Porta Potty Forum

Snow plow on our parking lot job is going to bury the porta potty this winter. Where should it sit before the snow starts?

Tyler R.asked 0 viewsConstruction & Job SitesWinterSnowPlacementConstructionStandard unitDamage

We're redoing the storefronts on a strip center and the job runs through March. Crew of 9, one standard unit and a handwash station in the back corner of the lot, which happens to be right where the lot's plow guy stacks snow.

Last winter on a different job the plow pushed a bank up against the door and my guys had to shovel it out before anyone could get in. Another time the blade clipped a corner of the unit and cracked the base.

Trying to get ahead of it this year. Is it smarter to move the unit up against the building wall, or out on a curbed island where the plow can't reach it? Should it be staked or strapped down for wind and snow load? And if the plow contractor damages it, does that land on us or on them? Anyone dealt with this setup before?

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Deb K.Akron, OH

Place the standard unit and handwash station on a curbed island where the plow can't reach it. That keeps them clear of snow piles and blade strikes. Avoid putting them against the building wall, because plows often push snow right up to the foundation and you'll have the same door-blocking problem.

Stake and strap both units down for wind and snow load. A plow blade can catch a corner and tip an unsecured unit, and heavy snow drifts put weight on the roof. Use the heavy-duty staking straps your rental company provides, not rope or bungees.

If the plow contractor damages the unit, it usually lands on them if you can prove it was their equipment that hit it. Take photos of the placement before snow starts, and note any existing damage on your rental agreement. Your contract might have a damage waiver that shifts repair costs to the rental company, but they'll still want to know who caused it.

For a crew of 9, one standard unit meets OSHA 1926.51, which requires one toilet for 20 or fewer workers. Service stays weekly through winter, but the handwash station will need antifreeze or swapping when it freezes.

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