Reading time: 4 minutes

While The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 stipulate the number of toilets per person in a workplace, designers who plan commercial washrooms may not have the luxury of time to sift through the regulations to obtain a straightforward answer to their simple question – “What is the washbasin to toilet ratio per person for a workplace environment?”

As a commercial washroom company specialising in the design and manufacture of prestige washroom products which include the Dolphin toilet and washbasin range, we understand the regulations and British Standards concerning sanitary conveniences and possess the knowledge to meet these requirements while ensuring accessibility and usability for all individuals.

In this article, we will explore the commercial toilet provision for the workplace in detail, with tables outlining the minimum washbasin to toilet ratio per person for mixed use or women only facilities, and men only facilities in the workplace. We will also answer common questions such as whether it is illegal to have a toilet without a washbasin and whether the basin to toilet ratio per person changes when there are urinals present in the design.

Row of toilet cubicles and washbasin ratio in a commercial building

What is the legal requirement for toilets in the workplace?

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, as stated by the Health and Safety Executive in the UK, is the applicable legislation to answer this question. The approved code of practice under Regulation 20, which concerns sanitary conveniences, provides minimum requirements for the number of toilets, washbasins, and urinals needed.

You can also find the minimum washbasin to toilet ratio per person in the British Standards BS6465-1:2006+A1:2009, Sanitary installations – Part 1: Code of practice for the design of sanitary facilities and scales of provision of sanitary and associated appliances.

Below are tables that outline the minimum requirements for the number of commercial toilets and washbasins that should be made available. Column 1 displays the maximum estimated number of individuals who are likely to be present in the workplace at any given time.

How many toilets do you need in an office for mixed use (male and female staff) or women only?

Toilets and washbasins for mixed use or women only
(as per Health and Safety Executive)

Number of women or for mixed use at workNumber of toiletsNumber of washbasins
1 to 511
6 to 2522
26 to 5033
51 to 7544
76 to 10055

Toilets and washbasins for mixed use or women only
(as per BS6465-1:2006+A1:2009)

Number of women or for mixed use at workNumber of toiletsNumber of washbasins
1 to 511
6 to 1522
16 to 3033
31 to 4544
46 to 6055
61 to 7566
76 to 9077
91 to 10088
Above 1008, plus 1 WC and washbasin for every unit or fraction of a unit of 25 persons

How many toilets do you need in an office for men only?

(as per Health and Safety Executive and BS6465-1:2006+A1:2009)
 

Toilets, washbasins, and urinals used by men only

Number of men at workNumber of toiletsNumber of urinalsNumber of washbasins
1 to 15111
16 to 30212
31 to 45222
46 to 60323
61 to 75333
76 to 90434
91 to 100444
Above 1004, plus 1 WC urinal and washbasin for every unit or fraction of a unit of 50 males
Row of black touch free taps, washbasins, and urinals

Does the toilet to washbasin ratio change when there are urinals?

According to toilet regulations in the UK, the minimum number of washbasins required in a men’s washroom that contains toilets and urinals in a workplace building depends on the number of fixtures provided and the maximum number of people likely to use the facilities at any given time.

The specific requirements may also vary depending on the circumstances, such as the size of the washroom or providing a separate room with a lockable door if separate washroom facilities for men and women are not possible.

Is it illegal to have a toilet without a washbasin?

To ensure proper washroom facilities for their employees, employers must provide sufficient toilets and washbasins based on the anticipated number of users likely to use them. Ideally, separate facilities for males and females should be provided. However, if this is not possible, individual rooms with lockable doors may be provided as an alternative.

As per the guidelines outlined in British Standards BS6465-2:2017 for Sanitary Installations, Part 2 – Space recommendations, a toilet area should have one or more WCs and washbasins, and may also include urinals. The washbasin can be positioned either inside or outside of the WC cubicle.

The minimum requirements for toilet space accommodation in a building can also be found in BS6465-2:2017.

Appropriate toilet provision cubicles

Ensure appropriate toilet provision

Providing proper washroom facilities is crucial in ensuring the health and safety of employees in the workplace. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, along with the British Standards BS6465-2:2017 and BS6465-1:2006+A1:2009 outline the minimum requirements for toilets, washbasins, and urinals in the workplace.

Based on the information provided by the various regulations and British Standards, we can conclude that a 1:1 washbasin to toilet ratio per person appears to be a safe estimate when designing a commercial washroom in a workplace. However, it is important to keep in mind that specific requirements may vary depending on various circumstances and washroom design.

Building owners and employers must take into account the number of employees likely to use the facilities and provide separate facilities for men and women if possible. If not, lockable individual washrooms can be provided as an alternative.

By following the guidelines and regulations, employers can create a safe and comfortable workplace environment for their employees with proper toilet facilities. However, seeking professional advice to ensure compliance with the relevant requirements is always advisable.

Get in touch