If kitchens do not have a suitable dining area this must be provided within one floor (this may be a living room, bedsit or bedroom of suitable size).
If hostels provide all main meals the kitchen facilities below are to be provided for every 10 people and the cooker can be replaced with a microwave. If hostels have a commercial kitchen where access is not available at all times then a separate kitchen must be provided that meets the standards set out here.
Kitchens must have a safe and efficient layout and be of a suitable size.
All facilities and equipment must be fit for purpose.
Sinks
Shared use
A sink with constant hot and cold water, a draining board and tiled splashback per five people (a dishwasher will be acceptable as a second sink) or within an individual unit of accommodation.
Exclusive use
A sink with constant hot and cold water, tiled splashback and a draining board.
Cookers
Shared use
A cooker with a four ring hob, oven and a grill per five people or within an individual unit of accommodation (a 27 litre microwave with oven and grill will be acceptable as a second cooker).
Exclusive use
A cooker with a minimum 2 ring hob, oven and grill.
Electrical sockets
Four suitably positioned electric sockets are needed plus one per major appliance (such as a cooker, microwave, refrigerator/freezer, washing machine).
Worktops
Shared use
Fixed worktop(s) with a smooth impervious surface for should be available for food preparation, to a minimum size of 500mm by 1000mm per five occupants or within an individual unit of accommodation should be available.
Exclusive use
Fixed worktop(s) with a smooth surface for food preparation, to a minimum size 500mm by 1000mm should be available.
Storage
Shared use
A minimum 0.16m3 dry goods storage cupboard (other than a sink base unit) per person either in each person’s room or in a shared kitchen.
Exclusive use
A minimum 0.16m3 dry goods storage cupboard other than a sink base unit.
Refrigerators
Shared use
Two worktop height refrigerators with freezer compartments or one worktop height fridge and one worktop height freezer for five people or a worktop height refrigerator with a freezer compartment within each individual unit of accommodation.
Exclusive use
A worktop height refrigerator with a freezer compartment.
Refuse
There should be suitable and sufficient provision for waste and recycling inside and outside.
Ventilation
Mechanical ventilation to the outside air at a minimum extraction rate of 60 litres per second or 30 litres per second if the fan is sited with 300mm of the centre of the hob. This is in addition to any windows.