When it comes to outdoor construction projects, restroom facilities are a critical component (or a challenge) that every project manager must consider and handle diligently. Construction sites must provide restrooms for their employees, adhering to the specific guidelines regarding their location and quantity as outlined by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Failing to comply with these regulations can lead to undesirable consequences - hefty fines and project suspensions. So, how to strictly comply with OSHA restroom regulations for construction sites?
We have the ultimate solution for your project's restroom needs - mobile restroom trailers! In this guide, you will discover everything you need to know about the these portable restrooms before the purchase, including how it improves the hygiene and health in your construction site, tips for choosing the best model for your project, pricing considerations, and step-by-step instructions for on-site installation.
Mobile Restroom Trailers: Beyond Compliance
Mobile restroom trailers, also known as portable restroom trailers, are innovative solutions that go beyond the traditional notion of compliance with sanitation regulations. These mobile restrooms offer a convenient and versatile alternative to fixed restrooms, making them the ultimate choice for covering people's basic physiological needs in locations without restrooms.
So, what are portable restroom trailers? Basically, they are much like the restrooms we use in malls or homes, equipped with essential facilities such as toilets, urinals, mirrors, and sinks. However, the key differentiator lies in their mobility. These restrooms are built on a trailer chassis, complete with a towing tongue that can be easily hitched to trucks or SUVs, allowing for effortless transportation to different locations. Most of them provide private restroom experiences with individual and lockable stations. What's more, trailers and interiors are made from easy-to-clean and durable materials, so these units can withstand heavy usage and rigor in outdoor environments.
⭐ Greater Accessibility
OSHA regulations dictate that restroom facilities should be located within quick 10-minute access for workers. However, on construction sites, employees are rarely confined to fixed workstations. They have high mobility, frequently moving from one location to another throughout the day. This poses a challenge for physical restrooms, as they are often fixed in location. Workers may find themselves far away from the designated restroom area, leading to time-consuming walks to access facilities. This not only disrupts workflow but also potentially contributes to decreased productivity.
Mobile restroom trailers offer the best solution for providing convenient restroom facilities to employees. These trailers can be easily installed or moved to any desired location, preferably within a 10-minute distance from the construction site. Hence, a restroom is always available nearby, regardless of the project's location.
Imagine having a restroom that moves with you wherever you go on the construction site. Restroom breaks will become less time-consuming and disruptive.
⭐ Space Efficiency
Traditional restrooms can be a headache when it comes to space management. Ever felt like you're wasting valuable real estate on those massive restroom buildings? Compared to them, restroom trailers are incredibly space-efficient. "Wait, so you're saying these trailers are tiny and cramped?" Not at all! We're talking about an efficient layout that every square foot is fully used to organize all necessary facilities, including restrooms and storage.
Compact Interior Layout: Mobile restroom trailers have an efficient layout that accommodates all the necessary facilities, leaving no room for wasted space. From toilets and sinks to handwashing stations, everything fits. Additionally, these trailers are equipped with storage areas, creating a multifunctional private space that caters not only to employees' physiological needs but also to their storage requirements.
Unisex Restroom Design: Compliance with regulations may require consideration of gender-specific restroom requirements based on the number of individuals in each gender group. “Does that mean we need additional restrooms for women or non-binary individuals?" Not necessarily! Portable restroom trailers offer a simpler and more inclusive solution, as they come with lockable single units that can be built as unisex restrooms by outfitting them with urinals and flushable toilets. No need for additional construction.
⭐ Privacy
Mobile restroom trailers are specifically designed with privacy in mind.
Enclosed Design: Each restroom unit is an independent and self-contained station, with its own fixed walls and a sturdy door. Therefore, users can enjoy their private restroom experience without any disruptions. No more worries about cramped spaces or unwanted glances from others!
Locking Mechanisms: Mobile restroom trailers also come equipped with reliable locking systems to give you a comfortable sanctuary of seclusion without any disturbance or worry. You can rest assured that once you're inside, the door is securely locked. No more awkward encounters or unsettling interruptions
⭐ Water Conservation
One of the standout advantages of restroom trailers lies in their water efficiency.
Low-Flush Toilets: Many mobile restrooms are equipped with low-flush toilets that drastically reduce the water volume used per flush compared to conventional toilets. This design ensures that only the necessary amount of water is used to maintain proper sanitation without unnecessary wastage.
