Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00421:reg:400:p5
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00421
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 400 (pt 5/21)
Character Range: 38816–41593

for drinking. These water supply points should be marked with signs warning that the water is unfit for drinking.

Mobile, temporary or remote workplaces
Sometimes direct connection to a water supply is not possible. In these cases, alternatives –  including access to public drinking water facilities, bottled water or containers – should be provided for workers.

3.3              Toilets
Access to clean toilets must be provided for all workers while they are at work. Where reasonably practicable, toilet facilities should be provided for workers, rather than relying on access to external public toilets.

Number of toilets
For workplaces within buildings, the National Construction Code of Australia sets out the ratio of toilets to the number of workers, and the specifications for toilets. Generally, separate toilets should be provided in workplaces where there are both male and female workers. However, one unisex toilet may be provided in workplaces with both male and female workers where:
    * the total number of people who normally work at the workplace is 10 or less
    * there are two or less workers of one gender.
For example, a workplace with two male and eight female workers or with one female and three male workers could have a unisex toilet because there are 10 or fewer workers in total and two or fewer workers of one gender.
A unisex toilet should include one closet pan, one washbasin and means for disposing of sanitary items.
For all other workplaces, separate toilets should be provided in the following ratios:

Workers  Closet Pan(s)     Urinals

Males    1 per 20 males    1 per 25 males
Females  1 per 15 females  N/A

These ratios are the minimum standard that should be provided. However, in some workplaces, the scheduling of workers' breaks will affect the number of toilets required. There should be enough toilets available for the number of workers who may need to use them at the same time.

Design of toilets
Toilets should be:
    * fitted with a hinged seat and lid
    * provided with adequate lighting and ventilation
    * clearly signposted
    * fitted with a hinged door capable of locking from the inside on each cubicle
    * designed to allow emergency access
    * positioned to ensure privacy for users
    * separated from any other room by an airlock, a sound-proof wall and a separate entrance that is clearly marked.
Toilets should be supplied with:
    * an adequate supply of toilet paper for each toilet
    * hand washing facilities
    * rubbish bins
    * for female workers, hygienic means to dispose of sanitary items.

Access to toilets
Toilets must be accessible, preferably located inside a building or as close as possible to the workplace. In multi-storey buildings, toilets should be located on at