2007 Loo of the Year Awards Inspection Criteria
1

SIGNAGE AND COMMUNICATION

1.2

Are the toilets provided, particularly in public or busy visitor locations such as stations, theme parks etc. clearly signposted and accurate, for both foot and vehicular traffic?

1.3

Are the facilities clearly identified from the outside where relevant? Does the building have a location name, details of who is responsible, contact details of the provider, hours of opening, facilities available within, nearest alternative facilities if closed? Is this signage in good condition?

1.4

Are all facilities clearly identified with user symbols – visible even when doors are left open?

2

EXTERNAL FEATURES

2.1

Is there any impediment to safe usage of the facilities – such as overhanging vegetation, broken paving, awkward steps, potential loitering areas around the building etc?

2.2

Is the toilet building or area adjacent to internal toilet provision in good repair and inviting to users?

2.3

Are there any security issues and, if so, is there any evidence of any safety measures – such as regular security visits, CCTV camera coverage, bright exterior lighting etc?

3

MALE FACILITIES

3.1

Are the male urinal fixtures and fittings in a satisfactory state – porcelain chips, stainless steel streaking, rusting pipe work, broken tiles, cleanliness etc?

3.2

Are the urinal outlets free from any debris – cigarette butts, litter etc and free from malodour?

3.3

Do the urinals have an adequate flushing frequency – depending on the provision of any dosing control and / or water rationing systems?

3.4

Is there any form or urinal user privacy?

3.5

Are cubicles of an adequate size – minimum 150cm x 80cm? Are cubicle door widths the recommended minimum 70cm?

3.6

Are there one or more (dependant on user numbers) larger cubicles (150cm x 100cm) for the ambulant disabled and larger users?

3.7

Are all cubicle doors fitted with an adequate closing and locking system?

3.8

Does every cubicle have one or more hooks for coats, jackets, bags etc?

3.9

Are all WC bowls and seats clean and fit for purpose, particularly around rims and seat hinges?

3.10

Does every cubicle have adequate supplies of tissue, preferably in a locked dispenser with a back up supply? Are all dispensers fitted correctly?

3.11

Do all WC bowls have adequate or effective flushing?

Are flushing mechanisms in good working order?

3.12

Are all cubicle partitions in good order – free from holes and other damage?

3.13

Is there evidence that cubicle air is changed frequently, through an extraction system or windows / vents?

3.14

Are any washbasins or washing units provided adequate for the number of cubicles and / or users? (BS6465). Are all washbasins/washing units in a clean and usable state?

3.15

Is there an adequate supply of hot and cold water – or a mixer tap / unit?

Are all taps in a good working order and correctly labelled?

3.16

Does each wash basin or washing unit have an adequate supply of soap – preferably in a locked dispenser with back-up supply?

Is there a choice of soap – e.g. perfumed/non-perfumed?

3.17

Are there adequate facilities for hand drying – a minimum of one unit per two basins?

Is there a choice of hand drying – hot air, paper, cotton towelling, to provide for user preference, run out or breakdown?

3.18

Are there adequate mirrors provided ?

3.19

Is there a convenient litter disposal bin available in the washing area?

3.20

Are all ceiling areas / extraction units in good decorative order and clean?

3.21

Are all wall areas, including any tiled surfaces in good decorative order and free from damage?

3.22

Are all floor areas in a good state of repair?

Are corners and skirting areas clean and free from damage?

Is there any (odour) evidence of bacteria build up in floor tile grouting?

3.23

Is there any evidence of any vandalism and / or graffiti damage anywhere in the male facilities?

3.24

Is the air quality / temperature in the male facilities satisfactory?

Odour free and not too hot or cold.

3.25

Are any extras provided – such as product vending (condoms, washing kits etc.) tissues, flowers, seat wipe system etc?

3.26

Is there any ‘No Smoking’ policy in place with cigarette disposal bins available?

3.37

Is there any customer communication signage provided – such as contact details, frequency of service visits, policy on misuse / abuse, welcome information, advertising of local, company events etc?

3.28

Are there any child friendly facilities available – low level urinal, low level wash basin, low level soap and drying equipment or a child WC – clearly marked?

4

FEMALE FACILITIES

4.1

Are cubicles of an adequate size – minimum 150cm x 80cm?

Are cubicle door widths the recommended minimum 70cm?

4.2

Are there one or more (dependant on user numbers) larger cubicles (150cm x 100cm) for the ambulant disabled and larger users?

4.3

Are all cubicle doors fitted with an adequate closing and locking system?

4.4

Does every cubicle have one or more hooks for coats, jackets, bags etc?

4.5

Are all WC bowls and seats clean and fit for purpose, particularly around rims and seat hinges?

4.6

Does every cubicle have adequate supplies of tissue preferably in a locked dispenser with a back up supply? Are all dispensers fitted correctly?

4.7

Do all WC bowls have adequate or effective flushing?

Are flushing mechanisms in good working order?

4.8

Are all cubicle partitions in good order – free from holes and other damage?

4.9

Is there evidence that cubicle air is changed frequently, through an extraction system or windows / vents?

4.10

Are there adequate facilities available within each cubicle for the safe disposal of used sanitary towels?

Are any disposal bags provided for these prior to placing in the bin / unit?

