Rules for Toilets and Washing Facilities

Originally written by Kevin Watson, updated by the editorial team on 18th May 2026

What the law says about workplace toilets and washing facilities

Employers in the UK must provide toilet and washing facilities for their workers. This sits within a broader duty to provide welfare facilities, which also includes rest areas, drinking water, and somewhere to store clothing. The rules apply to almost all workplaces: offices, shops, factories, and construction sites.

The main law is the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, which operates under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The 1992 regulations set minimum standards; the 1974 Act establishes the overarching duty on employers. The Health and Safety Executive publishes guidance on compliance.

Employers must provide suitable facilities from day one, whether staff work full time, part time, or on temporary contracts. Self-employed people working alone from home are not covered by the 1992 regulations for their own workspace, though they still have duties under the 1974 Act. If they share a workspace with others, the 1992 regulations usually apply.

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Basic requirements for toilets and washing facilities

Toilets must be suitable and sufficient for the people using them. There is no single set number for every workplace: the right provision depends on shift patterns, the nature of work, and building layout. Check the HSE website for recommended ratios.

Toilets should be connected to suitable drainage, flushing, provided with toilet paper, adequately lit, ventilated, and kept clean. Separate facilities for men and women are required unless each toilet is in a private, lockable room for one person. In smaller workplaces, a single lockable toilet may be acceptable. Toilets should not open directly into rooms where food is prepared or eaten.

Employers must also provide washing facilities: basins with hot and cold running water, soap, and a way to dry hands. Paper towels, roller towels, or hand dryers are all acceptable. Where workers handle hazardous substances or do dirty work, showers may also be needed.

Washing facilities should be near the toilets. Workers should not have to walk long distances or go outside to wash their hands. Like toilets, washing areas must be kept clean and maintained. A basin with no soap or broken taps does not meet the legal standard. Employers should establish regular cleaning schedules and a clear system for reporting problems.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Difficult circumstances and alternative solutions

The regulations recognise that full facilities are not always straightforward to provide. Older buildings may have limited space or plumbing; remote sites might lack mains water or drainage.

In these situations, employers may use portable or chemical toilets on construction sites or temporary locations. Mobile washing units may work where permanent facilities are not practical. However, cost alone is not a valid reason to avoid the requirement. Employers must take practical steps that balance welfare regulations against genuine physical or logistical constraints.

If permanent toilets are genuinely impossible, employers should document why and show what alternatives they have arranged. The HSE may take enforcement action if workers lack reasonable access. For short term work lasting only a few days, employers still need some form of provision. Workers cannot be expected to go without toilet access during a working day.

Cleanliness, maintenance, and accessibility

Facilities must be kept efficient, in good repair, and clean. This means regular cleaning, prompt repairs, and restocking of soap and paper. Workers should have a way to report issues, and problems should be fixed without unreasonable delay.

Workers with disabilities must be able to use the facilities. This may require accessible toilets with more space, grab rails, and appropriate door widths. The Equality Act 2010 places duties on employers to make reasonable adjustments, extending to toilet and washing provision. Employers should check that any accessible toilets in shared buildings are genuinely available to staff.

Toilet and washing areas should not be excessively cold. Workers are entitled to reasonable conditions, particularly during winter.

The Health and Safety Executive website has detailed guidance on workplace welfare facilities, including numbers, layouts, and standards. The Equality and Human Rights Commission provides guidance on employer duties under the Equality Act 2010.

If your employer is failing to provide adequate facilities, raise the issue with them first and keep a record. If the problem continues, contact the HSE or your local authority environmental health department. Trade unions can also advise members and raise concerns on your behalf. GOV.UK provides links to current legislation and enforcement bodies.

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310 questions

Ask Welfare at Work a Question

WelfareAtWork Editor 17/05/2026 at 1:29 pm

@Robbo Cutting off water for nine hours to 175 residents isn't really on, especially in a retirement setting. The Water Industry Act 1991 generally requires suppliers to give at least 48 hours' notice of planned interruptions, and to provide alternative supplies (bottled water or a bowser) if an outage runs over a certain length, usually around four hours. I'd ring your water company directly, not the National Grid, and ask what provision they're making. Worth flagging vulnerable residents too, as they often qualify for priority services.

Robbo 22/02/2025 at 1:02 pm

I live in a retirement village that has 125 dwellings and 175 ocupents.
The National Grid are cutting trees down next week and therefor the residence will not have flushing toilets or running water between the hours of 8am to 5pm.
What are the legal rights of the owners?

Elmo 22/02/2024 at 5:33 pm

Work put me at an offsite warehouse, it had zero facilities no water, no toilet, no place to wash or canteen, portable facilities was Not provided, they are saying that there was a cafe near by, which I don't think is in any way right of them to say... however is this actually illegal ?

johnny 11/07/2023 at 10:50 am

Hey just wondered does anybody know if your boss is allowed to deduct money from your salary for the use of paper towels, toilet roll & hand soap ?

I know UK employers have a legal obligation to provide all these things - but can they charge you for them ?

Monika 27/04/2023 at 7:33 am

The place I work in has a new energy saving scheme that consists of light switching off in toilets after 5 seconds, no matter what you’re doing. So when you get into the stall you barely got time to unzip before you’re in complete darkness. Is this legal?

Jenny 27/03/2023 at 12:35 pm

My husband works for a charity as membership officer. He is regularly sent to places with no toilet facilities to set up his stall. This includes woods where there are no public toilets. He is expected to work there for a full day.
Should his employer be expected to provide something like a camping toilet so that he has facilities available?

Sarliz 22/12/2022 at 7:51 am

The water has been switched off in my workplace due to burst pipe leaking onto electrics. We have no access to toilets but bottled water and hand wipes have been provided. The retail store has remained open and will open again today. Is this legal? Tradesmen apparently keep rejecting the job to come out and fix it.

Rosie 19/12/2022 at 12:52 pm

I work in a supermarket/ freezer centre. The toilets have not been flushable for almost a week and the water has been turned off due to a burst pipe. Is this even legal?

David 10/11/2022 at 5:41 am

My boss has told us to load at a new unit, which can take an hour sometimes longer. There are no toilets or hot water. Is this allowed ?????

MissT 29/09/2021 at 11:56 am

I work in a brewery packing bottled beer or canned beer. It’s is physically demanding work. I am never near the part of the brewery where the product is being produced or is not already canned or bottled. Our new manager has just banned water bottles on the packing lines, means four hours with out water / drinks until lunch break then another four hours without as we cannot leave our stations for a drink. Can he do this?

Ann 06/07/2021 at 5:21 pm

I work in a marina office where nearest toilet is the one for berthholders about 100m from the office. No running water or bottled water in the office. Is this allowed?

Ann 09/06/2021 at 5:55 am

I support an individual in their own home( my shifts are either 12 hrs or 24) the bathroom door no longer shuts or locks is this allowed??

Robbo 04/05/2021 at 11:45 am

Builder refuses to supply portable toilet on building site

Del 08/01/2021 at 3:40 pm

Should my work place be closed if the toilets are blocked and flooding?

Royboy 15/12/2020 at 6:37 am

Is it legal to lock toilet s on site as ask for key entry only

boo 01/12/2020 at 11:29 am

I work in a asda and we don,t have toilets in are in-store shop shop we have to use the customer toliets and have no running water as well i sure we should not use the customer toilets at moment with covid 19

headboard 13/10/2020 at 11:21 am

Working alone I deliver to a major high street store through the night and have access to the delivery area in the basement only. I have a keycard to enter the store and the alarm code to deactivate the alarm. I have NO access to any toilets at all as they are in a different area of the store. There is no other staff at the store to escort me to the toilet if needed. What are my rights? May I refuse to deliver to this certain store? All the other stores we deliver to working alone through the night have access to toilet facilities. Hope someone can help. Thanks

Cb 24/09/2020 at 6:04 pm

I work in a portable cabin, recycling clothes. It has no toilet or running water or provisions for drinking water. Our nearest public toilet is 10 minute walk away in a supermarket. Where do I stand wirh this, especially during covid 19.

sonnie 31/08/2020 at 10:20 am

I work in a special needs school, its a secondary special needs block im going into, there are boys and a girls toilet for pupils ages from 16 to 19 there is no separate staff toilets weve been told to use the changing room which is for changing the pupils who cant use the toilet and need a changing bed or help to use toilet. Should we not have a separate staff toilet.

Jay 19/08/2020 at 8:31 pm

Can employers lock toilet doors walk you 2 the toilet and then wait outside until you are finished and lock the toilet back up?

mumz 20/06/2020 at 6:27 pm

I work in a small barber shop with no running water or toilet. What are the legal requirements when I go back after lockdown??? How do I stand on this matter???

Loo 12/06/2020 at 2:16 pm

I am a female cleaner, i clean the toilets at my work and when I do, i put multiple signs up saying "cleaning in progress" and "temporarily closed". The staff ignore these signs, even moving them out of the way to access the bathroom (there is 3 other bathrooms in the building) and proceed to use the toilets. My biggest problem is the men coming in when i'm working, one man came into the bathroom with his jeans already undone and exposed himself to me accidentally! Normally I would leave when someone uses the toilets but because I only have a limited time to get them clean I can't. I asked the man to use another bathroom as this one was closed for cleaning and I was ignored, and he continued to use the urinal. I just want to know if there is any rules or laws that would support me when complaining to my boss yet again about staff ignoring signs?

Pam 22/05/2020 at 1:08 pm

I work in a hairdressing salon that has no hot running water in the staff room or the toilet will it have to be rectified before it re opens after lockdown

Worried 14/05/2020 at 5:46 pm

I work in a small shop with no toilet or running water and even though it is against the law we have never been provided with drinking water. I will be expected to return after lockdown with no handwashing facilities and possibly no public toilets open.

Glossy1 12/05/2020 at 2:18 pm

I work outside so have no access to office welfare facilities. They want to send us back out to work now with the new government announcement. However, the places we use are shut or inaccessible due to corona virus. Is it legal to be sending us out even if for half a day when we have no access to welfare facilities?

Mamma 25/03/2020 at 8:17 am

We work in a shop that we have to close to walk down the rd to the public toilets.our shop also has no running water.

Big L 14/02/2020 at 3:08 am

How close do toilets have to be at place of work. What is the law

Sam 13/01/2020 at 5:49 pm

I rents a shop it has no water or toilet

Tony 10/01/2020 at 9:23 am

The toilet facilities at our work place are locked and we can't use nearby toilets

Richr 11/12/2019 at 8:52 pm

I'm a bus driver and I have been fined by a bus station for leaving a bus parked up with passengers on while I went to the toilet. Is this legal?

H 19/11/2019 at 4:04 pm

I work on the 3rd floor of a building there is only toilet access on the ground floor, I’m 18 weeks pregnant so every time I need the toilet I have to walk down 3 flights (60 stairs) and then back up to carry on my work, is this acceptable?

Darlo 10/11/2019 at 4:50 am

I work in a gatehouse. We have not had use of a toilet in there for the past 19 weeks and have been told that we should use the nearest toilet to us, which is over 100 meters away and up two flights of stairs. Also, the sink in the gatehouse is barely big enough to fit average sized hands in. Would having to walk so far to the toilet and having such a small sink be deemed ok?

