Legal Requirement For Toilets In The Workplace UK
As you might expect, the legal requirements for toilets in the workplace are outlined by the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.
Within Regulation 20 of the HSE Sanitary Conveniences, you'll find the following information:
Suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences shall be provided at readily accessible places.
Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (1), sanitary conveniences shall not be suitable unless:
- The rooms containing them are adequately ventilated and lit.
- They and the rooms containing them are kept in a clean and orderly condition; and separate rooms containing conveniences are provided for men and women, except where and so far as each convenience is in a separate room, the door of which is capable of being secured from inside.
These are all things that you must follow, among other things, so make sure that you read through the regulations.
What Else Must Workplaces Provide?
- Hot and cold (or warm) running water
- Soap or suitable cleansing materials
- Means of drying hands (paper towels or dryers)
- Adequate ventilation and lighting
- Separate facilities for men and women unless rooms are fully self-contained
Accessible Toilets
If your workplace is open to the public or you employ disabled staff, you must also consider duties under the Equality Act 2010 and Building Regulations (Approved Document M). This may require at least one accessible WC, depending on building layout and use.
Employers: Why It’s Important To Get Workplace Toilets Right
We’ve established that having enough toilets in the workplace is the law. But beyond legal compliance, providing enough toilets and also ensuring that facilities are of a high standard can have many other positive impacts on the workforce.
Since using the toilet is a basic human requirement, employers should be investing in the quality of their facilities to promote the health and wellbeing of all those who work in or visit their commercial premises.
Crucially, providing enough facilities reduces long queues for the toilets. It can also improve hygiene in the workplace, which can then work to lower employee sickness rates.
Furthermore, a high quality commercial washroom experience demonstrates an investment in your people. This is especially the case when there are enough toilets, sinks and hand dryers provided. When built to a high standard, any toilet facilities are also easier to clean and maintain.
Does Your Workplace Have Enough Toilets? - Get Advice From Our Commercial Toilet Installers
Do you own commercial premises in the UK? At Inspired Washrooms, we design and install toilets for a range of industrial sectors.
So, if you're looking for information on how many toilets you might need for your office or workspace, we're ready to help you.
If it’s time to refresh your existing facilities, our team can design and install your washroom to ensure it is fully compliant with regulations.
More than this, we can also create a washroom which is a reflection of your brand identity to provide the best possible experience for your employees, clients or building visitors.
Let us know how we can help by getting in touch. Or, for any help or advice, you can also give us a call on 0115 671 3850.
