Construction sites and outdoor events bring a lot of people interacting with one another at different times throughout the day, sometimes over the course of months. And with a lot of people come a lot of germs and infectious illnesses!
As the old adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially in the age of COVID. Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs and illness including COVID-19. By keeping workers healthy, you boost the efficiency of your job site. Portable wash stations are an ideal solution for keeping construction sites, outdoor events and even disaster relief sites healthy, safe and effective.
Here, we dive into what portable wash stations are, considerations when renting one, and next steps to select your hand wash station rental partner.
Portable Wash Stations:
What They Are And Why You Need Them
In short, portable hand wash stations are self-contained units for hand washing in environments where traditional restrooms and sanitation facilities may not be available or limited, such as construction sites, outdoor events and even daycares.
With a large number of workers or staff and limited access to a permanent restroom with running water and plumbing, it’s critical to uphold hygiene and sanitation standards. For example, if you install 20 portable toilets for a construction site with 35 workers, you need the adequate hand wash stations to accommodate them.
When renting portable wash stations for schools or daycares, it serves the same purpose – with countless children and staff interacting all day every day, it’s essential to keep the spread of infectious disease contained through effective hand washing.
How Do Portable Hand Washing Stations Work?
Portable hand wash stations are fairly simple. Wash stations operate through a self-contained system that doesn’t require direct plumbing. The station typically has a freshwater tank that stores clean water, and this water is dispensed through a faucet activated either by a foot pump, hand lever, or sensor. To ensure efficient use and minimize waste, the water flow is contained.
And you can’t have adequate sanitation without soap! A soap dispenser is usually built into the hand wash unit. They also often come with a towel dispenser or a built-in hand dryer for drying hands.
Sustainability in construction
Portable hand wash stations are designed with sustainability in construction in mind. After the water is used for hand washing, it drains into a separate wastewater tank located within the unit. This tank securely holds the used water until it can be emptied and properly disposed of, maintaining hygiene and environmental safety.
Some models may include additional features like warm water, water filtration, or antibacterial solutions. The station is designed for easy transportation and setup, so it’s ideal for temporary (or mobile) locations like outdoor events, construction sites, and disaster relief areas.
Setting Up a Portable Wash Station
Typically when managing a construction project or outdoor event, you will work with a vendor to rent all of the facilities and equipment you need. Portable hand wash stations are no different. They will work with you on the delivery, set up, maintenance and tear down of portable wash stations.
Generally, here’s how set up works:
- Place the unit on a flat, stable surface to ensure it remains level and secure during use.
- Fill the freshwater tank with clean water, typically accessed through a cap or opening at the top of the station.
- Check that the soap dispenser is filled, and if the station uses paper towels, make sure the towel dispenser is loaded.
- The wastewater tank should be properly secured to prevent leaks. Familiarize yourself with how to empty it once full.
- If the station is foot-pump operated, test the pump to ensure water flows correctly.
Make sure the unit is positioned in a convenient, accessible location for users, especially if it’s meant for high-traffic areas. If you’re using multiple stations, spread them out in appropriate locations to ensure smooth usage and maintain hygiene standards throughout the site. Your on-site services partner can help you with this process.
Considerations For Renting a Portable Wash Station
Finding the right rental company for portable wash stations, portable toilets and other site services isn’t easy. Here are a few key considerations when renting a portable hand wash station for your site or event. Find more tips in our blog, “5 Tips for Renting Hand Wash Stations.”
Assess the location and project
Before renting hand wash stations, first evaluate the size and layout of the site. How many workers will be on site? What will their shifts be? This will help you decide on the number and capacity of stations needed to accommodate everyone.
The portable hand wash stations you select should be in accordance with the landscape: are they durable enough to withstand the outdoor environment and harsh conditions typical of construction sites?
Evaluate water supply and waste management
Without proper water supply and waste management, a portable hand wash station won’t be effective. When renting portable hand wash stations, consider these questions: Does the station require a direct water hookup or have self-contained fresh and wastewater tanks? Can the tanks accommodate the expected usage without frequent refills or emptying? Finally, what is the vendor’s process for refilling water and disposing of wastewater?
Vendor reliability & ease of use
When renting portable hand wash stations, it’s best to work with a vendor that a) offers all of your site services needs and b) has the reputation and customer testimonials to prove they are reliable and offer services at a competitive price. Choose a vendor with a strong reputation for timely delivery, consistent maintenance, and availability of support in case of technical issues.
Evaluate rental costs, service contracts, and maintenance services the vendor provides such as regular cleaning and water refilling. Selecting the right on-site services partner will reduce any logistical headaches down the road and set your project up for success.
Next Steps For Renting a Portable Wash Station
At Site Services USA, we provide portable hand washing sinks that deliver a convenient and sanitary option for your construction project or outdoor event. Our units offer a convenient foot pedal to prevent the spread of germs, and each portable sink can accommodate up to 600 washes.
Plus, we service our portable sinks regularly, refilling water, soap and paper products to keep the site running smoothly 24/7. Our site experts clean and sanitize all wash stations to prevent contamination or the spread of germs. Interested in working together? Reach out to us today to get a free quote.