OSHA Standards

The U.S. government agency known as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) exists to assure safe and healthful working conditions.

The organization sets and enforces standards, and provides training, outreach, education and assistance. Several OSHA standards apply to general environmental controls and to sanitation in construction, fields, and labor camps. With rare exceptions, OSHA standards have the force of the law. Those who fail to adhere can be fined or otherwise held culpable.

The OSHA standards that are relevant to portable sanitation are mostly found in Title 29 in the Code of Federal Regulations (29CFR).

Here are links to the OSHA standards that are most relevant to the portable sanitation industry:

Part 1910.141 – OSHA Standards, General Environmental Controls, Sanitation

Part 1910.142 – OSHA Standards, General Environmental Controls, Temporary Labor Camps

Part 1920.1030 - OSHA Standards, Toxic and Hazardous Substances, Bloodborne Pathogens

Part 1910.1048 - OSHA Standards, Toxic and Hazardous Substances, Formaldehyde

Part 1928.110 – OSHA Standards, General Environmental Controls, Field Sanitation

Part 1915.88 – OSHA Standards for Shipyard Employment, General Environmental Controls, Sanitation

Part 1926.51 – OSHA Standards – Safety and Health Regulations for Construction, Occupational Health and Environmental Controls – Sanitation

Part 1917.127 – OSHA Standards – Marine Terminals, Terminal Facilities – Sanitation

Part 1918.95 – OSHA Standards – Safety and Health Regulations for Longshoring, General Working Conditions – Sanitation

OSHA Guide to Restroom Access for Transgender Workers

Additional information related to OSHA standards and the portable sanitation industry can be found in the PSAI Industry Resource Directory, available in print and online for PSAI members and also in the PSAI Industry Resource Library.

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