Beamer 29/10/2019 at 5:29 am

We have one outside toilet for 10 mixed members of staff in a well appointed business that has spent a lot on refurbishment in the front of house as we deal with members of the public all the time, however there is only one toilet for all staff with cold water and a cotton hand towel to dry your hands plus there is no sanitary disposal unit for female staff. Is this allowed in law? It certainly does not seem acceptable to me. Also there is a narrow area with one stool and no table for when staff take a break. There is an ascot type water heater with a sink to wash cups etc plus a kettle and microwave . Are these appropriate for workers? If not what should happen and how can it be addressed in law?

Mark 16/10/2019 at 7:00 pm

How far is considered reasonable to have to walk to the nearest toilet?

Rfarn1222 16/10/2019 at 11:39 am

No toilet paper at work and over 100 employees what do I do?

Leah 10/10/2019 at 12:10 pm

Do employees use same toilet as resident as are work place makes us use same toilet

Tania 01/10/2019 at 1:03 pm

Hi, at my work there is 13 females on level 1 and only 1 toilet, there is another toilet downstairs but my issue is I have Multiple Sclerosis and commonly wet myself as don't have time to get downstairs in time(I do wear bladder pads but still)

Crash 04/09/2019 at 4:34 pm

Hello what is the requirement over 100. We have 100 staff and currently 4 working mens toilets but it is a shared space with another office that also has well over 100 staff
So we have 4 mean toilets and 4 urinals for well over 200 employees. Is this ok?

Bob 02/09/2019 at 10:04 am

I work for a company where for the last 2.5 years we've had to use a portable toilet and there's no running water due to most of the site being demolished.. They do provide drinking water and an IBC with water in it for other uses. Is there a time period where they would need to provide running water and a flushing toilet?

Lee 21/08/2019 at 8:54 pm

My workplace have given access to disabled toilet facilities to all employees. This was previously only given to disabled employees with the use of a swipe pass. There are only 3 disabled toilets across 3 floors. Due to this it is difficult to find a free toilet putting myself and other disabled employees under stress. What does the law and the equality act say about the provision of facilities for disabled employees?

Jes 29/07/2019 at 11:18 am

If all the water is out at the work place how long has the company got to fix before it sends it staff home.

Lesley 19/07/2019 at 2:25 pm

Hi,
I have been informed by building staff that they want to shut the water supply off for the full day on a Saturday. This is a busy day for us as we have 60 or so customers coming to take exams and will be on site for 30mins to one hour, and will have 5 staff members in for 8 hours. There will be no water for drinking etc and obviously toilets will be out of bounds. Should the building management be providing us with anything, can they do this or can I insist it be done after hours (it is cleaning tanks)

Thanks

Slayer 11/07/2019 at 10:50 pm

My factory has had no Hot water for over 8 years, what can be done about this?

Lola 14/06/2019 at 5:30 pm

I work in a shop and for two weeks we've been without water and toilet facilities. What can we do?

Unhappy 07/06/2019 at 8:05 am

Hello.
I work as a driver for a transport/logistics company.
Management have recently placed a pin lock on both the toilet and kitchen facilities in the upstairs office area, and are refusing to let drivers use these facilities.
I have to use these offices as part of my working day. Are they allowed to do this?
There are other toilet facilities further down the yard, which we are told we have to use, but those are in a pretty poor state of repair and rarely clean.

Dave 29/05/2019 at 8:55 am

Can you tell me, what is deemed reasonable/ unreasonable time and distance for toilets to away from a working person on a building site.

Peealot 21/05/2019 at 5:28 pm

Try my place. Office 3 employees, 1 toilet, no hot water, sanitary bin, soap or towels. We get loo roll though.

Mick 07/05/2019 at 10:56 am

The ladies toilets in the building my employers recently relocated to has just had clear glass fitted into the windows of the ladies toilets. The gents has frosted glass.
The windows are almost ceiling height but anyone with a mind to could get high enough to look through those clear windows and the female employees feel extremely uncomfortable about using those toilets.
Surely this can't be legal?

Si 27/04/2019 at 2:56 pm

In shopping centres is there a maximum distance toilet facilities should be from food establishments for disabled customers with mobility issues?

Cl 29/03/2019 at 11:07 am

Is it a legal requirement for a disabled toilet to have a lock?

GC 26/03/2019 at 2:58 pm

Is it legal to lock a disabled toilet and have to ask for the key for every toilet trip?

Kala 25/03/2019 at 6:21 am

How many time should the toilets be clean a week if you work in a factory with 30 or more workers there

Justyna 22/03/2019 at 3:32 pm

Hello there, I am interested to know what is the regulation in terms of toilet hooks/pegs, particularly what is the minimum/maximum weight hooks/pegs are meant to hold? And what happenes if a hook which wasn't securely attached drops the contents on the floor, effectively damaging them.

Mr Fixit 02/03/2019 at 9:43 am

I work for a social housing company.
We have a main office for admin staff and managers.

the trades have a depot which only has one toilet which doesn't get cleaned and is very unhygienic. 55/1 ratio the company defends this by saying we can use head office when required. This is on the other side of town 20-30 minute drive.

We have no canteen at the depot and are expected to use our vans.
again they say the office is available but this is not convenient as the parking is inadequate.

After complaining we have been given a list of toilets in our community facilities and are told to ring the voids manager for a working toilet. The voids are not clean no hot water and no toilet paper.

We have no drying room at the depot.

Is this allowed? And if not how do I complain as work will not resolve it.

Acas, HSE ?

Bev 04/02/2019 at 4:11 pm

In my workplace all the toilets have been out of order for 4 days there are only 20 working on average there are approx 3000 employees is this acceptable

Katie 31/01/2019 at 12:51 am

In my work place ( restaurant)there are separate toilets 2 for female 1 for males and 1 for disabled. Some of my male co-workers are using the females toilet for there needs.is that legal;

Sickofit 11/12/2018 at 9:21 am

Been told to.wash my cups in toilet sink, they have locked main doors to the canteen. Were there is running taps and it is clean because it is for staff only. And there is no running water in apprentice staff room and is also cold and smells and dirty, there is only a fridge, and kettle and seating,.

Lou 10/12/2018 at 9:10 pm

I work on a car compound in the only woman working there but do get woman drivers coming to collect cars there are 14 men and 2 toilets I have to share there are no bins or lady sanitary products available there is a woman's toilet but all the me us it to and it's not nice with pee all over the floor can no have my toilet back and lock it

Kg 21/11/2018 at 9:37 am

The reception desk I work at has been moved from an office into the cold foyer. There is less room but the desk is now next to the toilet door. Which does not open fully now as the desk is in the way so a person in a wheelchair would not be able to get in (it is a disabled toilet). Also people use the toilet next to my desk, the smell is offensive and I think it is extremely unhygenic. Is there a minimum distance that you need to be away from the toilet?

No1 08/11/2018 at 9:35 am

At my place of work they have currently disposed of the disposable roll to dry your hands and face after using the toilets and put a hand dryer in but this does not solve drying your face after possible chemicals have been on your face example fibre glass resign dust. They have provided 30 employees with a single towel this to me is a risk of contaminants and could cause serious problems. Am I correct in saying so

Loo 03/11/2018 at 1:48 pm

I work in a unit that is half office and half garage. We have fans in the individual offices to blow heat. The kettle and microwave are in the garage which has no heat and is freezing. The toilet is also in the garage and has no heat. When using the toilet it is also freezing. I have complained. Is there anything I can do?

Porky 16/10/2018 at 3:24 pm

as of nov1 men are expected to bring own mugsto work and wash them in the gents toilets/no hot water is this legal

Porky 16/10/2018 at 3:22 pm

is it legal to wash mugs /cutlery in gents toilets only 1 small wash handbasin provided/no hot water

Porky 16/10/2018 at 3:20 pm

my employer is introducing rules fromnov 1 stating that plastic cups will nolonger be provided for tea/ coffe etc all employees to bring own mug and men are required to wash mugs in gents toilets small hand basin installed. Is this legal

Teresaxx 14/10/2018 at 6:34 pm

I am working in a petrol station that sells freshly cooked food. I am expected to cook the frozen food and clean the toilets with no protective clothing at all. I was also shown how to clean the toilets by the bosses wife and use the same cloth to wipe inside the toilet bowls and then use on the sinks too. I'm sure this is not right. The cleaning fluid is some made up solution with no details on it at all. I'm pretty sure under cosh the cleaning fluid should be described and cleared for use. Anyone help ?

Jgm 13/09/2018 at 11:25 am

I have been transferred to a store in a shopping centre with no washing or toilet facilities. I have been told the shopping centre toilets can been used instead. At times these are being cleaning and I don't have access. I have ulcerative colitis and I need to have a toilet available at an emergency. I have now had to resign from my job as a result.

Dolly 11/09/2018 at 12:14 pm

Toilets out of order at work expect us to use port a loo that is one across probably 100 people on site is this acceptable

Robyn 10/09/2018 at 1:23 pm

I work for a small business, there’s 6-8 males and one female (me)
We have two toilets (1 male, 1 female)
I had a period of two weeks off, during that time a new female colleague started. Upon my return to work I noticed that the ladies toilet had been left in a grotty state (clearly by the new empolyee, as I hadn’t been there for two weeks) I am not employed as a cleaner for the company, and it doesn’t say in my job description I have to clean toilets, so I refused to clean her mess.
About a month after this, the boss has stuck a notice on the door of the ladies toilet (there isn’t one on the men’s door, I checked) that says ‘LADIES. Please leave these facilities as you wish to find them!’
I am fuming, because there was never a concern with the cleanliness of the toilets when I was the only female employee. And sticking a note to the door for all to see is disrespectful.
Do I have a leg to stand on, if I bring this up as a grievance to the manager?

Ali 07/09/2018 at 8:09 am

At a work place should you the same toilet brush in the mens and womens toilet my boss says its ok but i thought it would b cross cintamination is this right r wrong

andy66 05/09/2018 at 6:46 am

i work in the nhs we had a toilet which we used out of hours , it is not being clean regularly ,someone has been leaving it in a mess . we have been told we cant use it now its only for office staff , there is a toilet in a workshop no ventilation we have been told to use that , I don't think it is right for office staff to have use of the toilet

WelfareAtWork Editor 04/09/2018 at 10:40 am

You would have to take this issue up directly with your employer.

C*** 30/08/2018 at 6:58 pm

My employer has provided us with 1 toilet and a shower in the same room. So if I'm taking a shower no one can use the toilet is this fair?? Also a notice on the board states anyone caught deficating outside will be disciplined, but if someone is using the shower where are you meant to go toilet????

Space man 15/08/2018 at 8:53 am

My company has just moved premises and our changing / toilet facilities are rolled into one , lockers ,seating ,sink ,toilet, shower and urinals in one room . This was originally just a toilet , when you sit down to get changed you're either 1foot away from the sink or 1foot away from a urinal and there is very little space for anyone to get changed . Is this acceptable or not , any help / advice is welcome.

