Ensuring adequate toilet facilities in the workplace isn’t just a matter of comfort it’s a legal requirement in the UK.
Employers must follow specific guidelines set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regarding the number and standard of toilets provided.
This article explores how many toilets per employee are required in UK workplaces, what the official regulations demand, and how businesses can remain compliant while supporting the health, hygiene, and dignity of their workforce.
What Are the Legal Requirements for Toilets in the Workplace in the UK?
In the United Kingdom, employers are legally responsible for providing access to suitable toilet and washing facilities under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.
These facilities must be sufficient in number, properly maintained, and accessible to all employees during working hours.
Toilets must be:
- Easily accessible from any part of the workplace
- Available in adequate numbers to prevent queuing or delays
- Located in a way that ensures privacy, especially where shared or mixed-gender use is involved
Additionally, toilets must be available for any employee, including those with specific needs or disabilities.
Reasonable adjustments, such as wider cubicles or grab rails, should be implemented where required to support workers with conditions like mobility issues or long-term illnesses.
Facilities must remain hygienic, fully functional, and be kept in a clean state, with employers bearing full responsibility for regular inspections, cleaning routines, and maintenance.
How Many Toilets Should Be Provided Per Number of Employees?
The minimum number of toilets and washbasins in a workplace is based on the total number of people expected to be on-site at any given time. These numbers are designed to prevent overuse and maintain hygiene standards.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) sets out specific ratios depending on whether the toilets are for mixed use (or women only), or used only by men.
Toilet and Washbasin Requirements for Mixed Use (or Women Only)
| Number of Employees | Minimum Number of Toilets | Minimum Number of Washbasins |
| 1 to 5 | 1 | 1 |
| 6 to 25 | 2 | 2 |
| 26 to 50 | 3 | 3 |
| 51 to 75 | 4 | 4 |
| 76 to 100 | 5 | 5 |
If the workplace employs more than 100 people, employers are expected to increase toilet and washbasin provisions accordingly, typically one additional toilet and washbasin per 25 additional employees.
Toilet and Urinal Requirements for Men Only
| Number of Male Employees | Minimum Number of Toilets | Minimum Number of Urinals |
| 1 to 15 | 1 | 1 |
| 16 to 30 | 2 | 1 |
| 31 to 45 | 2 | 2 |
| 46 to 60 | 3 | 2 |
| 61 to 75 | 3 | 3 |
| 76 to 90 | 4 | 3 |
| 91 to 100 | 4 | 4 |
Separate facilities for men and women are generally required unless the toilet rooms are designed for individual use and are lockable from the inside.
What Does the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Say About Toilet Facilities?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) sets out clear expectations for the provision, maintenance, and accessibility of workplace toilets across the UK.
These expectations are laid out in the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, which outline what employers must do to safeguard employee welfare.
Basic Toilet Facility Requirements
Every workplace must provide:
- Clean and working toilets that are readily accessible
- Washbasins with running hot and cold (or warm) water
- Soap or a suitable cleaning agent
- A means for drying hands, such as paper towels or electric hand dryers
- Adequate lighting and ventilation to ensure comfort and hygiene
Toilets should also be located in a convenient place relative to workstations and should be usable at all times during working hours.
Requirements for Privacy and Gender Separation
Workplace toilets must be designed to protect user privacy. Where facilities are shared between men and women, each cubicle must be:
- Self-contained
- Lockable from the inside
- Equipped to provide full privacy
If this standard of privacy cannot be guaranteed, employers are legally obliged to provide separate male and female toilet facilities.
Support for Employees With Disabilities
Employers must consider the needs of employees with disabilities. Facilities should accommodate:
- Wider cubicles or accessible toilets
- Grab rails and lowered sinks
- Emergency alarms where appropriate
Reasonable adjustments are required by law to ensure these employees can use facilities independently and with dignity.
Sanitary Disposal for Female Employees
Toilets for women (or shared toilets used by women) must include appropriate means for disposing of sanitary products. This often takes the form of:
- Sanitary bins with lids
- Regular waste collection services for sanitary waste
This is not optional it is a mandatory requirement under workplace hygiene regulations.
Are There Different Toilet Requirements for Men and Women at Work?
Yes, the law recognises that toilet needs vary based on gender, which is why there are different provisions for men and women.
For female employees, each toilet facility must also offer a suitable method for the disposal of sanitary dressings. Sanitary bins must be provided in female or gender-neutral toilets and emptied regularly to maintain hygiene.
For shared facilities, employers must ensure each cubicle is fully self-contained, private, and fitted with a lockable door. Where this is not possible, separate male and female toilets must be made available.
In workplaces with a large gender-diverse workforce or where unisex toilets are introduced, all employees must have access to a toilet that offers privacy, dignity, and equal standards of hygiene.
What Are the Minimum Standards for Hygiene and Sanitation in Workplace Toilets?
All toilet and washing areas should be maintained in a clean and orderly condition. The frequency of cleaning should reflect the number of users and the nature of the work carried out.
In high-traffic environments such as warehouses or factories, more frequent checks and cleaning cycles are necessary.
