Make sure your porta-potty meets OSHA regs

Updated Sep 13, 2019

Porta Potty Construction Site Graphic

Yes, OSHA has regulations even for that, and if you pride yourself on following the letter and spirit of the agency’s law, here are the most important details:

  • One toilet for 20 or fewer employees.
  • If you have more than 20 employees, one toilet seat and one urinal per 40 employees.
  • One seat and one urinal per 50 workers, if you have 200 or more employees on site.
  • Toilets must be within a 10-minute walk.
  • Key-only toilet access is not permitted without good reason.
  • Portable toilets must be gender specific.

There is also an “interpretation” in the standard that states that your portable toilets must be “sanitary.” OSHA doesn’t define this specifically or do germ counts, but err on the side of caution. Fines for first violations could cost $12,675. It’s all spelled out in OSHA Standard 1926.51. Your crews will thank you.

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