Toilet and Washroom Facilities

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require the provision of readily accessible, suitable and sufficient washing facilities.

These must meet certain standards, which will depend on: -

• the number of employees
• whether both men and women are employed
• the type of work, and the nature of the workplace.

The Regulations also require the provision of readily accessible, suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences.

These facilities should: -

• be well ventilated
• be well lit
• be connected to a suitable drainage system
• have flushing water
• be regularly cleaned and maintained
• allow access for disabled people
• be separate for men and women (unless the toilet is in a separate room which is lockable from the inside).
• have toilet paper in an appropriate dispenser
• have a coat hook
• have facilities for the disposal of sanitary dressings (where women are employed).
• be provided for agricultural workers and others in remote, outdoor workplaces, so far as is reasonably practicable.

The ACOP for the Workplace Regulations sets out how many toilets should be provided.

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