Sanitary accommodation
Approved document F, Ventilation, suggests that ‘sanitary accommodation’ is:
‘…a space containing one or more water closets (wc) or urinals. Sanitary accommodation containing one or more cubicles counts as a single space if there is free circulation of air throughout the space.’
Similarly, Approved document G, Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency, suggests that sanitary accommodation means:
‘…a room containing a WC or urinal, whether or not it also contains other sanitary appliances. Sanitary accommodation containing one or more cubicles counts as a single space if there is free circulation of air throughout the space.
It suggests that the term ‘sanitary appliance’ means a WC, urinal, bath, shower, washbasin, sink, bidet and drinking fountain. It also includes appliances that are not connected to a water supply (such as a composting toilet) or a drain (for example waterless urinal).
The Scottish Building Standards, Part I. Technical Handbook – Domestic, Appendix A Defined Terms, defines sanitary accommodation as: ‘…bathrooms, shower rooms, washrooms and toilets.’ It defines a sanitary facility as a: '...washbasin, sink, bath, shower, urinal, or watercloset, and in dwellings only, includes a waterless closet.'
The term ‘sanitary convenience’ means water closets and urinals.
See also: Bathroom definition.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Gasholders: a history in pictures. Book review.
Recognition, influence and growth
SocEnv identifies three strategic pillars in new strategy to 2045.
Discover the future of roofing, cladding and insulation.
New guidance for professional practice, cultural change and regulation in social housing.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.

















