Site Sanitation
Date Posted: 08/23/2016
Poor site sanitation creates problems. These problems can include contaminated potable water and supplies, spread of germs, unpleasant odors, and uninvited wildlife.
Tips for Safe Water
Containers used to dispense drinking water shall be kept tightly closed and equipped with a tap.
Water shall not be dipped from containers.
Any container used to distribute drinking water shall be clearly marked as to the nature of its contents and not used for any other purpose.
The use of a common drinking cup is prohibited.
Where single service cups are supplied, both a sanitary container for the unused cups and a receptacle for disposing of the used cups shall be provided.
All water containers used to furnish drinking water shall be thoroughly cleaned at least once each week or more often as conditions require.
Non-Potable Water
Outlets for non-potable water, such as water for industrial or firefighting purposes only, shall be identified by signs meeting the requirements of WAC 296-155-140 to indicate clearly that the water is unsafe and is not be used for drinking, washing or cooking purposes.
There shall be no cross-connection, open or potential, between a system furnishing potable water, a system furnishing non-potable water, or a system furnishing wash water.
Site Cleanliness
Provide adequate number of garbage cans in work zones.
Containers must have secured lids to keep out animals.
Portable Toilets
Throw waste away in approved container.
Follow proper restroom etiquette.
Keep regular maintenance of portable toilets.
Have adequate number of toilets; 1- 10 employees, 1 toilet, 11-25 employees; 2 toilets; 26-40 employees, 3 toilets; 41-60 employees, 4 toilets; 61-80 employees, 5 toilets; 61-80 employees, 6 toilets; over 80 employees must have one additional toilet for each additional twenty employees or any fraction thereof.
On multi-story structures, toilets shall be furnished on every third floor and be located within 200 feet horizontally of all employees.
If used, sufficient supply of clean wash water, proper temperature, sufficient supply of towels and cleansing agents
A clean site is a happy site. Site cleanliness will help boost morale, especially on days when warm temperatures increases the odors.
| Number of Employees | Toilets Required |
|---|---|
| 1-10 | 1 |
| 11-25 | 2 |
| 26-40 | 3 |
| 41-60 | 4 |
| 61-80 | 5 |
| Over 80 | One additional for each additional 20 |
Presenter tips
Pre-read the Toolbox Talk. Your comfort level and confidence will be higher if you know your topic.
Discuss related tasks, work areas or events that make the Toolbox Talk relevant to your job site.
Involve the workers by asking questions and input that drives discussion.
Questions for Discussion
What is your pet peeve for site sanitation?
What additional things can we do to make sanitation better?
