What does Cal/OSHA require for construction toilets?
Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 1526 requires at least one toilet for every 20 employees of each sex on a construction site. Urinals can replace some toilets, but toilets must make up at least half. Units must be kept clean, private and stocked with toilet paper. Crews under five can share one unit.
| Employees of each sex | Minimum toilets |
|---|---|
| 1–20 | 1 |
| 21–40 | 2 |
| 41–60 | 3 |
| Each extra 20 | +1 |
Official text: Title 8 §1526. Federal OSHA uses a different table at 29 CFR 1926.51; California’s rule applies to California sites.
Do construction sites need hand washing?
California construction sites must give workers a place to wash hands, covered by Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 1527. Where there is no running water, a portable hand-wash station with soap, water and towels meets the need. Crews handling concrete, lead paint or food need one close to the work area.
Official text: Title 8 §1527. Suggested: one two-sided station per four toilets.
What are the rules for farm and field work?
Farm field work in California needs one toilet and one hand-washing facility for every 20 workers, under Title 8 section 3457. Both must be within a quarter-mile walk or five minutes of the work, whichever is shorter. Service records must be kept for two years.
Official text: Title 8 §3457. Short jobs under two hours and crews under five hand-laborers have exceptions.
What do inspectors look for at a jobsite toilet?
Inspectors check that the count matches the crew size. They also check that the unit is clean, stocked with paper, lockable and close to the work. A dated service tag on the door shows weekly cleaning. Missing paper and overflowing tanks are the common write-ups.
Legal minimum vs. good practice: The law sets one toilet per 20 workers. With weekly service, one unit per 10 workers keeps it usable all week. That is a recommendation, not a legal rule. This page is not legal advice; confirm with your safety officer.