SJB 07/08/2018 at 12:27 pm

I wanted to find out the policies on the office locking the disabled toilets. We do not have any disabled staff member but we see disabled applicants(customers/patients). And they have put a note on the toilets saying if they need to use the disabled toilets to ask security for the key, but some people can not wait long enough for the key to be brought up and the door opened. What are your thoughts?

Badger 28/07/2018 at 11:09 am

Work in a large garden centre with approximately 40 staff.. Should we have separate toilet facilities to the general public.

Cap68 25/07/2018 at 5:49 pm

I have to travel 1 hour to run an outreach session at a local council contact centre. I have to stop there for 3 hours and am instructed not to leave until the 3 hours have expired. I do this for 3 days a week.

I sit in a public area and have no access to any toilet, so I have to hold the sensation best I can. I am unable to use the staff toilet despite having a radar key and a card, showing the need for a toilet due to disability.

Even a basic need to use a toilet is being denied and as a result I have to wear pad underwear and have had to sit in these for several hours, whilst there is excrement and urine burning into me.

I have raised this with my employer under reasonable adjustments several times. December 2016, several times in 2017 and more recently in a grievance in March 2018. My employers have been aware of my disability since I started in 2013.

Since my grievance, my area manager has been working with me to identify which outreaches I should stop going to. However, despite there being no cost implication and no affect to service delivery, they are still expecting me to attend these outreaches that have no facilities.

An occupational health report recommended that these outreaches be closed on 22 June 2018 but my area manager states that I have to wait for another meeting in 3 weeks time so both my managers can agree if they should close my outreach sessions at this location.

My colleagues, who do not have a medical condition are allowed to close an outreach that has a zero or poor footfall almost immediately, yet I m not allowed and have now been waiting over year to close them and over a month since my occupational report recommendations.

Where do I stand legally and what laws/legislation are they breaching under Health and Safety or Disability Rights.

Your advice would be most welcome.

k 23/07/2018 at 10:45 am

What is the legal limit that a toilet should be placed opposite a work station ? Very frustrating that a disabled toilet is being used by everyone and placed opposite my work station.

WelfareAtWork Editor 20/07/2018 at 10:21 am

The matter should be reported to your line manager and your line manager/employer will investigate.

Lindz 19/07/2018 at 11:28 am

Some one took a video of another guy masturbating in the toilets at work because he heard funny sounds, is masturbating in work toilets correct? and was this other one right in taking a video and should he be fired for doing this?

Fifer 17/07/2018 at 11:37 am

Our work place toilets are filthy and never cleaned who is responsible for cleaning complained to manager and he expected us to clean them

WelfareAtWork Editor 16/07/2018 at 10:49 am

It is likely that building regs will insist on appropriate ventilation before a completion certificate is issued. If you’re a worker and you’ve tried solving a problem or concern informally by talking to your manager but you’re not satisfied, you can make a formal grievance complaint in writing, In the first place, you may wish to speak with you boss again stating this will be the only alternative if the issue is not dealt with.

F1 fan 15/07/2018 at 1:04 pm

We had an existing work toilet (interior walls) that had an extractor fitted altered nearly two years ago..
The door had to be moved and now there is no extractor fan at all. Is that illegal, it’s not pleasant in there sometimes.
Who do I report it to, boss doesn’t seem to be bothered.

Jeannie 02/07/2018 at 5:26 pm

I only toilet is broken, has been since last Friday. What are our rights on this? They have said they will try and fix it tomorrow, if they get the part. Are we allowed to close?

Pinky 29/06/2018 at 8:17 am

Our store toilets have been closed as there is a blocked one. There is no alternative offfered. Surely this is against the law

WelfareAtWork Editor 01/06/2018 at 10:05 am

If you’re a worker and you’ve tried solving a problem or concern informally by talking to your manager but you’re not satisfied, you can make a formal grievance complaint in writing. This is your only recourse to complain - If other employees do not like this arrangement either, then you may wish to organise a joint letter of complaint.

sallywallywoo 31/05/2018 at 11:58 am

I work in an office where there is separate toilets for men an d women. Once a month the board meet and my toilet just so happens to be next to the Boardroom so one of the board members users my ladies toilet which the CEO allows him to do, the toilet is clearly marked with a female sign.
I have raised this issue with the CEO as after this said board member leaves a complete mess all over the floor and over the toilet with no attempt to clean it up, and all he said was get over it the guy is elderly !!! and its only once a month !!
My question is, is this even allowed in the work place, men using womens toilets, as i certainly would not use the mens.

djcook 25/05/2018 at 5:04 pm

do employers have to supply a seperate supply of water other than the supply in the toilet wash basins to drink?

P 11/05/2018 at 6:46 pm

Today for just over 2hrs we had no running water. We were told to run water from the drinking water station to flush the toilet. I was just wandering if it was illegal to work without running water due to a burst water pipe.

Mary 23/04/2018 at 2:10 pm

In zara we had for a couple of days Ferry liquid for washing dishes instead of soap. I have picture that i took in different days. Moreover the toilets do not have any toilet brush and is impossible to clean after yourself when using the toilets. The toilets facilities are dirty despite of the fact they have cleaners and we don't have toilet paper or soap on a daily baisis. Usually there are about 40 ladies working a day and only 3 toilets that are not all the time available or unlooked to be used. There is dust everywhere in stockroom and we have rats walking around clothes. A flagship store without clean toilets, soap .

Daffodil 10/04/2018 at 3:12 am

I started work at a place that was disgustingly filthy and I'm not just talking the shop floor either.

The ladies looked like they hadn't been cleaned for years, the dust had dust on it and the walls were sticky.
The rim had a strange colour film on the toilet bowl.
There was no sanitary bins and no hot water either, the hot tap didn't work as had been cut off from the mains! It had no heating OR ventilation, in the winter, it was like going to the old outside privvys.
The liquid soap was empty for weeks and was mentioned regularly, as was the lack of toilet paper and paper towels. We were moaned at for asking for top ups!

We had a bottle fed water fountain, however that was topped up from an old copper pipe that was going green around were the water came out.

They gave us free coffee, tea and juice and powered creamer, no milk as there was no fridge and a hot water geezer(for drinks) that leaked. One spoon that was tarnished black!
Where the tea and coffee was, the area was fithly and there was no area to eat your food, you had to sit at you work station to eat, yet the boss didn't like you to get food all over the work station!
The was one sink to wash mugs, hands etc that was tarnished with chemicals, again no hot water, just one cold tap(the copper one that was green) but no soap or washing up liquid OR towels, paper or other wise.

Were I sat there were no overhead lights, just a small bench light, I got regular headaches and was really dark during winter.
The shop floor area was so unbelievably dusty, I dropped my jumper on the floor and it was covered in dust. I saw no brooms, dust pans, brushes or mops anywhere or any cleaners.

Ventilation was poor and you regularly got a blast of chemical vapours from the machines. No where to put your wet coats and I didn't see any fire extinguishers, nor did I know where the fire escapes where during my week there. I had no idea who the first aider was or who the fire Marshall was.

There was definitely no emergency lighting.
There was no extraction for those that soldered regularly either.

I was shocked at the so called 'good' working conditions, that after getting sick of being barked at by management and being labelled a trouble maker, when I pointed things out, I valued my health too much and walked out after a fortnight!

I was lucky to find employment only that was bad too, but not as bad.
They had an area for washing hands, pots etc, with soap, towels, paper towels, tea towels, washing up liquid and hot and cold water.
They had a fridge for milk but were you made you drinks was filthy, as it was too far for people to walk there and back to the kitchenette area.
The loo was shared but cleanish with plenty of bleach and loo rolls, hot and cold water, a vent and nappy sacks for sanitary products and a waste bin.

However the work area was a joke, one side had electric wall heaters and if you were on that side you'd freeze as the opposite side would en

Az 26/03/2018 at 8:37 am

I work for a bus company and we hv 8 female working here..
Our toilet facilities are they suposed to be cleaned every day, also we have no sanitary bin.

NKK Editor 02/03/2018 at 12:52 pm

@Marsha - sounds awful. But you have to do what your employer says.

Marsha 01/03/2018 at 11:53 pm

Today has been an unbelievable day working in office with 60-70 staff men and women with toilet facilities not working i.e no water to flushing & employer saying use and dont flush or go out and use local shops etc. Employer stating you can't leaving.

A. 08/02/2018 at 9:57 am

Work on a building site mobile worker, want to know when it becomes law we need an on site toilet. Sick of going in a van or maccies toilets, work keep fobbing me off with lies. Is it true over 3 workers over 3 days you need facilities?

Keen 01/02/2018 at 3:33 pm

My husband is working in a building with only one toilet for around 10 men,the toilet is very unkept and dirty, my husband has brought this to the attention of his senior on site with no avail. My husband has a stoma bag and has explained to this guy that the toilet is not suitable due to the lack of cleanliness and the infections that could be passed around. What can you advise to do

Lee 30/01/2018 at 4:42 pm

Our office water was shut off hours ago no wave of flushing toilets and washing hands all the toilets have already been used and unable to flush yet they refuse to send employees home instead tell us if we need to use blather room we will have to find a restaraunts or hotel to walk to and use and come back,is this legal?

Loo 30/01/2018 at 11:37 am

I occupy a small office space with one other colleague. The men's toilets are also located within this office space. There is no extractor fan in the toilets and often the smells from the toilet escape into the office space. Is there any health and safety law that could be put into practice to avoid such an uncomfortable problem at work?
Thanks

Cs 23/01/2018 at 7:51 am

My work hasn't provided us with soap or a cleaning hand product or toilet roll when we are on 12 hour night shifts

Peter 22/01/2018 at 5:25 pm

I am unable to understand the rules.

What is the requirement for 5 females and 40 males when one toilet is set aside for women only?

Can it be argued that the 'Toilets used by men only' requirements do not apply because none of the toilets is men only?

Regards

sumi 17/01/2018 at 7:00 am

Hi,I work in an office as a staff.We have one toilet behing our office building.And the Building owner is not giving me the key to use the rest room.Is this legal???Whom should I contact for this??

sa 16/01/2018 at 3:58 pm

i work in a large supermarket due to work being done on the gents toilets/cloakroom the gents have been told too use the female toilets is this legal

sa 16/01/2018 at 3:47 pm

i work in a large supermarket due to work being done in the gents toilet/cloakroom the gents have been told too use the ladies toilets is this legal

Jowiha 10/01/2018 at 3:44 pm

My work place is telling us that we will be without running water for drinking & no toilets for 3 hrs...staff of 50 peaple (men/women) is this legal?? Or do they need to send us home???

Pit 12/12/2017 at 4:34 pm

Can I ask about main toilet door, have they can be with little glass to see who is behind?

Viv Editor 20/11/2017 at 3:07 pm

@Spud - some places such as shopping precincts/malls don't have individual toilets and the staff have to use the public loos. There's not much you can do.

Spud 18/11/2017 at 2:14 pm

My workplace does not have a toilet, we have been told to use the toilets in a supermarket which is a 10 minute walk away... i don’t think this is legal? What can I do about this?

