SECTION 265.123. Standards for Toilet Facilities and Toilet Rooms

(a) General standards.

(1) Toilet facilities shall be provided in separate toilet rooms for both sexes in all facilities where the public congregates. They shall be readily accessible to all users.

(2) Toilet facilities shall be either water-actuated, chemical, or biological toilets. Other systems may be used only upon specific permission of the health authority having local jurisdiction.

(3) If the use of restrooms is designated by gender, toilet facilities shall be provided for each sex at a ratio of not less than 2:1 women's to men's or according to the following table.

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(4) Toilet rooms and facilities shall be maintained in a sanitary condition, free of objectionable odors during all hours the facility is open to the public. The floors, walls, ceilings, partitions and doors of all toilet rooms shall be of a finish that can be easily cleaned. Floors shall have a smooth, hard, nonabsorbent surface such as portland cement, concrete, ceramic tile or other approved material which extends upward onto the walls at least five inches. Materials used in such walls shall be of a type not adversely affected by moisture. Walls within two feet of the front and sides of a urinal and water closets shall have a smooth, hard, nonabsorbent surface of portland cement, concrete, ceramic tile or other smooth, hard, nonabsorbent surface to a height of four feet. An adequate supply of toilet paper in a suitable holder shall be maintained for each toilet. Covered waste receptacles shall be provided in all toilet rooms used by women.

(b) Specifications for toilet facilities and rooms at fixed locations.

(1) Each toilet facility (water closet) at a fixed (permanent) location shall occupy a separate compartment equipped with a door and latch. Walls within two feet of the front and sides of a urinal and water closet shall have a smooth, hard, nonabsorbent surface of portland cement, concrete, ceramic tile or other smooth, nonabsorbent surface to a height of four feet. Walls or partitions between fixtures shall be sufficiently high to assure privacy. Urinals do not need to occupy separate compartments.

(2) Each toilet facility shall be so installed that the space around it can be easily cleaned. Walls within two feet of the front and sides of a urinal and water closet shall have a smooth, hard, nonabsorbent surface of portland cement, concrete, ceramic tile or other smooth, nonabsorbent surface to a height of four feet. This provision does not prohibit the use of wall-hung toilet stools or urinals.

(3) Each toilet seat shall have a seat made of substantial material having a nonabsorbent finish.

(4) Toilet rooms at fixed locations that are not ventilated by mechanical means shall be provided with screened ventilation with openings of not less than 1/20th of the floor area.

(c) Specifications for temporary toilet facilities and rooms.

(1) Temporary toilet facilities shall be so constructed as to be readily accessible.

(2) Buildings housing temporary toilet rooms may be mobile trailers or prefabricated, skid-mounted, or otherwise portable structures. If they contain more than one facility, each shall occupy a separate compartment with a door and a latch. Walls or partitions between toilets shall be sufficiently high to assure privacy. Urinals need not occupy separate compartments.

(3) If the structure contains a tank in which waste is stored, the tank shall be vented to the outside of the structure.

(4) Temporary toilet rooms that are not ventilated by mechanical means shall be provided with an adequate screened ventilation opening.

Source Note: The provisions of this §265.123 adopted to be effective July 21, 1994, 19 TexReg 5355