FSI Act - Amenity Provisions
14 June 2001
Amenity Provisions.
Issue 1: Change Rooms and Facilities for employees.
Scope: Factories Only (see attachment A for definition of factory).
Clause 14 of Factories (Health and Safety) General Regulations 1913 requires the factory occupier to provide:
a) one or more change rooms where it is usual for employees to use a change of clothing;
b) separate change rooms for each sex
c) a locker for each employee using the change room
d) a floor area of at least 0.56 square metres for each employee
e) a chair, bench or combination sufficient to seat each employee but having regard for the number of employees changing clothes at any time.
The occupier may combine the change room and dining room if it is a same sex workplace with fewer than 15 persons. A combined change room/dining room shall have a floor area of at least 12 square metres and not less than 1.2 square metres for each employee.
Both change rooms and combination change/dining rooms must have:
a) one or more mirrors with at least 600mm x 400mm with shelving;
b) lockers made of metal, well ventilated, lockable;
c) at least 300mm in width, 450mm in depth and 1800mm in height;
d) not raised more than 500mm or less than 150mm from the floor;
e) fitted with a hook and coat hanger rail and an upper shelf approximately 200mm from the top of the locker;
f) positioned more than 1.5m between it and another locker which it faces; and
g) positioned more than 1m between it and a wall which it faces.
Where employees in a factory don't use a change of clothes, the occupier must provide:
a) a locker or half-length lockable locker for each employee; or
b) a covered hanging space with a floor area of at least 0.28 square metres for each employee, with provision for safe custody of personal belonging.
Proposed Requirements
Draft OHS Regulation 2001 requirements are found in Attachment B.
The draft Code of Practice provides guidance on determining what appropriate amenities are for change rooms. The Cod of Practice states the following:
a) if employees are required to change their clothes before, during or after work, suitable change rooms must be provided;
b) separate change rooms should be provided for males and females;
c) generally a minimum of 0.5 square metres for each person changing clothes at any one time, including seating, but excluding fixed items such as storage;
d) the room should be separate from other parts of the workplace in a position convenient to washing and toilet facilities;
e) room should have adequate storage space for clothes, a reasonable number of hooks (spaced at least 460mm apart) and appropriately position mirrors;
f) suitable bench seating at least 400mm wide and 460mm in length for each person using the room at one time;
g) special decontamination changing facilities for work involving wearing of protective clothing due to hazardous substances;
h) drying facilities for workers who regularly get wet during the course of their work;
i) portably change rooms for temporary workplaces.
The Code of Practice also states that where people need to change their clothes during the course of their work, a locker may be required that should be:
j) big enough to store the personal belongings;
k) fitted with a hook on the back of the door, coat hanging space and a shelf
l) fitted with a door capable of being locked;
m) positioned so that there is a reasonable space to change clothes; and
n) located in an accessible but secure place.
Issue 2: Rest Rooms
Existing FSI Legislative Requirements
Scope: Factories only
Clause 15 of Factories (Health and Safety) General Regulations 1913 requires the factory occupiers to provide:
a) rest facilities in a factory with five or more females;
b) a rest couch with a blanket, pillow and hot water bottle;
c) the rest couch to be provided in a screened off area containing a floor area of not less than 3.3 square metres (not more than 20 females) or a separate room well let and adequately ventilated of not less that 6 square metres (more than 20 females);
d) additional rest rooms for factories with more than 100 females.
Proposed requirements
The draft Code of Practice provides guidance on determining what appropriate amenities are for rest rooms. The Code of Practice states the following:
a) employees may need access to a rest area for a period of short-term respite while at work;
b) rest areas may take a number of forms ie first-aid room or a quiet office with a comfortable chair;
c) if not practicable to provide an appropriate rest room within the pace of work, then suitable administrative arrangements may be suitable such as transporting the employee to a nearby medical centre or home;
d) rest areas should be clean and hygienic, furnished with a bed, pillow and blankets or a comfortable chair and rug or blanket;
e) rest areas should be separated from the main working area;
f) rest areas should be well ventilated and quiet;
g) rest areas should be conveniently accessible to toilets and washing facilities; and
h) located so discrete and appropriate supervision can occur.
