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Our crew grew from 25 to 40. Do we need a second porta potty now?

Hector V.asked 0 viewsConstruction & Job SitesOsha 1926 51Service frequencyLong term rentalClusterStandard unit

Our crew grew from 25 to 40. Do we need a second porta potty now? We have one standard portable toilet on site. The crew works a standard 8-hour shift, Monday through Friday, on a commercial building site. The unit is placed on level ground near the access road, so the vacuum truck can reach it every Thursday for service. I heard OSHA has a rule about the number of toilets per worker. I want to stay compliant and avoid a citation.

Does OSHA 1926.51 require a second unit for 40 workers? Is it one unit per 40 people, or do we need a urinal too? Should I order another standard unit or consider a deluxe unit with a sink?

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Ray M.Dallas, TX

Yes, you need a second portable toilet. OSHA 1926.51 requires one toilet and one urinal for every 40 workers when your crew size is between 20 and 199. With 40 workers, you are at the threshold where a single standard unit is no longer sufficient.

The rule specifies a toilet seat *and* a urinal per 40 workers. For compliance, you can meet this by adding a second standard portable toilet. A separate portable urinal is another option, but a second standard unit is the common choice because it provides an additional toilet seat. Your weekly service visit on Thursday should continue for both units. The cost for the second unit is driven by the monthly rental rate and the added service.

A deluxe unit with a sink is not required by OSHA, but it can improve sanitation if you pair it with a handwash station. The main advantage is the built-in sink, though it requires more frequent service because the fresh water tank needs refilling. Order the second unit to avoid a citation and keep your crew compliant.

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