So, your event is all ready, and you’ve worked out how many units you need with your portable toilet provider. Unfortunately, that’s only the beginning; now, you need to figure out where to place them.
Often times events will line them all up off to the side where they are out of the way. However, this is a mistake, and proper placement can go a long way in leaving your event’s toilets clean and sanitary. Let’s look at some of the best ways to do this.
Place Them in an Accessible Location
Portable toilets are either delivered on the back of trucks or are towed depending on the model. This means that there must be a clear pathway to the location you choose in order to place it.
You will also want future cleanings to be possible and convenient, so it is important to leave it possible for pumping trucks to get within 20 feet in order to clean and refill your toilet.
Ensure Suitable Ground Conditions
To place your portable toilet securely, you will need dry and level ground. Without these conditions, your portable toilet may slide, or worst of all, it may tip over. Also, make sure the ground isn’t too soft, or it can sink, making retrieval difficult. Paved areas or similar conditions make the best ground to place your portable toilet on.
Place Units Strategically
To place units in the best locations, you need to know the size of your event and where crowds will gather. For small events, you can often safely place your portable toilets in one location.
However, for larger events, it is best to locate toilets near areas where crowds gather, such as by food service areas. Keep in mind that near should be within sight but out of smell range. No one wants to eat and relax right next to a toilet.
It is also important to split these toilets throughout the event. This can ensure that toilets are always nearby for your guests and prevent some units from becoming overused.
Keep Your Portable Toilets Secure
Security is an often overlooked aspect of portable toilet rental. However, portable toilets are vulnerable to vandals tipping units over, covering them in graffiti, or becoming completely destroyed.
In order to prevent this, or at the very least reduce the odds of it occurring, it is best to take steps to secure them. A good way to do this is to place them behind fencing, and many companies rent temporary fencing that is great for this purpose.
Another option is to hire security for your event and prevent vandalism overnight. But, no matter how you choose to protect your portable toilets from vandalism, you should always remember to lock the doors to every unit with a padlock every night.
Protect Units from Bad Weather
You may remember the earlier rule on placing your portable toilets on dry ground. No matter what the weather calls for, it is important to account for unexpected rain.
If you place the toilet on dirt or grass, you may soon find them in a big puddle of mud. This can force your guests to navigate through the mud to get to the toilet, and the rental company may have difficulty retrieving their units.
Another important weather event to be prepared for is wind. If any of your units are located in areas that experience high winds, these can tip your units over, leading to a big mess. If any of your units are located in such a location, make sure to secure these units in place.
Ensure Placement Obeys All Regulations
There are not many laws to worry about when placing portable toilets, but here a few you should know.
Portable toilets should never be placed so that they would block emergency equipment, such as fire hydrants. They also mustn’t block emergency vehicles from entering your event.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that a minimum of 1 in 20 toilets be handicapped accessible and at least one in each group. To do this, make sure to rent enough handicapped units in addition to others.
If the event takes place on public property, there may be additional regulations and permits, so it is best to check with local governments to ensure you remain in compliance and acquire any permits you may need.
Final Thoughts
Acquiring enough portable toilets is only the first part of the fight. Placing them strategically throughout your event is the next part. Proper placement of your portable toilets can keep them cleaner longer, prevent vandalism and other damage, and keep your guests happier. Finally, make sure to comply with all laws and regulations to prevent accidental violations. The proper placement of facilities can go a long way in helping your event become a success; so, try planning out where they will go before your next event.
Contact Us
For more information on how to place portable toilets at your next event or to rent units, call Flush Services at (978) 778-8000 or connect with us on Facebook.
