How many portable toilets do I need?

When hiring portable toilets or luxury toilet trailers, it can be tricky to know just how many you need and it is something we are often asked. The answer will depend very much on the specific details of the hire; are you replacing facilities that will be out of action temporarily due to a total refit or refurbishment? Are you having construction work carried out and need facilities for the workforce? Or are you planning a corporate event where the venue may have insufficient facilities, forcing your attendees to queue? 

Portable toilets on construction sites

The HSE’s (Health and Safety Executive) guidelines advise one standard portable toilet should be provided per seven people working a 40-hour week. The HSE also recommends that portable toilets should have a sink in which a worker can wash their hands up to their elbows.

Standard portable toilet hire form Fortis Hire

Our range of standard portable toilet units can be delivered, set up and collected at a time to suit you and we remove all waste discreetly, for ethical disposal. The range of three different units features double toilet roll holders, soap and hand towel dispensers, integral door locks, ventilation and a translucent roof. Our single plastic portable toilet unit will service up to 50 people and has a foot-operated fresh water hand basin and a foot-operated flushing system. This site toilet is a self-contained unit requiring no mains power. On a site with a higher male: female ratio, the 6-man plastic urinal offers a great solution and can be used in conjunction with the single toilet units.  The urinal is supplied with alcohol hand sanitiser but can be hired along with our portable hand wash stations for a more effective and hygienic service.

How many portable toilets do I need for an event?

When planning an event at a venue that already has toilet facilities, several factors need to be considered including number of guests, male: female ratio, whether food and drink are being served, and the duration of the event.

Guest numbers – ultimately the number of attendees at an event will determine how many portable toilets you will need to provide. We offer a range of luxury portable trailer units that service from up to 100 people to 450 guests and for events where larger volumes of visitors are expected, we offer an Event 4 plus 2 toilet trailer and a Standard 4 plus 2 mains. These trailers will each service in excess of 450 people.

Events with refreshments -  when a large event such as a conference, will last in excess of six hours and have food and drink available to guests, more portable toilets will be needed. Government guidance suggests the number of toilets needed, as a minimum, is one for every 75 females with one for every 400 men. Of course, this is a minimum recommendation and we would suggest that in order to reduce queues and increase the comfort of attendees, more units are provided. Where alcohol will be available, add an extra 15-20% to the number of toilets provided.

Event duration – the capacity given for each of our units is for a period of up to 8 hours, which needs to be taken into account when calculating how many units you need. For extended periods of hire, Fortis Hire carry out weekly service trips where all consumables are replenished and the unit is checked to ensure it is operating effectively. Where required, we can provide an attendant service to maintain the cleanliness of the units throughout your event.

Our recommendations are influenced by the Purple Book, the events guidebook published in conjunction with the HSE but if you would like to discuss your specific requirements in more detail, we are here to help on 01526 643850 or by email at sales@fortishire.co.uk