OSHA 1926.51: Do night shift workers require separate porta potties?

OSHA 1926.51 does not require separate portable toilets for day and night shifts. The standard counts total workers on site at a given time, not by shift. For your site with 60 day workers and 40 night workers, the peak count is 60. You need two standard units: one toilet seat per 20 workers up to 200, so 60 workers require three seats, but a standard unit counts as one seat and one urinal per 40 workers. Two units cover 80 workers.

Service frequency drives cleanliness. Shared units between shifts mean more use per day. Weekly service may not be enough. Order service twice a week, or add a third unit. Night crews will complain if they get a unit that was used all day and not serviced.

Place the units where both crews can reach them. Put them on level ground near the entrance, not locked in a day-work area. The service truck needs clear access every service day. Staking is critical if you have wind.

Consider a deluxe unit or restroom trailer if you have budget. A flushing unit with a sink keeps crews happier, especially with night work. But it costs more to rent and service. An ADA-compliant unit is required if you have any cluster of units, by the ADA 5 percent cluster rule.

Post your site layout or service schedule if you want a gut check.