Crane-lifted porta potty: what special prep does it need?

Question

We are starting a three-story commercial building in downtown. The crew will be on the roof for six weeks. The street is too narrow for a crane to swing a unit onto the roof from the ground, so we are lifting it with a smaller crane from the fifth floor up. The unit is a [standard unit](https://portapotty.forum/glossary/standard-unit/). It will be exposed to wind up there.

I need to know what special prep a unit needs for a crane lift. Are there designated tie-down points on a standard unit? Do I need to ask the rental company for a reinforced model? What about securing it on the rooftop? The crew is 12 guys. They will not have access to ground-level units once the lift is done.

What are the structural requirements for a lifted unit?

Marcus B. · Answer

A standard portable toilet needs structural reinforcement for a crane lift and a custom rigging harness to distribute the load evenly. The rental company must approve the lift and may provide a reinforced unit designed for rooftop placement. A standard unit has no designated tie-down points for a crane, so you cannot lift it by its roof handles or frame alone.

You need a four-point nylon sling harness that wraps under the unit's base and connects to the crane hook. The rental company may have these harnesses or require you to source one. The unit must be completely empty of waste and fresh water before the lift to minimize weight and prevent sloshing. Secure all doors and internal components.

On the rooftop, the unit requires permanent staking and tie-downs to resist wind uplift. Anchor it to the roof structure, not just the surface. For a crew of 12, one standard unit meets the OSHA 1926.51 minimum for 20 or fewer workers. Plan the service with the rental company; the vacuum truck cannot reach the roof, so you will need a crane for each service visit, which increases the cost.

Crane-lifted porta potty: what special prep does it need?

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