Life without “Toilets and Bathrooms”!!! Hahaha…I can’t even imagine the situation and of course it is not possible. Toilets and Bathrooms are something we use very often during the day and night, no matter wherever we are!!. Majority of people take toilets for granted but in fact, toilets are one of the essential things a human needs to lead a healthy life. Though toilets are given much importance in many developed countries, billions of people from developed western countries don’t and their toilets look peculiar with modern flushing technologies. Let us discuss few points about Australian Toilets and Bathrooms.
Toilets and Bathrooms come in different models and designs across the world. Toilets in Australia differ from other foreign countries but how does they differ from Americans and others!? Common, let us know. Today, we are going to discuss about Australian Toilets and Bathrooms.
Whether it is Australia or some other country, the importance of using toilets and bathrooms is crucial for the healthy development of people. So, let us have a brief discussion on how important toilets are in our lives!!
A Toilet, loosely referred as ‘Sanitation‘ plays a significant role in everyone’s life because it is the place where we spend some time to keep ourselves hygiene and clean which further results in helping us to have a sustainable and inclusive development in daily life. Hope you agree to my point!!! only using toilets but also keeping the toilets hygiene is a great help to ourselves, that means a hygiene toilet prevents transmission of dreadful bacteria and other viruses through human feces. The overall purpose of good toilets and good sanitation is to provide us a healthy living environment to everyone. Also, the use of toilets protect natural resources like groundwater, soil, surface water and offers dignity, security, and safety to the people while urinating or defecate (discharge feces from the human body).
What do they call ‘Toilets’ in Australia?
There is no any other name for toilets in particular in Australia but commonly referred as ‘Dunny and Loo’. The Outdoor Toilet is expressed as ‘Dunny’ whereas the Inner Toilet is expressed as ‘Loo’.
What do they call ‘Toilets’ in America?
In American English, the term ‘Toilet’ is a place used to do business meetings. Our version of toilets in USA are referred as ‘Bathrooms’, rooms where a toilet basin and sink are found in the home. If the bathroom is available in public, then it is referred as ‘Restroom’. The other common names to Restrooms we commonly and occasionally hear are lavatory, men’s room and ladies room, and washroom.
Difference between Toilet and Public Toilet?
A Toilet is a small room where a person can access the sanitation fixture i.e. urination and defecation privately. It consists of a large bowl or a piece of hardware connected to a system for the collection of human waste and flushes away into a sewer. A toilet room also includes a soap or disinfectant and a sink to wash hands after passing waste which is important for personal hygiene.
A Public Toilet is a type of facility specially designed and created to serve the purpose of urination and defecation for the public. It is a small building or a big room with sinks and toilets in large number available for general public such as travelers, employees, school pupils, prisoners, customers, etc. but does not belong to personal household purpose. At some places, these public toilets are chargeable and are referred as ‘Pay Toilets’. Some countries and states offer for free. Public Toilets are found typically in public places like offices, bus and train stations, factories, schools, universities and other study places, inner-city locations, and work places.
Depending on the country, public toilets are known by some other names. For example; In Australia, New Zealand, Britain, Hong Kong, and Singapore, public toilets are also referred as ‘Public Lavatory’. Restroom, men’s room, women’s room, bathroom in the US. Lavatories, water closet (W.C.), toilets, ladies and gents in Europe. And Washroom in Canada.
Apart from toilets and public toilets, the other type of toilets available at large outdoor events or places are called ‘Portable Toilets‘. Many Asian and African countries still use Squat Type toilets that are more hygienic for a shared facility.
Fancy Words for Toilets around the World
Toilets are known with different names all over the world such as restroom, washroom, lavatory, water closet, powder room, men’s and women’s room, comfort station, latrine, bathroom, ladies room, gentlemen’s room, necessarium, privy, bath, W.C.* (British), altar room, garderobe, little girl’s room, little boy’s room, chamber of commerce*, amenity, head, altar room*, potty*, etc.
I knew that the topic is little boring and odd but get yourself enthusiastic because this is very useful information for many folks out there. Hope we cover maximum information on this topic.
Toilets in Australia
Authenticity and simplicity are the key features of new modern life toilets and bathrooms in Australia. Bathroom is the place where a person can take bath or shower whereas toilet is the private room where a person can toilet or defecate. In this context, i would like share a funny incident that one of my friends shared.
