ANSI Portable Restroom Standards

October 7, 2022 Mike Kinney Sanitation Comments Off

One of the most basic urgencies of the human body is the need to relieve oneself through urination or a bowel movement. When this happens, and you are not at home, you need access to some type of facility in order to take care of business. Portable restrooms are often the option available for this purpose, especially in outdoor settings. OSHA mandates certain requirements related to portable restrooms and their use. The ANSI standard offers even more strict guidelines. We look at some of these below. At On Site Companies, we are your source for a variety of portable restroom options to accommodate the needs of your guests, employees, or other persons.

OSHA Requirements

OSHA 29 CFR 1926.51 specifies the minimum number of lavatories to be present on a site based on the number of workers at the site. For example, only one portable restroom is required if 20 or fewer workers are onsite. When 20 or more workers are onsite, employees must have access to 1 urinal and 1 toilet seat for every 40 workers. When over 200 workers are present, the manager of the site must provide 1 urinal and 1 toilet set for every 50 workers.

ANSI Standards

The OSHA standard must be followed in the United States. The ANSI standards offer more stringent guidelines. For example, ANSI/PSAI Z4.3-2016 – Sanitation – Nonsewered Waste-Disposal Systems provide a minimum requirement of 1 toilet facility per 10 employees. This changes to 1 toilet facility per 15 employees if the facilities are serviced more than one time per week. In addition, these numbers apply to each gender. So there would have to be 1 toilet per 10 males and 1 toilet per 10 females.

The ANSI/PSAI Z4.3-2016 standard does not specify the type of facility to be used. It allows for the use of plastic portable restrooms or mobile trailers or skid-mounted or prefabricated, portable structures, as long as they include self-closing doors, sufficient space inside, and a finish which is easy to clean. Also, if it is not feasible to find a portable toilet room, and if adequate privacy is provided, portable toilet facilities may be installed without a structure.

Even though the ANSI/PSAI Z4.3-2016 standard was originally created for construction sites, later versions of the standard provide more in-depth guidelines for other venues such as playground and parks. By adhering the ANSI standard for portable restrooms, one can help ensure their successful and safe application at a particular site.

To learn about the various portable restroom options we offer at On Site Companies, call us today at 800.210.8407 or contact us by email at sales@onsiteco.com.

What Are Portable Shower Trailers?

October 6, 2022 Mike Kinney Sanitation Comments Off

Portable shower trailers are ideal when you need a solution for guests or employees who have been exposed to heat and sweat, or dirty conditions of some nature and want to clean up and freshen up before leaving the premises. They are ideal for many types of venues, including construction sites, weddings, and other occasions. At On Site Companies, we are your source for convenient, clean, and efficiently operating portable shower trailers.

Benefits of Portable Shower Trailers

Shower trailers placed at events provide attendees the comfort and convenience they prefer in order to clean up after exposure to the heat for long periods of time and any accompanying smells that produces. These shower trailers also promote a clean environment as they collect waster properly so it may be disposed of properly. Providing the ability to engage in personal hygiene, these shower trailers help prevent the spread viruses and bacteria, which is essential at events where people shake hands, hug, and handle food.

Portable shower trailers provide the following:

A Place to Clean Up

-A portable shower trailer is ideal for places in which workers come into contact with materials which may be harmful if left on a person’s skin. This may include contact with animal feces on farms or other substances. Portable shower trailers allow workers to wash off these substances quickly and thoroughly.

Comforts of Home

– Portable shower trailers provide users with an almost at-home-experience. This is beneficial for campers, construction workers, festival-goers, and others who can clean up in a normal manner as they would at home.

Flexibility

– Portable shower trailers are easy to install and may be placed on any type of flat surface at your site. They provide the flexibility of being highly mobile. They are easy to disconnect and move to another location onsite as needed. You can rent these unit over the short or long term, as required.

Privacy

– Portable shower trailers provide the privacy that guests, employees, and others want when taking a shower. They are enclosed from the public view and provide complete privacy to the user.

Convenience and Time-savings

– With portable shower trailers on site, you provide workers and others who need to remain onsite after showering with the convenience and speed of cleaning up right there onsite, instead of taking extra time to go home and shower or find some other facility offsite.

