Portable Restroom Primer for Contractors

Specific requirements will vary based on the number of workers you employ, but it's critical to remember that all job sites require at least one restroom. You won't generally need to meet these requirements when working in client structures where bathrooms are available, but you'll need field accommodations under almost all other circumstances.

For jobs with crews larger than 20, you'll need a toilet seat and urinal for every 40 workers, up to a maximum of 200 workers. If your job site has more than 200 workers, OSHA requirements scale back to one toilet seat and urinal per 50 employees. While you may wish to provide your employees with more facilities, you must meet these minimum standards.

Understanding Restroom Servicing Needs

However, your job doesn't end when you sign on with a rental company to deliver your portable restrooms. Unless your work site is exceptionally temporary, your toilets will require servicing one or more times. You should consider portable restroom service an aspect of routine maintenance if you'll be operating at a single site for weeks or months.

Although the rental company should provide this service, you'll need to work out a schedule that suits your needs. If you have an adequate number of units on-site, then you should plan to pump your toilets about twice per week. Restrooms that see heavy use may require more frequent cleaning, but an excessive need for pumping may mean that you have too few facilities available for your workers.

It's also crucial to remember that hygiene extends beyond keeping the chemical toilet tanks from overflowing. Especially duringCOVID-19, the Portable Sanitation Association International(PSAI) recommends cleaning and disinfecting portable units no less than twice per day. You can help keep your restrooms clean by renting larger units with integrated sinks or installing portable hand sanitizing stations nearby.

Ensuring Safe Access

The presence of facilities on-site doesn't guarantee that you're compliant with OSHA guidelines. Your restrooms must also be readily and safely accessible to employees. If your projects typically include extensive job sites, then this is a critical factor to keep in mind. Locating your restroom units in multiple locations can help ensure that all of your workers can reach them when needed.

Hazards and conditions on your worksite are also crucial factors to consider. Will mud prevent access on rainy days? Are the restrooms located near heavy equipment, exposing workers to potential hazards? A good rule of thumb is to ask whether workers would be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to reach a restroom location. If so, you should find a better position for that restroom.

Since construction sites tend to be dynamic places, don't neglect to consider how the situation may change with time. A restroom located in a clear area may become unusable if you plan to store materials or equipment nearby later. By taking the time to prepare before restroom delivery, you can save yourself the hassle and expense of moving the portable toilets in the future.

Whatever the size of your business, AAA Pumping Service can help to meet your portable restroom needs. Contact us today to begin discussing requirements for your job site.