The Dos and Don’ts if Your Portable Restroom Tips Over

When we think about event logistics or the intricacies of a construction site, the humble portable restroom may not be the first thing that comes to mind—but it plays a crucial role. Unfortunately, accidents can happen, and it can be nerve-wracking to know what to do if there’s an accident. Here’s a guide for event planners, construction companies, and sanitation services on the dos and don’ts if your portable restroom tips over.

Do: Keep Calm and Assess the Situation

Before leaping into action, take a breath and evaluate the scene. Are there any immediate hazards, such as downed power lines or exposed chemicals? Does anyone need immediate medical attention? Your first job is to ensure the well-being of anyone involved and clear the area if necessary.

Don’t: DIY Waste Management

As tempting as it might be to try and clean up the mess yourself, it’s crucial to leave waste management to the professionals. The contents of a portable restroom are not considered hazardous, but that does not mean you should do the cleanup work. Our drivers are specifically trained in handling and fixing the tipped unit and removing the waste spilled. They will spray the area with a disinfecting bleach solution and replace the dirty unit with a brand new one. If there is an accident, contact the professionals immediately and let them take care of the situation. We only ask that you direct guests to avoid contact with the downed units. This may be as simple as rotating the bathrooms on site 180 degrees.

Do: Keep an Incident Report

Keeping a comprehensive record of the incident is also important. A detailed event log will be invaluable for insurance claims and liability purposes. Include all details of the accident, actions taken, and any expenses incurred so that you can reference the information later.

Don’t: Rush Back Into Service

Even if you can get the visible mess cleaned up quickly, don’t rush the unit back into service. There could be internal damage, and ensuring everything is in working order and thoroughly cleaned is not a process to rush. Carefully managing facilities will prevent further problems whether you have classic units or deluxe portable bathrooms.

Do: Create a Follow-Up Plan

After the immediate response, it’s good to have a follow-up plan. This could include conducting a post-incident review, checking for any possible user impact, and updating procedures to prevent future occurrences. In any case, assessing the situation before moving on will ensure your facility management procedures are in accordance with best practices.

Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

There are various dos and don’ts you must keep in mind if your restroom tips over. Every incident is an opportunity for learning. After addressing the immediate issues, take a step back and review what led to the portable restroom tip-over so that you can update protocols, if necessary, to prevent a reoccurrence.