Running a construction project in Jacksonville means ensuring your crew has access to proper sanitation facilities. Beyond being a basic workplace necessity, providing adequate restrooms is required by OSHA regulations. Here's what you need to know.
OSHA Requirements Overview
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has clear guidelines for sanitation facilities at construction sites. Understanding these requirements helps you stay compliant and keep your workers comfortable.
Key OSHA Standard: Construction employers must provide toilet facilities at job sites where permanent restrooms are not available. The number of facilities required depends on the number of workers on site.
How Many Units Do You Need?
OSHA's general guidelines for toilet facilities on construction sites:
- 1-20 employees: 1 toilet seat and 1 urinal
- 21-40 employees: 2 toilet seats and 2 urinals
- 41-60 employees: 3 toilet seats and 3 urinals
- Over 60 employees: 1 additional toilet seat and urinal per 20 employees
Standard portable toilets typically count as one toilet seat each. For most Jacksonville construction sites, one unit per 10-15 workers is a practical guideline.
Placement Best Practices
Where you position portable toilets on your job site matters for both compliance and practicality:
- Accessibility: Units should be reasonably accessible to all work areas—workers shouldn't have to travel excessive distances
- Service access: Leave at least a 10-foot clear path for service trucks to reach units
- Level ground: Place units on stable, level surfaces when possible
- Away from active work: Position units away from active construction zones for safety
- Visibility: Keep units visible to supervisors while maintaining some privacy
Servicing Schedule
Clean facilities keep workers satisfied and meet sanitation requirements. For construction sites:
- Weekly service is standard for most sites with normal usage
- Twice-weekly may be needed for high-traffic sites or smaller crew-to-unit ratios
- Daily service is available for large crews or when required by project specifications
Each service visit includes waste pumping, interior cleaning, sanitizing, and restocking supplies.
Multi-Contractor Sites
When multiple contractors share a Jacksonville job site, coordination is important:
- Determine who is responsible for providing and servicing units
- Calculate total on-site worker count across all contractors
- Consider peak days when multiple trades overlap
- Communicate servicing schedules so all parties know when units will be maintained
Jacksonville-Specific Considerations
Florida's climate and Jacksonville's local conditions affect construction site sanitation:
- Heat: Jacksonville summers are hot—consider shaded placement when possible
- Rain: Position units on ground that won't become muddy during heavy rain
- Hurricanes: Secure or remove units when severe weather is approaching
Quick Checklist
Before your Jacksonville construction project begins, confirm:
- Number of workers who will be on site at peak times
- Adequate units ordered (1 per 10-15 workers minimum)
- Placement locations identified with service truck access
- Servicing schedule arranged (weekly minimum)
- ADA units included if required by project or crew needs