Here in the UK, the Equality Act 2010 requires event organisers to ensure that disabled people are not disadvantaged. However, accessibility is much more than just providing ramps and reserved seating. One of the most overlooked yet essential aspects is accessible toilet facilities. Without them, an event can be completely unusable for many people, including those with mobility impairments, bowel or bladder conditions, and families with young children.
The legal and ethical responsibility of event organisers
The Equality Act 2010 mandates that reasonable adjustments be made to ensure disabled individuals have equal access to services and facilities. Public events, from music festivals to food fairs, must comply with these regulations. Failure to provide accessible toilets can be seen as discrimination, leading to potential legal repercussions and damage to an event’s reputation.
Beyond the law, making an event accessible is a matter of social responsibility. In 2022/23, according to research briefings from the House of Commons Library, around 16 million people in the UK were living with disabilities. This includes individuals with visible impairments, as well as those with hidden conditions such as Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and incontinence issues. Providing accessible toilet facilities ensures that everyone can attend without anxiety or discomfort.
The importance of disabled toilet facilities
Basic human dignity – here at WET Hire, we believe passionately that no one should be forced to leave an event early, suffer discomfort, or avoid attending altogether due to a lack of suitable toilet facilities. This is especially crucial for people who require helpers, extra space, support rails, or changing facilities.
Supporting families and carers - parents with disabled children and carers of adults with disabilities often struggle at events without appropriate toilet facilities. A lack of accessibility can mean that carers must change their loved ones in unsafe, undignified, and unhygienic conditions or leave the event altogether. Similarly, families with babies and toddlers need somewhere private and sanitary to change nappies and our disabled toilet units all feature integral baby-changing facilities.
Legal compliance – the Equality Act 2010 says that “Direct discrimination occurs where, because of disability, a person receives worse treatment than someone who does not have a disability. The Act is intended to stop people being denied a service, or receiving a worse service, because of prejudice”. Failure to comply with The Equality Act 2010 can lead to legal action and negative publicity.
Does your event have enough toilet facilities?
Assess your audience - consider who will be attending. If your event is inclusive of all ages and abilities, you need to provide suitable facilities, including disabled toilet hire and family friendly units with baby-changing facilities.
Provide a range of toilets - luxury toilet units, portable disabled toilets, and standard, economy portable toilets should be available to event organisers wherever possible.
Ensure proper signage - clear, visible signs should indicate where accessible toilets are located.
Maintain hygiene and stock levels - organisers should ensure that accessible toilets are regularly cleaned, maintained, and stocked with essentials.
Accessible portable toilet hire from WET Hire
At Wight Event Toilets, we believe that accessibility at public events is not an afterthought—it is a necessity. Inadequate toilet facilities can exclude people from participating fully, turning what should be an enjoyable experience into an ordeal. By prioritising accessible toilets, event organisers not only comply with legal standards but also demonstrate inclusivity, respect, and a commitment to making events welcoming for all. Ensuring proper facilities benefits everyone and creates a more positive, inclusive experience for attendees.
We supply a luxury accessible portable toilet unit housed on a single axle trailer. Spacious enough to accommodate a wheelchair user and carer, this DDA-compliant facility is a standalone, self-contained luxury unit that is supplied fully-stocked with paper consumables, and luxury soap and moisturiser. For event organisers working to a stricter budget who may only have the means for a single type of toilet unit, we also supply our innovative 4+1 luxury toilet with disabled access. Featuring one men’s toilet, three urinals, and three ladies’ toilets, this luxury unit also offers a built-in disabled bay. Located to the rear of the trailer, the disabled toilet is accessed via a hydraulic lift as well as via an internal door on the ladies’ side of the unit.
If you want to ensure that your next event in Bath, or anywhere in the South and South West is fully accessible, email us a few details, or call the team on 01225 281018 to see how we can help.