My friend who is from America and new to Australia got confused to find toilets and asked her new Australian friends. They directed my friend to the wrong way even though they know what exactly my friend is asking for and made fun out of the silly question. Many Australians quite often do fun out of the usage words of toilets with those from other foreign countries.
Speaking of Flushing: Australia is a dry country but don’t worry, still the flush works. Loll…! Modern toilets are connected with new technology water flushing system. New Modern Life Toilets are specially designed with two buttons; one for half flush and the other for full flush. This system is designed only to conserve water as the two buttons works separately depending on the purpose of flushing such as liquid waste is flushed away using half flush button while the solid waste is required full flush to flush away all the solid waste out of the basin.
American and Australian toilets almost seems similar but still there are few differences in the technology of the system connected to it. Let us see what are those differences are!!
American Toilets are set up in a big enough room called ‘Bathroom’ which consists of shower, bath tub, sink, and a toilet, all in the same room. The basic floor plan or model of American bathroom is designed like 3/4th of the bathroom is set up for shower, and sink and the other portion is set up for toilet. Also, you can see a guest bathroom set up in the half portion near the main entrance area.
On the other hand, Australians bathrooms set up are typical that means there won’t be any toilet in the bathroom. For Australians, bathrooms are just for having shower and bath. Toilets are set up in a small room of its own. Americans often get confuse half bathrooms (in Australia) with what they consider half bathroom as guest bathroom (in their country). There is no sink in toilets and is typically placed in the bathrooms along with shower and bath tub in Australia unlike American Toilets. The benefit of Australian Toilets is that one person can use toilets while the other person can use bathroom to take shower.
Even the flushing method or technology of Australian Toilets is different. Until 1982, Australian toilets were single flush model. The single flush toilets use 11 liters of water for single flush. Later the Dual flush toilets have come in trend with 11/5L configuration. In new modern life, there are a variety of toilet models in the market with the configuration as low as 4.5/3L.
The water used while flushing swirls down in opposite direction when Australian Toilets are flushed. This is the most popular and major difference which satisfies the statement that is American and Australian Toilets are different. However, the design and shape of the Toilets looks similar.
Toilet means a lot to each and every person right from a child to an adult. Considering number of toilets and its legal requirements in various commercial and public buildings, we thought to add few more facts to this article in an easy reading format. We provide you latest recommendations on how many toilets does a commercial or office building needs (that is not for any household needs). For example: Schools, commercial buildings, work places, etc.
In Australia, while designing a bathroom or a toilet in a particular commercial building, Building Code-NCC first considers to work on number of people use the toilet on daily basis. Whether you are a construction manager or a building manager and planning to design a toilet facility for the public or customers who are visiting your building every day, then you need to follow and fulfill some legal requirements before planning your toilet facilities. Here are few recommendations we have rounded off according to the Building Code Unit. This works as a handy guide for you to have an idea on how many urinals, toilets, wash basins, and showers to include in each building.
The sanitary facilities for personal hygiene i.e. toilets in each building are maintained depending on few main factors like:
1) Number of occupants
2) Occupants gender
3) Function and Use of Building
4) Occupants particular needs such as disability
Firstly, it is a good idea to discuss on toilet requirements at work place. Let us start!
What Is the Legal Requirement for Toilets in the Workplace?
Generally, there must be separate toilets for men and women at work places if there are more number of people are working in that particular building. In case, if there are very less number of people including both men and women are working in any office building for ex;
- the total number of people who normally work at the workplace is 10 or less, and
- there are two or less employees of one gender
then the particular building is only provided with unisex toilet. I can explain in detail with an example i.e. an office building works with two male and eight female employees or with one female and two male employees, then that building could be provided with unisex toilet since there are 10 or less number of employees. Hope it is clear now!!
What does a unisex and separate toilet comprises of?
A unisex toilet includes one wash basin, one closet pan, and one sanitary disposable means for disposing sanitary items.