4.11

Are any washbasins or washing units provided adequate for the number of cubicles and / or users? (BS 6465).

Are all washbasins / washing units in a clean and usable state?

4.12

Is there an adequate supply of hot and cold water – or a mixer tap / unit?

Are all taps in a good working order and correctly labelled?

4.13

Does each wash basin or washing unit have an adequate supply of soap – preferably in a locked dispenser with back-up supply?

Is there a choice of soap – e.g. perfumed / non – perfumed?

4.14

Are there adequate facilities for hand drying – a minimum of one unit per two basins?

Is there a choice of hand drying – hot air, paper, cotton towelling, to provide for user preference, run out or breakdown?

4.15

Does each wash basin have a mirror adjacent?

4.16

Are there adequate surface areas / vanity units available for ladies to use for hand bags, make up, hair products etc?

4.17

Is the lighting provided for vanity areas adequate?

4.18

Is there a convenient litter disposal bin available?

4.19

Are all ceiling areas / extraction units in good decorative order and clean?

4.20

Are all wall areas, including any tiled surfaces in good decorative order and free from damage?

4.21

Are all floor areas in a good state of repair?

Are corners and skirting areas clean and free from damage?

Is there any (odour) evidence of bacteria build up in floor tile grouting?

4.22

Is there any evidence of any vandalism and / or graffiti damage anywhere in the female facilities?

4.23

Is the air quality / temperature in the female facilities satisfactory?

Odour free and not too hot or cold.

4.24

Are any extras provided – such as product vending (sanitary towels, condoms, washing kits etc.) tissues, flowers, seat wipe system etc?

4.25

Is there any ‘No Smoking’ signage in place with a cigarette disposal bin available?

4.26

Is there any customer communication signage provided – such as contact details, frequency of service visits, policy on misuse / abuse, welcome information, advertising of local, company events etc?

4.27

Are there any child friendly facilities available –low level wash basin, low level soap and drying equipment or a child WC – clearly marked?

5

ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES

5.1

Does the accessible toilet provided have a door width of 1 metre?

Is the facility wheelchair accessible?

5.2

If locked, is there a notice advising key availability?

5.3

Does the door open outwards? Is there a grab rail inside the outward opening door?

5.4

Does the accessible toilet door have an effective locking system with emergency access from the outside?

5.5

Does the accessible toilet size conform to BR 2004 (220cm x 150cm)?

5.6

Is the WC bowl 48cm from the floor to top of seat?

5.7

Is the WC bowl 75cm from rear wall to front of seat?

5.8

Are there fixed and a hinged grab rail either side of the WC?

5.9

Are there vertical grab rails either side of the wash basin?

5.10

Are all grab rails coloured differently to the background surface?

5.11

Is the wash basin 72 – 74cm from the floor to the top?

5.12

Are all fixtures and fittings in a clean and usable condition?

5.13

Is the WC flushing handle accessible from a wheelchair?

5.14

Is there a fixed or folding changing bench provided?

5.15

Is there a low level coat hook and mirror available?

5.16

Are there adequate facilities for hand washing and drying?

5.17

Are there adequate supplies of toilet tissue – with back up supply?

5.18

Is there a large bin/unit provided for sanpro disposal?

Is this blocking access to the WC bowl?

5.19

Is the WC bowl easily accessed from one or both sides?

5.20

Is the air quality satisfactory? Are there any malodours?

Is there proper air circulation/extraction?

5.21

Is there adequate lighting – automatic or easily switched on/off?

5.22

Is there an emergency call button/cord at both chest and floor levels?

Does the alarm call work? Is there a reset button?

5.23

Is there a colostomy bag shelf available adjacent to the WC?

5.24

Is there any ‘No Smoking’ signage in place with a cigarette disposal bin available?

5.25

Is there any customer communication signage provided – such as contact details, frequency of service visits, policy on misuse / abuse, welcome information, advertising of local, company events etc?

6

BABYCHANGE FACILITIES

6.1

Is there a facility in both male and female toilets – or as a separate unisex facility?

6.2

Is there an adequate babychange unit – pull down or fixed with a weight restriction notice?

6.3

Are safety straps fitted on the babychange?

6.4

Is there room for a twin buggy/pushchair inside?

6.5

Are there one or more toddler seats fitted?

6.6

Are all fixtures and fittings clean and in good condition – free from damage and graffiti?

6.7

Are there adequate facilities for hand washing and drying? Are there any paper wipes for babies?

6.8

Is there a WC available with adequate tissue supply?

6.9

Is the air quality satisfactory? Any malodours/poor ventilation? Temperature inside OK?

6.10

Is there a large nappy disposal unit provided?

6.11

Are there any extras provided such as bactericidal wipes, nappy vending etc?

6.12

Is the babychange décor child/baby friendly?

6.13

Are there adequate coat/bag hooks and a mirror?

6.14

Are there any low level washing/drying facilities for young children?

6.15

Are there adequate surface tops for changing bags?

6.16

Is there adequate lighting available?

6.17

Is there any ‘No Smoking’ signage in place with a cigarette disposal bin available?

6.18

Is there any customer communication signage provided – such as contact details, frequency of service visits, policy on misuse / abuse, welcome information, advertising of local, company events etc?

LOO OF THE YEAR AWARDS