More than one in four Americans live with a disability, including 13.7% of people with limited mobility.
Disabilities don’t define people, but they can make some experiences more challenging. In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed to make public areas more accessible.
A great event host should want to ensure that every guest feels welcome. Creating a welcoming environment for your event means having an ADA-compliant handicap-accessible restroom.
Learn more about accessible portable restroom regulations in this handy guide!
ADA Requirements for Portable Restrooms
The Americans with Disabilities Act outlines rules and regulations for accessible restrooms, including portable restrooms. Some locations and events must have an ADA-compliant restroom, but laws may vary by city and state.
For every 20 portable restroom units at an event, there should be at least one handicap restroom. Handicap units must be placed near other units and in an area with smooth terrain. There should be at least one handicap unit per toilet cluster.
Construction sites may be exempt from ADA regulations. Toilets rented only for the use of construction personnel are exempt from the 5% rule.
Not every handicap portable toilet is ADA compliant. An ADA-compliant handicap-accessible portable restroom should meet these requirements:
- Hinged or magnetic wide doors
- Reinforced floor construction
- Ramp and low floor clearance
- Supportive handrails
- Enough room for a wheelchair to turn
- A placard indicating handicap accessibility
Having enough floor space is one of the most important aspects of handicap portable toilet design. Units must have enough toe and knee clearance for a wheelchair to make a complete 360-degree turn. Any space under sinks or other features counts toward toe and knee clearance.
Handicap-Accessible Restroom Features
An average handicapped portable toilet is 90in tall, 77in deep, and 77 inches wide. They’re almost twice as deep and wide as a standard portable toilet. The holding tank capacity of a handicap unit is about the same as a standard unit, between 40 and 70 gallons.
Handicap or “deluxe” porta potties may have extra features not found in a standard unit. Spring-closure doors, handrails, and reinforced floors are standard features for ADA compliance. Some porta potties could also include a urinal, sink, mirror, or hand sanitizer dispenser.
Some people may still prefer using a handicap-accessible unit even if they aren’t disabled. Handicap porta potties are often more comfortable for larger-bodied people. They can also be more practical for people with babies or small children.
Accessible Restroom Tips
Consider creating a convenient rest stop to make your restroom area even more accessible. Nearby seating is helpful for people with disabilities who need to rest or wait for a porta potty vacancy.
Luxury restroom trailers are not always handicap-accessible. To follow ADA requirements, you should look for an accessible trailer. If necessary, rent a handicap porta potty with your portable restroom trailer.
Remember that some disabilities are invisible. People with chronic illnesses are at higher risk for infection, disease, and death from germs and viruses. Pair your porta potty rental with handwashing stations to help everyone feel cleaner and safer!
Everyone’s Invited
An ADA-compliant portable toilet is a must-have for any large event. People with disabilities deserve to feel clean and comfortable while enjoying their day. Event planners need to know about their handicap-accessible restroom options!
No matter the size or scope of your event, FusionSite has you covered. Our quality inventory selection will help you ensure that every guest feels welcome at your event. Click here for more information on our portable toilet services!