Porta potties on job sites: OSHA basics for Florida contractors

Sanitation isn’t the glamorous part of running a job site, but it’s one of the easiest compliance boxes to check — and one of the cheapest ways to keep a crew happy. Here’s the short version of what the rules expect, and how to stay covered without thinking about it.

The headcount rule

OSHA’s construction sanitation standard (29 CFR 1926.51) requires toilets on site, scaled to crew size. The working rule of thumb: one unit per 10 workers on a 40-hour week. 20 or fewer workers needs at least one toilet; beyond that, add capacity as the crew grows. Under-providing shows up fast — in morale, in lost time walking off-site, and in inspections.

Don’t forget hand-washing

Crews handling concrete, treated lumber, or fuels need a way to wash up before lunch and at day’s end. A freestanding wash station next to your units covers it — self-contained fresh water, soap, and towels, restocked on every service visit.

Service schedule matters as much as count

A properly sized site with neglected units is still a problem site. Every Patty’s rental is on a weekly cleaning route — pumped, sanitized, and restocked on the same day each week. Busy site or summer heat? We’ll bump you to twice-weekly. And if a unit gets tipped or damaged, our 24-hour emergency line gets it swapped fast, usually same day.

Make it one call, not a chore

Tell us your crew size and project timeline and we’ll spec the count, set the route, and move units as your phases progress. Multi-unit sites get discounts, and monthly billing is available for contractor accounts. That’s (850) 769-POTI — one call and sanitation is off your to-do list.