Waterless Urinals: Some modern restroom trailers feature waterless urinals, eliminating the need for flushing altogether. Instead, they utilize specialized filters or collectors to hygienically collect and process urine. Over time, this innovation can save a substantial amount of water.
Large Capacity Water Tanks: Mobile restroom trailers are designed with appropriately sized water tanks that can accommodate waste from multiple users. These tanks are equipped with efficient seals and closures to prevent leaks and minimize water loss during transportation and use. For instance, each of our restroom trailers comes with a 450L stainless steel fresh water tank and a 350L stainless steel waste water tank, both equipped with outlets and valves.
On-Demand Water Usage: Users have control over water consumption in mobile restroom trailers. The flushing mechanisms or sink faucets are only activated when needed, in contrast to traditional restroom facilities with constantly running water sources.
⭐ Durability
Portable restroom trailers are designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor environments, so they are more durable than standard brick-and-mortar restrooms. The materials used in constructing our trailers are carefully selected to ensure robustness and longevity.
Trailer Construction: Our portable restroom trailers are built on galvanized steel chassis with sturdy frames. Every component is crafted from corrosion-resistant and rust-proof materials, ensuring the overall structure can withstand frequent transportation and rough terrains with ease.
Resilient Exterior: The body of the trailer is made from high-quality fiberglass, which can withstand various weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, rain, and sunlight. Even when exposed to natural elements year-round, the exterior remains undamaged and maintains its structural integrity.
Modern Interiors: Inside the mobile restroom trailers, you'll find restroom amenities, sinks, and countertops made from robust materials, capable of withstanding heavy use and frequent cleaning. Materials like stainless steel and ceramics are used to create surfaces that are smooth, non-porous, and resistant to stains. This makes cleaning a breeze, ensuring a consistently clean and hygienic environment for your workforce.
How to Choose the Best Mobile Restroom Trailer for Your Project？
Are you ready to provide the best restroom experience for your project? Of course, you are! We know that choosing the right restroom trailer can be a bit overwhelming since there are various models and sizes. But, worry not – we've got you covered with these essential factors to consider:
1. Determine the Number of Restroom Facilities Needed
How big is your project team? Consider the total number of employees or attendees expected to be present.
OSHA mandates that workplaces with fewer than 20 employees must provide at least one restroom facility. For larger projects, there should be one toilet and one urinal for every 40 workers (and remember, take gender into account!). For example, if there were a total of 70 people on the construction site, with 4 females and 66 males, you would need one female restroom and two male restrooms. However, this is the minimum requirement, and it is advisable to have additional accessible restroom facilities to provide a better experience for employees. Long waits and discomfort are unacceptable.
It's important to note that the number of restrooms needed is not necessarily equal to the number of trailers required unless you are specifically considering single-stall restroom trailers. Each station or stall in a trailer counts as one restroom. For instance, a 4-stall restroom trailer provides four individual restrooms. If each compartment includes both a toilet and a urinal, it is perfect for construction sites with less than 80 people.
2. Consideration of the Surrounding Environment
It's important to consider how big the outside of the restroom trailer is. This helps to make sure it will fit well in the space where you want to put it. Common restroom trailer sizes range from 9ft to 16ft in length. Then, which one is the best for you?
Ideally, construction sites would benefit from large restroom trailers with multiple stations to handle high foot traffic. However, practical considerations like available space and transportation logistics must be taken into account when choosing the size of the restroom trailer.
Surrounding Environment: A flat and unobstructed area free from overhead wires or tree branches is perfect for parking the trailer. Consider both the length and width of the area to ensure the trailer fits comfortably. Remember to leave enough clearance space for setting up steps or ramps leading to the trailer entrance.
Transportation: The route for transporting the restroom to the designated location is another factor to consider. Are there narrow gates or passages that could pose challenges during transportation? Can the trailer pass through roads and pathways without any obstructions?
3. Customizable Features
Most reputable manufacturers, including ETO, provide customizable services to create restroom trailers that offer an enhanced user experience. For construction sites, customization becomes essential to ensure that the trailers meet the unique requirements and conditions on the site. This level of flexibility allows project managers to design and equip the trailers with features that align perfectly with their project's demands. Key restroom features for construction sites:
Stainless Steel Interiors, including Walls, Floors, Toilets, Urinals, and Sinks
Soap Dispensers
Shelves
Towel Racks
Toilet Paper Holders
Air Conditioners
Large Capacity Water Tanks
4. Do You Need Shower Facilities?
If your project involves construction or outdoor activities that span multiple days or weeks, providing shower facilities could be essential for the well-being and comfort of your workers. In such cases, you have two options:
Portable Shower Trailers: You can opt to purchase a portable shower trailer equipped with all the necessary amenities for a refreshing and hygienic bathing experience.
