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Reference: what OSHA 1926.51 actually says about toilets, urinals, water and washing on a job site

Hector V.asked 2 viewsConstruction & Job SitesOshaConstruction siteOsha 1926 51Ada cluster ruleHandwash station

OSHA 1926.51(c) sets the minimum number of toilets and urinals required on construction sites based on worker count. For 20 or fewer workers, one toilet. For 20 to 199 workers, one toilet seat and one urinal per 40 workers. For 200 or more workers, one toilet seat and one urinal per 50 workers. Mobile crews with transportation readily available to nearby facilities are exempt.

Standard units are the most common for job sites. They are non-flushing with a holding tank, require weekly service visits for pumping and restocking, and must be on level ground with truck access for the vacuum truck.

ADA-compliant units are required by the ADA cluster rule when you have a cluster of portable toilets. They provide wheelchair turning space and meet accessibility standards.

Handwashing stations are also required by OSHA 1926.51(f). They must provide potable water, soap, and single-use towels or air dryers. Each toilet location must have a handwashing facility nearby.

For long-term sites, consider deluxe units with flushing bowls and sinks or restroom trailers for larger crews. These need more frequent service, power, and water hookups. Post any questions below.

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Deb K.Akron, OH

A lot of people miss that the standard requires a handwash station for every toilet location, not just one for the whole site. I've pulled up to a big site with twenty standard units and one lonely handwash station at the entrance, which doesn't cut it. The rule is specific: potable water, soap, and a way to dry hands at each grouping of toilets. Another thing I see is foremen putting a standard unit right at the 20-worker mark. At 21 workers, you need two toilet seats and a urinal. That's a common trip-up in the math.

0
Ray M.Dallas, TX

Deb's right about the handwash station count, but the bigger headache is water freezing. OSHA 1926.51(f) says the water must be 'potable and suitable for drinking,' but in winter, that water freezes solid in the handwash station tank. The standard doesn't have a winter exception. On a long-term site, we either have to swap them out for a fresh, thawed unit every service, or the contractor has to provide a heated, plumbed facility. A lot of guys think they can just skip the handwash station when it's cold, but that's a violation. The inspector will write it up.

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