Issue 3: Dining Rooms
Existing FSI Legislative Requirements
Scope: factories only
Clause 16 of Factories (Health and Safety) General Regulations 1913 requires the factory occupier to provide and maintain:
a) a dining area apart from the workplace where 10 or few employees eat a meal at the factory at any one time;
b) a dining room not being part of the work room where more than 10 employees eat a meal at the factory at any one time;
c) a dining area or dining room that has a floor area of 12 square metres or more;
d) 1 square metre for 25 or less employees, or 0.75 square metres for each additional employee in excess of 25;
e) access passageways which are adequate in the opinion of an inspector;
A dining room, dining area or combined change room/dining room shall be equipped with the following:
a) adequate facilities for warming food;
b) cupboards for the storage of foodstuffs, eating utensils and crockery;
c) flyproof refuse receptacles with vermin-proof lids to be emptied at least daily;
d) seating accommodation as per requirements for change rooms;
e) tables with at least 600mm of table for each seated employee;
f) where reticulated water service is available, free facilities adequate for the number of employees for boiling water for hot beverages;
g) where reticulated water service is available, sinks (1 per 50 employees or less) and drainers and hot and cold running water.
h) Flush wall surgaces; and
i) Not fitted with dust catching ledges.
Proposed requirements
The draft Code of Practice provides guidance on determining what appropriate amenities are for dining rooms. The Code of Practice states the following:
a) employees need to be provided with hygienic facilities for eating their meals at work where there is a risk to health and safety;
b) many workshops where the work process does not effect food, access to nearby shops and an area for boiling water might be all that is needed;
c) for large permanent workplaces, a dedicated dining or eating area may be provided that should be separated from the work area, protected from the weather, hot and cold running water, facility for washing and storage of utensils and hygienic storage of food. Adequate numbers of tables and seats;
d) for smaller permanent workplaces there should be at least a separate area having a sink with running water, a clean storage cupboard and facility of boiling water; and
e) for temporary or remote workplaces reasonable access to dining facilities.
Issue 4: Drinking Water
Existing FSI Legislative Requirements
Scope: factories and shops
Section 57 of the FSI Act requires the provision of a sufficient supply of wholesome cool drinking water at suitable points conveniently accessible to all persons employed in the factory. If water is not laid on then drinking water and vessels in which it is contained will be protected from contamination.
Clause 16A of Factories (Health and Safety) General Regulations 1913 requires the factory occupiers to provide drinking water:
a) for all employees that is clean, wholesome and palatable;
b) at temperature not exceeding 24°C;
c) placed so that there is one facility within 30metres of each employee; and
d) shall not be placed in rooms where sanitary or hand washing facilities are located.
Proposed requirements
The draft Code of Practice provides guidance on determining what appropriate amenities are for drinking water. The Code of Practice states the following;
a) clean drinking water must be readily accessible to all employees whilst at work;
b) drinking points positioned where they can be easily accessed and close to hot or strenuous work;
c) separate from toilet or washing facilities, to avoid contamination or pollution of the drinking water;
d) at or below 24 degress celcius by refigeration, non-contaminated ice or shading or water pipes from the sun;
e) if connection to a water supply is possible the water is to be presented in a hygienic manner which may involve a drinking fountain, supply of disposable cups or washable glasses; and
f) if connection to a supply is not possible drinking water is to be provided through other means.
Issue 5 : Toilets
Scope: Factories only.
Section 20 of the FSI Act requires the provision of sufficient and suitable sanitary conveniences for persons employed in a factory. Toilets shall be provided, maintained and kept clean and effective provision shall be made for lighting. Proper separate accomodation for person of each sex.
