Business MUST DOS to ensure a complete male washroom
Creating a well-equipped and hygienic male toilet is essential for ensuring user comfort and cleanliness and achieving high workplace and public health standards. Male washrooms require thoughtful consideration, from sanitary and hygiene products to addressing important and widespread issues like male incontinence with the right facilities. As a leading campaigner on men’s incontinence and improving provision of facilities for men living with incontinence, phs is an expert in understanding the standard required of male washrooms.
In this blog, we’ll explore what makes a male washroom complete, i.e. what is required to create a male washroom of a satisfactory standard (the BOG STANDARD). We’ll also look at the importance of adhering to legislation and guidance on washroom facilities, and the products and services provided by phs to support businesses in creating hygienic and accessible facilities.
The essentials for a complete male washroom
A well-equipped male toilet should go beyond just the basics. Here’s a checklist of must-haves for a functional and hygienic male washroom:
1. Male sanitary bins
While often overlooked, male sanitary bins are an essential feature. These bins are designed to dispose of items like incontinence products, tissues, and other hygiene items discreetly and hygienically. Providing these bins encourages proper disposal, reducing blockages and improving hygiene.
Research by Prostate Cancer UK reveals that one in three men over 65 are estimated to have a urinary incontinence problem in the UK, with 1 in 25 men aged over 40 will experiencing some form of urinary leakage every year in the UK. This highlights how common the need for incontinence products and adequate means of disposing them are in men’s washrooms.
2. Addressing male incontinence
Male incontinence is a common but often under-discussed issue. Providing appropriate male urinary incontinence products and facilities can make a significant difference for users who may feel hesitant, embarrassed or restricted about their needs. At phs, we have partnered with Prostate Cancer UK to raise the standard of male washroom provision to support those experiencing incontinence.
Facilities to address male incontinence should include:
- Sanitary disposal bins: Accessible and discreet bins for disposing of incontinence products – such as our specially designed male incontinence bin.
- Signage: Clear signage indicating the availability of facilities for users with incontinence needs – including our downloadable BOG STANDARD stickers, posters and other resources.
- Washroom consumables: Products such as protective liners and disposal bags for male urinary incontinence products should be stocked and regularly replenished.
3. Hand hygiene facilities
Maintaining hand hygiene is a priority in any washroom. A complete male washroom should include:
- Soap dispensers: Wall-mounted dispensers with liquid or foam soap make it easy for users to clean their hands thoroughly.
- Hand dryers: Modern, energy-efficient dryers provide quick and hygienic drying, reducing the risk of bacteria spread compared to reusable towels.
4. Urinals and cubicles
To ensure privacy, comfort and accessibility for all, a mix of urinals and enclosed cubicles is necessary. This not only caters to different user preferences but provides privacy for those who require discretion.
5. Air fresheners and odour control
Odour control is essential in maintaining a pleasant washroom experience. Automatic air fresheners or odour-neutralising systems can help keep the environment fresh and welcoming.
Legal requirements for male washrooms
To ensure compliance, businesses must adhere to regulations governing public and workplace washrooms. Key legislation includes:
1. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
Under these regulations, employers must provide:
- Adequate and accessible toilet facilities for employees.
- Clean and hygienic washrooms with handwashing facilities, including soap and drying equipment.
2. Equality Act 2010
This legislation requires that facilities are inclusive and cater to individuals with specific needs, such as those dealing with male incontinence. Providing adequate bins, disposal units, and consumables is crucial for ensuring compliance.
3. Environmental health standards
Washrooms must meet high hygiene standards, ensuring all waste, including male urinary incontinence products, is disposed of responsibly.
The importance of addressing male incontinence
Breaking the stigma
As we know through research carried out by our partner, Prostate Cancer UK, male incontinence is a widespread issue that affects many individuals. Yet, it remains a topic surrounded by stigma. Providing facilities and products that cater to this need not only ensures an acceptable standard but also shows a commitment to inclusivity and user dignity and comfort.
User comfort and hygiene
Equipping washrooms with bins and consumables for male urinary incontinence products ensures hygiene and offers users peace of mind. This is especially important in workplaces, sports venues, retail spaces, and public spaces where users may need reassurance that their needs are respected.
Phs products for male washrooms
At phs, we understand the importance of creating a complete, user-friendly male toilet – as set out in our BOG STANDARD charter. That’s why we offer a wide range of products and services tailored to meet the needs of male washrooms.
1. Sanitary disposal solutions
We provide hygienic, discreet bins specifically for the disposal of male incontinence products, tissues, and other hygiene waste. Our bins are designed with modern aesthetics and touch-free options to enhance user comfort and minimise the spread of germs.
2. Hand hygiene products
Our range of hand hygiene solutions includes:
- Soap dispensers: durable, wall-mounted dispensers that are easy to use and refill.
- Hand dryers: high-speed, energy-efficient dryers that dry hands quickly and hygienically.
- Sanitiser dispensers: for washrooms where handwashing facilities might be limited, we also offer hand sanitiser dispensers.
3. Incontinence support
phs provides products and facilities specifically designed to support users with male incontinence, including:
- Disposal bins for male urinary incontinence products.
- Consumables such as disposal bags, bag dispensers and liners to ensure proper hygiene.
4. Odour control systems
Our air fresheners and odour-neutralising systems keep male washrooms smelling fresh, creating a pleasant environment for all users.
5. Custom maintenance plans
We offer flexible service contracts to ensure your washrooms are always stocked and well-maintained. This includes regular bin emptying, replenishment of consumables, and servicing of hand hygiene equipment.
Why your business must meet the BOG STANDARD
A complete male toilet is more than just a functional space – it’s an opportunity to enhance user comfort and dignity, promote hygiene, and demonstrate your business’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. From addressing male incontinence with the right products and facilities to providing hand hygiene solutions and odour control systems, every element contributes to creating a positive washroom experience.
phs – here to help
At phs, we offer a comprehensive range of products and services to help businesses create and maintain high-quality male washrooms. From sanitary bins and hand dryers to solutions for male urinary incontinence products, our expertise ensures your washrooms are equipped to meet user needs and comply with legislation.
To learn more about how phs can help transform your male washrooms, get in touch with our experts today. Let us help you provide clean, comfortable, and compliant facilities for every visitor.
