Restroom Rules

Public bathrooms are required by federal law to be sanitary and accessible to the disabled.

The federal government regulates public restrooms, including those in the workplace. OSHA and the Americans with Disabilities Act demand adequate and sanitary restroom facilities. Public facilities in violation with federal law are fined or ultimately shut down if violations continue.

OSHA Sanitation Expectations

Public facilities are graded for sanitation for meeting basic requirements. Restrooms are expected to be kept as clean as possible, while considering the surrounding workspace. For example, a bathroom at a car repair facility would be infiltrated with grease regularly and would be difficult to keep clean constantly. Keeping restrooms hazard-free is important, including being free of wood splinters or protruding nails, for example. The floor of the restroom must be dry and allow for drainage. The Code of Federal Regulations also states each facility must prevent vermin from entering the facility, and an extermination program should be instituted if vermin are detected. Trash baskets must be kept in sanitary condition in the restroom to maintain overall sanitation of the facility.

Adequate Facility Requirements

Depending on the size of the workplace or public building, restroom requirements differ. At smaller facilities, one restroom is sufficient for both sexes if the bathroom is designed for individual use. Larger workplaces require a certain number of bathroom stalls installed based on the amount of people working at any time. The Code of Federal Regulations states that three bathroom stalls must be installed for less than 50 employees, and six installed for 150 employees. For every 40 employees over 150, an additional bathroom stall needs to be available, according to the CFR. Sinks must be kept in sanitary condition and provide warm water and hand soap. For hand drying, paper towel dispensers or air blowers must be kept in working order.

Disabled Accessibility

Public restrooms must be built to favor the disabled. At least one toilet stall will be available with unobstructed access from the room's entrance. The toilet stall or urinal must have 4 feet between other obstructions to allow for an unobstructed approach, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA also states that grab bars must be at least 3 feet long and positioned to favor either right or left handed individuals. Sinks and counter tops intended for a handicapped person should not be more than 3 feet above the bathroom floor.

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