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OSHA 1926.51: does it cover subcontractor workers separately?

Hector V.asked 1 viewConstruction & Job SitesOsha 1926 51Long term rentalSubcontractorsSite planningAda cluster rule

OSHA 1926.51 counts all workers on the construction site, regardless of employer. Your general contractor crew and the three subcontractor crews are all included in the total headcount for portable toilet minimums.

The OSHA standard aggregates workers. The rule says 'employees' without distinguishing between GC and subs. It is the total number of workers present at the site during the workday. You must add your crew and all subcontractor crews to determine the required number of units.

You provide the facilities. As the general contractor or controlling employer, you are responsible for providing the required sanitation facilities for everyone on site. The subs do not bring their own units unless specified in a contract, but the OSHA count and provision duty fall on you.

Plan for the peak count. Use the highest number of workers expected on site at one time. For a site with 200 to 380 workers, OSHA 1926.51 requires one toilet seat and one urinal per 50 workers. That means for 200 workers, you need four toilet seats and four urinals. For 380 workers, you need eight toilet seats and eight urinals.

Place your units on level ground with clear truck access for weekly service. Use a mix of standard units and ADA-compliant units to meet the ADA 5 percent cluster rule. Add handwash stations with soap and water. Order service visits based on crew size and heat.

Anybody run into pushback from subs on sharing units or had a site inspection?

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Deb K.Akron, OH

OSHA 1926.51 counts all workers on the construction site, regardless of employer. Your general contractor crew and the three subcontractor crews are all included in the total headcount for portable toilet minimums.

The OSHA standard aggregates workers. The rule says 'employees' without distinguishing between GC and subs. It is the total number of workers present at the site during the workday. You must add your crew and all subcontractor crews to determine the required number of units.

You provide the facilities. As the general contractor or controlling employer, you are responsible for providing the required sanitation facilities for everyone on site. The subs do not bring their own units unless specified in a contract, but the OSHA count and provision duty fall on you.

Plan for the peak count. Use the highest number of workers expected on site at one time. For a site with 200 to 380 workers, OSHA 1926.51 requires one toilet seat and one urinal per 50 workers. That means for 200 workers, you need four toilet seats and four urinals. For 380 workers, you need eight toilet seats and eight urinals.

Place your units on level ground with clear truck access for weekly service. Use a mix of standard units and ADA-compliant units to meet the ADA 5 percent cluster rule. Add handwash stations with soap and water. Order service visits based on crew size and heat.

Anybody run into pushback from subs on sharing units or had a site inspection?

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