KD 17/11/2017 at 8:45 am

School based question
We have a breakfast club
They have now taken over the staff kitchen
Were not allowed to now use it
Is this legal

Nixon 12/11/2017 at 10:17 pm

I work in a business with 12 members of staff and there are no toilets working due to a major blockage.There has been an assessment of the problems but it is going to be a while before it is sorted.We are a retail business is it legal to open whilst we are in this situation

markofhants 03/11/2017 at 2:57 pm

We have kitchens provided with microwave and sink, our employer has now declined to provide washing up liquid.... so we have hot water but nothing to actually clean mugs, plates etc - is this allowed?

Lablover 02/11/2017 at 1:28 pm

I work in a large chain retail with over 27 staff mostly female. We share 1 disabled toilet which is for everyone. Door is lockable and 2 washbasins are in it. We were told because the public toilets are nxt door to our store we can use them . But it means customers will see you.as you enter toilets in your uniform. My employer said its within the law as they have provided a toilet for employers and dont have to provide separate staff toilets as the public toilets are nxt to our store. Is this right and im also registered disabled i have croyns and usually have to use the public disabled.toilet.

Mitchster 01/11/2017 at 4:19 pm

In our work place we have 2 urinals and 2 toilets for approximately 45 men. Is it legal for the management to hold the keys for the 2 toilets?

Birtos 31/10/2017 at 1:01 pm

We have had no running hot water for 2 months can you tell us where we stand with this. Work in warehouse

Blje 27/10/2017 at 10:57 am

I'm currently working in a barber shop with a curdish man I have to go to toilet at Costa and Greg's as there is no toilet for me to use I work 4days a week he has just Installed security cameras is this right surely I have some right over facility even if I am self employed!!!

Di 19/10/2017 at 4:54 am

I rent a shop in a complex that consists of 7 shops. The toilets are filthy. I have been here for 6yrs and the maintenance guy has been doing them the whole time. I have complained so many times and still nothing done. Is there a health inspector anymore or rules for toilet facility's where the clients and customers use the same toilets as the shop owners.

JCB 18/10/2017 at 9:44 am

All the toilets in our office block are out of order. A plumber has been called. There are no public conveniences near. Is there a time limit that the facilities have to be fixed by? Are they allowed to make us stay at work?

ADy 15/10/2017 at 7:36 am

Hi Can you vent a workplace washroom / toilet back in to the place where people are worki
ng .

Pamm Editor 16/10/2017 at 12:56 pm

@Bodjit - yes, if it restricts a person who is disabled from entering the toilet, then yes. It makes it effectively redundant!

Bodjit 15/10/2017 at 4:36 am

Is it ileagl to use a disabled toilet for a store room in a shelter houseing complex

VV 12/10/2017 at 11:11 am

Is there a law about how far a toilet must be AWAY from your work desk / office space?

Dais Editor 06/10/2017 at 3:28 pm

@SSB - if this wasn't true it would be hilarious. But if it IS true, it's absolutely ridiculous.

SSB 03/10/2017 at 10:29 am

where I work we received coffee,tea, sugar etc.... the newest thing now is that each employee is only allowed 2 toilet rolls per month.... this does not make sense to me as all staff uses the same toilets... are staff member suppose to walk around with a toilet roll under there arms when they need to go to the bath room.... this is suppose to be a corporate company. does not look corporate to me when staff is being humiliated to only by walking around with toilet paper so that everyone knows they going to the toilet.. this is deformation of character of employee

Mouse 15/09/2017 at 9:34 pm

I work in a shop there is no working toilet and no running water to wash our hands it has been like this for three weeks now and we are expected to use the filthy public toilets.

LynnD Editor 18/09/2017 at 10:44 am

@Concerned - this is the plight of everyone working in a shopping centre, not all shops have loos. Most larger shops have a staff toilet, but many other staff in small shops have to use the main ones provided for the public.

Concerned 15/09/2017 at 12:19 pm

I work in a small shop with only one other employee. We have no toilet or water and have to use the nearest public toilets in marks and spencers, a 7 minute walk away. I have rung our local council who tell me as long as we have access to a toilet, even if it is a public loo, then that is fine. Our employer just needs to provide us with bottled water. Surely in 2017 this can't be right ????

Hmp 09/09/2017 at 2:11 pm

Hi we have a toilet in a hair and beauty salon , which does not work. Flush has broke and has been for a week .staff and clients can not use the toilet

Jiggles 23/08/2017 at 8:14 am

If there are more than one female toilet cubicle should each one have a feminine hygiene bin? Also baby changing facilies should a specific baby nappy waste bin be provided? Thanks

Mr Annoyed 22/08/2017 at 7:58 am

I work in a company that has around 500 employees but the floor that I work on which has around 100 employees, have been told that we can only use the toilets on our floor. Given this, does this mean that the minimum number of toilets needed can be applied solely to the floor I work on (i.e. as if there were only 100 employees in the company)?

Anna 17/08/2017 at 1:19 pm

What is adequate cleaning? Is there a "standard/minimum" timeframe when toilets (canteen/office/factory) have to be cleaned?
Since I started this job I am the only one who cleans the ladies toilet, don't think anyone does the men's.
It's not my job to clean, but since there is no cleaner and I need to use the toilet from time to time I've had to do it myself.

Fuming 11/08/2017 at 10:49 am

Is it illegal to clean the toilets floor (grout in between tiles and round the taps on the sink)with a tooth brush

Gugs 09/08/2017 at 9:45 am

I am involved with a mental health organization where we have men and women client's. On the he premises we have one disabled toilet and one toilet. Can anyone tell me what the law state's about who can use which toilet?

ONM Editor 08/08/2017 at 3:21 pm

@nikki - I'd take this up with yoru union and directly with your employer. It sounds wholly unfair.

nikki 08/08/2017 at 10:50 am

As a community nurse I get 1hr break over 12 hours. Of late we have been told that we can be sent to break no matter where our location is for example I may have finished at a patients house, be sat in my car and they will say our break has started. Can employers do this without providing toilet facilities and appropriate areas to consume food?

WelfareAtWork Editor 07/08/2017 at 11:07 am

You would have to speak with your health and safety manager directly regarding this matter. We cannot answer - but your employer will be able to tell you what heath and safety measures have been put into place.

Jacko 04/08/2017 at 6:38 pm

We had lockers in a kitchen/eating area but they were removed as they were deemed to be a health and safety hazard. They are now located on the shop floor near the heavy machinery, surely this is more of a health and safety hazard?

WelfareAtWork Editor 04/08/2017 at 12:26 pm

Yes. Or talk to your line manager about it. You can also make a complaint in writing - if the matter is not resolved informally.

Grant 04/08/2017 at 8:05 am

I work at a quarry where we have about 20 employees, for the last 4 weeks we haven't had a cleaner. There has always been a cleaner working there, we have 4 toilets, 2 urinals, kitchen/ canteen, changing rooms & offices. There seems to be no effort being made to employ a new cleaner & people suspect it's because if the boss saves money then he will get a bigger bonus. The place is disgusting. Do I go straight to HR about the problem?

Bertie Bus 28/07/2017 at 11:03 am

We are moving into a new facility. The toilets open straight into the canteen. Is this acceptable!

Kay 29/06/2017 at 5:07 pm

My daughter suffers with IBS, she had done a 5 1/2 hour shift( she worked on her own on that shift) needed the toilet, she kept ringing for cover so she could go the loo but no one would answer the phone, she couldn't hold it and went the loo, the manager has found out and know he's saying she will get a warning she's worried they will sack her, ? Can they do that when it's an health issue that there aware of ?!!

Timo 14/06/2017 at 6:12 pm

I am a man and I work in a very busy shopping centre and just recently my employee has told all the man you got to clean the female toilets and if you don't they going to give us a warning can they do that even though we're feeling comfortable going in there

Timo 14/06/2017 at 6:00 pm

Can my employee make me work in a female toilet if I don't feel comfortable going in there

pettal 12/06/2017 at 10:39 am

i work at a ambulance station as a cleaner and they have said that we now have to empty the sanitary bins and wipe them down I thought that it comes under boldly fluids and we don't tuck them as a proper company meant to come in and do it as it comes under half and safety act

Charlie 06/06/2017 at 8:31 am

I work i an office with a toilet in..there is only 1 door to get into toilet.should the toilet not be seperated by 2 doors into my place of work ?

WelfareAtWork Editor 30/05/2017 at 12:57 pm

employeeofmonth 30/05/2017 at 8:54 am

Our workplace is filthy. We have no cleaners. Toilets might get cleaned 2 per month, kitchen floor is black with dirt, office floor is not vacuumed, dust everywhere. We have raised the issue with management, but nothing happened. They are aware if issues. HR is useless. Where else can we go?

Decca 17/05/2017 at 7:38 am

I sleep in my lorry
Outside our work place wich is locked over night with no facilities. What should i do about this.

Kimbo 11/05/2017 at 1:21 pm

In a carehome should you have a separate toilet from the residents toilet.

truckersue 11/05/2017 at 8:53 am

In a residential home for clients with learning difficulties who all have there own on suite toilets. Should the staff have a dedicated staff toilet?

Garage-Monkey 05/05/2017 at 6:51 pm

The washroom hand basins in my workplace are running cold water and scalding hot water which under normal circumstances might be fine, however, my employer refuses to put plugs with the sinks as they say they get stolen. I have worked there for six years now and have never known a plug to be put in place to even facilitate its theft let alone make sound as though it were a common occurrence. So the upshot is our hand are wash under either the running hot or cold and after which you have to touch the dirty tap with youclean scolded hands. Please advise.

WelfareAtWork Editor 26/04/2017 at 10:53 am

You would have to speak directly to your employer. We cannot advise regarding this.

Tinker 25/04/2017 at 10:43 am

Toilets are. Locked on large site over 100 men. What can we do.

Tinker 25/04/2017 at 10:41 am

The toilets on our large building site with 100 men are out of use what can we do.

maclam 31/03/2017 at 10:57 am

my local asda superstore has no stale air extraction system switched on in the public toilets , must an air extraction system be provided by law in public toilets where no other method of ventilation is available.
although extraction roof vents are present the system is not switched on.

James 06/03/2017 at 7:37 pm

My employer refuses to provide enough toilet paper meaning there is not enough to last a work force in my department of 80 more than a morning.

He claims that there isn't enough money in the stationary budget(!!) and suggests we go home or use the local shop's facilities when required.

What can I do?

DC Editor 07/03/2017 at 12:03 pm

@JadeB - I'd take some photos on your phone of the mess and then present is to your manager, or higher (if your manager is ignoring you). No one should have to work in this sort of environment! You can also raise a grievance if it doesn't get sorted. D

JadeB 06/03/2017 at 4:36 pm

I work In warehouse/studio witch we all have to share the bathroom facilities, but some of the warehouse staff find it acceptable to abuse these facilities. I won't go into much detail because it's horrible but you will find people have left poo on top of bins, left a mess on the floor and around the toilets, sanity bins been opened and its contents on the floor. I have contacted my manager but nothing has been done. What are my legal rights to get this sorted before someone gets serious ill?