Our Selection of Portable Restroom Shower Trailers

We offer various options when it comes to portable restroom shower trailers, including 2-stall, 5-stall, and 8-stall trailers. We have you covered with exceptional quality shower trailer options, whether you need them for a job site, home renovation project, disaster relief site, food festival, or some other event or function. These mobile shower trailers provide hot running water with other amenities in a private, clean space.

To learn about the portable shower trailer units we offer at On Site Companies, give us call today at 800.210.8407 or leave us by email at sales@onsiteco.com.

Long-term (Commercial) Portable Restroom Trailer Guide

October 3, 2022 Mike Kinney Sanitation Comments Off

There are various things to consider when you are searching for the right bathroom rental for a large and long-term event. If you have some type of business operation outdoors throughout the year, you may need some type of portable restroom facilities. It is so important to have these facilities for the comfort and convenience of your workers or event attendees. It demonstrates you appreciate their presence and participation in whatever form and it also meets their personal hygiene needs. Long term restroom trailers are ideal for construction sites and camp sites, or multi-day / multi-week events. We offer these long term rentals at On Site Companies.

The restroom experience for someone using a portable facility should revolve around accessibility, ease-of-use, and cleanliness. This is especially needed for long-term portable restrooms, in which the same individuals will be using the facilities over and over again.

Luxury Portable Restroom Trailers

You can use luxury portable restroom trailers as long term commercial portable restroom trailers. They function the same as a commercial indoor bathroom, except they are usually placed outdoors. They include flushing toilets, running water, sinks, soap or sanitizer, toilet paper, electricity, and often heating and air conditioning, among other possible amenities.

Benefits of Long-Term Portable Restroom Trailer Rentals

Long-term portable restroom trailers for commercial purposes provide many benefits, including:

Safety and Security

Portable restroom trailers help keep your guests, employees, or customers safe. These are solid mobile structures that are not easily moved or overturned during storms.

Sanitary

With facilities similar to a home bathroom, the conditions are sanitary, which is preferred by those who need to go to the bathroom in an outdoor setting.

Easy Setup

Long-term portable restroom trailers are easy to hook up. These units run by electricity and also hook up to the water supply.

Less Expensive that Renovation

Instead of having to renovate existing restrooms or build new ones, you can create a pleasant experience for your guests or others by renting portable restroom trailers. They can also be used temporarily while your existing bathroom facilities are undergoing renovation.

If commercial portable restroom trailers are rented on a long-term basis, they will require regularly scheduled pumping and cleaning/sanitation service. This ensure the restroom remains clean for us and the tank remains operational.

Trailer require access to water and electricity. These trailers use electricity to heat the water and cool the units inside.

Our luxury restroom trailers may be set up on grass or concrete surfaces.

To learn about the various portable restroom trailer options we offer which may be used on a long-term basis, give us a call today at 800.210.8407 or send an email to sales@onsiteco.com.

Portable Heater Safety in the Field

September 29, 2022 Mike Kinney Heating Comments Off

Portable, temporary heaters are used often on construction sites for various heating tasks, including thawing the ground, general drying purposes, providing warmth to workers, and concrete curing. These heaters serve these valuables purpose particularly in very cold winter temperatures. However, safety is always an important consideration with temporary heaters. Improper installation or use can lead to fires that cause injury or even death. At On Site Companies, we offer an array of portable heaters for construction projects.

Fires that result from temporary heating often occurs due to lack of proper clearance provided during installation. Direct-fired heaters which are fueled by natural gas, propane, or diesel are self-contained and unvented. They are used often on project sites and produce very intense heat that demands a certain amount of clearance for safety purposes – often about eight feet.

Safety Considerations for Portable Heaters in the Field

A good first step to safety with heaters in the field, as mentioned above, is providing sufficient clearance. However, clearance is not the only factor to keep in mind. Other important guidelines for portable heater safety include:

Temporary, portable heaters must be installed and operated per manufacturers’ instructions and used only for their intended purpose.
Only heaters approved or listed by a recognized testing agency such as UL/ULC or CSA should be used.
Safe installation and use should be based on a written operating procedure based on the instructions given by the manufacturer.
Adhere to all clearance, fuel type, and ventilation specifications indicated on the heater’s data plate.
Ensure the heaters you intend to use are covered by your insurance policy

If there are high concerns about fire safety and ventilation, you may consider using indirect-fired heaters instead which require the use of electricity to operate. They may not provide the efficiency of direct-fired heaters, but can provide a greater comfort level regarding ventilation and fire safety.

