Inspection Criteria
WARNING: The Checklists contained on the following pages are copyright protected to The Loo of the Year Awards and must not be copied or distributed to any third party without prior approval. © Loo of the Year Awards
The Loo of the Year Awards inspection criteria have been developed over many years and are constantly under review. There are currently over one hundred different criteria used for assessing male, female, accessible and babychange facilities and they are summarised below:-
| 1 | SIGNAGE AND COMMUNICATION - should be clear and readable. |
| 1.1 | Directional and External Symbols- Are the facilities clearly identified from outside and or inside where relevant? these should be clear and easily identifiable. |
| 1.2 | Security and Safety-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? |
| 2 | ENTRY |
| 2.1 | Charged Entry - Well signed if a charged entry, including amount to be paid and how to pay. |
| 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 of urinal user privacy? |
| 3.5 | Are cubicles of an adequate size – minimum 150cm x 80cm? |
| 3.6 | Are cubicle door widths the recommended minimum 70cm? |
| 3.7 | Are there one or more (dependant on user numbers) larger cubicles (150cm x 100cm) for the ambulant disabled and larger users? |
| 3.8 | Are all cubicle doors fitted with an adequate closing and locking system? |
| 3.9 | Does every cubicle have one or more hooks for coats, jackets, bags etc? |
| 3.10 | Are all WC bowls and seats clean and fit for purpose, particularly around rims and seat hinges? |
| 3.11 | Does every cubicle have adequate supplies of tissue, preferably in a locked dispenser with a back up supply? Are all dispensers fitted correctly? |
| 3.12 | Do all WC bowls have adequate or effective flushing? Are flushing mechanisms in good working order? |
| 3.13 | Are all cubicle partitions in good order – free from holes and other damage? |
| 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 or pumped dispenser bottles not soap bars. |
| 3.17 | Are there adequate facilities for hand drying – a minimum of one unit per two basins? Is there a choice of hand drying – air dryer or paper to provide for user preference, run out or breakdown? |
| 3.18 | Are there adequate mirrors provided? |
| 3.19 | Is there a shelf, flat surface or hook available for toilet users to place bags, parcels etc on? |
| 3.20 | Litter Disposal- should be a convenient litter disposal bin available. This should be complete with a lid and liner. |
| 3.21 | Lighting Effectiveness- Is the lighting adequate-insuring there are no dark areas in the toilets? |
| 3.22 | Are all ceiling areas / extraction units in good decorative order and clean? |
| 3.23 | Are all wall areas /extraction units including any tiled surfaces, in good decorative order and free from damage? |
| 3.24 | 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? |
| 3.25 | Is there any evidence of any vandalism and / or graffiti damage anywhere in the male facilities? |
| 3.26 | Is the air quality / temperature in the male facilities satisfactory, odour free and not too hot or cold? Is there evidence that cubicle air is changed frequently, through an extraction system or windows / vents? |
| 3.27 | Is there a male sanitary bin? |
| 3.28 | Overall Cleanliness. |
| 4 | FEMALE FACILITIES |
| 4.1 | Are cubicles of an adequate size – minimum 150cm x 80cm? |
| 4.2 | Are cubicle door widths the recommended minimum 70cm? |
| 4.3 | Are there one or more (dependant on user numbers) larger cubicles (150cm x 100cm) for the ambulant disabled and larger users? |
| 4.4 | Are all cubicle doors fitted with an adequate closing and locking system? |
| 4.5 | Does every cubicle have one or more hooks for coats, jackets, bags etc? |
| 4.6 | Are all WC bowls and seats clean and fit for purpose, particularly around rims and seat hinges? |
| 4.7 | Does every cubicle have adequate supplies of tissue preferably in a locked dispenser with a back up supply? Are all dispensers fitted correctly? |
| 4.8 | Do all WC bowls have adequate or effective flushing? Are flushing mechanisms in good working order? |
| 4.9 | Are all cubicle partitions in good order – free from holes and other damage? |
| 4.10 | Are there adequate facilities available within each cubicle for the safe disposal of used sanitary products? or signed designated facility. 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 or pumped dispenser bottles not soap bars? |
| 4.14 | Are there adequate facilities for hand drying – a minimum of one unit per two basins? Is there a choice of hand drying – air dryer or paper 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.? Are there hooks provided for users to hang bags on? |