JBM82 Editor 02/03/2017 at 10:13 am

@emski - if work needs to be done they have no alternative. There is nothing 'illegal' about this - I'm sure your employer will come up with an alternative suggestion about what employers can do if they need the loo during this time. Jo

emski 01/03/2017 at 10:35 am

Hi There, I have like 200 people in my office and i have just been informed at work that they are doing some water works and that the toilets and the facilities will be closing for around 3 hours now is this illlegal to close off these, also we are not sure if the water in the kitchen will be closed off too as it comes from the mains so may still work.
Could you please let me know if this is illegal or are they right to do this?

WelfareAtWork Editor 21/02/2017 at 12:24 pm

You would have to speak directly to your line manager or HR department.

Ali 20/02/2017 at 7:28 pm

My daughter works in a warehouse. The new manager has told them they have to start cleaning the warehouse toilets on a rota basis is this legal

Masser 20/02/2017 at 4:09 pm

Been waiting two years for sanitary bin to be empty in my work place sick off asking who do I contact

Nicnoc 17/02/2017 at 7:32 am

There a now 4 female staff and 8 male staff in the office, we have 2 toilets, can I Insist one is female only? Also no sanitary bin is provided. If we buy a sanitary bin, who can empty it, us, the cleaner or someone With a waste Certificate i.e.: a company who you have to pay for (this is something that they might not want to do)

Golf man 15/02/2017 at 10:54 am

Hi , at our workplace they have moved and created 6 new toilet cubicles for the office staff . My concern and disgust is thst all 6 cubicles are vented through the wall and into our workshop, below a main walkway . They have raised the vent outlet 10 foot above head height . Surely this isn't legal ?

Shaz 09/02/2017 at 2:08 pm

In our canteen at work they keep takin away our cups plates knifes forks etc. Because some people don't wash up . Are they allowed to do this

WelfareAtWork Editor 09/02/2017 at 10:53 am

Yes, you can and you certainly need to bring this matter to your employer's attention if it is inconveniencing you.

Maria 08/02/2017 at 12:14 pm

We have disabled toilets at work; there are three stalls for men and three for women in the 'able' bodied toilets but there are still people using the disabled toilet. I am disabled and several times I have waited outside for more than five minutes whilst my able-bodied colleagues use the disabled toilet (with excuses ranging from "the ladies is too cold" or "there was a queue") but I am unsure if I have any right to request my employers notify all employees that the disabled loo should be prioritised for disabled users only. There are plenty of others - if I wait for more than two minutes, my groin goes into agonizing atrophy. This happened yesterday for instance and it took several hours before I was well again. My query is - can I ask my employer to put a notice on the toilet asking users to consider that it is a disabled toilet and there are plenty of other toilets for non-disabled people adjacent or is it simply first come first serve?

martha 08/02/2017 at 11:29 am

my husband works for a caravan and motorhome sales place, he does maintainance, he has been put in a barn, as there was not a spare work bay for him, so he's working in a barn, middle of a field, no toilets no running hot or cold water, if he needs water he has to walk across a field to a outside tap, and no heating, the barn is big and mostly metal! How does he stand with these issues?
Originally the firm was building an extra work bay for him, it was built,my husband moved into the bay, after a short while he was sent back to the cold barn while they put someone else in.

hahahellothere 31/01/2017 at 8:28 pm

if I was to open a micro bar/pub with only one toilet would this be ok?

Feefty 26/01/2017 at 10:59 am

There is only cold water available in our toilet for hand washing and the employer says if we need hot water we must use the sink in the kitchen where the washing up is done. There is only a cold water tap and a hot water heater on the wall which provides scalding water as there is no thermostat meaning that you have to run both taps into the washing up bowl to get warm water to wash hands in which cannot be sanitary to then have it used to wash cups etc.. Are they allowed to do this?

Jbbkf 25/01/2017 at 1:22 pm

My employer does not have a toilet in the office and wants us to use public conveniences at 20p a time. Is this legal?

shad 16/01/2017 at 10:47 am

my boss keeps turning off the hot water hand wash leaving us with no hot water during work because he says it's saving him electricity. Is this legal?

Walker21 13/01/2017 at 1:24 am

Hi I work for a taxi office I am a self employed driver and i pay them 80 a week to provide me with work this week they have decided to lock the door to the toilets and drinking facilities so no drivers are allowed to use this. Is this legal?

Bob 07/01/2017 at 9:00 am

Is it illegal to have work welfare vans and not use chemical in the chemical toilets. As the smell is bad and the vans are cleaned by a unqualified person at the yard?

H 07/12/2016 at 7:24 pm

Due to someone foolishly putting tissue on the toilet ceiling..unused thankfully..everyone now has to go up to the office to ask for toilet roll .. I can understand the managements point to an extent but this is a little embarrassing to be honest ..is this a breach of our rights ?

Mrs magoo 21/11/2016 at 4:05 pm

I work as a carer in the community do we have any rights regarding toilets and somewhere to have lunch , we do not have an office in the town and we are out walking from house to house all day , does my employer need to supply toilets facilities and somewhere to go during breaks

susieq 20/11/2016 at 4:00 pm

we have 13 or sometimes more men and women sharing 1 very small toilet! it is becoming a nightmare and embarrassment in our workplace. Men are always knocking on the door of women who find it very embarrassing ! we have 2 sinks one of which has no hot water and also is where we make the coffees and tea of which the kettle sits on the sink! not ideal. we do not have a rest room or fire escape.
please advise me on the situation of which every employee has concerns about. i would like someone to go and have an inspection!

HattY Editor 17/11/2016 at 10:03 am

@Turnpike - I guess there must have been a reason for this i.e people without permission using your loos and leaving a mess - I think I'd prefer the security of knowing I have a fob. Yes, of course your employer is allowed to do this - there's nothing stopping them making executive decisions on the best way to manage the building. H

Turnpike 16/11/2016 at 1:03 am

Security locks have been placed on the toilet entrances at work. Everyone was given a fob to access toilets. It feels very restrictive and an imposition. Toilet use should be easily accessed as a basic human work place right. We are a smart city office and it now feels like going to the toilet in a service station, where you have to ask for the key. Are they allowed to do this?

Carlie 10/11/2016 at 9:03 pm

My husband works in a warehouse with no more than 20 people. The firm have recently locked the one cubicle they had and have given the workers two portaloos to use. Is this illegal? Surely there has to be some law against this.

Phil 26/10/2016 at 3:51 pm

My workplace are enforcing mandatory showers before leaving site (dirty environment) they don't supply towels or washing products or nail brushes. Is there any regulations on if they should supply towels and soap?

Mich63 18/10/2016 at 7:57 pm

I work in a Gatehouse and there is no budget for cleaning materials and toilet rolls you have to bring your own supplies. I have spoken to my employer on a couple of occasions and all I seem to get is the matter is being looked into. This is not at all acceptable.

Vickiliz85 20/09/2016 at 3:59 pm

I work in a kitchen the toilet myself and 4 other ladies use is disgusting it has holes in the wall and where we flush the chain there is stuff hanging down I just want to know where we go from here as now I complained about the state of it and the caretaker has locked it up and put out of use on it we now have to go upstairs and use one toilet that has to be shared by nursery staff plus any visitors I don't think this is adequate at all

WelfareAtWork Editor 20/09/2016 at 10:37 am

Rules in India are different to workplace rules in the UK, therefore, you would have to speak/report this to your employer directly.

Rashmi 19/09/2016 at 9:08 am

I work in Indian overseas bank and our one of male employee purposely using ladies toilet and come out without flush.how to stop and complain.

Sassy 13/09/2016 at 6:17 pm

Hi we have to share changing rooms with men and have no privacy..is this right

58Bromley 09/09/2016 at 2:16 pm

Is it illegal to use a Ladies toilet (in an emergency) if there are no Mens available? Incidentally there are no urinals, only cubicles in the Mens which exacerbates the problem.
I have been threatened disciplinary action at work for doing so.

58Bromley 09/09/2016 at 2:07 pm

Would it be illegal for me to use a ladies toilet facility in an "emergency" if there was not a men's cubicle available? If have been threatened with action at work for doing so.

Elvis 08/09/2016 at 6:19 pm

Hi. I. Worked. On. A. Building. Site. Up. Until. 1year. Ago. I. Was. A. Cleaner. Doing portable toilets. On. Site. My. Question. Is. Do. You. Need. A. C S C S. Card. On. Site. Even. If. I. Was. Cleaning. Portable. Toilets. Thanks.

Jax 29/08/2016 at 11:51 am

I am a female employee i work as a carer and do sleep in shifts at work, for example i could work from 8am one day till 9pm the next day. We have no shower facilities for the staff is this legal and occasionally we dont get provided with a bed and have to sleep on a sofa???

Rene 24/08/2016 at 8:05 am

I work in a hotel where 15 of us,male and female,live in a staff house with only one toilet for all of us and one shower,is this legal ?surely we entitled to more

Snowy 17/08/2016 at 3:43 pm

Hi
I work in a small retail outlet which runs alongside a theme park.
There are two toilet blocks accessible to use. These are also used by the general public.
Both blocks have 4 toilets but are used all day by visitors and often not in a pleasant state,also some times there are long queues.
Should we have our own facilities?

WelfareAtWork Editor 10/08/2016 at 11:06 am

It is not illegal to lock the toilets. However, you may wish to speak with your line manager about the difficulty in obtaining the key and suggest that a more reliable system is implemented.

kwaka 09/08/2016 at 11:29 am

Hi. I work in a bakery and want to know is it legal to lock the toilets. They are not male female shared. There`s approx 50 driver`s and 25 -30 other staff that need these toilets. There is a key available if you can find out who got it.The closest toilets other than these are approx 200 meters away.

Kellie 06/08/2016 at 9:17 am

Please could you tell me the regulated deskspace each employee should have and space around each desk many thanks

Issy 18/07/2016 at 7:10 am

When cleaner is on holiday does work place have to get a replacement for cleaner is it a health and safety issue ? Thanks

Dtoon 14/05/2016 at 6:05 am

Hi

What's the minimum requirements for an able bodied person changing cubicle.. specifically dimensions.

Cheers

b18 13/05/2016 at 12:31 pm

Hi
we do not currently have any hot water in our practice, as the boiler has died! We are waiting for quotes but how long is acceptable until we should have this up and running?

Crocodile 11/05/2016 at 12:47 pm

My employer provides all the adequate facilities for staff that they need to, however has laid off the cleaners as they are too expensive. A rota has now been put up by a staff member for all of us to clean the toilets, kitchen etc. Doesn't an employer have to provide a safe and clean environment for staff or do we have no choice but to help out?
Thanks

Lisa 06/05/2016 at 4:28 pm

Hi , in our building , in a shopping centre we have an upstairs and a downstairs . The toilet is upstairs but we don't have any stairs in the actual building so to get to the toilet it takes about 5 minutes . We have to leave our premises , walk down the centre , outside across a loading bay , up some stairs then back along the upstairs of the centre .. Is there a legal distance on how far away your toilet can be ? Plus we only have one in a stock room for male and female staff . Thank you .

sm 22/04/2016 at 1:01 pm

Hello i have a query. I work in an environment that you can get very dirty alot of the time. There is 6 males and 2 females in our work place. We do not have any seating at all for eating our lunch. There is only 1toilet 1 basin and no shower. We have asked for adequate seating and equipment to heat food up or store our food in a fridge but this is all refused. We have asked for another toilet this is refused. We have not asked for a shower but id guess it would be refused what can i do?

