Toilets at public events
This page has information for event organisers about providing toilets at public events.
Event organiser responsibilities
Where existing toilet facilities are inadequate for an event, extra portable toilets must be available.
Hiring temporary portable toilets is the responsibility of the event organiser.
Toilet locations must be:
- well marked
- well lit if they are used at night – including surrounding area
- serviced, including pump-out of portables on a 2-hour basis during the event
- easily accessed by vehicles for servicing.
There must also be:
- a safe disposal of needles, syringes and other sharps away from the reach of children
- condoms at some events, if appropriate.
The number of toilets
You must consider:
- the duration of the event
- the type of crowd
- whether or not the event is pre-ticketed and you know crowd numbers
- staggering finishing times where there are multiple functions
- the weather
- whether or not there will be alcohol.
Toilet facilities for events without alcohol
| Patrons | Toilet | Urinals | Hand Basins | Toilet | Hand Basins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Males | Females | ||||
| Fewer than 500 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 2 |
| Fewer than 1000 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 9 | 4 |
| Fewer than 2000 | 4 | 8 | 6 | 12 | 6 |
| Fewer than 3000 | 6 | 15 | 10 | 18 | 10 |
| Fewer than 5000 | 8 | 25 | 17 | 30 | 17 |
Toilet facilities for events with alcohol
| Patrons | WC | Urinals | Hand Basins | WC | Hand Basins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Males | Females | ||||
| Fewer than 500 | 3 | 8 | 2 | 13 | 2 |
| Fewer than 1000 | 5 | 10 | 4 | 16 | 4 |
| Fewer than 2000 | 9 | 15 | 7 | 18 | 7 |
| Fewer than 3000 | 10 | 20 | 14 | 22 | 14 |
| Fewer than 5000 | 12 | 30 | 20 | 40 | 20 |
Shorter events
The number of facilities outlined may be reduced when the event is shorter.
| Duration of event | Quantity required: expressed as a percentage of the toilets recommended in the previous two tables |
|---|---|
| 8 hours plus | 100% |
| 6-8 hours | 80% |
| 4-6 hours | 75% |
| Less than 4 hours | 70% |
Toilets for people with disability
At least one unisex toilet for people with disability is needed for events with up to 2000 patrons.
If there are more than 2000 patrons, extra toilet facilities may be needed.
Toilets for food vendors
Separate toilet and hand washing facilities must be made available for food handlers. Food handlers must be provided with soap and warm, running water for hand washing. Hygienic hand drying facilities must also be available.
Cleaning and maintenance
You must make sure the toilet facilities are hygienic at all times during the event.
There should be:
- enough toilet paper and soap
- maintenance of hand-drying facilities, such as restocking paper towels and making sure hand dryers work
- a cleaning schedule with suitable intervals
- the disposal and removal of sanitary products
- a plumber or maintenance person available to repair or remove blockages
- enough cleaning supplies for the duration of the event.