Building sites ยท updated October 2026
How many toilets does a construction site need?
Under the NSW construction code of practice, provide 1 toilet per 15 male workers, 1 urinal per 20 male workers and 1 toilet per 10 female workers, counting any part group as a whole one.
The ratios
| Workers | Toilets (closet pans) | Urinals |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 1 per 15, or part of 15 | 1 per 20, or part of 20 (not needed under 10 workers) |
| Female | 1 per 10, or part of 10 | Not applicable |
A single unisex toilet is allowed only where the normal workforce is 10 or fewer and no more than 2 workers are of one gender.
Placement and access
- On or right next to the work area, as far as is reasonably practicable.
- On flat, level, stable ground, secured so it can't tip, away from busy roads and footpaths.
- Clear access in all weather, with no steps or with a handrail, and doors kept out of vehicle and walking paths.
- Clearly signposted, with lighting, ventilation and a door that locks from the inside.
Hand washing and supplies
- Soap and a way to dry hands. Hand sanitiser is not a replacement.
- Toilets not connected to sewer need a hand pump with clean water.
- Toilet paper, a rubbish bin, and sanitary disposal where needed.
Servicing
Check toilets regularly while workers are on site: clean, working, water topped up, supplies stocked, bins emptied. Busy sites may need checks several times a day. Your hire agreement should say how often the supplier services them.
Need site toilets? Compare local suppliers who deliver and service weekly.
Get quotesThese are the NSW figures; other states use similar codes of practice. Check your state's WHS regulator for your site. Source: SafeWork NSW, Portable workplace toilets in construction. A planning guide, not legal advice.