toilet facilities in the workplace

[huskadie]

My partner works as a baker in a local supermarket.His working shift starts at 3am but the store does not open till 7am,until which time he can't access the toilet facilities. Is this allowed?

[northernmonkey]

There must be Staff toilets?

[huskadie]

yes there are,but they are not accessible until the store opens at 7.The door from the bakery into the main store is alarmed and bakery staff are not allowed to enter until management arrive and deactivate the alarm!

[northernmonkey]

Is a health and safety issue.
Not allowed.

[huskadie]

Health and safety issue-they are not allowed to do that?or its a Health and safety issue and i shouldnt have asked the question? havnt done this before and thought it would be easier than CAB.....

[Panic Button]

A quick google brings this up.

http://www.businessli...CES&itemId=1074470251

Presumably as this is a food handling area, they must be providing adequate washing facilities, but are failing to provide the toilets.

[northernmonkey]

Speak to your union rep

[Panic Button]

Yeah, no doubt the union will call a strike over it.

[huskadie]

Union rep.......LOL!!!! thanks for the link.I'm pretty sure its not allowed but this is just a small independant supermarket and they seem to try and get away with whatever they can.....awkward as he doesnt want to rock the boat.......but i do think it needs addressing.Thankyou for your replies,much appreciated

[buildersmate]

This guide should do it for you - it is a simple guide to the Workplace Regulations Act 1992 which covers this sort of stuff. The bit on loos is towards the back.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg244.pdf
The gist is that 'sufficient facilities should be provided'. As is often the case with legislation, this allows for some interpretation, but not having access to a loo for 4 hours of the shift isn't on in my book.
Why some people believe they need Union coverage and membership for advice on this sort of stuff beats me.

[TWR]

Hi, tell your partner to take a Bucket into work with him, if ask the reason tell them if they say this is a heath and safety risk, tell him ask them to Quote them regards the use of the WC washing of hands & infections with food.