High-rise crane lift: what's the weight limit for a standard porta potty?

A standard portable toilet weighs about 200 pounds empty and up to 1,000 pounds when full. The holding tank capacity is 50 to 70 gallons, and water weighs about 8.3 pounds per gallon. A full tank adds 415 to 580 pounds to the base weight.

Tell your crane operator the lifting weight. For a standard unit, plan for a full weight of 1,000 pounds. Add the weight of the lifting harness or rigging. The crane's capacity must exceed this total. The operator needs to know the center of gravity shifts as the tank fills.

Use a high-rise unit for crane lifts. High-rise units are reinforced for lifting. They have steel frames and strong anchor points. A standard unit can crack or deform if lifted by its roof or walls. The rental company supplies the correct rigging.

Coordinate the service schedule with the lift. A full unit is heavy and a spill is a hazard. Schedule the lift right after a service visit. The vacuum truck empties the tank on the ground. A lighter unit is safer to lift.

Place the unit on the deck with level ground and secure it from wind. On a 30-story site, plan for weekly service. The crew will complain if it overflows. Ask me about rigging points or servicing a tower.