As a conscientious employer, you’ll no doubt spend plenty of time ensuring a safe and productive work environment for staff. Proper desks, comfortable chairs, somewhere to make that all-important brew…but what about toilets? How much consideration do they get?
Answer: not enough.
Whilst perhaps, one of the most fundamental elements of any workplace – after all, not everyone drinks coffee, but everyone has to use the loo – bathrooms frequently receive the least attention.
But actually, providing adequate toilets in the workplace isn’t just an office perk – it’s a legal necessity. So, the question is, are you getting it right?
Here, providers of toilet cubicles and hardware supplies, M&P Fittings, take a closer look at the legalities around providing toilets in the workplace to help make sure you stay on the right side of the law.
What are the rules around toilets in the workplace?
The simple fact is that as an employer you need to provide at least one toilet in your workplace.
It’s your responsibility to provide adequate welfare facilities and a safe and healthy environment everyone can work in. This includes not only providing a toilet and handwashing facilities but ensuring you offer the correct number – with access to soap and towels or a hand dryer.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) outlines that all employers should:
– Provide enough toilets and washbasins for the anticipated number of users
– Ideally separate toilets for men and women. If this isn’t possible then offer toilets with lockable doors
– Ensure toilets are clean and easy to maintain
– Supply toilet paper and a bin for sanitary items for female staff
– Have access to hot and cold running water
– Supply soap
– Provide a means of drying hands – paper towels, dryer etc.
– Ensure the area is well ventilated
– Ensure the area is well lit
How many workplace toilets do you need?
The HSE clearly sets out the number of toilets and washbasins required based on the number of people you have working for you. Those figures are set out below.
Number of toilets and washbasin for mixed-use (or women only)
| Number of employees | Required number of toilets | Required number of washbasins |
| 1-5 | 1 | 1 |
| 6-25 | 2 | 2 |
| 26-50 | 3 | 3 |
| 51-75 | 4 | 4 |
| 76-100 | 5 | 5 |
Toilets used by men only
| Number of employees | Required number of toilets | Required number of urinals |
| 1-15 | 1 | 1 |
| 16-30 | 2 | 1 |
| 31-45 | 2 | 2 |
| 46-60 | 3 | 2 |
| 61-75 | 3 | 3 |
| 76-90 | 4 | 3 |
| 91-100 | 4 | 4 |
What if toilets are shared with the public?
Are your facilities used by the public too? If the answer is yes, then you’ll need to up your provision.
Whilst it can be difficult to be 100% accurate about the number of additional users, you are expected to make a sensible estimate and adjust the number of toilets you provide accordingly.
Preparing your workplace toilets
Feeling a bit panicked that your toilets aren’t meeting the expected standards? Don’t worry. We can help.
Whether your toilet is shared and you need to improve the lock or staff numbers have grown and it’s time to increase provisions, we have everything you need to ensure hard-wearing, attractive and high-quality toilet cubicles. With an extensive collection ranging from budget through to premier, you’ll discover a vast choice of hardware and panels – in every colour imaginable.
Need a hand?
We’re confident you’ll find everything you need here with M&P Fittings but if you would like more advice on workplace toilet cubicles, or assistance choosing the best hardware for your needs, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our friendly team.