Fire Extinguishers for Safety

Because of the intense heat produced by these heaters, it is always necessary to have tools on hand to keep any fire under control. With the fire risk posed by these heaters, it is important to have multi-purpose fire extinguishers nearby on the construction site that can put out such fires. The rating on these extinguishers at a minimum should be 3A 10BC.

To learn about the various portable heating solutions we offer at On Site Companies, call us today at 800.210.8407 or leave us an email at sales@onsiteco.com.

What Are the Most Efficient Portable Heaters?

September 26, 2022 Mike Kinney Heating Comments Off

It is vital to ensure your construction project is properly equipped to move forward through the cold winter months. This will prevent unnecessary delays and ensure productivity. One important aspect of this involves the use of efficient portable heaters onsite. These heaters are necessary to thaw the ground and cure concrete in cold winter conditions. They can also be used for other purposes in which warmth is needed, for both equipment and personnel. At On Site Companies, we are your source for portable ground heaters that provide effective thawing and warmth for various types of construction project applications.

Below we cover the most efficient type of portable heater and others which are less efficient.

Direct Fired Heater – The Most Efficient Option

Direct fired heaters operate in similar fashion as a gas stove or grill. The fuel used by these heaters is burned to produce the heat. The air is heated as it is forced directly through the flame. Because the fuel is burned for the purpose of heating the air with these heaters, they provide a highly efficient method of heating. The energy efficiency of these heaters makes them powerful pieces of equipment, able to produce BTU levels much higher than indirect-fired heaters of comparable size.

Electric Heaters

If electrical outlets are accessible at the construction site, electric heaters are an option to consider. They can be ideal for large, open areas. They may not be the most flexible option to use when outlets are not available in certain areas of a construction site. But they are able to produce about 6000 watts of energy which equates to more than 20,000 BTUs.

Convection Heaters

Many portable heaters use the convection form of heating which warms up the air throughout a space. They are flexible and able to increase the air temperature in a room about two to three times faster than it takes for an equivalent radiant heater to do the same thing.

Indirect Fired Heaters

Among the least efficient portable heaters, indirect heaters do have the advantage of warming the air and discharging it clean and without carbon dioxide. This makes them safe to use in smaller spaces.

For information about the various types of portable heaters we offer for construction sites, call us today at 800.210.8407 or drop us an email at sales@onsiteco.com.

How Often Should I Get My Septic Tank Pumped?

September 22, 2022 Mike Kinney Septic Comments Off

Septic systems manage and dispose of household drain waste in a natural, environmentally-friendly, and safe way that differs from how a sewer system handles waste. It is crucial to properly maintain and care for septic systems to ensure their proper function over the course of several years. Generally speaking, a septic tank should be pumped every 2 to 5 years on average. The specific frequency of pumping required depends on various factors. At On Site Companies, we have your septic tank pumping needs covered.

Size of Septic Tank and Household

The size of the septic tank is one important factor in determining how often it should be pumped. Septic tanks are often in the range of 1,000 to 2,000 gallons in size. For example, if you have a 1,000 gallon septic tank with 4 members in the household, the tank should be pumped about once every 2.6 years. For a 2,000 gallon tank and the same household of 4, the tank may only need to be pumped once every 5 years.

Soaps and Chemicals Used Regularly

The types of cleaners, soaps, and chemical you use in your home and the frequency and amount of their use can also influence how often septic pumping should be done. The use of too many harsh chemicals over time will kill the bacteria in your septic tank, preventing the bacteria from doing its job and preventing build-up in the tank.

The biggest factors determining the frequency of septic tank pumping are the level of sludge and scum which have accumulated in the tank. When scum has accumulated close to 6 inches thick at the top of the tank or when the sludge level at the bottom of the tank reaches 1 foot, it is time to pump the tank.

Septic tank maintenance is not expensive compared to the cost of repair and replacement that may occur if proper tank maintenance is not performed when needed. With the general knowledge that most septic tanks require pumping about every 2 to 5 years, consult with a septic tank pumping professional to ensure you obtain the proper cleaning and pumping your tank needs.

