Attendant & Cleaning Facilities

Upgraded public toilet facilities at service stations are likely to experience increased usage, which must be met with a corresponding rise in cleaning frequency and overall management standards. Cleaning schedules should be tailored to reflect site-specific usage levels, with an expectation that more intensive regimes will be required than have historically been applied.

To support user needs and ensure the safe, effective operation of facilities, toilet areas should have a visible or easily accessible attendant present during all public opening hours. This is particularly important where controlled access is required, such as with Changing Places toilets or other secure facilities.

While attendants have traditionally been accommodated in a room with a window overlooking the WC entrance, removing this space may free up additional capacity for toilets. However, any such change must be carefully balanced against health and safety considerations. If an on-site room is not provided, attendants must still have access to an alternative space elsewhere in the service station for personal storage and break facilities, including the preparation of hot drinks.

Cleaners should be provided with a dedicated, lockable store room with internal dimensions of at least 2000mm x 3500mm and a minimum usable floor area of 4.5m² (excluding door swings). This room should include a cleaner’s sink and sufficient shelving or storage capacity to accommodate a full day’s supply of consumables, with bulk storage located elsewhere on site.

Where possible, the cleaner’s store should offer direct access to both male and female facilities, and connect with service corridors to support efficient and discreet operations.

Maintaining a consistently high standard of cleanliness is critical—not only for customer satisfaction but also to discourage misuse and reduce the risk of infection associated with poorly maintained facilities.

Where the cleaning or facility management contractor is already appointed, cleaners and attendants should be consulted during the design phase of any new or refurbished toilet area. Their operational knowledge can provide valuable input on practical aspects of cleaning, maintenance, and layout.

Additionally, cleaning staff should be actively involved in toilet management meetings to ensure they are aware of design decisions and operational standards. Their engagement supports a shared understanding of requirements and promotes better long-term facility care.

Further recommendations on the management of public toilet blocks can be found in BS6465-4:2010, Section 5: Management of Toilet Blocks.