Reviewed by Noel, owner of Noel Portable Toilets Rental
What does OSHA require for jobsite toilets?
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.51(c) Table D-1 requires 1 toilet for 20 or fewer workers. For 20 or more workers, it requires 1 toilet seat and 1 urinal per 40 workers. For 200 or more workers, it requires 1 toilet seat and 1 urinal per 50 workers. Toilets must be available to all employees.
| Number of employees | Minimum facilities (Table D-1) |
|---|---|
| 20 or fewer | 1 |
| 20 or more | 1 toilet seat and 1 urinal per 40 workers |
| 200 or more | 1 toilet seat and 1 urinal per 50 workers |
Source: OSHA 1926.51. The rule does not apply to mobile crews with transportation readily available to nearby toilets.
Does Minnesota follow the federal OSHA toilet rule?
Minnesota runs its own state plan, MNOSHA, under the Department of Labor and Industry. MNOSHA adopts the federal construction standards by reference through Minnesota Rules 5205.0010, so the 1926.51 toilet table applies to Minnesota jobsites. Confirm specifics with your safety officer or MNOSHA.
Sources: Minn. R. 5205.0010, MNOSHA. This is general information, not legal advice.
When do workers need hand washing stations?
OSHA 1926.51(f) requires washing facilities when workers apply paints, coatings, herbicides, insecticides or other contaminants that could be harmful. The facilities must be close to the work and kept sanitary. Concrete, masonry and roofing crews benefit from a station even when the rule is not triggered.
What are the rules for farm field crews?
OSHA 29 CFR 1928.110 requires agricultural employers with 11 or more hand-laborers in the field to provide 1 toilet and 1 hand washing facility for every 20 workers, located within a quarter-mile walk. Field units must be serviced to stay sanitary.
Source: OSHA 1928.110.
Is the legal minimum enough for my crew?
The legal minimum is often not enough for comfort. A 60-gallon tank handles about 200 uses between services, and 10 workers on a 40-hour week reach that in about 5 days. We recommend 1 unit per 10 workers with weekly service, which is our recommendation, not a legal requirement.
Example: 18 workers on a 40-hour week. Legal minimum: 1 toilet. Recommended: 2 units with weekly service (18 ÷ 10, rounded up). See construction rentals.