When a community venue needs to update its disabled toilet provision, getting the lock right matters. Sennen Community Hall recently requested a RADAR lock replacement on their disabled toilet door – swapping the old RADAR lock for a straightforward drop bar that better suited the way the room was being used.
What Is a RADAR Lock?
RADAR locks are fitted on disabled toilet doors across the UK and are opened from the outside using a special key issued to disabled people. They offer an easy and safe solution for people with restricted mobility or limited capacity, and are generally required under various regulations to assist disabled people in public spaces.
However, in this case the door is inside the building rather than on a publicly accessible external toilet, and the RADAR lock was causing difficulties for users. Sennen Community Hall decided it was better replaced with a basic drop bar lock that anyone inside could operate simply and quickly.
Removing the Old RADAR Lock
The old lock was removed (Photos 1–5). The hole left behind where the lockcase had sat was no longer needed, so it was filled and glued (Photo 6). The fixing holes through the door from the old hardware were also filled in, and the new drop bar lock was fitted to the door using bolt-through fixings (Photos 7 & 8).
Completing the Job at Sennen Community Hall
The basic keep was fitted to the door frame. While on site, Barrie noticed the frame itself was beginning to work loose – nothing to do with the job, just general wear – so additional screws were added for strength, with the original box keep left in place on the frame (Photos 9 & 10).
The job was left for the customer to finish: a light sand of the filled areas and a coat of paint to match the door, which they were happy to take care of themselves.
RADAR Lock Replacement Across Cornwall
Whether you manage a community hall, public building, or commercial premises, Owl Locksmiths and Security can advise on the right locking solution for disabled toilet doors – from RADAR lock replacement to accessible drop bar and thumb-turn options. For further details or enquiries, you can:
- Call: Owl Locksmiths and Security on one of the landlines or: 07503 985 947
- Text Message: 07503 985 947
- WhatsApp: 07503 985 947
- Email to: owllocksmithsandsecurity@hotmail.co.uk
Find Out More About RADAR Keys and Accessible Facilities
These authoritative resources offer further information on the RADAR key scheme and the regulations surrounding accessible facilities:
- Disability Rights UK – RADAR Keys – the official administrators of the National Key Scheme (NKS), with information on obtaining a RADAR key and finding accessible toilets across the UK.
- Approved Document M (GOV.UK) – the official UK building regulation covering access to and use of buildings, including requirements for accessible toilet facilities.