For information about our septic tank pumping services, call us today at 800.210.8407 or contact us by email at sales@onsiteco.com.

Septic Inspection Guide

September 19, 2022 Mike Kinney Septic Comments Off

A septic tank functions as part of a system, and is susceptible to failure. Prior to purchasing a home, the homebuyers should definitely have the septic tank inspected as part of a general property inspection. Below we cover some aspects of septic inspections, including the reasons for an inspection, the cost of an inspection, and the inspection process. At On Site Companies, we provide thorough septic tank pumping services for homeowners and businesses.

The Reasons for a Septic Tank Inspection

Septic tanks require inspection for the following reasons:

An inspection determines the capacity of the tank (if unknown) and if it complies with sewer requirements
An inspection identifies any problems with the tank, helping to avoid more expensive repairs or replacements, if the issues are left to fester.
An inspection identifies any current health risks associated with the tank, indicated by slow drainage, wet areas of the lawn, or bad odor around toilets.

Septic Tank Inspection Cost

The cost of a septic tank inspection will vary based on the level of the inspection, house location, and pumping rate in the region. The depth of the tank also affects the cost. Other services such as removal of the tank lid may add to the cost. The homebuyer usually pays for the septic tank inspection.

Septic Tank Inspection Process

A septic tank inspection may involve a visual inspection and/or a comprehensive inspection.

Visual Inspection

A professional visual inspection will include a house inspection in which the inspector asks general questions about the septic system’s maintenance. The inspector may record how often the tank has been pumped and the age of the home. The inspector will also test home appliances, run the water, and flush the toilets in the home. He or she will also perform a drainage test and check pressure levels. The inspector will also inspect the drainfield visually, noting if any stagnant water is present.

Comprehensive Inspection

With a full or comprehensive inspection, the inspector will focus on the entire septic system, including the septic tank. The inspection will include performing a drainage test, removing the cover of the tank and checking water levels. Using a water level analysis, the inspector will grade the drainage effectiveness of the tank.

The professional will perform a septic tank test to check the backflow from the tank’s absorption area. If there is blockage, there may be an issue with the drain field. The inspector will also perform a water flow test by running the water from the tap to see if it travels to the tank. This may involve placing a dye in the water to see how much of the dyed water reaches the tank. A greater water flow to the tank indicates an effective flowing system.

To learn about the septic tank pumping services we offer at On Site Companies, call us today at 800.210.8407 or drop us a message by email at sales@onsiteco.com.

The Safety Impacts of Portable Restrooms

September 16, 2022 Mike Kinney Sanitation Comments Off

Portable restrooms provide an array of benefits to the user. One the major benefits is serving as a safe, private space to relieve oneself instead of having to search for a bathroom off premises or using nearby woods or bushes for that purpose. At On Site Companies, we offer various types of portable restroom options that are safe and reliable for the public.

Let’s look at the safety impacts of portable restrooms in terms of how they affect humans and the environment.

Human Safety

Properly maintained portable restrooms and toilets prevents disease from spreading from person to person. These portable bathrooms are often treated with products that mitigate foul smells and the growth of parasites from human waste.

Portable restrooms used at events where food is served which also include handwashing with soap of sanitizer helps reduce the spread of illness and disease. If long-term portable restrooms are used, then service personnel may also clean and disinfect the units from time to time, further preventing the spread of bacteria and disease among individuals.

Environmental Safety

Human waste can travel through the environment and be a source of toxicity to wildlife. It can travel on the wings of insects, the hooves and paws of animals, and by human shoes. Clean portable restrooms prevent this environmental issue form occurring in parks, campgrounds, construction project sites, outdoor wedding venues, and other outdoor functions and gatherings.

If human feces are not disposed of properly they have the potential to contaminate bodies of water in close proximity. Some pathogens in this waste flourish in cold water and have the potential to spread diseases. Whether portable restrooms are spread out in various locations on a property or place in a centralized location, it is vital that human waste they contain is properly eliminated. Both portable restrooms and restroom trailers with toilets that flush and running water help ensure this is done.

At On Site Companies, we offer numerous options in portable restrooms and luxury restroom trailers to help keep both people and the environment protected from disease.