Clause 17 of Factories (Health and Safety) General Regulations 1913 requires the factory occupier to provide:
a) water closets connected to the sewerage system or in area without a sewerage system, septcic tanks systems, earth closets, chemical closets or pan closets;
b) separate accomodation for person of each sex if both sexes are employed;
c) for males, 1 closet (15 or less employees) and 1 additional closet for every 20 additional males or urinals (9-25 employees) and 1 additional urinal for each additional 50 males.
d) for females 1 closet for every 15 females.
e) floors to be made of concrete or other impervious material;
f) room to be fitted with self-closing doors, have adequate lighting and either mechanical ventilation or an air lock;
g) an air lock may consist of a change room or wash room and shall not have a floor area of not less than 1.1 sq m and adequate lighting.
h) if no air lock then the entrance is to be screened off;
i) be in reasonable proximity to an readily accessible under cover from work rooms and change rooms;
j) where male and female toilets are adjoining entrances shall not be close together and separating walls shall extend from floor to ceiling and be sound proof;
k) closet seats shall be separated by substantial partitions (tops at least 1.8 m from floor and bases no less than 200 m from floor); and
I) doors of same dimensions self-closing and capable of being fastened on the inside.
Building Code of Australia Requirements
The Building Code of Australia requires:
a) a building is to be provided with suitable sanitary facilities and space and facilities for personal hygiene;
b) a sanitary compartment is to have sufficient space or other means to permit an unconscious occupant to be removed from the compartment;
c) suitable sanitary facilities for personal hygiene must be provided in a convenient location within or associated tot he function or use of the building, the number and gender of the occupants and the disability or other particular needs of the occupants;
d) for males 1 closet for up to 20 and an additional closets for up to each extra 20 males. One urinal for up to 25 and an additional urinal for up to each extra 50 males. One washbasin for up to 30 and an additional washbasin for up to each extra 30 males. In factories one washbasin for up to 20 and an additional washbasin for up to each extra 20 males;
e) for females one closet for up to 15 and an additional closet for up to each for up to each extra 15 females. One washbasin for up to 20 and an additional washbasin for up to each extra 20 females.
f) 1wheelchair accessible unisex facility where 1-100 closets plus urinals are required and additional requirements for greater than 100 closets'
Proposed Requirements
The draft Code of Practice provides guidance on determining what appropriate amenities are for toilets. The Code of Practice states the following:
a) all employees must have ready access to clean and hygienic toilet facilities while at work.
b) refers to Building Code of Australia for specific guidance on number of toilets.
Issue 6: Washing Accommodation
Scope: factories and shops only.
Section 58 of the FSI Act requires the provision of adequate and suitable facilites for washing which are conveniently accessible and in a clean and orderly condition.
Clause 17A of Factories (Health and Safety) General Regulations 1913 requires the factory occupier to provide:
a) handwashing facilites;
b) 1 wash basin for each 15 employees;
c) showering facilites where it is usual for employees to use a change of clothing and the premise are connected to a water supply service; and
d) 1 shower for each 15 employees.
Building Code of Australia Requirements
The Building Code of Australia requires:
a) a building is to be provided with suitable sanitary facilities and space and facilities for personal hygiene;
b) suitable sanitary facilites for personal hygiene must be provided in a convenient location within or associated to the function or use of the building, the number and gender of the occupants and the disability or other particular needs of the occupants;
c) for males 1 washbasin for up to 30 and an additional washbasin for up to each extra 30 males. In factories 1 washbasin for up to 20 and an additional washbasin for up to each extra 20 males;
d) for females 1 washbasin for up to 20 and an additional washbasin for up to each extra 20 females.
e) 1 wheelchair accessible unisex facility where 1-100 closets plus urinals are required and additional requirements for greater than 100 closets.
