Accessible - Doors

Latrine with a curtain for privacy made of light cloth

Outward-opening tin door on wooden frame. Raised platform edge acts as a door stop.

Outward-opening wooden double doors with a latch on outside to keep closed

Suitable for: Users with mobility devices, a helper, or carrying a small child, or people who are overweight.

Construction	Advantages	Disadvantages	Improvements / variations	Cost / labour
Latrine with a curtain for privacy made of light cloth	Easy to open and close Does not obstruct internal space Useful temporary solution	Easily damaged Very little provision for security or privacy	Non-door alternatives include spiral-shaped entrance for greater privacy	Low
Outward-opening tin door on wooden frame. Raised platform edge acts as a door stop.	Outward-opening door does not obstruct internal space Horizontal wooden struts can be grasped to close door	Pulling a door is harder than pushing it open Requires a wide, level area in front of door for users to position themselves to open the door	Add horizontal handrail	Medium
Outward-opening wooden double doors with a latch on outside to keep closed	Easier to close for some users Each door is narrow so less obstructive to passers by	Higher cost than a single door Some users find them difficult to use	Varnish/paint wood to reduce risk of termite damage Move bolt to the inside	High

Acknowledgements

• Content and images: Compendium of accessible WASH technologies WaterAid and WEDC.