Andy 21/04/2016 at 9:22 am

I have asked my employer if we can have a shower put into the workplace as we work 12 hour shifts in a temperature controlled warehouse (never below 20 degrees) and it gets a bit sticky at times. Would this be considered as 'dirty work'? Are we entitled to shower facilities?

smeders 20/04/2016 at 11:30 pm

I am a bus driver the wants us to have. Are breaks in town there are no public toilets and i can afford to use a cafe everyday so there is no were for me to make a hot drink or heat food. There is also no were to go in. the winter so we are out in the rain then have to sit in wet clothes. On the bus. Can he treat us like this

Anniebaby 09/04/2016 at 9:50 am

Hi, we have 12 staff at my workplace of both men and women but we don't work all together at any one time, we have 1 toilet between us and one tiny staff room which we all have to use, we have to change into our uniform at work as we work with food, my problem is that we all have to use the same little room and have to get changed when someone is on their break, there is no sink in there and no drinking water my main issue is that there is a camera in it due to our shop safe is in there aswell, but I thought it was illegal to have a camera in changing facilities, I would like your view on this, Thankyou.

shortfuse 08/04/2016 at 12:13 pm

what is the rule on using toilets and washing your hands at the end of your working shift

Madison 02/04/2016 at 2:59 pm

I started a new job recently, my boss rents a small office in a building where there are approximately 8 other companies and between all the tenants there are two toilets, one for men and one for women. There isn't a sanitary bin in the toilet. I e-mailed the owner of the building to request one and she replied saying that it is not something she provides within the contractual fees and terms. I was wondering if you could possibly confirm if it's law to provide a sanitary bin at work and if so, I was wondering if you could possibly confirm who is responsible for providing the bin in a situation such as this? I would really appreciate any help you could give as I have also brought this up with my boss and he hasn't been at all helpful in getting the matter resolved.

Schultz 24/03/2016 at 1:57 pm

Hi, we are moving from a depot with separate room for eating, toilet and hand washing facilities to a room where they have put a toilet cubicle which doesn't reach floor and ceiling and the company think this is acceptable. Is it legal?

WelfareAtWork Editor 16/03/2016 at 12:41 pm

You would have to speak with your line manager in the first instance and ask what the complaints procedure for your company is.

Lou85 15/03/2016 at 9:13 pm

hi... We have about 115 people and in our office and usually have 2 female toilets but for the last 4 days we have only had 1 due to the other one not working. After reading the info about this I now think that 2 toilets still isn't adequate. I want to make a complaint to but not sure who I make it to?
Any help and guidance will be appreciated! Thanks

WelfareAtWork Editor 26/02/2016 at 12:56 pm

Yes, this is a tricky question and not one I have come across before. However, if it is not laid out in your contract, I imagine this will be between you and your boss to come to some agreement. If not I suggest you give ACAS a call to see if there is an official line.

Doug 25/02/2016 at 2:15 pm

I work in a very tiny small demonstration stand inside a shopping centre we have no toilets or water, we have to pay 30p each time we have to go and for water from pound land etc, is this right the average person spends between 90p to £1.20 per day going to the toilet, we have mentioned this to our manager but they said we can walk to debenhams which is a 6 minute walk and it's free there.

Niko 24/02/2016 at 8:36 pm

We have a site running for 26 hours averaging between 12 and 35 men what welfare provision do we have to supply

need the loo!!! 06/02/2016 at 3:59 pm

I work as a long distance lorry driver, once a week we have to load at a place where we wait for a minimum of 6 to 24hours to be loaded, they do not allow us to use any facilities, I have approached my employer about this uncomfortable situation and his response was " well get used to it " is there any law that states the use of toilets and washing facilities whilst waiting to load.... can anyone help please..?

WelfareAtWork Editor 05/02/2016 at 11:12 am

In this instance, I think you should approach the golf club organisers directly. This is more of a caretaking problem and one that can be sorted out with a general request from the members.

jf1948 04/02/2016 at 3:19 pm

There is provision on our golf course for a Ladies and Gents toilet which are situated side by side. However, as there are men and ladies on the course at similar times, and we play several mixed matches each year (men and ladies playing as a team together) it is not unusual for the men to use the ladies toilets if the gents toilet is occupied, and vice versa.
However the doors cannot be locked from the inside which has led to several embarassing situations with the ladies more often caught with their pants down. - Can you advise whether there is a legal obligation to provide a lock on the inside of the toilet to prevent this happening?

Honest Obe me 04/02/2016 at 2:40 am

HI I work in a yard the lads come and go there is 25 men and a yard boy there 1 chemical toilet I am female the only one there no WatEr or toilet roll can they just say no money left

WelfareAtWork Editor 03/02/2016 at 10:10 am

Please see HSE link herewhich should give you the information you need. You can also contact the HSE directly via its online advice form for further advice.

Tracey Wright 02/02/2016 at 10:50 am

We have 1 toilet for 14 staff on the first floor there is 3 floors and we support 3 residents on each floor but we don't have toilet facilities on the other 2 floors. What is the law about this. In a few weeks our employer is changing the shower / toilet room and we won't have any toilet facilities at all and we do sleeping nights every night what is our rights.

WelfareAtWork Editor 28/01/2016 at 2:11 pm

You can find out more via the HSE document here which tells you in-depth about the sanitary facilities your employer by law should provide.

P 27/01/2016 at 11:08 pm

Hi, I have to share one toilet with 18 men, the toilet is in my bosses garden and the lock is broken, also it floods when it rains. Never any toilet paper no sanity unit and looks like it's not been cleaned in 20 years. I actually try not to go to the toilet as its so disgusting. I'm a female by the way.

elper 23/01/2016 at 11:37 am

Hi, at work we get very dirty and the employer provides excellent welfare facilities eg showers etc. At the end of the working day we have to clock off then get cleaned up and changed before you could think about getting in the car and going home... Is being made to get cleaned up in ower own time legal?

roots 21/01/2016 at 9:33 am

I'm a security officer in a distribution centre,I'm a man can my boss make me go into a ladies toilet and go though the sanitary box to look for stolen goods

edy 16/01/2016 at 11:46 pm

hi i would like help please me and my fellow shop workers are suffering as the heating in the shop has broken and wont be fixed for 4 weeks shop floor tempurature is 10oc and customers are complaining we rang head office and they wont do anything we are all freezing plus the other day the hot water stopped working thats getting fixed on monday but point is where all left freezing and customers are not happy is thier anything i can do thank you

MP 15/01/2016 at 2:19 pm

I run a pub for a company and the staff have to use the public toilets. surely they should provide a private toilet?
We have a staff bathroom but they won't fix it and it has wet mound from dripping taps as it hasn't been used in over a war and a half? If you lift the lid on the toilet it has dirty water and flies in it.

Square 14/01/2016 at 12:41 am

Hi ,
My employee has a locker room in a kitchen / break room.. Is this allowed ?

WelfareAtWork Editor 08/01/2016 at 2:02 pm

Your employer has to allow staff to access the toilet facilities, as specified in the article.

Micksta 07/01/2016 at 9:30 pm

Hi my manager at work has said he will not be letting anybody use the toilet facilities because someone has disgustingly put snot on the walls. The toilet also Leaks and this has been like this for 2 weeks and nothing has been done about this is he in his right or being a douche

Deedee 28/12/2015 at 7:27 pm

I work in a garage with a total of five people three of which are related. Our toilet facilities are a ladies and a ggents. There is a key to each but the key to the gents is regularly missing. I'm on diuretics and have to use the ladies often which is embarrassing. Is this right. In the gents there is a hand towel which is always wet, should there be a more hygenic way to dry our hands.

WelfareAtWork Editor 23/12/2015 at 10:25 am

You would have to contact the HSE regarding this, I hope this helps.

Worker 22/12/2015 at 2:08 pm

The warehouse I work in has had the water supply cut off and will not be fixed for several weeks, bottled water is provided for during and a five gallon drum filled for use to flush the toilets and wash hands , is this acceptable

WelfareAtWork Editor 17/12/2015 at 11:18 am

You can see how many toilets a workplace should have via the HSE link: here. I hope this helps answer your question.

Goatpa 16/12/2015 at 2:18 pm

We have 12 men at work with three toilets and they have just taken the urinal out so although we are left with 3 toilets is it law we should have at least one urinal ?

WelfareAtWork Editor 10/12/2015 at 2:20 pm

Suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences by law have to be provided at readily accessible places. Please see HSE link here for more details.

WelfareAtWork Editor 10/12/2015 at 12:28 pm

Please see HSE link here which explains standard requirements. I hope this helps.

trump 10/12/2015 at 10:00 am

Morning,

we have an issue with our company.

we have a main site, which has all the facilties we need.

we then have a scaffold yard, in which around 4 men work on throughout the day.
their is no toilet, no water, no facilities what so ever. our workers require to get changed, no shelter what so ever either.

is this legal? the yard is around 0.7 of a mile away from the other site which has the facilties. our company tell us because their is facilites in the main yard they dont need anything in the second yard, i dont agree with this but need it confirming.

Artemis 09/12/2015 at 1:21 pm

I work as admin in a company with 7 men, the other female having left this week. There is only one toilet, one kitchen and no rest room - all of which I have to clean and maintain (although I have never been formally requested to do so, it was something my predecessor did). We work in a old building which doesn't have room for the provision of a second toilet and wash basin and there is no bin for sanitary items.
What are the absolute rules on toilet facilities that I can take to my boss for discussion?

Thank you

WelfareAtWork Editor 04/12/2015 at 12:36 pm

I think it would be best to approach your employer about this and ask them to supply you with this product in the toilet facilities.

NicolaBell 04/12/2015 at 11:21 am

The management at our work have threatened the microwave (our only means of hot food) to be taken away by 6pm if we do not clean it. This has been taken away before 11.00am. What should we do as we not cannot heat food. Drinks are only provided through a vending machine.

Curious Worker 04/12/2015 at 7:33 am

At our facility, we have our kitchen area and sink that we wash our dishes in. I am curious if the facility where we work should have a seperate washing faciltiy as we work as engineers and have oily hands with various chemicals in the same sink. There is a seperate toilet facility but no heavy duty cleaner i.e Swarfega for cleaning our hands.

Debs 01/12/2015 at 3:23 pm

I work in a garage as a lone worker. The toilet facilities are outside which I share with the man in the business next door.

The floor is always wet and dirty there is no soap or hand towels some kitchen paper running water no sanitary provisions and the small room had never been cleaned there are cobwebs and dirt everywhere. It is my responsibility to keep it clean

PC 30/11/2015 at 3:16 pm

Can you please advise on the following.
I am building out a new bar in Inverness, the design has provision for 3 female toilets, 2 male cubicle+urinal, 1 seperate disabled use toilet. There will be simple food prperation in a kitchen, staffed by 1 person with separate handwashing facilities in the kitchen, 3-4 bar staff, also with separate handwashing facilities. by law, do I need to provide additional staff toilet facilities even though I have the ladies, mens and disabled loo facilities available at all times. Thank you for any advice with this query.

