There is no specific requirement regarding toilets in the Victorian OHS Act - only that the employer must provide "adequate facilities" for employees [Section 21(2)(d)]. So what does this mean?
The
Workplace Amenities and Work Environment Compliance Code (Clauses 40 - 53) contains more information which an employer should comply with:
Generally, separate toilets need to be provided in workplaces where there are both male and female employees. However in workplaces with both male and female employees where
- the total number of people who normally work at the workplace is 10 or less, and
- there are two or less employees of one gender
one unisex toilet may be provided. A unisex toilet comprises one closet pan, one washbasin and means for the disposal of sanitary items. For example, a workplace with two male and eight female employees, or with one female and three male employees, could have a unisex toilet, because there are 10 or less employees in total, and two or less employees of one gender.
In all other workplaces, separate toilets need to be provided, in at least the following ratios:
- 1 water closet for up to 20 males;
- 1 extra water closet for each additional 20 males (or part thereof);
- 1 urinal for up to 25 males;
- 2 urinals for up to 50 males;
- 1 extra urinal for each additional 50 males (or part thereof);
- 1 water closet for up to 15 females;
- 1 extra water closet for each additional 15 females (or part thereof).
The code states that the facilities must be clean and hygienic. Where it is not reasonably practicable to provide access to permanent toilets, portable toilets need to be provided (clause 47). These must be installed securely, and be provided with a lockable door, lighting and ventilation. The code also provides advice on other facilities, such as hand washing and shower facilities. Note: it makes no comment on the
quality of the water in such facilities.
NOTE: New from WorkSafe (February 2012) Guidance Note, Portable toilets on worksites
(March 2012)