Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00421:front:0:p5
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00421
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 10681–13521

will share responsibility for providing a safe physical work environment and facilities with the property manager or building owner, and you should therefore discuss your requirements regarding these matters with them. This would include checking that they have arrangements in place for the proper maintenance of plant such as air-conditioning systems and facilities such as toilets.
Further guidance on consultation is available in the Code of Practice: Work Health and Safety Consultation, Co-ordination and Co-operation.

The nature of the work
    * To understand the nature of the work activities and the type of hazards involved, the following questions should be considered:
    * Does the work involve exposure to infectious material or contaminants? If so, workers may need access to shower facilities before they leave the workplace.
    * Do workers need to change out of their clothes? If so, they may need change rooms and appropriate personal storage.
    * Is the work mostly conducted standing or seated? If so, floor coverings and seats should be considered.
    * Is the work sedentary or physically active? If so, this may affect the ideal comfortable air temperature.
    * Is the work done in shifts? If so, cleaning and maintenance schedules may need to take into account the times when the facilities are used.
    * Workers undertaking different work within the same workplace may also have different requirements for facilities depending on the work they do and the equipment they use.

Size, location and nature of the workplace
The type of facilities needed also depends on the size, location and nature of the workplace. For example, whether the work is carried out in a building or structure, or whether work is performed outdoors or in a workplace belonging to another business should be taken into consideration. Some workers may be mobile, for example sales representatives, tradespeople or visiting health care workers. The following questions should be considered:
    * Does the workplace cover an extensive area, or is work undertaken in a single location?
    * Do the workers travel between workplaces, to numerous work sites or to other locations?
    * Is the workplace permanent or temporary?
    * Is the workplace close to appropriate welfare facilities?
    * Will the facilities be available at the times workers need to use them, for example during a night shift?
    * Is the means of access safe?

Number and composition of the workforce
The number of workers at the workplace will determine the size and type of facilities required. For example, calculating the number of toilets and hand washing facilities should take account of the number of workers who usually use them at the same time.
Facilities should provide privacy and security for men and women. The requirements of workers with