We share a canteen where we can prepare lunch / wash up etc with the site owner. They have recently installed soap dispensers etc over the single sink for hand washing. On our previous site we had a policy of not using canteen sinks for handwashing, easily acheived as rest rooms were next door. On this site they are in a building close by but seperate to the canteen. I have had a look at the welfare regs and a brief look and food hygiene (Though I'm not sure this applies to a works canteeen other than good practice?). Are there any specific references in other regulations etc that prohibt this? I've had a number of queries and don't want to go off half cocked with the site owner. It's understandable that people need to wash hands in the canteen (though its extremely rare raw foods (ie meats) are handled. the biggest concern is it will encourage lots of people to use the sink rather than those in the rest rooms. i currently looking to suggest a hand wash basin in the canteen buy any relevant references would be useful. Thanks.

As far as I am aware as long as the sink for handwashing is not used for food preparation or anything else, it is ok. It does appear in the hygiene rules somewhere. Good point about getting in touch with local council just to clarify.

What do people mean by a canteen? Back in my factory working days (many years ago now I know!) a canteen was some-where that you bought or were given food produced by your employer. In this case it was a food business and subject to food hygiene legislation and inspection by the local authority. If we now mean a room where you can eat your sandwiches or cook/warm your own food (what I would call a staff room or rest room) then I agree with Clairel, no absolute requirement and it would be our old friend Risk assessment that would prove if food could be contaminated by the practice and so a separate basin would be needed. Brian.