Work places are provided with separate washrooms or toilets only when there are more than 10 number of employees in that particular building. Work places with separate toilets are need to be provided with the following:
- 1 urinal for between 11 and 25 males
- 0 urinal for 1 – 10 males
- 1 extra water closet for each additional 20 males
- 1 water closet for up to 20 males
- 2 urinals for 26 to 50 males
- 1 extra urinal for each additional 50 males
- 1 water closet for up to 15 females
- 1 extra water closet for each additional 15 females
In case, if there is no accessibility to provide permanent toilets in a commercial building for some convincing reason, then potable toilets come into picture according to the clause 47 in Building Code. The code also states that the sanitary facilities must be provided with good light, ventilation, and lockable door and most importantly with more hygiene practice. Since we are talking about hygiene and cleanliness, we also must show some focus on ‘Clause 49’ because clause 49 is all about maintaining sanitary hygiene. According to clause 49, toilets need to be:
- clearly marked
- fitted with a hinged door capable of locking from the inside on each cubicle
- separated from any other room by an airlock
- provided with adequate lighting and ventilation
- designed to enable emergency access
- located separately from any other room by a soundproof wall or by a separate entrance
- fitted with a hinged seat and lid
We are representing the minimum required number of sanitary facilities in a table form to make you better understand. These recommendations suits for all types of commercial buildings used for work places like offices, factories, and business buildings.
| How many toilets are required in a workplace? | |||
| Workers | Number of urinals | Number of toilet pans | Number of washbasins |
| Men | 1 per 25 men | 1 per 20 men | 1 per 30 men |
| Women | N/A | 1 per 15 women | 1 per 30 women |
The numbers in the table may change if there any special requirements are involved like work place involves more exposure to chemical and infectious substances or any other contaminants.
How Many Toilets Should a School Have?
The below mentioned requirements are the minimum standards a school must follow to provide enough sanitary facilities to the students and staff in school environment. Even the early childhood centers are applicable to meet the following requirements legally.
- 2 easily accessible junior toilet pans and 2 washbasins (with a rim no higher than 60cm) for up to 30 children
- 1 toilet pan for up to 25, 1 urinal for no more than 50, and 1 washbasin for 1-10 male students
- 1 toilet pan and 1 washbasin for no more than 10 female students
- 1 toilet pan and 1 urinal for up to 20 male employees, and 1 washbasin for up to 30 of them (no urinals required for fewer than 10 men)
- 1 toilet pan for up to 5 women and 1 washbasin for up to 30 female employees
Here are the guidelines based on the students’ age created by Australian Design Standard for DETE Facilities:
1) One toilet and one wash basin for every 10 pupils of age 5 years and below
2) One toilet and one washbasin for every 20 pupils of age 5-11 years
3) One toilet for every 20 pupils aged over 11 years
Here is the table representation:
| Users | Number of Washbasins | Number of toilet pans | Number of Urinals |
| Male Students | 1 per 1-10 male students 2 per 11-50 male students 3 per 51-100 male students Add 1 per 75 for >100 male students |
1 per 1-25 male students 2 per 26-75 male students 3 per 76-150 male students 4 per 151-200 male students Add 1 per 100 if >200 male students |
1 per 1-50 male students 2 per 51-100 male students Add 1 per 100 for >100 male students |
| Female Students | 1 per 1-10 female students 2 per 11-50 female students 3 per 51-100 female students Add 1 per 75 for >100 female students |
1 per 1-10 female students 2 per 11-25 female students Add 1 per 25 for 26-100 female students Add 1 per 50 for >100 female students |
N/A |
| Male Employees | 1 per 1-30 men Add 1 per 30 persons if more than 30 men |
1 per 1-20 men Add 1 per 20 persons if more than 20 men |
No urinals required for up to 10 male employees 1 per 11-20 men 2 per 21-45 men Add 1 per 30 persons if more than 45 men |
| Female Employees | 1 per 1-30 women Add 1 per 30 persons if more than 30 women |
1 per 1-5 women Add 1 per 15 persons if more than 5 women |
N/A |
| Children in Early Childhood Centers | 2 per 1-30 children Add 1 per 15 for >30 children*washbasins with a rim height not exceeding 600mm |
2 junior toilet pans per 1-30 children Add 1 per 15 for >30 children*must be accessible from both indoor and outdoor play areas |
N/A |
How Many Sanitary Facilities Are Required in Shopping Centers?