| 4.17 | Litter Disposal- should be a convenient litter disposal bin available. This should be complete with a liner and lid. |
| 4.18 | Lighting Effectiveness- Is the lighting adequate- insuring there are no dark areas in the toilets? |
| 4.19 | Are all ceiling areas / extraction units in good decorative order and clean? |
| 4.20 | Are all wall areas /extraction units 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 | Are the air quality / temperature in the female facilities satisfactory, odour free and not too hot or cold? Is there evidence that cubicle air is changed frequently, through an extraction system or windows / vents |
| 4.24 | Overall cleanliness |
| 5 | ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES |
| 5.1 | Is the overall cubicle size of the Accessible Toilet cubicle at least 150cm x 220cm and is the facility wheelchair accessible? |
| 5.2 | Is the Accessible Toilet door width of at least 92.5cm? |
| 5.3 | Does the door open outwards? Is there a horizontal grab rail on the inside of the outward opening door? |
| 5.4 | Are there fixed and hinged grab rail either side of the WC (one of each only on each side)? |
| 5.5 | Are there vertical grab rails either side of the wash basin? |
| 5.6 | Are all grab rails coloured differently to the background surface? |
| 5.7 | Is the WC bowl 48cm from the floor to top of seat? |
| 5.8 | Is the WC bowl 75cm from rear wall to front of seat? |
| 5.9 | Is the wash basin 72 – 74cm from the floor to the top? |
| 5.10 | Is the WC flushing paddle or button on the transfer side - accessible from a wheelchair? |
| 5.11 | Is the WC bowl easily accessed from one or both sides and can the user reach the washbasin whilst seated? |
| 5.12 | Is there an emergency call button/cord with rings or triangles on at both chest (80cm) and floor levels (maximum 10cm)? This criteria will not be judged if the installation of an alarm system is not practical, e.g. remote locations. |
| 5.13 | Does the accessible toilet door have an effective locking system with emergency access from the outside? |
| 5.14 | If locked, is there notice advising key availability? |
| 5.15 | Are there adequate facilities for hand washing (sensor or lever taps with hot and cold water) and drying? |
| 5.16 | Is there a colostomy bag shelf available adjacent to the WC? |
| 5.17 | Are there adequate supplies of toilet tissue in a lockable dispenser ? |
| 5.18 | Are there both high and low level coat hooks and a low level mirror available? |
| 5.19 | Is there a large bin/unit provided for sanpro disposal? |
| 5.20 | Is there a baby change unit(s) available? Is it in a usable condition, clean and stain free? |
| 5.21 | Does the baby change unit(s) have a clean, usable safety strap or bar? |
| 5.22 | Is the air quality satisfactory? Are there any malodours? Is there proper air circulation/extraction? |
| 5.23 | Is there adequate lighting – automatic or easily switched on/off by a wheelchair user? |
| 5.24 | Is the Large bin clear of the transfer side to the WC? |
| 5.25 | Overall Cleanliness |
| 6 | SEPARATE BABYCHANGE FACILITIES/FAMILY ROOM |
| 6.1 | Is there a dedicated, separate Baby Change accessible in both male and female toilets ? |
| 6.2 | Is there a baby change unit(s) available? Is it in a usable condition, clean and stain free? |
| 6.3 | Does the baby change unit(s) have a clean, usable safety strap or bar? |
| 6.4 | Is the entrance door an adequate width for a twin buggy/pushchair (minimum 80cm)? |
| 6.5 | Are there one or more toddler seats fitted? |
| 6.6 | Is there a large nappy disposal unit provided? |
| 6.7 | Is the baby change décor child/baby friendly? |
| 6.8 | Are there adequate surface tops for changing bags/coats etc.? |
| 6.9 | Is there a WC available with adequate tissue supply? |
| 6.10 | Are there adequate facilities for hand washing hot and cold water and WAD or paper for drying? |
| 6.11 | Are there adequate coat/bag hooks and a mirror? |
| 6.12 | Is the air quality satisfactory? Any malodours/poor ventilation? Temperature inside OK? |
| 6.13 | Is there adequate lighting available? |
| 6.14 | Overall Cleanliness |
| 7 | DIAMOND CRITERIA |
| 7.1 | Hygiene and Safety |
| 7.2 | Extras- pictures/amenities (including free sanitary products)/flowers * |
| 7.3 | Wow factor/decor etc* |
| 7.4 | Low level facilities |
| 7.5 | Directional signs and symbols; individual facilities |
| 7.6 | Safeguarding Notices e.g Ask Angela/Adam or similar, Hot water, wet floors, Noise from hand dryer (Autism) |
| 7.7 | Excellent Maintenance, presentation, attention to detail |
| 7.8 | Loo Of The Year Certificates and Stickers displayed |
