Workplace Washroom Requirements: HSE Welfare at Work Guidelines
Why Workplace Washroom Facilities Matter Why Workplace Washroom Facilities Matter
Providing appropriate washroom facilities in the workplace is a fundamental employer responsibility and a legal requirement under the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Welfare at Work Regulations.
These regulations exist to protect employee health, safety and dignity, ensuring that all employees have access to sanitary facilities that are suitable, hygienic and accessible. The wide range of requirements for workplace facilities can often feel overwhelming for employers, particularly when designing or upgrading commercial washrooms.
This is why we have created this clear guide for workplace washroom facilities, and how compliant washroom design supports employee wellbeing.
How many washroom facilities should be provided in the workplace
According to HSE Welfare at Work, the following tables show the minimum number of toilets and washbasins that should be provided:
Number of toilets and washbasins per employee for mixed use (or women only)
| Number of people at work | Number of toilets to be provided | Number of washbasins to be provided |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 5 | 1 | 1 |
| 6 - 25 | 2 | 2 |
| 26 - 50 | 3 | 3 |
| 51 - 75 | 4 | 4 |
| 76 - 100 | 5 | 5 |
Number of toilets and washbasins per employee, used by men only:
| Number of men at work | Number of toilets to be provided | Number of urinals to be provided |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – 15 | 1 | 1 |
| 16 – 30 | 2 | 1 |
| 31 – 45 | 2 | 2 |
| 46 – 60 | 3 | 2 |
| 61 – 75 | 3 | 3 |
| 76 – 90 | 4 | 3 |
| 91 – 100 | 4 | 4 |
If the facilities provided for workers are also used by members of the public, the number of toilets and washbasins specified above should be increased as necessary to ensure that workers can use the facilities without unreasonable delay.
Employer Responsibilities for Workplace Washroom Facilities
When designing or assessing commercial washrooms, employers must consider capacity, hygiene, privacy and accessibility. Each of these elements plays a role in ensuring the facilities are both compliant and fit for purpose.
Employers must assess how many employees are expected to use the workplace washroom and ensure that a sufficient number of toilets and washbasins are provided. Inadequate capacity can lead to long queues, lost working time and employee dissatisfaction.
Lighting, Ventilation and Washroom Safety
Washrooms must be well lit to reduce the risk of falls, particularly in areas where floors may become wet. Adequate lighting also improves visibility for cleaning and maintenance tasks.
Effective ventilation is equally important. Poor ventilation can lead to lingering odours, condensation and the build-up of bacteria or mould, all of which would negatively affect hygiene and user comfort. Proper ventilation therefore supports both safety and employee experience in the workplace washroom.
Privacy, Security and Employee Dignity in the Washroom
Where possible, separate washroom facilities should be provided for men and women. Where this is not practical, employers must ensure that each cubicle is fully enclosed and fitted with a secure locking mechanism.
Full Height Toilet cubicles fitted with privacy channels that make it difficult for others to look between cubicle partitions into other cubicles. Superloo designs are a great example of private, mixed-use washrooms. Providing adequate privacy is essential for employee dignity and comfort.
Accessibility and Inclusive Washroom Design
Washroom facilities should include toilet cubicles with sufficient door clearance and a 465mm turning circle. Employers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for employees with disabilities, such as toilet cubicles or rooms which accommodate wheelchair users and individuals using mobility aids.
For more guidance on this look at the Approved Document M and Approved Document T regulations.
Accessible washroom design ensures that all employees can use the facilities safely and independently, supporting compliance with both welfare regulations and equality in the workplace.
Maintaining Standards Through Ongoing Washroom Management
Employers must ensure that facilities remain in good working order through regular cleaning, inspections and maintenance. Maintaining a high standard in the washroom is a core employer responsibility. Washrooms must be always kept in a clean and orderly condition, as poor hygiene can discourage use and increase the risk of illness spreading throughout the workplace. From an employee perspective, unclean facilities can suggest that welfare is not being taken seriously.
Regular Washroom Cleaning
Regular cleaning must be completed to stop the spread of bacteria. Opting for materials which are durable, waterproof and impact-resistant will mean that regular cleaning can take place without damaging the panels.
Our contemporary Urban Toilet Cubicle Range paired with Solid Surface Vanities – both of which are easy to clean, resistant to damage and suited to high-traffic environments.
Essential Washroom Supplies
Employers must ensure that washrooms are adequately stocked at all times. This includes toilet paper, handwashing soap and suitable hand-drying facilities such as paper towels or functioning automatic air dryers. Female washrooms must also provide appropriate sanitary disposal facilities.
These supplies are essential for maintaining hygiene, preventing the spread of infection and supporting employee wellbeing.
Inspections and Repairs
An effective system should be in place to monitor cleanliness, replenish consumables and identify faults. Prompt repairs are essential to prevent facilities from falling below acceptable standards and to maintain employee confidence in workplace welfare provisions.
Changing and Clothing Storage Facilities
In workplaces where employees are required to change into specialist clothing such as uniforms, overalls or thermal wear, employers must provide suitable changing and storage facilities.
Requirements for Workplace Changing Facilities
Changing rooms should include lockable changing cubicles, such as our robust and waterproof Splash Freestanding Cubicles, seating like our Aquabench seating and hooks for clothing – which can be found in our washroom accessories range. Secure storage such as Aquasafe Lockers must also be provided to prevent personal clothing from coming into contact with potentially contaminated workwear. These facilities should be appropriate to the number of users and designed to support hygiene and ease of use.
Where necessary, changing facilities should be provided separately for men and women. In environments, such as industrial or wet areas, robust and moisture-resistant lockers and benches are particularly important, as they support durability, hygiene and cost-effective long-term performance.
Supporting Compliance
Washroom and changing facilities are a critical part of workplace welfare and employee wellbeing. Under HSE Welfare at Work Regulations, employers have a clear legal duty to provide facilities that are safe, hygienic, accessible and properly maintained.
By taking a proactive approach to commercial washroom design and management, employers not only meet their regulatory obligations but also demonstrate a genuine commitment to employee welfare. Investing in durable, inclusive and well-maintained washroom facilities supports long-term compliance, reduce operational risk and helps create a safer, more respectful and productive workplace.
