03 April 2025
Reading time: 4 minutes / Updated: April 3, 2025
Have you thought about creating a WELL certified washroom? Perhaps you have already started your project, or a refurbishment is on the cards with WELL compliance as a top priority.
Architects around the world are joining the WELL community and enjoying the many benefits that come with designing and constructing their projects in line with the high standards of this certification.
Dolphin provides WELL compliant washroom products and we have worked with architects and developers on many projects to become WELL accredited.
In this article, we will explore the latest WELL Building Standard v2 and what you need to do to achieve a WELL certified washroom.
Part 1 – Provide Bathroom Accommodations
1. Bathroom Accommodations
General Requirements for a WELL certified washroom:
Trash Receptables
- Toilet waste bins installed in stalls of women’s and single-user washrooms.
- Provided in all stalls if toilet paper cannot be flushed down the toilet.
- Placement does not block wheelchair or mobility access.
Menstrual Products
- Menstrual products should be available at no cost or subsidised by at least 50% in women’s and single-user washrooms.
Storage Support
- Each toilet stall includes a robe hook, shelf, or equivalent storage support.
- In wheelchair accessible toilets, storage supports are no higher than 122 cm.
Accessible Washrooms
- At least one washroom per occupiable floor includes a stall that accommodates a wheelchair user and care attendant.
Infant Changing Table
- At least one washroom provides an infant changing table accessible to all occupants.
Syringe Drop Box
- All regular occupants can confidentially request a syringe drop box, which is provided at no cost in one or more washrooms.
Single-User Washrooms (if present)
- Open to all individuals with toilet signage.
Floor Drains (if present)
- Equipped with a self-primed liquid-seal trap or a waterless trap seal.
2. Family Bathrooms
For projects with a majority of visitors (e.g., shopping malls, airports, museums), ensure family washrooms meet the following WELL certified washroom requirements:
Changing Table
- Infant changing table available.
Child-Friendly Facilities
- Children’s toilet facilities or accommodations for child use of adult-size toilets.
- Children’s washbasins or suitable accommodations for child use of adult-size washbasins (e.g., stepstool).
Lighting
- Motion sensor lights installed.
Safety Features
- Slip-resistant flooring.
- Grab bars for support.
Storage
- At least one designated bag storage location in each toilet stall (e.g., hook, shelf separate from the changing table and washbasin).
Accessibility Compliance
- Meets local washroom regulations for wheelchair accessible toilets.
Part 2 – Enhance Bathroom Accommodations
To be WELL certified, ensure all commercial washrooms meet the following standards:
Hands-Free Toilet Flushing
- Equipped with a touch free sensor flush plate.
Contactless Washroom Fittings
- Touch free soap dispensers. (Watch our video about specifying a WELL compliant soap dispenser).
- Touch free hand drying
Hands-Free Exit
- Users can exit the washroom without touching surfaces (e.g., doors). Public washrooms are often designed with winding corridors for entry and exit.
Commercial Taps
- Touch free taps that are sensor activated.
- Equipped with a hygiene flush system.
- If water mixing is used, a Point of Use water heater is to be installed.
Part 3 – Support Effective Handwashing
This WELL certified washroom requirement refers to all spaces for all washbasins where handwashing is expected (e.g., kitchens, washrooms, break rooms and wellness rooms).
Commercial Tap Design
- The water column does not flow directly into the drain, or a basin waste stopper is installed.
Splash Prevention
- Water does not splash outside the washbasin when the tap is fully open.
Washroom Design Parameters for Newly Installed Washbasins
- Washbasin measures at least 9 inches (approximately 230mm) across at the point where hands are placed to wash.
- Water column from the tap spout to washbasin is at least 8 inches (approximately 200mm) in length (measured along water flow, even if angled).
- Water column is at least 3 inches (approximately 75mm) from any edge of the washbasin.
Part 4 – Provide Handwashing Supplies and Signage
A WELL certified washroom needs to have the appropriate washroom fittings.
Soap Supply
- Odourless liquid hand soap provided through one of these methods:
- Sealed commercial soap dispensers with disposable soap cartridges.
- Dispensers with detachable, closed soap containers that are washed and disinfected before refilling.
Hand Drying Products (Choose at least one)
- Paper towels.
- Hand dryers with a HEPA filter, maintained and with filters replaced as per manufacturer’s instructions (not for healthcare projects).
- Fabric hand towel rolls in dispensers, replaced before reaching their end of service.
- Washable fabric hand towels with a nearby container for used towels, washed before reuse.
Handwashing Signage
- Clear signage displaying proper handwashing steps. (Download and print our handwashing poster.)
Become an advocate for wellbeing, health, and safety
Achieving WELL certification levels is a powerful statement that your building prioritises the health, safety, and wellbeing of its occupants.
While not mandatory, a WELL accreditation offers numerous advantages — from enhancing property value and attracting stakeholders to reinforcing your commitment to quality and safety.
By aligning your project with WELL standards, you become part of a global movement dedicated to creating healthier spaces.
Take the first step towards a WELL certified washroom and position your building as a leader in promoting wellness and sustainability. Reach out to a Dolphin washroom consultant today to learn more about WELL compliant commercial washroom products.