May 12 2025 0Comment
Exterior view of a portable accessible shower unit with a blue sign reading "Female Ambulant Toilet & Shower" including braille text, highlighting inclusive signage and AS1428.1 compliance

Everything You Need to Know About Our Wheelchair Accessible Showers

Standard shower facilities don’t work for everyone, especially people using wheelchairs or mobility aids. They’re often not compliant, too cramped, hard to access, and simply unsafe.

That’s why we provide wheelchair accessible portable showers that are built to be practical. They’re spacious, meet AS1428.1 standards, and work for both independent use and assisted care. These units are a solid option for events, aged care sites, or temporary setups where access really matters.

What is a Wheelchair Accessible Portable Shower?

A wheelchair accessible portable shower is a self-contained bathroom unit designed to allow people with limited mobility to safely and comfortably use a shower. These units have features such as ground-level access, wide doors, grab rails, a built-in shower seat, and enough internal space for a wheelchair to move freely or for a carer to assist if needed.

Unlike standard portable showers, these are built to meet AS1428.1 accessibility standards, which outline key requirements for layout, support fittings, and usability.

What Makes Them Accessible (And AS1428.1 Compliant)?

 

Following on from the last section, a wheelchair accessible portable shower isn’t just about having extra space. It also needs to meet AS1428.1 standards, which set out the requirements for safe and functional access for people with disabilities.

What is AS1428.1?

AS1428.1 is the Australian Standard for Design for Access and Mobility. It outlines the minimum requirements for creating spaces that are accessible and functional for people with disabilities. This includes specifications for wheelchair circulation space, door widths, the positioning and dimensions of grab rails, fixture heights, floor gradients, and other critical design elements.

The standard is intended to ensure that facilities are safe, practical, and inclusive for all users, particularly those with limited mobility.

Key AS1428.1 Features That Make a Portable Shower Accessible

  • Ground-Level Access or Ramp
    • No steps or raised floors. Easy for wheelchairs to roll in without hassle.
  • Wide Doorways
    • At least 900mm clear width so users can enter and exit without turning or bumping.
  • Internal Turning Space
    • Enough room inside (usually 2.4m x 2.8m or more) for a full 360° wheelchair turn, or for a carer to assist.
  • Grab Rails
    • Fitted in the correct positions to help with standing, sitting, and stability. These must meet specific height and strength rules.
  • Shower Seat
    • A secure, fixed seat allows users to wash while seated (important for balance and fatigue management).
  • Non-Slip, Easy-Clean Surfaces
    • Flooring must be slip-resistant when wet, and walls/floors need to be hygienic and easy to maintain.
  • Easy-to-Use Controls
    • Tapware, lighting and other controls must be operable with one hand and require minimal force.
  • Hot Water, Lighting, and Drainage
    • Fully functioning facilities (either connected to mains or with self-contained systems) to make sure the shower is not just accessible, but actually usable.

All these features are included in our Five Star Disabled Accessible Ablution unit — and they’re what separate a truly accessible shower from a standard one.

Product Spotlight: Five Star Disabled Accessible Ablution

Front view of a wheelchair accessible portable shower unit with door and signage, compliant with AS1428.1 standards and suitable for event or site hire

Our Five Star Disabled Accessible Ablution is a fully self-contained portable unit that meets AS1428.1 and is built for real-world accessibility. It includes a compliant shower, toilet, and hand basin in one large, easy-to-navigate space.

Key Features

  • Wide Entry Door (Approx. 920mm)
    • Allows easy entry for wheelchairs without tight turns or obstructions.
  • Shower Area with Fold-Down Seat
    • Wall-mounted shower with a hand-held option and secure, fold-down seat to assist users who need to sit while showering.

Interior of a wheelchair accessible portable shower with fold-down seat, grab rails, handheld shower head, and non-slip flooring, designed for safe independent use

  • Grab Rails Throughout
    • Strategically placed stainless steel grab rails around the shower, toilet, and basin offer safe transfer and support.

Wheelchair accessible toilet inside a portable ablution block, with blue seat, grab rails, and clear side transfer space, compliant with disability access standards

  • Spacious Layout
    • 2.8m x 2.4m internal space provides full turning clearance for wheelchairs and room for a carer if needed.
  • Non-Slip Flooring and Easy-Clean Surfaces
    • All internal finishes are hygienic, water-resistant, and low-maintenance.
  • Toilet and Hand Basin Setup
    • Fully plumbed toilet with accessible height and clear space around for side transfers, paired with a basin fitted at compliant height with lever tapware.

Accessible sink and mirror setup inside a disabled shower unit, featuring lever tap, grab rail, and wall-mounted soap dispenser

  • Utility Connections
    • Can be run off mains power and water, or used as a standalone unit with a 1300L waste tank and LPG hot water system.

Rear view of an accessible ablution block showing LPG gas bottles, water heater, and utility connections, suitable for off-grid or mains-powered operation

  • Ramp and Landing Kit (Optional)
    • Modular ramp systems are available to provide complete compliance on any ground level.

Who Uses Our Accessible Showers?

Our wheelchair accessible shower units are used across a wide range of industries and situations where reliable, compliant facilities are needed quickly.

  • Events and Festivals
    • Ensures accessibility for all patrons, including people with disabilities, mobility challenges or aged guests.
  • Aged Care Renovations or Upgrades
    • Keeps hygiene and accessibility available while permanent bathrooms are out of action.
  • Temporary Accommodation and Housing Projects
    • Perfect for community housing, remote worker camps, or emergency shelter setups where accessible facilities are required.
  • NDIS Participants and Disability Support Services
    • Used as temporary or mobile solutions where home accessibility is limited or during transitions.
  • Construction Sites and Industrial Projects
    • Meets compliance requirements on sites that must provide accessible amenities for workers or contractors.
  • Government and Council Deployments
    • Suitable for emergency response, pop-up services, or seasonal public infrastructure.

Your Accessible Shower Solution Starts Here

Instant Products Group Office

If you need a reliable, compliant solution that works straight out of the box, our wheelchair accessible showers for sale or disabled accessible toilets for hire (including combined shower units) are ready to go. Built to meet AS1428.1 standards and designed for real-world use, our units are ideal for short-term hire or permanent installation.

To make a booking or get advice on the right option for your site, visit our website or call our team on 08 9406 6600. We’ll make sure your setup is accessible, compliant, and ready to go when you need it.

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