Shopping centers are one of the busiest places anywhere in the world. Hence, they require special toilet facilities with clean and hygiene sanitation practice. Building Code Unit of Australia is also focused on special toilet requirements and made the following recommendations. Please make a note if you are designing a commercial building toilet in a shopping area or location. These requirements are also applicable to any kind of departmental stores. Have a look!
| Users | Number of Urinals | Number of Toilet Pans | Number of Washbasins |
| Females | N/A | 1 per 1-300 women 2 per 301-600 women Add 1 per 1200 for >600 women |
1 per 1-600 women 2 per 601-1200 women Add 1 per 1200 for >1200 women |
| Males | 1 per 1-600 men Add 1 per 1200 for >600 men |
1 per 1-2000 men Add 1 per 1200 for >1200 men |
1 per 1-600 men Add 1 per 1200 for >600 men |
What Are the Sanitary Facilities Requirements for Health-Care Centers?
Sanitation is the first and a must essential element when considering Health Care Centers. Without proper toilet system, the health facilities provided by the Health Care Centers may spread diseases instead of preventing. Therefore, proper and clean sanitation services must be provided by the health care management in order to deliver high quality health care services that improve overall health of the patients and staff as well which eventually protects the health, dignity, and welfare. Have a look at the table representation.
| Users | Number of Urinals | Number of Toilet Pans | Number of Washbasins |
| Female Patients | N/A | 2 per 1-16 women Add 1 per 8 for >16 women |
1 per 1-8 women Add 1 per 8 for >8 women |
| Male Patients | N/A | 2 per 1-16 men Add 1 per 8 for >16 men |
1 per 1-8 men Add 1 per 8 for >8 men |
How Many Toilets Are Needed in Sports Venues?
The necessity sanitation or toilet facilities needed for sports venues and stadiums are:
| Users | Number of Urinals | Number of Toilet Pans | Number of Washbasins |
| Female Spectators | N/A | 1 per 1-15 women 2 per 16-60 women 3 per 61-120 women Add 1 per 70 for >120 women |
1 per 1-60 women 2 per 61-200 women 3 per 201-350 women Add 1 per 150 for > 350 women |
| Male Spectators | 1 per 1-100 men Add 1 per 100 for >100 men |
1 per 1-250 men 2 per 251-500 men Add 1 per 500 for >500 men |
1 per 1-150 men Add 1 per 150 for >150 men |
| Female Participants | N/A | 1 per 1-10 women Add 1 per 10 for >10 women |
1 per 1-10 women Add 1 per 10 for >10 women |
| Male Participants | 1 per 1-10 men Add 1 per 10 for >10 men |
1 per 1-20 men Add 1 per 20 for >20 men |
1 per 1-10 men Add 1 per 10 for >10 men |
How Many Sanitary Facilities Should There Be in Entertainment Venues?
After shopping stores, entertainment venues take second place in highest crowd gathering places. And of course, it is such a place where sanitation is considered as highest necessity. Building Code unit has set a few specific requirements to entertainment venues as well same as to other places. Check the table below to learn the specific sanitation facilities in entertainment venues such as Cinema Theaters, Auditoriums, etc.
How many toilets are required in Single Screen Cinema Theaters?
| Users | Number of Urinals | Number of Toilet Pans | Number of Washbasins |
| Female Patrons | N/A | 0 per 1-50 women 3 per 51-110 women 4 per 111-170 women 5 per 171-230 women 6 per 231-250 women Add 1 per 80 for >250 women |
0 per fewer than 50 women 1 per 51-150 women Add 1 per 150 for >150 women |
| Male Patrons | 0 per fewer than 50 men 1 per 51-100 men Add 1 per 100 for >100 men |
0 per fewer than 50 men 1 per 1-250 men 2 per 251-500 men Add 1 per 500 for >500 men |
0 per fewer than 50 men 1 per 51-150 men Add 1 per 150 for >150 men |
How many toilets are required in Multiple Screen Theaters?
| Users | Number of toilet pans | Number of urinals | Number of washbasins |
| Male spectators | 1 per 1-255 men 2 per 256-500 men Add 1 per 500 for >500 men |
1 per 1-100 men Add 1 per 100 for >100 men |
1 per 1-155 men Add 1 per 155 for >155 men |
| Female spectators | 1 per 1-15 women 2 per 16-50 women Add 1 per 60 for >51 women |
N/A | 1 per 1-75 women 2 per 76-255 women 3 per 256-435 women Add 1 per 200 for > 435 women |
| Male participants | 1 per 1-25 men Add 1 per 20 for >25 men |
1 per 1-15 men Add 1 per 10 for >15 men |
1 per 1-15 men Add 1 per 15 for >10 men |
| Female participants | 1 per 1-15 women Add 1 per 10 for >15 women |
N/A | 1 per 1-15 women Add 1 per 15 for >10 women |
How Many Toilets Do You Need in a Restaurant?
At restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, there is no need to provide a separate toilet or sanitation facility if there are less number of people visiting i.e. not more than 20. If there are more than 20, then here are the minimum required sanitation facilities:
| Users | Number of Washbasins | Number of Urinals | Number of Toilet Pans |
| Female | 1 per 50 women 2 per 51-150 women Add 1 per every 200 women if more than 150 women |
N/A | 1 per 1-25 women 2 per 26-50 women 3 per 51-100 women 4 per 101-150 women 5 per 151-200 women 6 per 201-250 women Add 1 per 100 if more than 250 women |
| Male | 1 per 50 men 2 per 51-200 men Add 1 per every 200 men if more than 200 men |
1 per 50 men 2 per 51-100 men 3 per 101-150 men 4 per 151-200 men 5 per 200-250 men Add 1 per 100 if more than 250 men |
1 per 1-100 men 2 per 101-300 men Add 1 per 200 if more than 300 men |
How many portable toilets are required for an event?
We have given out the general estimation on how many toilets required for a public or private event. Just consider the specific requirements of sanitation facilities needed for an event below; Make a note that you can use our recommendations as a calculator to work out on how many toilets required for an event approximately. Here we go!
Portable toilets are perfect and wise idea to be used in an event either it is a public or private since they occupy less place and easy to maintain and manage large crowds. But there are so many factors that impact the number of portable toilets required for an event such as number of people attending the event, how long the event runs, what kind of food and beverages are served in the event, etc. So, considering all these factors we have listed some recommendations that suggest you the accurate data about how many portable sanitation facilities need to be organized for an event.
Number of portable Toilets required for an event that lasts for 6 hours
| Number of Users (50% Male and 50% Female) | Minimum Number of Portable Toilets Required |
| Over 20000 |
Individual calculation required |
| 20000 | 250 |
| 17500 to 19999 | 220 |
| 15000 to 17499 | 185 |
| 12500 to 14999 | 155 |
| 10000 to 12499 | 128 |
| 9000 to 9999 | 110 |
| 8000 to 8999 | 100 |
| 7000 to 7999 | 90 |
| 6000 to 6999 | 75 |
| 5000 to 5999 | 60 |
| 4000 to 4999 | 52 |
| 3000 to 3999 | 35 |
| 2000 to 2999 | 28 |
| 1000 to 1999 | 15 |
| 500 to 900 | 6 |
| 250 to 499 | 4 |
| Up to 240 | 3 |
Number of portable Toilets required for an event that lasts for 6 hours
| Number of Users (50% Male and 50% Female) | Minimum Number of Portable Toilets Required |
| Over 20000 |
Individual calculation required |
| 20000 | 370 |
| 17500 to 19999 | 320 |
| 15000 to 17499 | 280 |
| 12500 to 14999 | 230 |
| 10000 to 12499 | 185 |
| 9000 to 9999 | 172 |
| 8000 to 8999 | 152 |
| 7000 to 7999 | 130 |
| 6000 to 6999 | 110 |
| 5000 to 5999 | 93 |
| 4000 to 4999 | 76 |
| 3000 to 3999 | 55 |
| 2000 to 2999 | 36 |
| 1000 to 1999 | 18 |
| 500 to 900 | 9 |
| 250 to 499 | 6 |
| Up to 240 | 4 |
How many Portable Toilets are required at Building and Construction Sites?
We often see construction sites in our street, main roads, highways, town centers, etc. and also we see workers working over there face various issues at the construction with limited facilities. Sanitation facilities are the one among them. That is the reason Hire and Rental Industry worked on portable toilet code of practice to reveal some regulations at construction site as well. There are plenty of rules and regulations that need to be followed at constructions site to pertain the safety of each and every person who works there.
