Posted By Cathy Ricketts We have female workers located in a multi occupancy building where the common areas including the toilets are the responsibility of the landlord. The toilet area for the women contains three toilets and there is one sanitary disposal unit which is in the main common area within the toilet. The ladies are complaining as they say it is not pleasant to have to go into the main area to dispose of sanitary items. We have tried moving the bin into one of the toilets but then it causes problems when more than one lady wishes to use that toilet and they have to wait which they say is embarassing because it is obvious why they are waiting when the other toilets are empty. As far as I can see the landlord is meeting his duty to provide sanitary disposal (minimal though it is) - or does anyone know different.

Posted By renown Cathy Reg 20 (1) of the Workplace regs states that suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences shall be provided. As your ladies are having to 'queue up' for the only available bin, then this is not suitable or sufficient. I would lean on the landlord a little bit more.

Posted By Ron Young Suitable and sufficient should mean that these bins should be located in areas where privacy of use is guaranteed and in sufficient quantities to prevent overfilling i.e. 1 bin for every toilet cubicle.

Posted By Dave Wilson Cathy I sympathise but one of the problems in the H&S world is if you quote legislation at a difficult 'recipient' then it will always come back to bite you especially with 'suitable and sufficient' speak to your friendly EHO at the LA Env Health Dept (preferably a Lady EHO) this is not a sexist comment but a way to skin the cat, as they will give an opinion, this can obviously be annonomooooseely (cant spell that been a long day!)! This obviously not a reputable company or can you go above his head!

Posted By Descarte Or 100 quid = 2 new bins. If they are arranging collection for the one already there then I am sure it would not be hard for them to empty the other 2 as well. Guess you would rather the landlord pay the 100 quid, but dpending on your budget or who ever's it may be easier and more building/landlord relationship friendly to bite the bullet and buy them?

Posted By Saracen11 Hi Cathy, “suitable and sufficient” it is not. I can’t believe this is being discussed? (Nothing personal against anyone that has contributed– I just can’t see the logic of the landlord?) I agree with other postings, get the landlord to face up to his/her responsibilities and have him/her provide more bins… it’s a disgrace and degrading to have the current arrangements! What would his/her reaction be if the waste were to be flushed? (Apart from damaging the system?) Regards

Posted By Cathy Ricketts Promised I'd keep you posted on this saga - the Landlords latest solution - provide us girls with sanitary bags in each toilets and large notices on the back of the toilet door saying please put the bag in the bin provided (still one bin - three toilets)!!!!

Posted By Glyn Atkinson Sorry, time for two pennyworth through gritted teeth - find the number of the local EHO, ask those ladies affected to write out a formal complaint letter to give to said officer when you ask them to call, sit back , wait for landlord feathers to fly !! This is basic personal hygiene we are talking about here, not rocket science !! He'll be re-introducing slavery next if not stopped !! I do despair of totally unfeeling bosses like this guy !! What next, re-useable condoms in the male toilets ?? Sorry for the obvious and blatent sarcasm, but this guy reeks of Rigsby in Rising Damp - probably hands out toilet sheets individually counted !!