Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00421:reg:400:p6
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00421
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 400 (pt 6/21)
Character Range: 41342–44202

* 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 least every second floor.

Mobile, temporary or remote workplaces
If work is undertaken away from base locations or at outdoor sites (for example, gardeners, bus drivers, couriers), workers must have access to other toilets, for example public toilets or toilets at clients' premises. In such cases, information should be provided to workers on where the toilets are located.
Where it is not reasonably practicable to provide access to permanent toilets (for example, short-term temporary workplaces and workplaces in remote areas), portable toilets should be provided. Portable toilets should be located in a secure place with safe access. They should be installed so they do not fall over or become unstable and should be serviced regularly to keep them clean.

3.4              Hand washing
Hand washing facilities must be provided to enable workers to maintain good standards of personal hygiene. Workers may need to wash their hands at different times (for example, after visiting the toilet, before and after eating meals, after handling chemicals or handling greasy machinery).

Number of hand washing basins
In most cases, for both males and females, hand washing basins should be provided in at least the ratio of one wash basin for every 30 males and one for every 30 female workers, or part thereof.
The number of hand washing basins may need to be increased depending on the nature of the work carried out at the workplace. For example, where the work involves exposure to infectious substances or other contaminants, separate hand washing basins should be provided in addition to those provided with toilets.

Design of hand washing facilities
Hand washing facilities should:
    * be accessible at all times to work areas, eating areas and the toilets
    * be separate from troughs or sinks used in connection with the work process
    * contain both hot and cold water taps or temperature mixers
    * be protected from the weather
    * be supplied with non-irritating soap (preferably from a soap dispenser)
    * contain hygienic hand drying facilities, for example automatic air dryers or paper towels.
Where a business engages in activities such as food preparation or health care, there are also duties under health legislation in relation to hand washing facilities.
Mobile, temporary or remote workplaces
If work is carried out in locations where there are no hand washing facilities, workers should have access to alternative hand hygiene facilities, for example a water container with soap and paper towels, hand wipes or alcohol-based hand wash.

3.5              Dining facilities