The Toilet Lock

The type of level which was discussed in the last 2 post is not just enable us to lock and unlock the door easily. We also can hold it to pull the door which is opened outward, to the door frame (close) easily. That means it can be used as pull-bar against the door.

Toilet Lock

I found this very good example at a hospital in Penang. (GMC)

This Lock

I suggest that we use this type of lever which is shown in above picture. We can lock and unlock the door easily using this. We just need to press the button to lock the door and slightly press down the door lever to unlock and open the door. This lever will be good for all of the people with disabilities.

Toilet Lock

The type of lock as shown at the above picture is being used for some of the toilets for disabled. To lock or unlock the door via this lock, user has to hold the lock with fingers and then turn it clockwise or anti-clockwise. It’s meant the action required a good fine motor skill.

The question is “Is this type of lock accessible to all disabled?”.

The answer is “NO”. Persons with poor fine motor skills e.g. cerebral palsy may find it hard or unable to manipulate the lock. Those whose hands are weak and those with hand deformity may not able to deal with the lock too. As person with cerebral palsy, I had an experience being locked inside the toilet once where I struggled to unlock the door (with this type of lock). I had several trials to unlock the door before I managed to open the door.

Therefore, do not use this type of lock for disabled toilet.