This isn't a strange fascination with toilets- I'm doing a bit of research into the health effects of not being able to use the toilet when you need to.

My question is about "facilities" - or lack of- for visiting drivers (vans, HGVs)

These drivers are often on the road all day and often get denied access to visit another company's toilets. Sometimes, overnight parking is a lay-by, not a service station. Or the facilities, where they do exist are unhygienic. I'm interested in the health effects of lack of or poor facilities, not taking breaks when you need to go and long-term health issues. Please get in touch - I respect your anonymity and really appreciate your comments. If you want to  message me privately send me an email - michelle@yoursafetyworks.co.uk

http://forum.iosh.co.uk/posts/t122614-Visiting-Drivers-to-a-DC-and-Welfare-facilites

HSG136 A guide to workplace health and safety covers this:

127 When deliveries and collections are made, loading and unloading areas should: be in designated places, clear of passing traffic, pedestrians and other people who are not involved in loading or unloading; be clear of overhead power cables or pipework so there is no chance of fouling them, or of electricity jumping to ‘earth’ (arcing) through machinery, the load or people; be on firm, level ground, free from potholes and debris; have a safe area for drivers to wait that allows them to rest between driving shifts, especially if they may be waiting for several hours, with easy and safe access to toilet, washing and refreshment facilities and shelter in case of bad weather. 

Chris

This is a subject that winds me up. I feel sorry for truck drivers, and any other people who by the nature of their job spend a lot of time without access to toilets. In my travelling consultancy days, I had many close calls, and getting stuck in traffic with a full bladder is a nightmare (one of the reasons I started using my motorbike for work). It is well known that people such as peripatetic nurses often suffer urinary infections due to not drinking sufficiently to avoid a toilet unavailability situation, and I would guess other people suffer likewise.

The shortage of public toilets is a national disgrace, and those that are provided are often shut after business hours. I consider it a basic human right to be able to use toilet facilities, and we shouldn't have to rely on the goodwill of pub landlords (or the local MacDonalds - we've all done it!) to get access to a toilet (I noticed on a recent trip to Dublin that it was common for bars to have a notice prohibiting the use of toilets to non-customers, but I can't say I noticed many public toilets, so presumably people in Ireland have cast iron bladders).

It would be an interesting study to find out the amount of infections, anxiety and stress caused by lack of access to toilets, and an area where stress reduction would be simple to address, unlike other causes.

There is currently a campaign to force employers to allow delivery drivers to access toilet facilities. It publishes a newsletter - TRUCKERS TOILETS. Contact point is: Gillian Kemp <gillian.kemp@NTLworld.com>

Chris

So as we (iosh) are apparently on several campaign trails hows about a revision to the Welfare at Work Regs since these were specifically targeted at the employers, their premises and direct employees prior to concepts such as the GIG economy.

Old fashioned laws gave human kindness more concern e.g. a publican providing water to anyone of any age entering a licensed premises.

With the withdrawal of public conveniences by councils on cost grounds perhaps they should recognise those businesses who allow the odd non-paying visior a trip to the toilets with a rate reduction. In all my motorway travel (and despite most now charging for over 2 hour stops) I have never been prevented from enetring to sollely use the toilet facilities

There are conditions such as Crones or Ulcerative colitis where being prevented from going to the toilet can become very painful. The lack of public conveniences can be quite a problem, and even if you do locate one can you park anywhere near it.

I’m not sure people should be throwing human waste into ditches or general waste bins. Everywhere I go, I see signs up looking for HGV drivers, they will soon be able to command better conditions.

Treat people like animals and that is what you will get.

I don't know if it is one of those myths, but I was on the understanding that there is still a carry-over from the days of stagecoachs and hackney cabs, in that you are allowed to urinate against the rear nearside wheel of your vehicle, although no doubt you would then be charged with exposing yourself and public decency issues.

I'm tempted, though......................