Inspection Criteria
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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 – only applicable to public toilets – not assessed for other entries |
| 1.1 | 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? |
| 1.2 | 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? |
| 1.3 | Are all facilities clearly identified with user symbols – visible even when doors are left open? |
| 2 | EXTERNAL FEATURES – only applicable to public toilets – not assessed for other entries |
| 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 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 with back-up supply? |
| 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, paper and or cotton towelling to provide for user preference, run out or breakdown? 3.18 |
| 3.18 | Are there adequate mirrors provided? |
| 3.19 | Is there a convenient litter disposal bin available or a provider litter disposal policy in operation? Litter bins should be complete with a liner and lid. |
| 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 | Are 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? |
| 3.25 | Refer to 7.2 below |
| 3.26 | Is there a shelf, flat surface or hook available for toilet users to place bags, parcels etc on? |
| 3.27 | Is the lighting adequate – ensuring that there are no dark areas in the toilets? |
| 3.28 | Is there a baby change unit(s) available? Is it in a usable condition, clean and stain free? |
| 3.29 | Does the baby change unit(s) have a clean, usable safety strap or bar? |
| 3.30 | Is a high volume nappy disposal facility provided? |
| 3.31 | Refer 7.4, 7,5 and 7.6 below |
| 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 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? |
| 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, paper or 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.? Are there hooks provided for users to hang bags on? |
| 4.17 | Is the lighting provided, particularly for vanity areas adequate? |
| 4.18 | Is there a convenient litter disposal bin available or a provider litter policy in operation? Litter bins should be complete with a liner and lid. |
| 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 | 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 | Refer 7.2 below |
| 4.25 | Is there a baby change unit(s) available? Is it in a usable condition, clean and stain free? |
| 4.26 | Does the baby change unit(s) have a clean, usable safety strap or bar? |
| 4.27 | Is a high volume nappy disposal facility provided? |
| 4.28 | Refer 7.4, 7.5 and 7.6 below |
| 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 | If locked, is there a notice advising key availability? |
| 5.4 | Does the door open outwards? Are there grab rails both outside and inside the outward opening door? |
| 5.5 | Does the accessible toilet door have an effective locking system with emergency access from the outside? |
| 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 | Is the wash basin 72 – 74cm from the floor to the top? |
| 5.9 | Are there fixed and hinged grab rail either side of the WC (one of each only on each side)? |
| 5.10 | Are there vertical grab rails either side of the wash basin? |
| 5.11 | Are all grab rails coloured differently to the background surface? |
| 5.12 | Is the WC flushing handle or button on the transfer side - accessible from a wheelchair? |
| 5.13 | Are there both high and low level coat hooks and a low level mirror available? |
| 5.14 | Are there adequate facilities for hand washing and drying? |
| 5.15 | Are there adequate supplies of toilet tissue – with back up supply? |
| 5.16 | Is there a large bin/unit provided for sanpro disposal? Is this blocking access to the WC bowl? |
| 5.17 | Is the WC bowl easily accessed from one or both sides and can the user reach the washbasin whilst seated? |
| 5.18 | Is the air quality satisfactory? Are there any malodours? Is there proper air circulation/extraction? |
| 5.19 | Is there adequate lighting – automatic or easily switched on/off by a wheelchair user? |
| 5.20 | Is there an emergency call button/cord at both chest 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. |
| 5.21 | Is there a colostomy bag shelf available adjacent to the WC? |
| 5.22 | Is there a baby change unit(s) available? Is it in a usable condition, clean and stain free? |
| 5.23 | Does the baby change unit(s) have a clean, usable safety strap or bar? |
| 5.24 | Is a high volume nappy disposal facility provided? |
| 6 | SEPARATE BABYCHANGE FACILITIES |
| 6.1 | Is there a dedicated, separate Family toilet accessible from both sexes? |
| 6.2 | Refer 7.3 below |
| 6.3 | Is there a baby change unit(s) available? Is it in a usable condition, clean and stain free? |
| 6.4 | Does the baby change unit(s) have a clean, usable safety strap or bar? |
| 6.5 | Is the entrance door an adequate width for a twin buggy/pushchair (minimum 80cm)? |
| 6.6 | Are there one or more toddler seats fitted? |
| 6.7 | Are there adequate facilities for hand washing and drying? |
| 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, paper roll to cover changer, 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 WC’s, Wash basins or urinals for use by children? |
| 6.15 | Refer 7.4, 7.5 and 7.6 below |
| 6.16 | Are there adequate surface tops for changing bags/coats etc.? |
| 6.17 | Is there adequate lighting available? |
| 6.18 | Refer 7.1 below |
7.1 Is the overall cleanliness of all of the washrooms to a high standard
7.2 Are there any extras provided - flowers, local information, sanitisers, air fresheners, vending etc?
7.3 Is there a separate Baby Change/Family room?
7.4 Are low level WC's provided in the Male, Female and Separate Baby Change/Family room?
7.5 Are low level urinals provided in the Male washroom?
7.6 Are low level wash basins provided in the Male, Female and Separate Baby Change/Family room?
7.7 Is a Changing Places or Space to Change toilet facility provided?
