Porta Potty Forum

High-rise site: what's the backup if service elevator is unavailable?

Hector V.asked 1 viewConstruction & Job SitesHigh rise unitService visitTruck accessHolding tankVacuum truck

We're 20 stories up on a downtown Phoenix tower. I've got six standard units and one ADA-compliant unit for a crew of 120. The service elevator is our only way down, and it's down for maintenance every other week. The rental company's vacuum truck can't reach us without it. I need a plan B for when the elevator is unavailable and the holding tanks are full. Do you pump into containers and carry them down manually? Do you switch to a different type of unit that's easier to handle? What's the backup plan on your high-rise sites?

1 answer

Sorted by votes
0
Ray M.Dallas, TX

The backup plan is to schedule service visits on days the service elevator is confirmed to be operational, or to switch to a different unit type that is lighter and can be disassembled for manual transport. A high-rise unit is the standard solution: it is a standard portable toilet designed to be broken down into sections, each under 50 pounds, so workers can carry it down stairs or a passenger elevator. The holding tank is separate and can be emptied into sealed containers on-site if necessary, though this is labor-intensive and requires proper waste handling gear. Your setup meets OSHA 1926.51 for 120 workers, which requires three toilet seats and three urinals, your six standard units cover that, plus the ADA-compliant unit for the 5 percent cluster rule. Servicing frequency may need to increase in Phoenix heat, as higher temperatures accelerate waste breakdown and odor. Discuss a high-rise unit rental with your provider; they are built for this scenario and avoid the elevator dependency.

Your answer

Log in or create a free account to answer this question.