Properly preparing portable toilet and roll-off waste containers for transport is an important component in addressing safety and providing customers with exceptional service, while
re-enforcing the importance of professionalism within the waste disposal industry.
By Bill Weber
Designed to be a portable toilet and roll-off box waste container combination engineered as one unit, one concept creates efficencies and cost savings for virtually any business with a need for demolition/waste removal and disposal services. The portable toilet- waste container combination keeps 鈥渨ork crews鈥 on the jobsite throughout the day, is esthetically pleasing (toilets that never tip), saves space, portrays a professional image and promotes environmental best practices.
Safe and Sound Transport
When transporting demolition wearing protective clothing is a must. Transporting construction waste requires the use of important items such as reflective clothing, hard hats, safety goggles, dust masks, heavy-duty gloves and steel-toed boots. Many of the materials disposed of on a construction site are sharp and have irregular shapes and edges, obvious hazards to be mindful of with every transport. Wearing the right clothing will help reduce the risk of injury when handling this type of debris.
Before drivers leave the 鈥渟hop鈥 for a drop-off or pick-up, take a few minutes to inspect the truck and box. Taking a little bit of extra time before embarking is well worth it when it comes to preventing damage to equipment, injury or even death. Following are a few simple procedures that make for sound and safe transport preparation.
Preparing to Transport Portable Toilet/Roll-Off Container
- Visually inspect the truck and container.
- Check for fluid leaks, make sure the tires are inflated properly, and examine the hoist for damage cables or hooks.
- Check the box itself for week, broken or rusted anchors. Containers rust and this can compromise the integrity of the box if not checked regularly.
- Inspect the back door latch to make sure it is fully functional and secure. This is critical to insure the safety of the driver, other motorist and pedestrians.
- Using the hydraulic tarp cover is mandatory. Inspecting and checking the tarping system before transporting waste is a must.
- Check the tires for unusual tread wear, gouges, objects piercing the tread and proper inflation.
- Visually inspect all hydraulics. Make sure hoses are secure and sealed and there is no leakage.
- Test the brakes, brake lights, blinkers and headlights.
- Prior to departing for a waste container drop, be sure to discuss and clarify the exact location as to where the container should be left within the site.
- If possible, inspect the drop location to make sure the area is large enough to accommodate the box and there are no overhead power lines or other obstacles to contend with.
The portable toilet/waste container design usually incorporates two portable restrooms. The container-restroom combination is integrated as one unit. With this in mind, preparing for transport must also include best practices that specifically addresses safe and sanitary preparation of the toilets. To ensure proper transport of the entire unit, specific and interdependent steps are taken to accommodate wastewater transport.
Preparing to Transport to Accommodate Use of Portable Restrooms
- Drop-off Preparation
- Before departing, inspect the restroom for cracks and punctures to the outside walls.
- Check the restroom door and hinges to ensure proper opening and secure closing. Make sure the inside latch functions properly.
- Make sure the inside of the restroom has been properly serviced. Check for cleanliness, ample supply of accessories (toiletries), toilet seat and hinges are securely attached, and the holding tank has been completely vacuumed and serviced for use.
- Test and inspect vac system to ensure it is sealed and functioning properly. Make sure clean water compartment is filled and wastewater holding compartment is completely empty.
- Place splash caps over toilet openings.
- Secure outside doors with latch-bar locks to prevent doors from opening during transport and dropoff.
- After placing the box, remove latch-bar locks to allow inside access and remove splash caps.
Disposal Preparation
- Repeat step 1 noted previously.
- Inspect the inside and remove any litter and or other debris.
- Re-check restroom doors and hinges.
- Service/completely vac wastewater from wastewater holding tank.
- Inspect hinges and secure toilet seat.
- Place splash caps over toilet openings to prevent secondary leakage.
- Secure outside doors with latch-bar locks to prevent doors from opening during transport and waste disposal.
Safety, operational efficiencies, professionalism, cost and space savings, environmental stewardship, and promoting a clean and positive image are a few of many attributes this type of equipment brings to the waste collection and disposal industry.聽 | WA
Bill Weber serves as the Vice President of Franchise Support for redbox+, LLC (Winona, MN) a national franchise system specializing in waste collection and disposal.聽 Bill鈥檚 career spans more than 30 years with experience in franchise and business development, residential remodeling and waste disposal industries.聽 He can be reached at (507) 452-8242 or via e-mail at [email protected].