When evaluating your portable restroom needs for an event or job site, it’s important to consider your guests or employees with physical disabilities. As the host or event planner, we’re sure you want everyone to feel comfortable. And in some cases, supplying wheelchair-accessible portable restrooms may be required by the law.
The Americans with Disabilities Act, (ADA), passed in 1990, gives specific requirements for events. The current recommendation is that for every 20 standard portable toilets that you provide one wheelchair-accessible portable restroom. The restrooms should be placed in a location accessible by wheelchair users, meaning not up steps or curbs. If you have rented a luxury portable restroom for public use, you may also need to rent a wheelchair-accessible unit as luxury units are often placed on trailers and not accessible by wheelchair users.
Difference Between Wheelchair-Accessible and ADA Compliant Porta-Potties
Did you know that there is a difference between wheelchair-accessible units and ADA-compliant units? Wheelchair-accessible units have ramps and wider doors designed to accommodate the entry and exit of a wheelchair. These units also have enough interior space to allow users to perform a three-point turn.
ADA-compliant porta-potties also have ramps and wider doors, but their doors must be hinged or magnetic to allow for unassisted opening and closing. The most significant difference between ADA-compliant and wheelchair-accessible units is that to be ADA compliant, there must be enough space for a wheelchair user to do a 360-degree turn. These units also have reinforced construction and reinforced handrails. Lastly, they must also display signage outside the unit indicating that it’s ADA-compliant, typically a blue wheelchair sign with braille writing. Because of their construction, ADA-compliant units are larger and more costly than wheelchair-accessible units.
How Do I Know If I Need an ADA Compliant or Wheelchair Accessible Portable Toilet?
The type of accessible unit you will need depends on the regulations and requirements of the event, location, or job site. Some municipalities may require the use of portable restrooms that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is important to know the rules and regulations associated with your event or job so that you can make sure all attendees feel welcome and comfortable. At American SaniCan, we offer wheelchair-accessible and ADA-compliant portable restrooms, and we can help craft the best solution for your needs.
Give us a call at 503-252-0550 or email us at sales@AmericanSaniCan.com. We provide standard, luxury, ADA-compliant, and wheelchair-accessible portable restroom rentals to individuals and businesses throughout Portland and Salem, Oregon, and surrounding areas in Washington and Oregon. Contact us today to find out more about our different types of portable restroom rentals, or visit our portable restroom products page to learn more!