Unisex Restroom Signs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Are unisex bathrooms different from gender-neutral restrooms?

Unisex bathrooms may also be termed all-gender or gender-neutral bathrooms. These are facilities that can be used by anyone irrespective of the gender they identify with. Such facilities are welcoming towards gender fluid, gender non-conforming, and transgender individuals. These also make it comparatively easier for the disabled or people with kids who may not need a different-gender caretaker for assistance.

Q. Must workplaces provide separate bathrooms when unisex bathrooms exist?

The number and type of bathrooms/restrooms in a workplace are detailed in the OSHA standard 1910.141. While providing a unisex bathroom alone is sufficient in workplaces with 15 or fewer employees, workplaces that employ more employees need to provide more bathrooms suitable based on the number of employees of each sex. OSHA also states that where single-occupancy toilet rooms that contain at least one water closet and can be locked from the inside exist, separate toilet rooms for each sex may be avoided.

Q. Do men’s and women’s restrooms have to be accessible if there’s an accessible unisex restroom in a facility?

Yes, if a facility has men’s and women’s restrooms, these are required to be accessible irrespective of whether a unisex toilet room is provided or not. An exception applies where it may be technically infeasible to make existing men’s and women’s rooms accessible. In such situations, an accessible unisex restroom can be provided on the same floor and in the same area as the men’s and women’s restrooms.

Q. Where accessible men’s and women’s restrooms exist, do unisex family or gender-neutral restrooms also need to be made accessible?

Irrespective of other accessible restroom arrangements, unisex restrooms must be accessible. This also applies to situations where such restrooms exist in addition to multi-user toilet rooms. Furthermore, as per ADA, where clusters of multiple single-user toilet rooms exist, no more than half for each use are required to be accessible. You may read more about accessible facilities and requirements here.

Q. Is it mandatory for unisex restroom signs to carry the ADA symbol?

Unisex Restroom signs must be tactile and have braille characters to comply with the ADA requirements. While pictograms or symbols are not mandatory, these are highly recommended as they facilitate quick and easy identification and bridge the language barrier. Local regulations may require the use of specific symbols, and it may be a good idea to check what applies to your specific situation.

Q. What pictograms are acceptable on Unisex Bathroom Signage?

It is mostly a good idea to include pictograms on unisex and other bathroom signs. Universally acceptable pictograms generally include gender-specific symbols such as man and woman, boy and girl, or a toilet symbol. More variations keep emerging in design to suit different set-ups, decor, culture, and other requirements.

With respect to the international accessibility symbol (ISA), ADA requires that compliant restrooms be labeled by the ISA where not all restrooms are accessible. This symbol may be a part of the restroom sign or be placed separately.