What a Construction Sanitation Plan Must Include
OSHA doesn't require a written sanitation plan by name, but any credible safety plan — required under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.20(b) for multi-employer sites — should include sanitation provisions. For permitted commercial projects, building inspectors and OSHA compliance officers will review your sanitation setup. A written plan demonstrates intent and competence.
A complete sanitation plan covers:
- Number of units required (based on peak worker count)
- Unit types (standard, ADA, hand wash stations)
- Placement map showing unit locations relative to work areas
- Service schedule and provider contact information
- Responsibility assignment (who monitors and reports issues)
- Emergency procedures for overflow or out-of-service units
Sanitation Plan Template
Project Sanitation Plan
Project Name: _______________
Site Address: _______________
GC/Super: _________________
Plan Date: _________________
Sanitation Vendor: FixPilot Porta Potty Rentals · (833) 652-9344
Project Name: _______________
Site Address: _______________
GC/Super: _________________
Plan Date: _________________
Sanitation Vendor: FixPilot Porta Potty Rentals · (833) 652-9344
Section 1 — Worker Count & Unit Requirements
| Shift | Peak Worker Count | Units Required (÷20) | ADA Units Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day shift | _____ | _____ | 1 minimum |
| Night shift (if applicable) | _____ | _____ | 1 minimum |
Section 2 — Unit Placement
- Location 1: _____________ (distance from active work: _____)
- Location 2: _____________ (distance from active work: _____)
- ADA unit location: _____________ (accessible route: yes/no)
Section 3 — Service Schedule
| Item | Frequency | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
| Pump-out and cleaning | Weekly (every 7 days) | Vendor — FixPilot |
| Paper goods restock | With each service visit | Vendor — FixPilot |
| Visual capacity check | Daily | Site Supervisor |
| Emergency service | As needed — same day | Supervisor calls vendor |
Quick Ratio Calculator
Federal OSHA 29 CFR 1926.51 minimum units required:
| Workers | Min. Units | Recommended (w/ buffer) |
|---|---|---|
| 1–20 | 1 | 1 + 1 ADA |
| 21–40 | 2 | 2 + 1 ADA |
| 41–60 | 3 | 3 + 1 ADA |
| 61–80 | 4 | 4 + 1 ADA |
| 81–100 | 5 | 5 + 1 ADA |
| Every additional 40 | +1 | +1 + ADA re-evaluate |
Placement Requirements
- Within 5-minute walk (approximately 1,000 feet) of active work area
- Not within 50 feet of food preparation or break areas
- On stable, level ground (max 2% slope)
- Clear vehicle access for service truck (15+ foot clearance)
- ADA unit on accessible, level surface with unobstructed 60-inch approach
Service Log Template
| Service Date | Technician | Units Serviced | Issues Found | Supervisor Sign-Off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| __/__/__ | _______ | _______ | _______ | _______ |
| __/__/__ | _______ | _______ | _______ | _______ |
Keep service logs on-site for at least 12 months. OSHA inspectors may request them during an inspection.
OSHA Inspection Checklist
- ☐ Correct number of units for current worker count
- ☐ At least 1 ADA-compliant unit present and accessible
- ☐ Units within reasonable walking distance of active work
- ☐ Units in sanitary condition (not overflowing; no waste on seat)
- ☐ Hand wash stations present (or hand sanitizer in each unit)
- ☐ Service log available showing recent service dates
- ☐ Vendor contact posted on or near units