Public Diaper Changing Table Requirements

Most public restrooms have some sort of public diaper changing table to help provide for the needs of parents with small children. However, not just any changing station will do if a business intends to install it in a public restroom. The changing tables need to meet requirements for both functionality and safety.

Material

Public diaper changing tables are supposed to be made out of high density polyethylene plastic. The reason for this requirement is that the material the changing table is made of needs to be strong enough to support the weight of the child. It also needs to be resistant to trapping smells and moisture. Polyethylene, especially if it is coated with a chemical sealant, will prevent the smells and fluids associated with diaper changing from soaking into the changing table so that it can be easily cleaned and safely used by the next person.

Strength

Public diaper changing tables need to be strong enough to hold up to regular and sometimes prolonged use. These tables must have metal reinforcements inside the plastic so the two materials can support one another. The hardware and brackets need to be of a high enough quality that they won't bend or break with hard or continual use. Additionally, the diaper changing table should be installed into a heavy material, like cinder block or brick, which will support the changing table and its occupants.

Safety Features

It is important that public diaper changing tables have as many safety features as possible. For instance, the plastic that the table is made of shouldn't have sharp corners or edges that can injure children or parents. The mechanisms that raise and lower the table should be as hidden as possible to prevent injury to hands or fingers. There should also be appropriate straps present to hold infants on the table so they can't roll or otherwise get off the table while being changed.