What is the primary purpose of EN 16585-1?

The primary purpose of EN 16585-1 is to define a standardized set of technical design requirements for accessible toilets (Universal Toilets) on board railway vehicles. This ensures they are safe, comfortable, and independently usable by Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM), including wheelchair users, in compliance with European interoperability regulations.

Does EN 16585-1 apply to existing, older rolling stock?

EN 16585-1 primarily applies to newly manufactured rolling stock and vehicles undergoing a major upgrade or refurbishment. It is generally not applied retrospectively to existing fleets unless they are being significantly modernized, as the structural changes required are often extensive.

What is the minimum clear doorway width for an EN 16585-1 compliant toilet?

The standard specifies a minimum clear usable doorway width of 800 mm to ensure that a standard reference wheelchair can pass through without obstruction.

How does EN 16585-1 relate to the TSI PRM?

EN 16585-1 is a 'harmonized standard' under the Technical Specifications for Interoperability for Persons with Reduced Mobility (TSI PRM). This means that by designing a toilet in compliance with EN 16585-1, a manufacturer gains a 'presumption of conformity' with the relevant essential requirements of the TSI PRM, streamlining the certification and approval process.

Europe’s EN 16585-1: Boosting Rail Accessibility For All

Unlock inclusive rail travel with EN 16585-1. This standard mandates technical requirements for accessible universal toilets on trains, ensuring safety and comfort for all passengers.

December 15, 2024 2:02 am

EN 16585-1: A Technical Guide to Accessible Toilets on Rolling Stock

EN 16585-1 is a European Standard that specifies the technical requirements for the design and installation of accessible toilets, often referred to as Universal Toilets (UT), on board railway rolling stock. Its primary goal is to ensure safety, comfort, and usability for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM), including wheelchair users, thereby promoting inclusive and barrier-free rail travel across Europe. This standard is a key component of the wider EN 16585 series, which addresses various aspects of PRM design on trains, and works in conjunction with the Technical Specifications for Interoperability for Persons with Reduced Mobility (TSI PRM).

Core Technical Requirements of EN 16585-1

The standard outlines a comprehensive set of design criteria that must be met to achieve compliance. These requirements cover every aspect of the toilet cubicle, from the entrance to the internal fixtures and emergency systems.

Doorway and Access

The entrance to the toilet is the first point of interaction and is critical for accessibility. The standard mandates specific criteria for the doorway to ensure a wheelchair user can enter and exit without obstruction.

Clear Width: The doorway must have a minimum clear usable width, typically 800 mm or greater, to allow passage for standard reference wheelchairs.
Door Operation: Doors can be manual or power-operated. If power-operated, the controls must be accessible, easy to operate (requiring minimal force), and provide both audible and visual signals to indicate door status (locking, unlocking, opening).
Threshold: The threshold at the entrance must be as level as possible to prevent wheels from getting caught. Any height difference must be minimal and beveled.
Maneuvering Space: A clear, unobstructed space must be provided outside the toilet door to allow a wheelchair user to approach and operate the door controls effectively.

Internal Dimensions and Maneuvering Space

Once inside, the user must have sufficient space to move, position their wheelchair, and transfer to the toilet. This is one of the most fundamental aspects of the standard.

Turning Circle: The internal layout must accommodate a minimum wheelchair turning circle, typically defined with a diameter of 1500 mm. This ensures a user can turn around completely within the cubicle.
Clear Floor Space: Aside from the turning circle, there must be clear floor space adjacent to the toilet bowl to facilitate a lateral transfer from the wheelchair. This space must be free from any permanent obstructions.

Toilet Bowl, Grab Bars, and Transfer Aids

The design and positioning of the toilet bowl and its associated support systems are specified in detail to ensure a safe and stable transfer process.

Toilet Height: The height of the toilet seat is specified to be within a range that aligns with the seat height of a typical wheelchair, facilitating a level transfer.
Grab Bars: The standard mandates the installation of both fixed and hinged (fold-down) grab bars. A horizontal grab bar is required on the wall adjacent to the toilet, while a hinged grab bar must be installed on the open transfer side. These bars must withstand specific vertical and horizontal loads to provide robust support.
Backrest: A backrest or support must be provided, which can be integrated into the toilet lid or the wall behind it, to enhance stability for the user.

Controls and Fixtures

All controls, dispensers, and fixtures within the toilet must be designed and located for use by a person with limited reach and dexterity.

Flush Control: The flush mechanism must be easily identifiable and operable with minimal force, often a large push-button or a sensor. It must be located within reach of a person seated on the toilet or in a wheelchair.

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Sink and Taps: The sink must have clear space underneath to allow a wheelchair user to approach it. Taps should be lever-operated or sensor-activated to avoid the need for tight gripping or twisting.

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Dispensers: Soap, paper towel, and toilet paper dispensers must be located within a specified reach zone and designed for single-handed operation.

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Color Contrast: Critical elements like grab bars, controls, and the toilet seat should have a high color contrast against their background surfaces to aid users with visual impairments.

Call-for-Aid System

A reliable emergency communication system is a mandatory safety feature in every compliant accessible toilet.

Activation: The system must have at least two call devices. One must be positioned at a height reachable from a wheelchair or standing position, while the other must be near the floor so it can be activated if a person has fallen.
Feedback: When activated, the system must provide clear audible and visual feedback to the user inside the cubicle, confirming that the alarm has been raised.
External Alarm: The alarm must trigger audible and visual signals outside the toilet cubicle, in an area where it can be attended to by train staff (e.g., in a service compartment or crew area).
Reset Mechanism: The alarm can only be reset from within the toilet cubicle to ensure that a staff member must physically attend to the situation.

Comparison: EN 16585-1 Compliant vs. Standard Onboard Toilet

The differences between a Universal Toilet designed to EN 16585-1 and a standard toilet on a train are significant. The following table highlights the key technical distinctions.

Feature	EN 16585-1 Compliant Universal Toilet	Standard Onboard Toilet
Doorway Width	Minimum clear width of 800 mm.	Typically narrow, often less than 600 mm, impassable for wheelchairs.
Internal Space	Sufficient space for a 1500 mm wheelchair turning circle.	Compact, with no space for a wheelchair to enter or maneuver.
Grab Bars	Mandatory fixed and hinged grab bars designed to support specific loads.	May have a single, non-structural handrail or none at all.
Transfer Space	Dedicated clear space next to the toilet for lateral wheelchair transfer.	No space provided for transfer.
Call-for-Aid System	Required, with two activation points (high and low) and external alarms.	Generally not present.
Control & Fixture Height	Controls, sink, and dispensers are located within a specified accessible reach zone.	Height and placement are based on standard ergonomics for standing users.

Scope and Importance in Railway Design

EN 16585-1 is applicable to all new rolling stock manufactured for operation on the European rail network. It is also the reference standard for major refurbishment projects where existing vehicles are upgraded. Compliance with this standard is not merely a design choice; it is a fundamental requirement for achieving TSI PRM certification, which is legally necessary for interoperability.

By standardizing the design of accessible toilets, EN 16585-1 ensures a consistent and predictable experience for PRM passengers, regardless of the train operator or the country they are traveling in. This fosters confidence and empowers more people with disabilities to use the rail network, making it a cornerstone of modern, inclusive, and passenger-focused railway engineering.