Workplace guide
How Many Toilets Does a Workplace Need? England Guide
In workplaces, toilet numbers are not set by Approved Document T. HSE welfare guidance gives the minimum numbers many people are looking for, including 1 toilet and 1 washbasin for 1–5 people, 2 of each for 6–25 and 3 of each for 26–50 for mixed use or women-only facilities.
At a glance
| HSE is the key source for workplace toilet numbers. |
| Approved Document T does not set minimum toilet numbers. |
| Numbers differ for mixed use/women-only and men-only facilities. |
| Provide one extra toilet and washbasin for every additional 25 people beyond 100. |
Who sets workplace toilet numbers?
The official answer most employers need comes from HSE guidance tied to the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. Approved Document T itself says that Part T does not cover the number of toilets or access to and use of toilets, so it should not be treated as the source for workplace counts.
Minimum numbers of toilets and washbasins for mixed use or women-only facilities
HSE publishes the following minimum numbers for mixed use or women-only facilities.
| People at work | Toilets | Washbasins |
|---|---|---|
| 1–5 | 1 | 1 |
| 6–25 | 2 | 2 |
| 26–50 | 3 | 3 |
| 51–75 | 4 | 4 |
| 76–100 | 5 | 5 |
For larger workforces, HSE says you should provide one extra toilet and washbasin for every additional 25 people.
Men-only provision
HSE also provides a different table for toilets used by men only, where a combination of WCs and urinals can count toward provision. Because the numbers vary by headcount and mix of fixtures, check the official HSE source directly (linked below) for the men-only figures.
Planning and layout notes
Numbers are only part of the decision. Once provision levels are understood, buyers still need to choose cubicle materials, accessibility provision, IPS arrangements and cleaning-friendly layouts – see our commercial toilet cubicles, toilet cubicles and IPS access panels ranges.
Common mistakes
- Using Approved Document T as the source for workplace toilet numbers.
- Ignoring the difference between general provision and accessible provision.
- Only counting average staff numbers, not peak headcount including visitors and contractors.
- Assuming the men-only WC/urinal table works the same way as the mixed-use table.
Practical tip: once you have the headcount numbers, confirm which of those toilets need to be wheelchair-accessible or ambulant provision – see our Approved Document M guide for the requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many toilets do I need for 10 staff?
Under HSE guidance for mixed use or women-only facilities, 6–25 people requires 2 toilets and 2 washbasins.
Does Approved Document T tell me how many workplace toilets I need?
No. It says Part T does not cover the number of toilets.
What about accessible toilets?
Accessible sanitary accommodation is covered separately through Approved Document M and related guidance, so it should be considered alongside general provision.
Are the HSE numbers minimums or best practice?
They are published as minimum numbers in the HSE guidance tied to welfare regulations, so they are a baseline rather than a design aspiration.
Related Guides
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