Proposed Requirements
The draft Code of Practice provides guidance on determining what appropriate amenities are for washing rooms. The Code of Practice states the following:
a) employees must have access to suitable facilities for washing their hands while at work
b) refers to the Building Code of Australia requirements for wash basins;
c) an appropriate ratio of showers to employees will be determined by the work; and
d) considers requirements for permanent and temporary workplaces.
Issue 7 : Sitting Accomodation
Existing FSI Legislative Requirements
Scope: factories and shops only.
Section 59 of the FSI Act requires:
a) that where any persons employed in a factory have in the course of their employment reasonable opportunities for sitting without detriment to their work suitable facilities for seating shall be provided; and
b) where a suitable proportion of any work can properly be done sitting suitable seating and footrest shall be provided.
Clause 14(change and locker rooms), 15(rest rooms), 16(dining rooms) of Factories(Health and Safety) General Regulations 1913 requires arrangements.
Proposed Requirements
The draft Code of Practice provides guidance on determining what appropriate amenities are for sitting accomodation. The Code of Practice states the following:
a) employees should be provided with seating appropriate to the tasks being undertaken;
b) work activity should be assessed in consultation with employees to consider whether work is best carried out sitting or standing;
c) seat design should be appropriate to work performed;
d) seating should enable a worker to adopt a comfortable, ergonomically sound working position;
e) seating should be fully adjustable to accomodate different sized employees;
f) seating should provide good body support, especially for the lower back;
g) seating should provide good foot support, this may mean a foot rest;
h) some standing tasks can be done using a sit/stand chair, and
I) If a job is primarily carried out while standing, but the nature of work allow the worker to sit from time to time, appropriate seating should be provided.
Attachment A
FSI Definitions
"Factory" means:
a) any building or place other than a farm or rural holding used exclusively for agricultural, horticultural or pastoral purposed in which:
i) four or more persons are engaged directly or indirectly in a manufacturing process, or
ii) fewer than four persons are engaged in a manufacturing process and which the Governor has pursuant to this Act declared to be a factory, or
iii)one or more persons are engaged directly or indirectly in:
- a manufacturing process involving the use, handling, or processing or lead, any alloy of lead, or any compound of lead, or any substance or thing containing lead, any alloy of lead, or any compound of lead, or
- spray painting, or
iv) mechanical power is used in or in aid of:
- a manufacturing process, or
- any of the following processes carried out for trade or sale or gain or an ancillary to any business that is to say, the sorting or packing of goods or articles, the filling of bottles or other containers, the freezing, chilling or storing in cold storage of goods or articles, or the generation of water power or any other power, or
v) electricity is generated or mechanically transformed, or
b) any bakehouse, or
c) any laundry or dyeworks in which four or more persons are engaged or in which mechanical power is used and which is carried on by way of trade or for the purpose of gain or as ancillary to another business, or incidental to the purposes of any public institution, or
d) any boat-building yard, ship-building yard, dockyard or ship - repairing yard in which any ship or boat is constructed, reconstructed, repaired, refitted, finished or broken up,
but, subject to section 5, does not include a ship.
"Shop" means any building or place, or portion of a buiding or place, in which goods are exposed or offered for sale by retail.
Attachment B
Draft OHS Regulation 2001 Amenity Requirements
Clause 209
1) An employer must ensure that appropriate amenities are available for all of the employer's employees while they are at work.
2) The appropriateness of amenities is to be determined having regard to all of the circumstances of the case, including the following;
a) the nature of the work undertaken at the place of work;
b) the size and location of the place of work,
c) the number of men and of women at the place of work.
3) In this clause, amenities means facilites provided for the welfare or perosnal hygiene needs of persons and includes toilets, rest rooms, shelter sheds, seating, dining rooms, change rooms, provisions of drining water, lockers and washing facilities.
Clause 210
An employer must ensure that any amenities provided in accordance with clause 209 are maintained in a safe and healthy condition.
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