How many portable toilets are required at construction site? The answer is simple: One portable toilet per 7 persons per 40 hour working week. These must be the provision for the disposal of sanitary items.
NOTE: Unisex toilets are most often provided where there is any likelihood of female workers.
Which type of portable toilet is installed on construction sites?
Portable Toilets come in three different types on construction site based on the contract signed between the supplier and the administration at construction site. The three types include Cold water chemical portable toilet, Hot water chemical portable toilet, and Mains connected portable toilets. Let us see what they are and mean!
Cold Water Portable Toilet: It is the most common portable toilet on construction site and is similar to Eco Loo. It generally uses cold chemical water hand wash sink rather than hand sanitiser. This has water flushing system of both types i.e. Foot Pump and Hand Pump in order to flush out the water.
Hot Water Portable Toilet: As the name suggests, it uses hot chemical water for the usage and contains standard recirculating chemical loo. The hot water is used in the wash basins is temperature controlled with an optimum hand washing temperature of 40 degree C. The supplier maximum supplies the hot water chemical toilet either in 110V or 240V which makes water hot using a heater installed inside.
Mains Connected Portable Toilets: Mains Connected Portable Toilets is the most preferred toilet on construction site. The specialty of this unit is ‘it is connected to the mains sewage, electric, and water, which similarly looks like a permanent one. These are perfect for places where long term building projects are going on. These units are most recommended by public because to ensure the construction sites welfare and sanitation hygiene standards.
The hot water and cold water portable toilets are need to be serviced on weekly basis. Whereas mains connected portable toilets does not require weekly service as they are directly connected to the main sewage with a fully flushing system just like the home ones.
How many toilets required per person at Private Events like wedding?
The number is decided based on the size of the wedding and number of guests attending.
| No. of users (50% male and 50% female) | Minimum number of toilets |
| 0 – 50 | 1 |
| 50 – 100 | 2 |
| 100 – 150 | 3 |
| 150-200 | 4 |
It is sure that the number of toilets at different places and events is governed by the regulations but still we recommend you to discuss your scenario with the concerned bodies to ensure the big day or days goes off without a hitch. Well, What you should be aware of!!
- The number of toilets increases when the number of female users is increased by 50%.
- When the foods and beverages are supplied in an event, then owing to higher frequency of use, the number of toilets will be increased.
- Cleaning Interval: If any event lasts more than 6 hrs or 12 hrs, then the cleaning service has to be done for every 6 hrs.
We have researched this information according to the rules and regulations created by Portable Toilets Code of Practice from Hire and Rental Industry Association. The Hire and Rental Industry Association has developed a national code of practice in Australia to manage portable toilets. Portable toilet suppliers has to meet state, federal, local, and territory regulations and at the same time, they have to meet Australian Standards and Work Health and Safety Regulations. The code sets a minimum standard and guidelines for the provision of portable toilets in events including delivery, manufacture, collection, and on-site use and serving. These standards draws attention on both the public users as well as the suppliers and workers who transport, service, and maintain these portable units to be hygiene and clean.
Most importantly, the Building Code Unit of Australia asks for fulfilling certain standards while designing toilet facilities which involve health code standards and architectural planning. The above mentioned specific requirements also meets the OHSA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) rules and regulations on Commercial Building Toilets that provides occupants the safe and sanitary dunny’s and loo’s.
Make it as a caution whatever is the place and which type of sanitation facility it is, make sure to provide the following adequate essentials:
- Sanitary disposable bins
- Hand dryers
- Soap dispensers
Also, it is important to make sure to provide high quality sanitary facilities in all work and public places especially in high traffic toilets in order to prevent spreading of serious illnesses.
10 things to consider when choosing your low flush toilet
Budget friendly and Eco-friendly things are becoming most popular these days and toilets system is one among them. Consider installing low flush toilets to save your money on water bills, water consumption, etc. Here are the 10 things to consider while choosing a low flush toilet.
- Design
- Go for dual flush
- Quality of materials
- Rough-in measurements
- Rebates and special offers
- Flushing performance maintenance
- Bowl fixture and size
- Provisions for elderly
- Color scheme
- Availability of spare parts
Considering Eco-friendly toilets means you are saving natural resources and also making your toilet room as a comfort zone instead of irritating one.
