Bill 190 Washroom Cleaning Log Requirements — What You Need to Know

Ontario's Bill 190 (Working for Workers Five Act) has introduced new obligations for employers regarding washroom maintenance and documentation. Under O. Reg. 480/24, businesses must now maintain detailed cleaning logs for employee washrooms. Understanding these requirements is crucial for compliance and avoiding potential penalties.

What Are Washroom Cleaning Log Requirements?

The regulation requires employers to maintain written records of washroom cleaning activities. These logs must document when cleaning occurred, what was cleaned, and who performed the cleaning. The requirement applies to all washrooms used by employees, whether exclusively for staff use or shared with customers.

The cleaning log system ensures washrooms are maintained in a sanitary condition and provides accountability for workplace health and safety standards. This documentation requirement reflects the government's commitment to improving workplace conditions across Ontario.

Who Must Comply with Bill 190 Washroom Requirements?

The washroom cleaning log requirements apply to:

• All Ontario employers with employee washroom facilities
• Businesses of any size that provide washrooms for worker use
• Organizations with both dedicated employee washrooms and shared facilities
• Multi-tenant buildings where employers control washroom maintenance

There are limited exemptions for certain specialized workplaces, but most Ontario businesses will need to implement compliant logging systems.

Mandatory Information for Washroom Cleaning Logs

Required Log Details

Your washroom cleaning logs must include:

• Date and time of each cleaning session
• Specific areas cleaned (toilets, sinks, floors, mirrors, etc.)
• Name or identification of the person who performed cleaning
• Cleaning products used and any safety measures taken
• Any maintenance issues identified during cleaning
• Signature or digital verification of the cleaning staff

Documentation Standards

The regulation requires logs to be:

• Maintained for a minimum of two years
• Available for inspection by Ministry of Labour officials
• Stored in a format that prevents unauthorized alteration
• Accessible to employee representatives upon request

Frequency and Timing Requirements

While O. Reg. 480/24 doesn't specify exact cleaning frequencies, it requires washrooms to be cleaned as often as necessary to maintain sanitary conditions. Factors influencing cleaning frequency include:

• Number of employees using the facilities
• Type of work environment and potential contamination
• Hours of operation and facility usage patterns
• Manufacturer recommendations for cleaning products

Most compliance experts recommend daily cleaning as a minimum standard, with additional cleaning sessions for high-traffic facilities.

Digital vs. Paper Logging Systems

Paper-Based Logs

Traditional paper logs remain acceptable but present challenges:

• Risk of loss or damage
• Potential for unauthorized alterations
• Difficulty in organizing and retrieving records
• Limited accountability and verification options

Digital Compliance Solutions

Digital logging systems offer significant advantages:

• Automated timestamps that prevent falsification
• Centralized storage with backup protection
• Real-time monitoring and compliance alerts
• Easy report generation for inspections
• Integration with other workplace safety systems

Common Compliance Mistakes to Avoid

Ontario businesses often make these critical errors:

• Incomplete documentation: Missing required information fields
• Inconsistent logging: Gaps in daily record-keeping
• Inadequate storage: Failing to preserve records for the full two-year period
• Lack of verification: Not implementing proper oversight systems
• Poor accessibility: Records not readily available for inspections

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failing to maintain proper washroom cleaning logs can result in:

• Ministry of Labour orders requiring immediate compliance
• Financial penalties for repeat violations
• Work stoppage orders in severe cases
• Increased scrutiny during future inspections

Streamline Your Bill 190 Compliance

Maintaining compliant washroom cleaning logs doesn't have to be complicated. Kempt's digital compliance platform automatically generates the documentation required under O. Reg. 480/24, with built-in verification systems and secure record storage.

Ready to simplify your Bill 190 compliance? Contact Kempt today to learn how our Ontario-specific solution can protect your business and ensure you meet all washroom cleaning log requirements. Visit kemptclean.ca to schedule your consultation.