WelfareAtWork Editor 12/11/2015 at 1:51 pm

You would really have to contact the HSE. It specifies that welfare provision is fundamental in safeguarding the health and well being of workers. The provision of toilets, a supply of hot and cold (or warm) water for washing, changing facilities, drinking water and somewhere to eat and rest is a basic expectation. If you have a concern, you can contact the HSE via whichI hope this helps.

None 11/11/2015 at 8:59 am

I work for a SECURITY FIRM, on 12 hour shifts, we are currently using a GROUNDHOG WELFARE CABIN, this is being removed and it is being replaced with a SECURITY GATE HOUSE POD 8feet by 6feet, it has no wash hand basin, no HOT AND COLD water, no COOKING FACILITIES, and no ATTATCHED TOILET, I work constant NIGHTSHIFT, also as this cabin is to be used 27 seven both by DAYSHIFT SECURITY and by NIGHTSHIFT SECURITY, should a proper security CABIN BE SUPPLIED, and should it be CONNECTED TO THE MAINS, both ELECTRICITY and WATER, this is a serious situation.Can anyone help with this situation

Djf 05/11/2015 at 10:42 am

I have a question with regards to washing hands prior to breaks and lunches, is there an allowance that we should be allowed I.E 1-2mins prior to leaving work and lunch?

WelfareAtWork Editor 22/10/2015 at 2:25 pm

I suggest you give ACAS a call regarding this, as you will need to expand on the question.

Pete 21/10/2015 at 5:15 pm

I work for a company. All the work is for another company, now I have been informed that I am no longer allowed to use their toilet and drinking facilities, is this allowed to happen ?

Sophie 12/10/2015 at 10:57 am

Hi All,

We have 8 women and 7 men (inc. bosses) working within our company.
We currently only have 1 ladies toilet and 1 mens toilet (and a mens urinal).

We're soon moving to a new premises so that we have 2 ladies toilets.
We currently have 1 small swing bin in our ladies toilet, I was wondering if it's law that we need a 'Sanitary' bin (for the new premises at least) for 8 women, or if it's ok to keep swing bins?

I'm an employee for the company and just wondered if it's worth mentioning to my male boss? As none of the other women that work here have ever said anything and personally, I feel it's necessary but don't think the bosses will do anything unless it's law we need a proper Sanitary Bin.

Many Thanks

scouse 29/09/2015 at 1:34 pm

does any 1 know the law about facilities at work on a pemenent site for a security officer, as site manager is removing the microwave as she is aying it is being left dirty which is rubbish so all we have now is a fridge and kettle provided and as we have to do external patrols can she do this and my boss just says all she has to provide is basic req shelter hot water and heating please help any ideas

Lolly 25/09/2015 at 9:26 am

I work for a storage company, there is only one toilet that should be used by staff only, currently there are approx 8-10 people. Customers that come into our facility and also use a burger van nearby are being told that they can use the toilet too, leaving it in a terrible mess and risk of infection. What can I do to stop this. I have problems using public toilets at the best of time and this is making me anxious and also causing arguments in the workplace

Ginger 15/09/2015 at 10:47 pm

Hi I work in a 9 bed residential home for learning disabilities and 7 employees I was just wondering is it law for staff to have they own toilet facilities

Mug 15/09/2015 at 11:19 am

I work in domiciliary care, visiting people in their own homes. Are there any laws re toilet facilities? (the toilets are dirty and there is no lock on the door) I have ibs. I have no base as such and don't drive.

WelfareAtWork Editor 14/09/2015 at 12:04 pm

Please see the HSE link here for more advice and how to deal with your concern. I hope this helps.

Cleaner 13/09/2015 at 1:09 pm

Since before Christmas 2014 there has been no running hot water in a certain area of my work place. I have been cleaning two toilets and three urinals with cold water since then. My employer and health and safety person are aware of this but nothing is being done to fix the problem. Is this acceptable and what are the risks to my health?

Julia 12/09/2015 at 9:10 pm

Hello there,
Can you recommend the correct hand-wash basin size for disabled toilets please? There are some toilets have very small unusable size in them.
Julia

CWSue 09/09/2015 at 4:16 pm

At our church we have 3 toilets that are used by both male and female visitors. At the moment none have a sanitary bin in them. Do you think there should be a bin in each toilet or should 1 toilet be designated as "for females only"?

WelfareAtWork Editor 02/09/2015 at 3:17 pm

I can only suggest you take this up with your employer/HR directly. You don't say how long your break is - however, legally when you are working you have a right to 20 minute break for every six hours that you work. You should also check your contract to see what it says about the length of your breaks and when you are eligible to take them. Should you have any further queries, or need extra clarification ACAS should be able to advise you about your rights.

WelfareAtWork Editor 02/09/2015 at 3:07 pm

You can contact the HSE via the link hereif you can't find the answer in the information contained in its article.

Babs 02/09/2015 at 11:41 am

Hi I'm a bus driver so have my breaks each end of the journeys I do...
there are toilets each end so no problem there...
What is the problem is that after doing a run I was to head back to the garage to hand my bus over to do a driver who then carries on but I needed to pop to the toilet so I did BUT I was a little late handing the bus over .....
I got asked why was I at the co op (the toilets are at the car park of the co op) for 10 mins .... I said I went to the toilet .. In Which my manager then said" what for 10
mins"
I now feel very conscious that am I taking too much time , am I now being timed and watched ...
We have GPS on our ticket machines .... I can understand that he's asking why I was 10 mins stopped but to make me to feel
bad at having stopped is another ...
Is this fair???

Nerdling 31/08/2015 at 10:29 am

The company I work for has two production plants and I work in the one where the welfare facilities were added as an afterthought because they weren't included in the building works. There are two toilets on site for 6 male and 2 female employees plus any visitors to the site. Since I started, one toilet has been accepted to be a ladies toilet even though it's not officially designated as such and is situated in an external building with a meeting room. Two new male employees have been given access to this room (which has been kept locked with the ladies having the key) for work and I would like to know if they should be asked to use the same toilet as the rest of the men and leave the "ladies" for us ladies? The sanitary bin is in this toilet and we are annoyed that we are now after 4 and a 1/2 years expected to share our toilet with two men who we feel should use the other toilet.

WelfareAtWork Editor 27/08/2015 at 2:36 pm

Separate use of changing facilities should be available to men and women. Please see HSE whichI hope this helps.

John 26/08/2015 at 9:10 pm

Can you please advise if changing rooms/locker rooms in which you get changed need to be separate for men and women.

WelfareAtWork Editor 20/08/2015 at 11:42 am

You would really have to contact the HSE directly about this. You can find out more via whichI hope this helps.

Ninja Rider 19/08/2015 at 9:59 am

Hi, can you help? We work on a large site with several premises on the site. We are based at the distribution centre, where there are 10 women working with only 1 ladies toilet. Is the company in breach of H&S? 200 metres away (externally across a busy yard) there is the main office building where there are 4 more ladies toilets. Is this how the company could perhaps be getting away with not inserting more facilities at the distribution centre? I want to raise it as an issue but want to be clear on the facts first. Any advice would be grateful. Thanks.

WelfareAtWork Editor 13/08/2015 at 2:12 pm

Does that mean anything that needs washing i.e mugs or cups, are washed in the toilets? If so, I think in this case you may want to contact the HSE, via the link here to see what the regulations are regarding this crossover between kitchen and toilet facilities.

Wages Lady 11/08/2015 at 4:11 pm

Hello, our office has a water dispenser providing hot and cold water. We do not have a fridge or microwave and as it gets very hot in here in sunny weather we cannot bring food in and keep it fresh. However my main concern is that the only washing up facility we have is the small hand basin in the ladies toilets with the hot water provided by a small heater for hand washing. This sink is used for hand washing after toilet use.The water is never more than hand hot. The factory has a kitchen but we are not allowed to go there. Is this acceptable? Thank you.

WelfareAtWork Editor 03/08/2015 at 10:14 am

@Billy - The official rules for taking a toilet break would fall into the general working time regulations, see article: Taking a Break at Work: What are Your Rights? whichHowever, the TUC is arguing for better conditions as it is hearing of increasing stories of workers having to ask permission to go to the toilet or even having pay withheld for going, I hope this helps.

Billy 31/07/2015 at 7:41 am

Can an employer stop you from going to the toilet during working hours

WelfareAtWork Editor 31/07/2015 at 10:09 am

@Ally - I advise you look in your contract of employment to see your company's policy on this. If there is no reference, you should take this up with your HR department, as much depends on how long the process takes and how much it impinges on your working day. It may have to be something you negotiate directly with your employer.

Ally 30/07/2015 at 7:32 am

Are you entitled to paid cleaning up time at the end of a shift to decontaminate before going home if you work with chemicals in a manufacturing plant / laboratory?

Ally 30/07/2015 at 7:29 am

I work with chemicals and there is an ongoing argument as to whither we are entitled to paid hand washing time at the end of the shift to decontaminate before going home or if we have to do this in our own time before going home.

Bigglesdaf 26/07/2015 at 1:34 am

Hello,
I would like your advice on a situation, as a truck driver I believe I come under the travelling workers act that stipulates my employer must provide facilities for my use, but the proviso is that as I move around they are exempt from providing facilities? Now I visit distribution centres around the UK and at times spend up to 4 hours at each centre, my issue is that these places are now banning truck drivers from using their facilities and when I raise it as a H&S issue they say I am a travelling worker and not their responsibility! Does this mean that those in my profession slip through a crack in legislation and have no rights whatsoever? I just need clarification on what rights I have to use facilities when delivering to a distribution centre?
Thank you

Greg 20/07/2015 at 5:36 am

Can a male boss enter a women's bathroom?

Betty 13/07/2015 at 4:10 pm

My bosses wife who is the CEO came into the multi stall bathroom while I was using it. She turned off the water angrily and told me I can't run it until it warms up to comfortably wash my hands. Do I have the right to ignore her and warm the water while I use the bathroom?

San Editor 13/07/2015 at 2:05 pm

@Nanna - are there no loos on the complex? I don't think your employer has to supply one given the few hours you work.

Nanna 10/07/2015 at 7:05 pm

I work two hours a day as a cleaner in a small housing complex, there is no staff toilet in the building, does my employer not require to provide toilet facilities because I only work two hours per day Monday to Friday.3

Diane 08/07/2015 at 2:31 pm

can you please advise. I work for a security contract in a large government building where srest room with I medium sized room for male changing with lockers.there is. Small room supposed to be for female use. The men have lockers in here and also change in there is very little room as there are two coat stands full of coats plus 10 lockers there is no lock on door .is this allowed.
I look forward to your reply.

Graham 18/06/2015 at 9:15 pm

I am a truck driver so visit many different locations. Today I loaded at a warehouse in Southampthon, this took 2 hours. After loading was complete I asked to use the toilet but was told they had no toilets available. I questioned this and was then told they had toilets but not for truck drivers. The result was I had to go at the side of the truck in the middle of the yard. To me this is totally unacceptable. can I take this further?
Thank you for any advice
Graham

Safety Coo 17/06/2015 at 5:24 pm

Is it legal to offer a disabled toilet within a men's toilet? This would mean that a disabled person whether male or female would have to enter the men's toilet, complete with urinals, in order to gain access to the disabled toilet.
I look forward to your response.