Shower Attachment: Many mobile restroom trailers come with additional options for shower facilities. You can upgrade them to create a functional bathroom that includes both a toilet and a shower area.
5. What is Your Budget?
Now, here comes the crucial consideration for every project manager - Budget. A realistic budget will help you narrow down your options and make an informed decision.
What is the Price of Mobile Restroom Trailers?
Mobile restroom trailers come in a diverse range of offerings, from the most basic to the most luxurious models. The price range for these trailers can vary significantly, with prices spanning from $3,000 to $15,000 or even higher, depending on trailer sizes, features, specifications, and customizations. View this page for our mobile restroom trailers for sale and their prices.
How to Make Cost-Effective Choices?
To get the best value for your investment, it's essential to assess your project's specific requirements and choose a trailer that fulfills them efficiently. For example, if you're managing a small-scale construction project with a limited number of workers, you might not need an extravagant restroom trailer with all the bells and whistles. Instead, opt for a basic model that provides the necessary amenities without unnecessary frills.
If you are committed to creating a positive work environment to enhance employee happiness, we recommend increasing the budget to purchase restroom trailers equipped with air conditioning and modern finishes, providing them with the ultimate restroom experience. Though it may incur higher costs, the investment is undoubtedly worthwhile.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Set Up a Mobile Restroom Trailer on Your Construction Site?
Knowing how to set up a restroom trailer is of utmost importance. We will provide a detailed step-by-step process, covering everything from surveying the location to delivering the trailer and connecting utilities.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Location
Have you ever wondered where the best spot is to place a mobile restroom trailer on your construction site? Follow these location selection tips:
Flat Ground and Clear Surroundings: Look for a flat and level area on your construction site with no obstructions around. This will ensure a stable setup and prevent any potential hazards.
Proximity to Workers: Place the trailer within a short walking distance from the working area - less than 10 minutes is ideal。
City Water Connections: It is essential to have access to city water connections near the chosen location. This will enable the restroom trailer to be connected to a reliable water source, ensuring a continuous supply for flushing and handwashing.
Step 2: Transporting the Trailer to the Construction Site
Hire a Professional Trailer Transport Company:
One convenient and hassle-free option is to enlist the services of a professional trailer transport company. They specialize in transporting portable restroom trailers to various locations efficiently and securely. This ensures that the trailer reaches your construction site without any complications, and you can focus on other essential aspects of your project.
Self-Towing the Restroom Trailer:
If you prefer a hands-on approach and have the appropriate equipment, you can choose to tow the restroom trailer yourself. However, self-towing requires careful consideration, especially regarding the weight of the trailer. Before making a purchase, ensure that your towing vehicle has the capacity to safely and effectively tow the restroom trailer. Additionally, it is crucial to follow the instructions provided for connecting and towing the trailer to your vehicle correctly. We provide comprehensive guidance to each of our customers on how to properly transport their portable restrooms, ensuring a smooth and secure towing process.
Step 3: Provide Power
The trailer relies on electricity to power various components such as lighting, water pumps, and air conditioning. Before proceeding, determine the power needs of all the equipment installed in the trailer. Inside the mobile restroom trailer, you'll find electrical outlets, which may be used for additional appliances. Make sure to consider the power requirements of any extra electrical devices that might be used within the trailer. For a consistent and dependable power supply, we recommend using a generator. While solar power may seem environmentally friendly, it can be unpredictable and may not provide a stable power source for all the necessary equipment.
At ETO, our trailers come equipped with their own reliable power source. Based on the configuration of the trailer, we carefully select the ideal generator to power the restroom trailer.
Step 4: Water Source Connection
Some trailers come equipped with their own water tanks, providing a self-contained water supply. However, others may require a connection to an external water source, such as a garden hose.
At ETO, our mobile restrooms offer flexible options for water source connection. Our standard configuration includes a large capacity fresh water tank and a waste water tank. These tanks are equipped with connection fittings, allowing them to be easily connected to a city water inlet for a continuous water supply.
As a leading manufacturer, ETO offers the best mobile restroom trailers and shower trailers for construction sites. Choose us for providing clean and comfortable restrooms that surpass OSHA standards.
