Can Males and Females Use The Same Toilets On Construction Sites?

With a growing number of women entering the construction sector, the bygone days of providing toilets for men only is slowly changing. But as an employer or facilities hirer, what do you need to offer to ensure you are providing what’s needed for your work force?

All of the following points and more can be found on the HSE website. The information below is specifically taken from Construction Information sheet number 59 – Provision of Welfare Facilities During Construction Work

So can men and women share toilets?

Yes it is perfectly acceptable to provide portable toilets that both males and females can use provided you meet the following conditions:

Quantities - How many toilets do I need?

Provide an adequate number of toilets. The number needed will depend on the number of workers on site and the type of facilities provided. BS6465– 1:2006 recommends a ratio of 1 toilet to 7 persons where portable toilets are emptied once a week.

D-tox says: This is based on a toilet being used by 7 people working a 40 hours week. If you work force is bigger than this you will need to consider more toilets.

Sanitisation -How often do I need my toilet cleaned?

Portable toilets have a limited capacity and will need emptying frequently.

D-tox says: You may find that during the Summer months they will need emptying more often than during the colder months. As you can imagine, toilet waste and warm weather can lead to some pretty whiffy smells. So ensuring you have the right amount of cleans for your toilet is really important.

As par,t of your rental you toilets are guaranteed a weekly clean as part of your hire, but we advise that if your toilets are used frequently then book in extra servicing to ensure they do not overflow, and are kept in good working order. For more details you can view our construction site hire advice.

What are the restrictions on joint toilet facilities?

Men and women may use the same toilet, if it is in a lockable room and partitioned from any urinals. Otherwise provide separate toilets. Adequate supplies of toilet paper should always be available.

D-tox says: As portable toilets are individual units, and lockable, this means that men and women can use the same toilet or toilets. Individual lockable units means any person can use the facilities in private without worrying about who else may be present.

However just because men and women at site can use the same facilities you will probably find they are much more comfortable using toilets that are designated for their own use. In which case we can supply separate toilets for both male and female staff with designated signs.

More than anything your work force will appreciate clean, accessible toilets (make sure you don’t block them in or put them in a hard to reach place). It’s simply ensuring that you hire from a reputable company who will work with you to ensure you have the right facilties on site and the right number of cleans / empties to suit your work force’s useage.

If you are unsure of the numbers of portable toilets you need, or if require hot wash toilets or even have your own toilets but need them servicing, then contact us. D-tox has a wealth of experience in sanitation matters, and we are happy to talk about your individual needs and how we can support them.

Christian Heritage

After joining the business at the end of its first year of trading, Christian has been involved in all aspects of the business.