Posted By RichardC1973 As a firm of plumbing and heating engineers we were called in to a factory where there was an individual who, as far as we have been told, is washing a catheter (and this could include the bag too) in the basin of the disabled persons toilet. This person has made a complaint as the water at the basin is not drinking water and therefore is not suitable for him to wash his catheter etc. As far as I understand the disabled persons' toilet facility is to standard and compliant with requirements. The water at the tap, like many others, comes from a tank and is heated and mixed to the correct temperature; the tap is labeled 'not drinking water' and is therefore for hand washing only. Drinking water is provided throughout the factory at specific drinking fountains. I would have thought that the individual concerned should not be washing that type of equipment at the basin anyway for the sake of other possible users. Can anyone advise on this and provide any guidance as to what the regulations might be that could apply to this. What level of support is an employer supposed to provide to an employee? Thanks Richard

Posted By GeoffB4 It should not be necessary to wash the catheter at work. Empty, yes possibly, but that shouldn't be necessary either, typically a bag would last all day, and in any case that would be straight into the toilet. To wash it in the hand basin is disgusting and shows no regard or respect for those using these facilities. Ask yourself that if you found one of your staff peeing in the sink - what action would you take?