Short answer: Texas job sites follow federal OSHA rule 29 CFR 1926.51. You need 1 toilet for 20 or fewer workers, 1 toilet seat and 1 urinal for every 40 workers above that, and 1 per 50 at 200 or more, plus adequate washing facilities. Toilets only count if they are kept sanitary.
Why Texas sites follow federal OSHA
Texas does not run its own OSHA state plan for private employers, so construction sites in Brownsville, McAllen and the rest of the Valley follow the federal construction standard, 29 CFR 1926.51.
Table D-1 with real crews
| Crew size | OSHA minimum | Standard units |
|---|---|---|
| 8 workers | 1 toilet | 1 |
| 20 workers | 1 toilet | 1 |
| 35 workers | 1 seat + 1 urinal per 40 | 1 |
| 60 workers | 1 seat + 1 urinal per 40 | 2 |
| 250 workers | 1 seat + 1 urinal per 50 | 5 |
1926.51(c)(2) adds that under temporary field conditions, not less than one toilet must be available, and (c)(3) allows chemical toilets where there is no sanitary sewer.
A dirty toilet doesn’t count
In a 2006 interpretation letter, OSHA said a toilet in an unsanitary condition is not “provided.” It pointed to ANSI Z4.3 as guidance: a unit used by up to 10 people should be serviced at least once a week. That is the planning figure we use. A 20-person crew can meet the table with one unit, but in practice it needs 2 units, or 1 unit cleaned twice a week.
Washing facilities
- 1926.51(f) requires adequate washing facilities with water, hand soap and individual towels.
- On most sites that means a two-user hand-wash station beside each group of toilets.
- We recommend one station per 20 workers.
Farm crews follow a different rule
Agricultural hand labor falls under 29 CFR 1928.110. Once 11 or more workers are in the field on a day, you need 1 toilet and 1 hand-washing facility for each 20 workers, within a quarter-mile walk. Crews working 3 hours or less, including travel, are exempt.
Valley heat and storms
From April to October, Valley job sites run hot and humid, and odor builds fast, so weekly cleaning is the minimum we recommend. In hurricane season, plan with us how units will be laid down, strapped or removed before a storm.
Cost example
A real construction quote: $247.20 for the first 28 days (delivery included), $205 per later 4-week period, $29 removal, with weekly cleaning. See the pricing guide.
Sources: 29 CFR 1926.51; OSHA interpretation, May 17, 2006; 29 CFR 1928.110. Summary only, not legal advice.
Web storyOSHA job-site toilet checklistOSHA 29 CFR 1926.51 in plain English for Texas crews: toilets per worker, washing, sanitary condition and weekly servicing.