OSHA Regulations for Portable Toilets in Reading, PA

If you operate a construction site or other type of job site, you have probably heard of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Labor that regulates operations at the workplace.

The rules OSHA creates are designed to maintain the health and safety of employees while on the job. Since the improper disposal of human waste can lead to health concerns and biohazards, sanitation is one workplace operation that OSHA has strict regulations regarding.

OSHA mandates that all employers must provide adequate toilet facilities for their workers. On construction or mobile sites, this likely means portable toilets in Reading, PA. Understanding these regulations will keep your employees safe and help you avoid hefty fines.

Specific portable toilet regulations for jobs sites

OSHA doesn’t just mandate that you provide toilet facilities for your workers. The number of mandated toilet facilities increases with the number of employees you have working at one time, and there are also a number of other related regulations you’ll need to adhere to. Here are some of the most important ones to know.

First, you’ll need to ensure you have the proper number of portable toilets available. On construction sites, specifically, the rules are as follows:

• One toilet for 20 employees or less
• One toilet and one urinal per 40 workers if you have 20 employees or more
• One toilet and one urinal per 50 workers if you have 200 workers or more

OSHA mandates different numbers of portable toilets for other types of job sites, as well as evidence that your company cannot provide sewer-based toilet facilities.

Portable toilets must also be readily available to your workers, meaning they need to be in a close proximity to the area they will be working. While there is some debate on what exactly this means, you should aim to have toilets within 10 minutes of your workers at all times.

Portable toilets must be well ventilated and lit for safe use. They also must be maintained regularly to the point of healthy sanitation. OSHA does not regulate how often portable toilets should be cleaned, but best practice says to have each toilet emptied and cleaned at least once a week for 10 users and twice a week for more users.

Finally, you must provide hand washing stations for your employees near the sanitation facilities, complete with soap and running water, or offer antibacterial cleansers like hand sanitizer.

Don’t compromise your employees’ safety… or your wallet

Employers face hefty fines from OSHA if they do not maintain sanitary and available portable toilet facilities for their employees. It could cost you thousands of dollars per day if it’s your first offense, and much more for repeat offenses.

Fortunately, renting portable toilets in Reading, PA for your job site is easy! Scotties Potties is your go-to rental company and service provider of porta potties that meet OSHA regulations. We offer a variety of options, including porta potties, accessible rentable toilets and comfort trailers. We also offer routine service for all our rentals so they stay clean and comfortable. Call us today to get a quote!

Categorised in: Portable Toilets

This post was written by Writer