BTA conference and AGM

The annual British Toilet Association Conference and AGM were held at the Stratford Hotel in Stratford upon Avon on 16 September.

Despite the current economic climate the conference was well attended and attracted delegates from BTA members, senior representatives from local authorities and companies involved in providing and supplying toilets. The agenda was designed to provide an overview of topical issues, introduce innovation, and offer solutions to toilet providers. The new BTA ‘Where can I go?’ campaign was also launched at the conference.

Opening the conference, Mike Bone, BTA director, provided an overview of the BTA’s political campaign. He also updated the conference with details of BTA activity throughout the preceding year.

Although workplace regulations include a requirement for schools to provide adequate toilet facilities for teachers and other school staff there is no legislation to ensure that clean, safe and suitable toilet facilities are provided for pupils. Nickie Brander, campaigns organiser for ERIC, updated the conference on the issues that the Bog Standard campaign, promoting better toilets for pupils, continue to face. Mike Burton, managing director of Albany Washroom Services, as part of the ‘Improving toilets for pupils’ session, then reminded delegates of the hidden dangers in toilets and provided an outline of the Albany Healthy Schools programme to be launched in October.

Earlier this year Section 87 (3) (c) of the Public Health Act 1936 was amended to allow local authorities to charge for use of all public conveniences, including urinals. In the next session ‘How to charge for the use of publicly accessible toilets’ Andy Brown, managing director of Willings Services, explained some reasons for charging, provided a brief overview of the legislation and standards that apply to toilets/building control, presented an overview of payment systems, and access control barriers. Examples of these systems were also on display and delegates had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with them.

Next it was the opportunity for Dave Flanagan of Total Hygiene to explain how correct equipment installed in Changing Places toilets are ‘improving the lives of less able people and their carers’, particularly those with severe and multiple learning difficulties. Flanagan explained how varying degrees of disability required flexible facilities and how the Clos-o-Mat range of height adjustable equipment can meet all needs. This includes height-adjustable wash hand basins, changing tables and shower seats, ceiling tracking hoists and Clos-o-Mat automatic wash and dry bidet toilets.

The BTA ‘Where can I go?’ campaign was presented and launched to delegates. The campaign recognises the need for BTA to change focus from a ‘top down’ approach -directed primarily at central government, to a ‘bottom up’ approach’ – directed primarily at local government (and commercial providers) the actual source, and we believe, the authority responsible for provision of publicly accessible toilets.

The 10th BTA AGM followed the conference.

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