When you organize an outdoor event or don’t have access to restrooms, you will need to rent portable toilets to meet your guests’ or workers’ needs. Some guests may have disabilities, which may impact their ability to use standard restrooms without some accommodations. Therefore, you should consider renting ADA-compliant portable toilets so that everyone can work or enjoy themselves without worry. In many cases, it is also a legal necessity to have ADA-compliant restrooms on the premises. Discover the benefits of renting an ADA-compliant portable restroom below.
The Difference Between Handicap-Accessible and ADA-Compliant Portable Restrooms.
When choosing the proper portable restroom for disabled guests, it is essential to keep in mind the difference between standard handicap-accessible portable restrooms and ADA-compliant portable restrooms. Having this knowledge can help you to better cater to your guests or workers.
Handicap-Accessible
It is important to note that just because a portable restroom has handicap-accessible features does not necessarily mean it meets the ADA compliance regulations set out by the government. Here are some of the general requirements for a handicap-accessible portable restroom:
- It should have a broader door than a conventional unit to facilitate wheelchair access.
- There needs to be a ramp that reaches the entrance of the restroom for wheelchair users.
- There should be enough room inside the bathroom for the wheelchair user to complete a three-point turn.
ADA-Compliant
ADA-compliant refers to the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, of 1990 that established legal guidelines for accessibility, including guidelines for portable restrooms. These guidelines go into more detail than the usual standards that govern handicapped-accessible portable bathrooms. An ADA-compliant portable toilet must fulfill the following criteria in addition to the ones stated in the preceding section:
- There must be at least one ADA-compliant unit for every 20 portable toilets on a site, with at least one ADA unit in each toilet group.
- For easier shutting, they should use hinged or magnetic doors.
- They need reinforced interior grab bars and a reinforced unit structure.
- There should be a sign just outside of the portable restroom indicating that it is ADA-compliant. This sign typically features a blue wheelchair with braille underneath it.
- There needs to be enough room to make a 360-degree turn. These essential components of an ADA-compliant portable restroom make it different from a standard handicap-accessible portable bathroom.
When you are hosting an event or setting up a job site, it is crucial to check on the legal requirements for portable restrooms. You may think that just having a handicap-accessible portable bathroom is enough, but often you will be legally required to set up ADA-compliant toilets.
Benefits of Renting an ADA-Compliant Portable Restroom
Now we will dive further into the benefits of renting ADA-compliant portable restrooms, whether for an outdoor event, job site, or another event that requires the use of porta-potties. There are many benefits even outside of helping to aid disabled guests. Here are some of the best benefits.
Let People Feel Comfortable
When hosting a fun outdoor event like a concert or festival, the goal should be to make sure every guest has a wonderful time. The best way to do so is to make the event as inclusive as possible. Having ADA-compliant portable restrooms lets your guests with mobility issues or other disabilities know that you are concerned about their needs and willing to do everything possible to meet them. It’s a good idea to ask guests ahead of time if they have any specific requirements so you can do your best to accommodate them.
Reduce Tripping Hazards
You typically need to place both handicap-accessible and ADA-compliant portable toilets level to the ground. Being on ground level significantly reduces the chance of tripping over ledges, curbs, bumps, and other hazards present in near-standard units. Knowing that senior guests won’t have to maneuver around steps or that kids won’t be tripping out of the bathroom is a great comfort. Keep in mind that if your site gets dark at night and you don’t light your bathrooms properly, your guests may end up stumbling about in search of the restrooms. As such, a well-lit portable toilet located on the ground level will be helpful when people must use the bathroom in the evening at events or job sites.
Can Work as a Changing Room
At events like outdoor weddings or sports, people are usually in a bit of a hurry. The spacious ADA-compliant restrooms can double as changing rooms in a pinch. You can change from a stuffy suit into your evening casual wear before hitting up the bar. Maybe you need to quickly change into a swimsuit before a trip to the pool. However, it’s important to make sure that the needs of people who require these restrooms come first. You should only change in ADA-compliant restrooms if you are sure no one has an immediate need for them.
Family-Friendly Services
At events that you expect many families to attend, the bigger size of an ADA-compliant portable restroom comes in handy. Parents can fit multiple children inside simultaneously, accommodate strollers or baby carriers, or even bring in baby car seats. Children can be unpredictable, so having a restroom that can cover all types of situations is necessary. If you know that you will have to accommodate a sizable number of families, you should consider renting extra ADA-compliant portable restrooms just in case.
These are just a few of the benefits ADA-compliant units have to offer. In addition to the many circumstances where the law requires ADA-compliant restrooms, and you want to include them to make handicapped guests more comfortable, these portable restrooms enhance the guest experience all around.
Floods Royal Flush is ready to provide for all your handicap-accessible porta-potty rental needs. Whether you’re organizing an outdoor event, setting up a job site, or hosting any other event that requires porta-potties, we are dedicated to providing excellent service and the clean environment that you deserve. Feel free to contact us with any questions and to get a quote on rentals.
