Where must the required lavatory be located in relation to a water closet in employee and public toilet rooms?

The required lavatory must be located in the same room as the water closet in employee and public toilet rooms to ensure convenience and hygiene for users. Having both fixtures within the same restroom allows for easy access to handwashing immediately after using the toilet, which is essential for maintaining proper sanitation and health standards.

This arrangement also complies with the International Plumbing Code, which emphasizes user accessibility and flow within restroom facilities. Providing a lavatory in the same room reduces the risk of contamination and promotes proper hygiene practices, thus supporting public health initiatives.

In contrast, placing the lavatory in an adjacent room or on a different floor can create barriers to optimal usage, as users may be less likely to wash their hands if they need to travel to another location to access the lavatory after using the water closet.