Let’s face it—portable toilets play an important role on a construction site. Aside from the obvious benefits of providing a convenient, accessible and sanitized solution for workers to relieve themselves, portable toilets promote a more productive job site by reducing downtime spent traveling to off-site facilities.
In this blog, let’s explore everything there is to know about portable toilets for construction, including how and why they are used, how to clean them, and the benefits of renting them.
What is a Portable Toilet?
A portable toilet, sometimes referred to as a “porta-potty” or “porta-john,” is a self-contained, mobile sanitation facility designed for temporary use. Portable toilets are widely used on construction sites where permanent restrooms are unavailable. A portable toilet typically includes a main structure called a cabin, with a seat, lid and holding tank inside. Some portable toilets include additional features like a hand sanitizer dispenser, toilet paper holders, a flushing mechanism and a sink.
At a construction site, portable toilets are typically placed strategically around the site to ensure they are accessible to all workers. They are typically serviced on a weekly basis, though frequency can vary depending on site conditions and number of workers.
OSHA Portable Toilet Requirements for Construction
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal governing body created to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for employees by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. As with other places of work, OSHA has specific health and safety standards for sanitation at construction sites. OSHA’s sanitation standard for construction, 29 CFR 1926.51, outlines specific requirements for portable toilets at construction sites. These are the key guidelines when it comes to construction site portable toilets:
- A minimum number of portable toilets must be available at a site based on the number of workers:
- 20 or fewer employees: 1 toilet.
- 20 to 200 employees: 1 toilet seat and 1 urinal per 40 workers.
- More than 200 employees: 1 toilet seat and 1 urinal (per 50 workers.)
- Toilets must be serviced regularly, and kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
- Toilets must be located in a convenient location, accessible to workers.
- Portable toilets must be equipped with doors and secured for privacy.
- OSHA requires that handwashing facilities be provided in conjunction with toilet facilities. Learn more about the importance of hand washing stations on your construction site.
It’s important to stay up to date on your local and state regulations that might have additional requirements.
How to Clean a Portable Toilet
OSHA requirement or not—regularly servicing and cleaning portable toilets at a construction site are a must for a healthy, safe and accessible work environment. Cleaning a portable toilet at a construction site requires a systematic approach to ensure hygiene and safety for the users.
While the easiest and most efficient method for this is hiring a third party that specializes in the maintenance and clean-up of construction sites, you can tackle this in-house, too. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to properly clean a portable toilet. First, let’s start with the supplies.
Supplies you will need:
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): gloves, mask, safety glasses
- Disinfectant cleaner
- Toilet bowl cleaner
- Scrub brush and toilet brush
- Paper towels or cleaning cloths
- Trash bags
- Fresh water
- Deodorizing chemicals
- Hand sanitizer
When preparing to clean the portable toilets, follow these important tips:
- Ensure you are wearing gloves, a mask, and safety glasses to protect yourself from exposure to harmful bacteria and chemicals.
- Check the condition of the portable toilet for any damages or issues that may need attention.
The steps to cleaning portable construction site toilets include:
- Remove the waste & dispose of trash
Use a vacuum pump to remove the human waste from the holding tank. This step is typically done by a professional waste management company, especially for larger sites. Remove any trash and debris from the inside of the unit, including used toilet paper and personal items. Place them in a trash bag and dispose of them properly.
- Clean interior surfaces
Spray all interior surfaces with a disinfectant cleaner, including the toilet seat, walls, door handles, and any other high-touch areas. Allow the disinfectant to sit for the recommended time to effectively kill germs. Use a scrub brush to thoroughly clean all surfaces, and don’t forget to pay special attention to areas with visible dirt or stains.
Finally, apply toilet bowl cleaner inside the bowl and scrub with a toilet brush. Ensure the bowl is clean and free of any residue.
- Rinse and dry portable toilet
Rinse the cleaned surfaces with fresh water to remove any remaining cleaning solution and residue. Then, wipe down the surfaces with paper towels or a clean cloth to dry them. Ensure there’s no excess moisture left inside the unit.
- Restocking & final inspection
Once the toilet is cleaned and dry, it’s time to restock. Replace the toilet paper with fresh rolls, refill the hand sanitizer dispenser, and add the deodorizing chemicals as instructed to the holding tank.
Before you leave, ensure all surfaces are clean, dry, and free of stains or debris. Check that the door locks, ventilation, and any other features are working properly.
5. Wrapping up
When wrapping up the cleaning process, keep a log of the cleaning date, time, and any observations or issues noted during the cleaning process. This helps in maintaining a regular cleaning schedule and addressing any recurring problems.
Flushable Portable Toilet vs. Non-Flushable Portable Toilets
While they both ultimately function as disposal units for human waste, flushable and non-flushable portable toilets differ a bit in form and functionality. The main difference is clear—one has a flushing functionality while the other does not! Flushable portable toilets use a flushing mechanism, similar to conventional toilets, to move waste from the bowl into a holding tank, often using a small amount of water, which enhances cleanliness and user comfort by reducing odors and visible waste. These units are typically more expensive and require more complex maintenance due to the additional components.
On the other hand, non-flushable portable toilets rely on a gravity-based system where waste drops directly into a holding tank treated with chemicals to control odors and break down waste. They are simpler, more cost-effective, and easier to maintain, making them suitable for basic sanitation needs on construction sites and short-term events.
Next Steps for Renting a Portable Construction Site Toilet
Choosing the right portable toilets is a crucial step to a successful construction job. It directly impacts worker productivity, safety, and compliance. Working with a rental company to provide you with an efficient and secure way to meet regulations and equip your site with the right toilet solutions is the smartest way to go. Want to learn more about renting portable toilets for a construction project? Reach out to us today to get a free quote.
Interested in partnering on a construction site project? Reach out to us today to get a free quote.