What to Consider When Buying Hand Dryers for Disabled Toilets

“All public toilet facilities are the same,” you may have thought. However, toilets for the disabled and those with special needs often differ from the rest of the toilets. They still include a sink, toilet, and hand drying mechanism but with attention to intricate details that allow the room to be accessible for visitors with a wide range of disabilities. Here is everything you need to keep in mind when sourcing a hand dryer for disabled toilets. 

Best Hand Dryers for Disabled Toilets

Different types of hand dryers have various functionalities, designs, and specs that may be a matter of preference for general toilets but require specifics for installing in disabled toilets. Here are the best types of models to consider:

  • Hands-under dryers — These hand dryers are the best fit for disabled toilets since it’s accessible and easy to use for anyone, without proposing limitations. Whether or not the user is sitting or standing while drying their hands can reach for it with ease. 
  • Blade hand dryers with side access — If you’re opting for a blade hand dryer, then ensure it supports hand entrance from the sides as opposed to only from the top. 
  • Compact and wall-mounted — The majority of hand dryers that comply with these two specifications are already on the right path for reduced mobility toilets. The hand dryers must take up minimal space in the room by being small, thin, or wall-mounted.

  • Hand dryers with water collection — Hand dryers that don’t collect water after use in a specialised tray or segment of the dryer are hazardous. This will result in water splatter across the floor and increase the possibility of slipping-related accidents. Opt for models that collect the water in some shape or form. 

Worst Hand Dryers for Disabled Toilets

Here are the types of hand dryers that aren’t the best considerations for installing in disabled toilets:

  • Hands-in blade hand dryers — These high-speed hand dryers require the hands to be inserted from above at a straight angle which isn’t ideal for people in wheelchairs or users who remain seated. 

  • Large hand dryers — Avoid hand dryers that take up too much space in proportion to how spacious the toilet is. You still need to maintain significant space for movement in the room without crowding.

  • Loud hand dryers — Pay attention to the specifications of the hand dryer among purchase and opt for those with a noise level not much higher than 70 decibels. This can cause discomfort among users with hearing impairments. 
  • High-speed hand dryers — Opinions regarding this are controversial but some claim that high-speed hand dryers are prone to splattering water on wheelchair users. If you are unsure, install a high-speed hand dryer in your facility and carefully note its feedback. 

Accessible Bathroom Australian Standards

The height of the wall-mounted hand dryer plays a vital role in the accessibility of the dryer. In all toilets, the height of the hand dryer is selected according to the optimal height of use for the visitors of the facility. Pay close attention to the hand dryer calculations and installment instructions upon purchases for low-mobility toilets. According to the Australian Standard Design for access and mobility, the hand dryer height for disabled toilets in Australia must be 900-1100mm above the floor and 500mm away from any wall corners in the toilet. This same regulation applies to other amenities in disabled toilets such as paper towels and soap dispensers. It is important to consider the location of the nozzle and where the hands will enter the hand dryer (for blade hand dryers). Height adjustments must be made accordingly to ensure the height is according to the hand dryer model for comfortable and easy use. 


When sourcing hand dryers for public toilets you may be prioritizing speed, design, and resourcefulness but additional needs must be considered when choosing disabled toilets. In addition to national guidelines and regulations, opt for hand dryer models that will heighten the experience of all your visitors to be as carefree as possible. 

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