CHW177-Communal Toilets and Bathrooms Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Communal Toilets and Bathrooms Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all communal toilets and bathrooms at {{org_field_name}} are managed in a way that maintains the highest standards of cleanliness, hygiene, safety, privacy, dignity, and infection prevention. Communal facilities are used by multiple individuals and therefore require clear procedures to protect people from harm, uphold personal dignity, and ensure a safe, respectful care environment. This policy aligns with the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, The Regulated Services (Service Providers and Responsible Individuals) (Wales) Regulations 2017, and Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) expectations for premises and infection prevention control standards.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff employed at {{org_field_name}} including care workers, domestic staff, management, maintenance staff, and agency workers. It also informs visiting professionals, individuals using the service, and their families of our approach to managing shared facilities. Communal toilets and bathrooms include any toilet or bathing area that is used by more than one person and is not designated solely for one individual.

3. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:
CHW11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
CHW16 – Health and Safety at Work Policy
CHW17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy
CHW18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy
CHW22 – Handling and Disposal of Hazardous Substances Policy
CHW24 – Management of Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses Policy
CHW40 – Assisting with Personal Care Policy

4. Policy Statement

Communal toilets and bathrooms are essential shared spaces that must be maintained to a standard that ensures they are always clean, well-stocked, accessible, safe, and used in a way that preserves individual dignity and privacy. All staff are responsible for ensuring these areas meet regulatory requirements and for reporting or addressing concerns promptly. Cleaning schedules, access controls, and infection control protocols are in place and monitored closely by the Registered Manager, {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}, and the Infection Control Lead, {{org_field_infection_control_lead_name}}.

5. Cleanliness and Infection Control

Communal toilets and bathrooms are cleaned thoroughly at least twice daily and checked hourly. Cleaning is recorded using a cleaning checklist signed by domestic staff and overseen by senior staff. After use by anyone known or suspected to have an infection, the bathroom is cleaned immediately using appropriate disinfectant products in accordance with CHW17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy. High-touch surfaces such as toilet flush handles, door handles, taps, grab rails, and light switches are disinfected frequently throughout the day. All cleaning materials used are compliant with COSHH and Public Health Wales standards. Staff wear full PPE when cleaning these areas and dispose of waste in designated clinical waste bins.

6. Stocking and Equipment

All communal toilets and bathrooms are regularly stocked with toilet tissue, soap, paper towels or hand dryers, disposable gloves, aprons, and sanitary disposal items. Emergency supplies are kept nearby in locked storage accessible to staff. Where continence aids or specialist equipment are used, these are stored appropriately and not left in communal spaces. Equipment such as bath hoists, shower chairs, or support frames are cleaned between each use and inspected regularly by maintenance staff.

7. Privacy and Dignity

All individuals using communal facilities are supported in a way that preserves their dignity and privacy. Doors are always closed during use and display appropriate signage such as “in use” indicators. Only staff providing direct care or assistance may enter when the bathroom is occupied. Curtains, blinds, or screens are in place where necessary. Gender-appropriate facilities are identified, and individual preferences respected. Personalised care plans in CHW40 – Assisting with Personal Care Policy outline whether individuals prefer staff of a specific gender to assist them. We do not allow staff to use communal toilets designated for residents or visitors.

8. Accessibility and Safety

Communal toilets and bathrooms are designed and maintained to be accessible for people with physical, cognitive, or sensory impairments. This includes the use of grab rails, non-slip flooring, appropriate signage, emergency pull cords, thermostatically controlled water to prevent scalding, and adequate lighting. Daily checks are carried out by staff to ensure these features are functional and safe. Maintenance issues are reported immediately and logged. During cleaning or maintenance, signage is used to restrict access and ensure safety.

9. Supervision and Support During Use

Individuals who require support with personal care in communal bathrooms are assisted in accordance with their individual care plan and risk assessment. Two staff are present for intimate care if required for safety and dignity. Staff are trained to communicate clearly, gain consent, explain each step of the procedure, and ensure that the individual remains covered and respected at all times. Any incidents such as slips, toileting accidents, or skin tears are reported and recorded in line with CHW24 – Management of Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses Policy.

10. Waste Disposal and Laundry

Soiled waste is double-bagged and placed in appropriate bins in line with CHW22 – Handling and Disposal of Hazardous Substances Policy. Waste bins are foot-operated and emptied regularly throughout the day. Used towels, face cloths, and personal items left behind are removed and returned or laundered in line with infection control protocols. Laundry is handled by staff wearing PPE and transported in colour-coded bags.

11. Signage and Information

Clear signage is used to identify male, female, accessible, and staff-only facilities. Notices reminding staff and residents about handwashing, infection control, and dignity principles are placed discreetly in appropriate locations. Emergency instructions are also displayed in bathrooms, including what to do in case of a fall or if assistance is needed.

12. Training and Competency

All staff receive training on infection control, dignity in personal care, COSHH, manual handling, and assisting individuals with continence and hygiene needs. Refresher training is provided annually and more frequently where there is a concern or incident involving hygiene or safety in communal bathrooms. Competence is monitored through supervision, observations, and internal audits.

13. Monitoring and Quality Assurance

The Registered Manager and Infection Control Lead carry out monthly audits of communal toilets and bathrooms, reviewing cleanliness, maintenance, privacy standards, incident logs, and resident feedback. Action plans are created where issues are found and outcomes monitored. This is part of our Quality of Care Review and governance system. The results of these audits are available to CIW inspectors upon request.

14. Responding to Feedback or Concerns

We encourage residents, families, staff, and visitors to raise concerns about communal bathroom hygiene or safety. Concerns can be raised directly with staff, through feedback forms, or during care reviews. All concerns are logged, investigated, and addressed in a timely and transparent manner, in accordance with CHW14 – Receiving and Acting on Complaints Policy.

15. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if prompted by updated legislation, CIW recommendations, incidents, or changes in best practice. All staff are informed of updates through training and team briefings.

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.