MONITORING PLACES OF DETENTION : A PRACTICAL GUIDE 147 Visitors should consider whether an adequate level of maintenance is provided for by the detaining authorities. Reference points ■ What is the ratio of toilets to the number of detainees and does this correspond to minimum standards? ■ Do all detainees have access to them in decent conditions allowing privacy? ■ If there are no toilets inside the detention premises: - How long must persons wait before being able to use the outside toilets? ■ How can people who are locked in satisfy their needs during the night? - by asking the surveillance personnel; - by using slop pails with lids? ■ How clean and hygienic are the sanitary installations? What are the provisions for maintaining them in a clean and working condition? ■ Is there any evidence of negative discrimination against minority groups in access to sanitary facilities? 3