Posted By James M Are you talking about construction site or permanent work place?

Posted By Smiff Neither the 200m or the weather would concern me, but if they have to cross vehicle areas I'd say this is a risk that need to be addressed in some way.

Posted By Toby Thorp This should make an 'interesting' entry for my first post on the site .... .... but you might want to check the so called 'Bog' Standard aka BS 6465. That makes reference to toilets provided in a permanent stationary workplace such that staff should not have to walk more than 100m to reach a toilet. I have some of my own notes in front of me which tell me that it might be in section 5.2.2.1 or 6.4.1 but I haven't double checked that. It also incidentally recommends that people should not have to travel up or down more than one floor either to achieve their toiletry needs. This would be one of those subjects where I almost wish I didn't know these facts... TT

Posted By GeoffB4 Thanks Toby, a useful reference which I will try and dig up. The difficulty with that though is that there are hundreds of BSs, it costs to join BS, and being a member only allows only slightly cheaper access to the very expensive publications. Which puts them, in my opinion, out of the range of most small companies. Unlike the HSE of course which reasonably price most publications. Jervis, that is most peoples port of call and possibly (although I doubt it) I've missed the link about distances. Perhaps you would reference it more specifically?

Posted By GeoffB4 .... and where does it mention distance, the whole point of this query?

Posted By GeoffB4 Thanks Toby/TTB for the references - very useful.

Posted By IOSH Moderator Geoff I have trawled through everything I have, and can't find any legal reason why the WC's 'must' be within XXX metres etc. Whilst not specifically addressing your question (and I apologise for deviating) I have never ever come across a company that would not have WC's as close to the working base as possible, to avoid of course the wasted times whilst taking a toilet break. Numbers yes, distances no; simply can't find any reference to give a precise answer. CFT

Posted By Crim I frequently inspect shop fitting sites, mostly new units with little or no welfare facilities in place. Sometimes there has been restrictions placed on the contractor by the landlord and the contractor may have just one thunder box on site, with its own supply of cold water. On one recent visit there was a welfare cabin at the rear of the unit with an electricity supply inside the unit. The landlord would not allow the contractor to drill through the rear wall to feed a cable to the cabin. I have to accept for a short period of time to allow the use of neighboring welfare facilities, i.e. the local cafe or supermarket until a decent electrical supply can be provided to heat water etc. This is only for a short period of time and would not be acceptable as permanent. I am aware of a recent health and safety executive inspector commenting on a permanent toilet facility that was portable cabins, fully plumbed and supplied with hot water, even showers. The inspector said she would have expect something more permanent as the facility had been there for a few years.

Posted By Mitch Geoff, For a bit of further info'/advice do a quick search the proximity of welfare facilities at construction sites was discussed on this forum recently. Mitch

Posted By Mitch Geoff, Try this one, http://www.iosh.co.uk/in...iew&forum=1&thread=36311 Regards Mitch

Posted By GeoffB4 Thanks Mitch/Ian Don't understand why my search missed it. Interesting leaflet from HSE who suggest 10 minutes in a temporary construction environment - which I would consider to be worst case and can use in the case we are discussing. Also will use the transport side of things as well. I have to admit at exasperation with some responses on this board but there has been an excellent response to this query - thanks all.