For more information about the portable restroom solutions we offer, call us today at 800.210.8407 or send an email to sales@onsiteco.com.

What are Portable Restroom Trailers?

September 6, 2022 Mike Kinney Sanitation Comments Off

If you are hosting any type of outdoor event, it is imperative that you ensure your guests are well taken care of, including when it comes to their most personal needs that are usually addressed in a restroom. This can be done by renting portable restroom trailers. These trailers offer more than the typical standalone bathroom stall. They come with an array of amenities that simulate what you may find inside a residential home or commercial building. At On Site Companies, we offer an array of portable restroom trailers for the comfort, quality, and convenience of your guests or workers.

You can have portable restroom trailers dropped off and positioned at the site of your gathering or event before the day they are needed, ensuring that everyone who needs to can use the bathroom and take care of business.

Features of Portable Restroom Trailers

Modern portable restroom trailers offer a variety of important amenities and features for the user, including running sinks, urinals, toilets, and climate-controlled environments, to mention a few. Some come with multiple stalls and urinals per unit. The sinks are located near mirrors and soap dispensers. They have lighting and some have wheelchair access. They are also stocked with supplies.

Clean and Safe Portable Restroom Trailers

Your portable restroom trailer rentals will arrive clean and disinfected with hospital-grade supplies. Once your
event is over, they will be picked up and then cleaned and disinfected again. You don’t have to clean the units yourself.Renting portable restroom trailers ensures that every person onsite has access to a clean bathroom. They can feel confident that these portable bathrooms are safe for themselves and their children. The toilets will work and the water will run. There will be soap to wash their hands in addition to paper towels to dry their hands.

These portable bathroom trailers also provide ample space in which to move around. They are easy to access and can often accommodate multiple people at once.

Portable restroom trailers can also be used for long-term rentals as well. Common applications include commercial construction renovations, home remodels, and various industrial applications that leave workers without a restroom.

To learn about the various portable restroom trailers we offer at On Site Companies, give us a call today 800.210.8407or reach us by email at sales@onsiteco.com.

Common Myths About Portable Restrooms Debunked

September 2, 2022 Mike Kinney Community Outreach, Global Initiative, Sanitation Comments Off

Many ideas you may or may not have been told about portable restrooms are not necessarily factual. There are a number of misconceptions about these pieces of equipment that ought to be cleared up. At On Site Companies, we offer an array of portable restroom solutions designed for many types of outdoor settings and events so today we would like to address some of these ideas.

Myth #1: Portable Restrooms Will Look Bad at a Formal or Upscale Event

Portable luxury restroom trailers provide amenities that go beyond those of the typical, standard portable restroom. These may include air conditioning and heating, faux wood flooring, Formica marbled sinks or countertops, oak cabinets, and more. Some of them feature multiple stalls to handle multiple persons at a time.

Myth #2: Portable Restrooms are Unsanitary and Smelly

A big misconception is that all portable restrooms are unsanitary. While some mobile bathrooms of the past may have fallen into this category much of the time, our new portable restrooms, including luxury portable units, are designed with quality and user experience in mind including features such as: running water, sanitizers or soap dispensers, flushable toilets, easy-to-clean surfaces, and vents to control odors.

Myth #3: You Can’t Wash Your Hands in a Portable Restroom

Another misconception is that portable bathrooms lack any accessory for washing the hands. However, that is largely false. All standard units include hand sanitizers at a minimum. Other luxury models feature running water sinks. In other cases, portable hand washing units are placed outside of bathrooms that can be used.

Myth #4: Portable Restrooms Are Only for Festivals and Construction Sites

Another myth is that portable restrooms are only applicable for large outdoor festivals or construction sites, not small events. However, they are actually ideal for personal use events such as weddings, graduation parties, and family reunions. In addition, some small, seasonal businesses rent portable restrooms for parks, farms, and golf courses.

Myth #5: Portable Restrooms are Bad for the Environment

Standard portable restrooms don’t require water after use. Running water toilets can waste up to a couple hundred gallons of water daily. Portable restrooms save tens of billions of water every year. This is significant since toilet flushing is the highest use of water in the United States.

For information about the portable restroom solutions we offer at On Site Companies, call us today at 800.210.8407 or email sales@onsiteco.com.

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