Outhouses are centuries-old, semi-permanent structures installed over a deep, stable pit. But portable toilets are independent units that temporarily store human waste in holding tanks, which need to be cleaned by a dedicated team. These modern units emerged during the 20th century. In the 1940s, they were built for military personnel and moving staff in areas that lacked basic sanitation infrastructure. Older porta-potties were bulky, metal or wooden structures. It was challenging to move them from one location to another. However, the use of stronger, lighter materials changed everything. Most of them feature white, bright roofs to let in natural light, non-slip floors to reduce accident risk, and an ingenious ventilation system to keep odors at bay.
Today, these infrastructure components are widely found on construction sites. Whether workers are on the 40th story or at ground level, these units let them attend to their nature calls immediately, thanks to their portability. If you search for porta potty construction site online, you will find many design options. Each has been designed to serve a specific purpose. No matter what you choose, it’s vital to place them correctly for optimal efficiency. Here are some quick insights regarding this.
Placement of portable toilets on construction sites
Local and federal laws require you to install portable restrooms on construction sites for your workers’ well-being. But renting them is not enough. You have to place them in the correct location for easy access. For example, they should be kept in an area where workers spend most of their time, such as the primary work zone. According to some regulations, these toilets should also be placed within 200 feet of workers’ reach. Keeping them near busy work zones can be a good idea from a productivity perspective as well. However, it’s necessary to ensure that you also include ADA-compliant models for individuals with disabilities. Whether it’s an ADA-compliant or standard model, each should be placed on even ground to minimize tipping risk. What should you do if there is no level surface? In that case, you can add leveling blocks.
Another crucial consideration is providing privacy to everyone. To be precise, even construction workers want privacy so that they can use restrooms comfortably. Hence, it is best to install them in a place that is not too visible or congested.
Things to consider when choosing portable toilets for construction sites
The success of your effort to provide sanitary conditions for your workers on the construction site depends on many variables. Of these, the choice of the number of toilets is a critical decision. You have to calculate it based on how many workers will use a specific unit and how many hours per week each worker will use it. For longer work schedules, you should add more toilets, which must not be more than 10 minutes from workers’ reach. A large area should also be equipped with extra units. Paying attention to toilet amenities or structure is essential. Check if they have a urinal, a toilet, and hand sanitizer. You can also rent handwashing stations for added cleanliness. For a larger area or remote location, towable toilets can be considered to provide hygiene facilities for moving workers.
In the end, everything comes down to maintenance. Toilets should be cleaned on time. Make sure you don’t overlook this aspect.