A Guide To Toilet Cubicle Dimensions In Australia
In Australia, each and every toilet including the portable ones are designed keeping the user and location in mind. As we have discussed till now, toilets accessibility vary from one location to another location like schools, offices, restaurants, etc. All these buildings have different layouts for toilets construction and now we are going to discuss about those variations of toilet cubicle dimensions to get better understanding.
The standard toilet cubicle sizes and dimensions of Australia are recommended by The Australian Standard includes AS1428.1 that sets out the minimum toilet cubicle cubicle dimensions or measurements for Disabled and Ambulant. Disabled persons are considered disabled if they use wheel chairs, dealing with ambulatory disabilities, and with with sensory disabilities.
Standard Cubicle Dimensions
The typical standard toilet cubical dimensions are said to be between 800-950 in width and 1500-1600 depth. Coming to disabled toilet cubicles, it has be between 900-950 wide with a minimum depth of 1600mm plus 900 circulation space inside the toilet.
Standard Shower Cubicles
Standard shower cubicle dimensions are set to 950-1050 wide 1800 mm depth.
Typical Cubicle Heights
Toilet Cubicle Heights are also determined same as cubicle dimensions i.e. user and location. Typical unisex toilet cubicles (i.e. a same toilet is used by both male and female) are recommended to be of 2000 mm height from the floor level.These systems are recommended 200 mm AFFL with a minimum panel height of 1700-1800 mm.
Construction of Sanitary Compartments
Sanitary Compartments in all the places except the early childhood centers are needed to be separated by the partitions and doors with a standard and recommended dimensions. The basic regulations include:
- Extend from floor level to the ceiling in the case of a unisex facility
- 1.8 m above the floor in all the cases excluding school premises
- In case of school premises where school children are primary users, the height should not be less than 1.5 m from the finished floor
Typical Door Widths
Circulation space inside the toilet cubicles should be convenient to move and wide enough. The partitioned doors and entry and exit doors are to be designed with a standard plan such that people does not feel uncomfortable when they use toilets. Overall, the toilet door widths are also considered as the primary and essential element while designing toilet cubicles. The minimum and standard toilet cubicle door width is recommended to be 600 mm in width which is applicable to both standard toilets and shower cubicles. Ambulant toilets are exception as they require special widths of 700 mm minimum while disabled toilet cubicles require minimum opening width of 850 mm.
The minimum requirements for space around your Bathroom
- The average bathroom dimensions are approximately 800 mm wide, 1700 mm length, and 400 m deep.
- Leave at least 600 mm of space in front of toilet basin and 200 mm on either sides of the toilet for elbow room.
- 700 mm is recommended to leave between front of the basin and nearest wall.
- Shower recesses should maintain at least 900 x 900 mm square dimensions.
- Power plugins are need to be arranged with in a distance of minimum 500 mm from splash zones.
In terms of maintaining Toilets and its amenities:
Whatever the building it is, the toilet system has to follow some considerations regarding its amenities and maintenance. They may include:
- Toiletry items such as soap, dispenser, toilet paper, etc. are to be replenished regularly
- Any repairs like broken infra structure, damaged fittings, plumbing mends, lighting issues, problem in air conditioning, etc. are attended promptly such that there won’t be any inconvenience to the users.
- Toilet facilities and amenities need to be maintained by regular checks as they contribute to users safety and meet their needs.
- Cleaning of toilets and amenities is compulsory on daily basis so that the users can use the toilet facilities safely because unhygienic toilets may result in causing dreadful diseases. The cleaning schedules must take regular maintenance of amenities (like hand basins, showers, and toilets) into account such that the users get an impression of secure place with safe access by looking at cleaned toilets.
Want to experience a good toilet which one can only dream! Then visit Brisbane Airport or check out here: https://www.realcommercial.com.au/news/why-this-is-australias-best-public-toilet..
In Brisbane Airport, you will see the world’s most sophisticated toilet facilities with all amenities including wall photography of the Daintree Rainforest and Bondi Beach, “state of the art” urinals. Even to our surprise, The baby change rooms featured with giant microwaves to heat up the baby milk. Amazing and how helpful it is! Finally, the users can rate their experience and their satisfaction with the Brisbane Airport’s toilet facility system through touch screens arranged around the Toilet.
