Portable toilets on construction sites make it easy for workers to relieve themselves without leaving the premises. This prevents lapses in productivity and makes for a more convenient working environment. At the same time, you’ll need the correct number of port-a-potty units to ensure bathroom availability and comply with health and safety standards. Here’s how to determine how many portable toilets your construction site requires.

OSHA Guidelines

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, construction sites must provide a specific number of available toilet seats and urinals based on the size of the workforce. For 20 employees or fewer, there should be a minimum of one portable toilet nearby, meaning it should be located a maximum of 10 minutes walking distance from anywhere on the job site.

Additionally, the port-a-potty should remain in sanitary condition. If used by 10 employees, this means cleaning once per week. However, for 20 employees, the facility needs cleaning twice weekly. 

For construction sites with more than 20 employees, you’ll need one toilet seat and one urinal for every 40 workers. For larger sites with 200 or more workers, you’ll need one toilet seat and one urinal for every 50 employees. 

Other Considerations

When it comes to best practices on construction sites, portable toilets should offer privacy and have functional door locks. Additionally, the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) recommends having separate units for women and clearly marking facilities by gender. Port-a-potty units should also be well-lit, ventilated, and located in secure areas of the job site, such as on level ground and away from busy roads. 

Additionally, for the sake of minimizing the spread of germs and illnesses, include portable hand washing stations with antibacterial soap and air blowers or hand towels near each bathroom facility. Include trash receptacles for depositing used paper and feminine hygiene products.

Keep your construction site clean and sanitary with portable toilets from Econ-­O-­Johns, LLC. They provide port-a-potty rentals and handwashing stations to commercial and private clients throughout Waterloo, IL. Call (618) 939-3001 to schedule daily, weekly, or monthly toilet rentals, and visit the website to learn more about their facilities and amenities.