One of the nation’s largest electronics retailer chains came to Shields Facilities Maintenance with a problem; their men’s bathroom needed an additional toilet stall to remain compliant. Typically a client of ours, the retail chain initially contracted another vendor to complete this project. After expectations weren’t met, the national retailer contacted the Shields Facilities Maintenance team, noting a sense of urgency for the completion of this project. Shields Facilities Maintenance stepped in, and assured the client that their needs, timeline, and budget would be met. Below we highlight the compliance issue and share how the Shields Facilities Maintenance team handled the situation quickly and proficiently.
1910.141(c)(l)(i) requires employers to make toilet facilities available so their staff can use them when needed. Toilet rooms should be separate for each sex following the number of employees staffed at the facility. Organizations with 15 or fewer employees must offer only one unisex bathroom and toilet with a locking door. From there, OSHA requires a minimum of the following:
According to OSHA’s sanitation standard for general industry, 29 CFR 1910.141(c)(l)(i), it states, “Where such single-occupancy rooms have more than one toilet facility, only one such facility in each toilet room shall be counted,” In simpler terms, this means that each toilet must be in a separate compartment, with a locking door, and must be disconnected from the next by divisions high enough to ensure privacy. Urinals are allowed but do not count toward the minimum number of toilets.
The sanitation standard is in place to “ensure that employers provide employees with sanitary and available toilet facilities so that employees will not suffer the adverse health effects that can result if toilets are not available when employees need them.” These rules help businesses of any size and industry remain safe, sanitary, and easily accessible for every individual.
As mentioned above, the electronics retailer needed an additional toilet installed to remain compliant. Since we proudly boast an extensive nationwide network of knowledgeable and professional service partners within every category of facilities and project management, we knew our team was the best choice for this project and could complete it with a quick turnaround time.
The team began with demolition. To create space for the additional toilet stall, our team needed to successfully convert and move the plumbing and relocate two urinals to make room for the new equipment. We then added a new wall-mounted toilet and drain line connected to the existing toilet drain. Following the demo, we repaired and patched the drywall, ceramic floor, and wall tiling behind the sinks and tile bases. To complete this stage, we followed up with a fresh coat of paint for the ceiling, walls, door, and frame.
Following the demolition and repairs, Shields Facilities Maintenance supplied and installed the new equipment:
To finish this project, we provided a standard post-construction clean to ensure the area is cleared of debris and safe for use. The team thoroughly inspected the newly renovated space and equipment for proper operation and total customer satisfaction.
As with any project we complete, we ensure your facility receives the highest quality craftsmanship, the most advanced tools and equipment utilization, and superior customer service that keeps our clients satisfied and coming back for more. Whatever your facility maintenance need may be, you can trust the team at Shields Facilities Maintenance. To learn more about how we can support your business goals, contact us at (888) 965-8818 to receive a quote.