When you’re running a construction site, you have many responsibilities. One is to ensure that your workforce can access functional and clean restroom services.
Construction sites don’t have access to permanent facilities with running water and portable toilets offer the best solution.
Before you hire any portable toilet rental company, it is useful to have a clear idea of how to choose the right service for your construction site.
Porta Johns, also known as portable toilets or porta potties, are temporary, self-contained restroom facilities. They don’t need to be connected to the water but use a system of gravity and chemicals to remove and process waste.
These portable facilities are made from a resistant but lightweight material that makes it easy to move and place them where needed.
What Are the DIFFERENT TYPES of Portable Toilets?
- Standard Portable Toilets: These are very basic. They offer a private and clean space with a toilet, a urinal, and a hand sanitizer dispenser. They are the most cost efficient option available, and they are suitable for small, short-term, construction sites.
- Deluxe Porta Johns: Just like standard porta potties, are single units, provided with toilets and urinals, but they’re also equipped with a sink with running water. These are preferred when the work on the construction sites extend for longer periods.
- Restroom Trailers: This option mimics the comfort of permanent restroom facilities. They can include mirrors, stalls, air conditioning or heating. They are the upscale choice and are suitable for large construction crews.
But What are The Most Effective Strategies for choosing Portable Toilets?
How to Choose the Right Portable Toilets for Construction
Consider these factors to identify the best portable toilet options for your construction site.
- The Number of Workers
You first want to consider the number of workers that will be present on the site for an average day. Once you’ve calculated this number, keep the following rule in mind: generally, one porta-potty for every 15 workers is considered enough to accommodate their needs.
However, the number of portable toilets on a construction site is often dictated by local ordinances. Make sure to know the correct number of porta johns per local law to avoid penalties.
- Length of the Work
The duration of the work is also a factor that must be considered when choosing the most suitable portable toilets. For example, for the same number of workers, a long-term project may benefit from one or more restroom trailer, while the same solution won’t be convenient for a short-term project.
- The Type of Work
The nature of the construction work should also be addressed. For example, if the work is particularly heavy, or if it involves workers staying on site for long periods every day, you may want to opt for the more comfortable portable restrooms.
- Location and Placement
When choosing the portable toilet rental for your construction site, make sure you consider the terrain in the placement of the toilets. Unstable toilets are a hazard to workers.
For a long-term project with a high number of employees involved, restroom trailers may be the go-to option. However, restroom trailers are space-consuming, and the characteristics of the site may not allow you to dedicate space to this type of restroom facility.
Also, consider whether the portable toilets may need to be moved during the project. If this is the case, then restroom trailers are not suitable.
- Budget
Different porta johns options have different prices, with standard portable toilets being the most cost effective option and restroom trailers being the most expensive. Of course, when choosing portable toilets for your construction sites, you need to address your budget and the cost of the service.
When considering budget, there is an important factor that gets often overlooked: maintenance. To remain functional and hygienic, portable potties need regular maintenance.
- Cleaning and Sanitation Schedule
Regular emptying of the waste tank is needed. Because they are not connected to the city sewers, portable toilets dispose of the waste in a tank underneath the toilet seat. That tank needs to be regularly emptied.
Choosing the right portable toilets for a construction sites is ensuring the comfort and well-being of your workforce. Remember to consider factors such as the number of workers, length of the project, location, budget, and local compliance to make the best decision. Your site employees will thank you!