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The number of toilets, urinals, and sinks included in any commercial washroom environment varies between location within the UK as well as building type. In particular, within the Education sector, the regulations vary depending on the age of pupils.
Schools in England and Wales
In England and Wales the number of toilets and washbasins that should be provided is as follows:
- Pupils under 5 years of age: 1 toilet for every 10 pupils.
- Pupils 5 years of age: 1 toilet for every 20 pupils.
- In special schools: 1 toilet for every 10 pupils, regardless of age.
- Where the majority of pupils are under 11: as many basins as toilets.
- Where the majority of pupils are over 11: Washrooms with 1 toilet must contain at least 1 washbasin; Washrooms with 2 toilets must contain at least 2 washbasins; Washrooms with 3 or more toilets must have at least two thirds the number of washbasins as there are toilets.
The regulations also state:
- Toilet areas for male and female pupils over the age of 8 must be separate.
- Toilets used by girls must not have urinals.
- Staff toilets, other than those designated for disabled access, must be separate from pupils’ toilets.
Providing the basic number of sanitary facilities will not, by itself, mean that all the relevant standards have been met. The number of toilet facilities must be adequate having regard to the ages, gender, and numbers of the pupils and any relevant special requirements they may have. They should never be fewer than as set out in The Education (School Premises) Regulations.
Schools in Scotland
In Scotland the number of toilets and washbasins that should be provided is as follows:
- 2 toilets for every 15 pupils (up to a total of 60).
- 2 toilets for every additional 30 pupils (up to a total of 300 pupils)
- 2 toilets for every additional 60 pupils over 300 pupils
- 4 wash hand basins for the first 30 pupils
- 4 wash hand basins for the next 30 pupils
- 2 wash hand basin for every additional 30 pupils up to a total of 300 pupils
- 2 wash hand basins for every additional 60 pupils over 300 pupils
In addition, there shall be a suitable provision for the disposal of sanitary products for girls. Every toilet shall be adjacent to a washbasin. Every toilet will have a lock and every cubicle will offer sufficient privacy.
The Work Place
The provision of toilets and wash hand basins for Adults within a commercial setting.
A minimum number of toilets for employees: 1 for 1-5 people, 2 for 6-25 and so on. More may be needed to avoid undue delay e.g. if breaks are taken at set times, this is usually at the discretion of the site management.
In addition, the following should be considered good practice:
- Toilets and washbasins should be made available at readily accessible places.
- Separate facilities for men and women, except in a single, lockable toilet which can be used by only one person at a time.
- Clean facilities which are kept in good condition.
- Good lighting and ventilation.
- Hot/warm and cold running water with the availability of soap.
- A basin which is large enough to wash hands (and forearms if necessary).
- Hand drying facilities.
- Showers where necessary.
- Privacy for users, including a lock on individual doors, not being able to see into the toilets when exit/entrance doors are opened and obscured windows to prevent people being able to look in from the outside.
- Disposal facilities for sanitary dressings (for female employees).
- Toilet paper in a dispenser.
- A coat hook on toilet doors.
The above information is supplied with good faith and to the best of our knowledge, we recommend checking with a local building surveyor to ensure full compliance.
As always, our team are at the end of the telephone for all your queries and questions and have a wealth of knowledge they’re happy to share with you. So if you need some guidance, or would like to talk over your options, you can give them a call on 01202 650900.