WelfareAtWork Editor 15/06/2015 at 12:13 pm

@KitKat - you should contact the HSE via the link here if you think there is asbestos in your workplace. You should also contact ACAS if you think your company is operating outside the legal guidelines.

Kitkat 12/06/2015 at 12:15 pm

Hi, I work for a company that do not care about their employees. I overheard yesterday that my office had asbestos soffits, I have worked here for nearly 5 years, usually sole working in the office. My employer constantly left door open and went in and out so I have been exposed and now I am worried! In our office there is no running water so my employer fills an urn for hot drinks with an outside tap!!! The nearest toilet is around a 5 minute walk away. The toilets are located in a clubhouse that is constantly hired out so I can rarely use toilet without a que. Also when I am with a customer in the office it is very hard to pre arrange a time when i might need the toilet. I even get comments on my toilet activity as I have to walk past other employees who work outside to get to the toilet. Is this legal?

anon 11/06/2015 at 2:55 pm

If there are regular visitors, such as people being trained, does this need adding?
Do you add the max visitors, expected average or what?

So if you mostly have, for example, around 6 external people visiting should that be taken into account?

Abi Editor 27/05/2015 at 1:43 pm

@nicky - it depends what it says in your works contract. However, if your employer wants this doing, it should really be allowed for in works time, not your own personal time.

nicky 24/05/2015 at 10:02 pm

my new employer who is taking over the cleaning contract has said us cleaners have to take home our cleaning cloths to wash. we clean toilets ect with these. can they make us do this

wiley 19/05/2015 at 11:22 am

We have a saniflow toilet in our unit that has not worked for 18 months as employer will not pay to get it repaired. We have been using public toilets attached to another unit since. these toilets will be out of action for 2 weeks for refurbishment, but employer will still not repair our in-house toilet. we will have no toilet facilities or hot water in our unit. Where do we stand on this matter?

Beenee 29/04/2015 at 12:44 pm

Our employer does provide welfare facilities, However the canteen is always left in a disgusting state, piles of washing up, overflowing bins, dirty surfaces. Cleaning products are provided but not used by most. the minority are fed up of cleaning after the majority so it remains filthy. The MD reminds them every now again but It soon descends back into chaos & filth.
We recently had Oc.c Health assessment and the nurse was horrified at the state of the facilities. She advised me that under HSE we can withdraw the facilities as they were not looked after.
Can we do this? How do we stand with employees who say they are not the ones who are leaving the mess

Scooby666 28/04/2015 at 4:56 pm

Hi I wonder if you can help, it's not work related as such. I'm a member of a model car club however we supply chemical toilets for visitors to use. To get these emptied we have to have access to a gate, the local council are trying to stop us having access to this gate to let the toilet cleaning guy in etc. the council know we have the toilets in our ventilated container, so is there anything we can use to help us get access for the toilet cleaning?

ScottyJay55 28/04/2015 at 1:33 am

Hello, just wondering if the law stands for forestry workers. As I've worked a forestry site which has 2 workers on and I'm sitting in my car for 12 hours watching their machines work cutting down trees. One day nature called for me and I did my business there as no toilets I thought I did it out of the way and covered it up and well those 2 workers found it and started mouthing off to me and want me fired from my job.

Is that right of them and is it law for toilets to be there or not? A simple portacabin be enough but you know why do I get grief for doing what I had to do, I was not going to hold it in or defecate myself!

WelfareAtWork Editor 24/04/2015 at 9:51 am

@bonnieboo - I have included a link to the HSE Welfare to Work leaflet here , which should tell you all you need to know. I hope this helps.

bonnieboo 22/04/2015 at 6:03 pm

I work in a supermarket petrol station that sits away from the main store. We have one toilet that is at the corner of the shop. We have 6 male and 6 female staff who are expected to share this one toilet along with any customer that wishes to use it. I dont think this is hygenic and its unfair we have to clean some customers messes and mishaps when they have used the toilet. Do us workers have any rights...even to make it a staff only toilet?

Sarah Editor 20/04/2015 at 9:44 am

@Concerned - on a more practical and less legal note, can he not bring any bottled water in to work? It would solve the problem or your employer having to provide it and if you think it is too expensive re-fill a litre bottle every morning with tap water from home. More concerning is the fact he is single-manning and cannot get a break, in which case he should request that in these instances he shuts the shop if he needs the bathroom.

Concerned 16/04/2015 at 10:23 am

My husband is frequently required to work alone in a retail premises spread over 3 storeys, and rest breaks often have to be foregone during a 7.5 hour shift as well. The temperature can often reach 40 degrees in hot weather. However, the only water source is on the third floor which can't be accessed when working alone. Eight months ago, my husband developed a urinary tract problem and was found to be severely dehydrated, and was advised to ask his employer to ensure he always had access to drinking water (and to toilet facilities). However, his employer still hasn't done anything about it and says a water dispenser would be too expensive, despite providing these for all staff at another of its sites (one in which staff are not ever required to work alone and could therefore access running water easily). Is it legal for my husband's employer to still be refusing to take action, particularly as his health problem is ongoing? To clarify - running water is available on the third floor (from the same tap used for handwashing outside the one staff toilet), but lone workers cannot access it as they have to stay by the till which is on the ground floor.

pebs 07/04/2015 at 7:43 pm

our employer is thinking of relocating the female locker room which is currently next to the female toilets. the new location will be next to the mens locker room and toilets. and in a seperate corridor to the female toilets. it will go from a room with a window to a room without one. is this acceptable?

Flutterbubble 30/03/2015 at 1:25 pm

Just left working a shop where we had one loo in the shop that does not flush, we have to pour bowls of water down it to help the paper move, there is no running hot water, no seating area for breaks but its only a second hand shop right? Only me in the shop then boss and drivers mate at times until they go back out again, totally unhygienic. Not his fault he said, its the landlord.

Jess Editor 20/03/2015 at 11:29 am

@Wildnat - I think it is as long as a company provides tiolets for disabled people there is no specific law. They just have to make them accessible for disabled people to reach from a car park, or the front of the building, unaided.

Wildnat 18/03/2015 at 6:14 am

Hi.

The store I work in has male, female and disabled toilets for staff and separate male, female and disabled toilets for customers. Legally, could they get rid of the disabled staff toilet and expect them to use the customer toilets? That strikes me as a little prejudice.

Shane 17/03/2015 at 6:39 pm

If the toilet is broken in the work place do we have to stay at work? It broke today and we had to stay at work with no toilet, a plumber is coming tomorrow and we still have to go into work but we could have to wait hours for the plumber.

WelfareAtWork Editor 19/03/2015 at 3:01 pm

@bryhut - you should have your own staff toilets but I'd contact HSE just to verify.

bryhut 17/03/2015 at 3:03 pm

Hi folks.

About toilets. I work In a sports centre and only toilet and changing area that we have been giving is to share with public. Is this acceptable even though there is grown men and young children changing at same time.
Also our break room is a small room next to a disabled toilet with accessible door to toilet in the room. Does this have to be separated by 2 doors and a lobby as its against European Food Laws About cooking and handling food?

WelfareAtWork Editor 12/03/2015 at 12:12 pm

@toddyt - you would have to contact the HSE directly as it is not information that is widely available. You can contact via whichI hope this helps.

toddyt 10/03/2015 at 3:12 pm

Is there a minimum dimension for a shared shower facility, i.e. a wetroom with more than one shower head?
Thanks

GJ 09/03/2015 at 7:30 pm

Do's my employer have to supply hot water for washing hands?

WelfareAtWork Editor 09/03/2015 at 12:41 pm

@Hsha - there is no limit. It is decided by the person themselves on what they consider is a commutable distance and what they can tolerate as a person. Your company is not obliged to pay for you to travel to work, regardless how long the commute is. I have included a link here to one of our partner articles: Effects of Long Commutes to Work, which I hope helps.

Hsha 06/03/2015 at 4:11 pm

Hi i wanted to ask how far an employee is bound to drive for work?
What happens if emoloyee drive more than the legal limit set by hse if thr is any?
Does comany should pay for travelling?

WelfareAtWork Editor 13/02/2015 at 12:38 pm

@lualua - it is always a tricky one this. Regarding breaks, if you're an adult worker (over 18), you have the right to a 20 minute rest break if you're expected to work for more than six hours at a stretch. The break must be in one block it can't be taken off one end of the working day, it must be somewhere in the middle. However, that is quite a long time for someone who may have a weak bladder. WorkSmart has a small article on ithe subject via the link here which includes the TUC's guide; Give us a Boo Break. As you will see it is not quite cut and dried and it may be something you have to bring up with your employer as a group concern. I hope this helps.

lualua 12/02/2015 at 12:32 pm

Need some advice regarding toilet breaks. I work for a large supermarket and work on checkouts with a lot of ladies from teenagers to ladies in their sixties. Lately we have had managers (one in particular) telling us we cannot go to the toilet unless we are on our break. This then changed to you can only go if you ask and are told It's ok. This has upset a lot of us and we do feel very humiliated waiting for permission, which can take a while if a supervisor isn't around immediately. We work different times ranging from 4-9 hours and our breaks aren't always on time. Does our employer have a right to dictate to us when we use the toilet? Does this not violate our human needs. Any information regarding this would be much appreciated. Thank you

Ffghgg 15/01/2015 at 8:53 am

Hi
Im working at new built railway project as gateman.this work is in countryside, they already had a small cabin but with no electercity, no welfare facilities, no drinking water,nothing to heat my food. I hv to stay at this place from morning to evening and i cant leave this site aswell cuz it is live rail dite now.
Now i dnt know what should i do?
Idk if i will ask them for basic welfare and heating facilities may b they will tell me to go home nd not come back
What you think about thus?

dave 30/06/2014 at 11:13 pm

we have recently had a new cabin ...where we take our un paid breaks.
we are expected to be on our feet for at least 7 hours a day,apart from our 30 minute break.
But in our new cabin we do not have room to stretch our legs, is there any legislation on this matter

terrie 18/06/2014 at 11:44 pm

We are in a building that is only 4 years old , we have a water supply problem that means after using the toilets we are unable to wash our hands. We have constantly raised the issue and are being fobbed off with different excuses. When the water goes off our drinking water also goes off. This can last from 5 mins to 30 mins. We also have a really bad smell coming from the toilets. Any help and advice would be great .

frank 17/05/2013 at 1:20 pm

Out toilets in the salon where I work have been broken and unseable for 5 months now and we have to run over to the public loo in the precinct when we have to go. The boss knows about it and has had quotes but will not get them fixed. does anyone know please who I tell and how can I get this sorted out??

Chazzy 06/09/2012 at 6:53 am

When a disabled toilet is provided should the employer allow a large number of able bodied people to use it just because it is nearer than the main toilets

drew1957 03/08/2012 at 3:58 pm

Do you have to have a wash basin in the toilet cubicle in the work place, if it is a new build, as well as being made suitable for Disabled.

Anth_thomas1986 11/04/2012 at 10:10 pm

Were I work we have about 100 staff on nights and at the min there is only 3 working toilets and they refuse to open our other 3 we have in our buliding, is this against the law?

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