W EEKLY EDITION MAY 29, 2019
Tips on Tip Overs
By Karleen Kos, PSAI Executive Director
Just because the wind isn't blowing wh en you place the units doesn't mean it won't blow at some point
during the life of the contract. When and how to prevent the wind from blowing the units over is
approached differently by industry members. For example:
§ Some companies make securing the unit s the responsibility of the customer. They explain this
responsibility at the time of placement, cover it in the rental agreement, and charge for damage
that occurs if units tip over. Going this route is also helpful if the units are in an area where
vanda lism is likely. The downside is that your equipment, with your name on it, is in the hands of
people who may not be as invested in treating it as well , or in being as respon sive, as you are.
§ Other companies negotiate the cost, both in time and materials, of staking or tying down uni ts
when they negotiate the contract. This comes up most often when customers such as big box
stores and government entities have requirements that the units be staked when they are placed.
But it is not exclusive to these scenarios. Portable sanitation com pany leaders have their reasons
for using this approach in a wide variety of circumstances. One owner summed up his philosophy
by saying, "I don't want m y customers touching my [units] other than to do their business in
them."
Bottom line: when it comes to securing restrooms in high wind conditions, you can choose to offer the
service of securing your restrooms or leave it up to the customer. Generally there are fewer tip overs, less
damage to equipment, and an enhanced restroom experience if you secure t he restrooms yourself.
How can you secure your units? Everyone seems to have their own favorite way of securing units from
wind. The most popular are:
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