ASSOCIATIONINSIGHT
Portable Sanitation Association International News
BIWEEKLY EDITION JULY 22, 2020
Page 21
California Ag Toilets Must Be Lit
New rule effective July 1, 2020 may set precedent for the rest of the US
California has long been a harbinger of changes that affect the entire United States. So the rule that went into
effect July 1 this year requiring lighting inside toilets on agriculture sites could—and probably should—bring an
examination of lighting requirements elsewhere. At a minimum, this new rule gives portable sanitation operators
an opportunity to discuss the topic and provide solutions that will make food safer, provide more dignified
conditions for workers, create less mess for your service techs, and possibly generate additional revenue for your
company.
The rule, known as §3449. Outdoor Agricultural Operations During Hours of Darkness (Between Sunset and
Sunrise) requires that when agricultural work is taking place during dark hours in California, the employer must
provide specified lighting across the workspaces, rest areas, restrooms, and maintenance areas, among others.
There are multiple acceptable ways to provide the illumination.
The new rule includes a table of different lighting intensity and height requirements for different areas. It is
possible to provide the required lighting using one or more sources, including lamps mounted on equipment,
vehicle sources, or personal hands-free portable lighting such as headlamps.
While many ag operations will have been preparing for this rule change for the past few months, some will need
assistance in meeting the new requirements. Portable sanitation companies should be alert to these opportunities
to assist their customers.
In addition to rule §3449, California rules §3364. Sanitary Facilities and §1526 Toilets at Construction Jobsites
were also updated effective July 1, 2020. These rules cover what is required for toilet facilities that are separated
by gender.
The recent language changes
brought these existing
rules into harmony with the
requirements for single-user
toilets to be designated as
all-gender in California. These
have been in place since 2016.
Providers of portable restrooms
on job and event sites should
familiarize themselves with the
updated requirements and
adjust signage accordingly. v
