Worst weather you've serviced porta potties in during November?

Question

We had an early snowstorm hit a construction site last November, dropping about six inches overnight. The contractor wanted the standard units serviced anyway because they had thirty guys on site. The ground was a mix of frozen mud and slush, and my vacuum truck slid trying to get close. I had to drag the hose through the snow, and the tank openings were iced shut. Had to chip them open with a pry bar. The deodorizer was practically frozen solid. Anyone else deal with November weather surprises? What's the worst conditions you've serviced in this month?

Luis A. · Answer

The worst November weather I've serviced in was a windstorm with 60 mph gusts that blew two standard units over. My ranch is 40 miles from the nearest rental company, so I had to handle it myself. The holding tanks had spilled, and the deodorizer was strewn across the pasture. I had to upright the units, secure them with extra staking and tie-downs, and wait for the next service visit to get them pumped properly.

For construction sites, OSHA 1926.51 requires one toilet per 20 or fewer workers, so 30 guys would need at least two units. Weekly service is the norm, but bad weather like ice or snow can delay it. Frozen tank openings are common here in Montana; I keep a small propane torch in my truck to thaw them instead of chipping, which can damage the plastic. Wind is a bigger issue than snow for me, cattle knock units around if they're not anchored well. Long delivery distances and difficult access drive up costs, not the weather itself.

Worst weather you've serviced porta potties in during November?

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