Construction Site Restroom Planning Guide

Every construction site in Richmond needs proper sanitation facilities for workers. Beyond being a practical necessity, providing adequate restrooms is required by law. This guide covers OSHA requirements, how to calculate your needs, and best practices for maintaining construction site restrooms.

OSHA Sanitation Requirements

OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1926.51 establishes sanitation standards for construction sites. Key requirements include:

• Toilet facilities must be provided for employees
• Minimum number of toilets based on crew size
• Facilities must be maintained in sanitary condition
• Hand washing or hand sanitizing capability must be available

Failure to comply can result in OSHA citations and fines, so it's important to understand and meet these requirements.

How Many Units Does Your Site Need?

OSHA's minimum requirements based on the number of employees:

Number of Employees	Minimum Toilets Required
1-20	1
21-40	1 per 40 workers
41-80	1 per 40 workers
81-200	1 per 50 workers
Over 200	1 per 50 workers

These are minimums. For better worker satisfaction and productivity, consider adding more units, especially for:

• Sites with multiple work areas spread out
• Projects with subcontractors bringing additional workers
• Sites where workers can't easily access units from all areas

Placement Best Practices

Where you put portable toilets on a construction site matters:

• Accessible location: Workers shouldn't have to walk too far from work areas
• Clear access: Position for easy service truck access during regular maintenance
• Away from hazards: Don't place near heavy equipment paths or material storage
• Level ground: Stable, flat surface prevents tipping and makes use more comfortable
• Consider phases: Plan to relocate units as the project progresses and work areas shift

Service and Maintenance

Construction site portable toilets need regular servicing to remain functional and sanitary:

• Standard service: Once per week for most job sites
• High-traffic sites: Twice per week for larger crews or heavy use
• Service includes: Pumping waste tank, cleaning interior, restocking supplies, checking for repairs
• Emergency service: Available if problems arise between scheduled visits

Winter Considerations

Richmond winters can bring freezing temperatures. To keep units functional:

• We use antifreeze additives in the holding tanks
• Units are built to withstand cold weather
• Service continues throughout winter months
• Report any freeze-related issues for prompt attention

Hand Washing Options

OSHA requires hand washing or hand sanitizing capability. Options include:

• Hand sanitizer dispensers: Included with standard construction units
• Standalone hand wash stations: Provides running water and soap
• Upgraded units: Some deluxe units include built-in hand wash stations

For sites where workers handle hazardous materials or where hand sanitizer isn't sufficient, standalone hand wash stations with running water are recommended.

← Back to Blog