What Are the OSHA Regulations Concerning Ladies Lounges?

OSHA requires personal service rooms for women in permanent establishments

All employees need to take care of personal hygiene during the workday. In particular, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration relies on medical studies indicating that pregnant women need access to toilet facilities and privacy in the workplace to care for personal hygiene. OSHA calls ladies lounges "personal service rooms." OSHA requires separate-sex personal service rooms as defined by Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Personal Service Requirement

OSHA defines a personal service room as a room separate from the establishments for the exclusive use of employees. A personal service room should include toilet facilities for each sex as a general rule. In addition, washing areas, soap supplies, towels and first aid supplies must be available.

Exceptions

An exception to separate toilet facilities is allowed for toilet rooms that can be occupied by only one person at a time and can be locked from inside the room. In workplaces with toxic materials in use, a personal service room should include separate showers for women and dressing rooms with lockers.

Sanitation

OSHA requires all employers to maintain sanitary conditions in personal service rooms. Employers should provide a basin with hot and cold running water or tepid running water. Hand soap and cleaning agents must be provided and individual hand towels.

OSHA Guideline

OSHA issued interpretive guidelines on August 6, 1998, for compliance with Title 29 referencing toilet facilities. In part, OSHA found that women have specific health concerns during pregnancy requiring access to toilet facilities. Certain health conditions and medications mandate free access to a personal service room.

References

• OSHA: General Environmental Controls - Sanitation
• OSHA Directive: August 6, 1998 - Toilet Facilities

Resources

• University of Iowa: Rest Breaks and the Right to Urinate on Company Time