aspect of accessibility in rail transport .

Application to new and existing vehicles

Trains that have toilets must also have a universal toilet that is accessible from the wheelchair space.

In order to achieve this requirement, according to TSI-PRM Section 7, regulations have been made for new and existing vehicles. When purchasing new products, attention is now paid to compliance with the requirements of the TSI-PRM. Manufacturers refer to this property of their products. One example of long-distance trains is the Siemens Velaro . The same manufacturer writes about the ICE 4 A wheelchair lift and a spacious universal wet room are located in the immediate vicinity of these places and meet the TSI PRM standard . The EU regulation also has an effect outside the actual scope of application. For example, the Algerian SNTF ordered Coradia Polyvalent multiple units from Alstom for long-distance transport that meet the standards of TSI-PRM. An example of local trains are the Regio 2N double-decker multiple units from Bombardier for the SNCF . Railway companies also draw attention to the availability of universal toilets in connection with their efforts to ensure accessibility.

The stock of end-of-life vehicles is problematic for swift implementation of the requirements. Railway vehicles are used for many years and the economic possibilities of the operator are limited. Regulations regarding the renewal or retrofitting of vehicles (TSI-PRM Annex F) and national implementation plans (Article 8 of the Ordinance) take this into account.

Call for help device

The equipment of the universal toilet includes according to TSI-PRM section 5.3.2.4. (11) Call for help devices. These only need to be able to send a signal and not necessarily establish a communication link. Two call points are to be provided, one of which must be accessible by a person lying on the ground. The activation of the call for help device must be confirmed visually and acoustically. With operational regulations, the operator must ensure that appropriate and suitable measures are taken by the staff after the activation of the call for help device.

When renewing or upgrading vehicles, the call for help device can be dispensed with in certain cases.

Changing table

If there is no separate facility accessible for wheelchair users for the care of small children , a changing table must also be available in the universal toilet in accordance with TSI-PRM Section 4.2.2.5. (4) and meet certain requirements. This includes the minimum size of the work surface, the load-bearing capacity, precautions against accidentally slipping down the small child and the effort required to fold it.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ a b c d e f Regulation (EU) No. 1300/2014 of the Commission of November 18, 2014 on the technical specifications for interoperability with regard to the accessibility of the Union's rail system for people with disabilities and people with reduced mobility , accessed on 20 November 2014 April 2017 . In: Official Journal of the European Union . L356 / 110.
  2. ↑ Siemens wins “Red Dot” award for Velaro trains. Siemens AG , June 30, 2015, accessed April 20, 2017 .
  3. ↑ The ICE 4 - the new DB platform. Siemens AG , accessed April 20, 2017 .
  4. ^ Algerian electro-diesel multiple-unit contract signed. Railway Gazette International , July 29, 2015, accessed April 20, 2017 .
  5. ^ Bombardier to Supply 42 Regio 2N Double-Deck Trains to STIF and SNCF. Bombardier , December 29, 2014, accessed April 20, 2017 .
  6. ↑ The third program of the Deutsche Bahn AG for accessibility. (PDF) Deutsche Bahn , September 30, 2016, accessed on April 20, 2017 .