Essential hygiene requirements include:
- Regular disinfection of toilet seats, handles, and basins
- Cleaning schedules logged and displayed visibly
- Proper waste disposal systems, including bins for general and sanitary waste
- Ventilation systems to manage moisture and reduce the build-up of bacteria
Handwashing is a critical component of workplace hygiene. Therefore, all washbasins should have running water that’s warm or a mix of hot and cold, along with sufficient soap and drying options.
How Should Employers Maintain Toilet Facilities in the Workplace?
Toilet facilities are only effective if they are clean, functional, and consistently maintained. Employers have an ongoing responsibility to ensure all toilets and washbasins remain in good working order and meet hygiene standards.
Routine Cleaning and Inspection Schedules
Workplace toilets must be cleaned frequently enough to ensure hygiene is maintained throughout the day. The frequency of cleaning should depend on:
- The number of employees using the facility
- The nature of the work (e.g., office vs. industrial or construction environments)
- The rate of usage throughout the day
Cleaning logs or schedules are recommended for larger workplaces to ensure accountability and regular checks.
Refilling Consumables and Maintaining Supplies
Toilets and washrooms must always be stocked with:
- Toilet paper in every cubicle
- Soap or other suitable hand-cleaning agents
- Paper towels or functioning hand dryers
- Sanitary bins (where applicable)
A designated team or individual should be responsible for monitoring and restocking supplies daily.
Repair and Maintenance Responsibilities
Functional defects should be addressed promptly to avoid disruption. Employers should:
- Respond quickly to reports of leaks, blockages, or faulty flushes
- Fix broken taps, locks, lighting, or ventilation fans
- Replace damaged tiles or fittings that may pose hygiene or safety risks
Having a planned preventative maintenance programme in place helps reduce downtime and ensures compliance with health and safety laws.
Providing Feedback Channels for Staff
Employers should create a simple and accessible system for employees to:
- Report maintenance issues anonymously or directly
- Request improvements or highlight hygiene concerns
- Suggest additional facilities in high-demand areas
Encouraging staff feedback helps maintain a responsive and hygienic workplace environment.
Cleaning for High-Risk Work Environments
In settings where employees are exposed to dirt, hazardous materials, or chemicals (e.g., construction, manufacturing, or laboratories), toilet and washing facilities may require:
- More frequent cleaning intervals
- Showers or additional handwashing stations
- Specific cleaning protocols for contamination control
In such cases, employers must provide additional welfare facilities beyond standard requirements to reduce risks of cross-contamination and protect employee health.
Do Remote, Temporary, or Mobile Worksites Have Different Toilet Regulations?
Yes. Employers with staff working in temporary or mobile environments, such as building sites or agricultural fields, must still provide welfare facilities that meet HSE standards.
While it may not always be feasible to install permanent plumbing on remote sites, alternative options are permitted. Acceptable temporary solutions include:
- Portable flushing toilets with self-contained water systems
- Chemical toilets for locations with no water supply
- Mobile handwashing stations with soap and disposable towels
The use of public toilets is strongly discouraged by the HSE, except as a last resort. Cost-saving is not considered a valid reason for using public facilities when portable options are available and affordable.
What Happens if Employers Don’t Provide Adequate Toilet Facilities?
Failure to provide the legally required number and standard of toilet facilities can result in penalties. The Health and Safety Executive is responsible for enforcement and may take action ranging from issuing improvement notices to prosecuting businesses.
Inadequate toilet facilities can also:
- Lead to increased sick leave due to poor hygiene
- Cause discomfort and dissatisfaction among staff
- Create grounds for employee complaints and legal claims
- Damage a company’s reputation, especially during audits or inspections
Meeting HSE toilet regulations is a core responsibility of any employer. Beyond compliance, it plays a critical role in promoting employee welfare and productivity.
Conclusion
Providing the correct number of toilets per employee in the UK is not just a legal obligation it’s a crucial part of maintaining workplace hygiene, dignity, and employee wellbeing.
Whether operating in an office, factory, or construction site, employers must align with HSE guidelines and regularly review facilities to ensure they remain fit for purpose.
Staying compliant is not only about avoiding fines, it’s about creating a healthy and respectful work environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should workplace toilets be cleaned?
Cleaning frequency depends on usage levels, but typically once or twice daily for standard offices is sufficient. High-traffic areas may need more frequent cleaning.
Do self-employed people need to follow workplace toilet laws?
If self-employed individuals work from home or alone, these regulations may not apply. However, if they employ others or work at client sites, compliance is expected.
Are unisex toilets allowed in UK workplaces?
Yes, but only if the facilities are self-contained with lockable doors and offer appropriate privacy and hygiene standards.
Can employees request better toilet access?
Yes, employees can raise concerns through internal HR processes, trade unions, or report issues to the HSE if facilities are inadequate.
Is there a specific toilet-to-employee ratio in construction sites?
Yes, the ratio varies depending on site size and nature of work. Portable toilets and handwashing units are often used, and flushing units are preferred where feasible.
Do toilet regulations apply to small businesses with under 5 staff?
Yes, even small businesses must provide at least one toilet and one washbasin if one or more employees are present.
Who enforces workplace toilet laws in the UK?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the enforcing body for workplace welfare regulations, including toilet provision.
