Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/1365946
ASSOCIATIONINSIGHT Portable Sanitation Association International News BIWEEKLY EDITION APRIL 28, 2021 Page 4 Tip Overs: Suggestions for Prevention and Clean Up…continued from page 3 Here are some things to consider when staking units: • How strong is the wind? • What is the soil like? If the soil is too soft, will it pull up your stake/spike? • Are there underground hazards? In all but the most remote areas, it will be necessary to call 811 before you dig or drive stakes. This means you'll need lead time so the utility people can respond. If you are leaving the staking to your customer, be sure to remind him or her of the need to call before he or she starts driving stakes in the ground. • Will the unit still be accessible, meaning nothing will block the door or access to the unit? • Does the unit have a containment pan? If so, how will you secure the unit without compromising the integrity of the pan? Whatever you decide, remember: Make sure you are not creating a greater hazard than the wind-blown toilet. It's also important to remember that wind can wreak havoc with restroom doors. It's a good idea to check all your door springs before placement. Make sure they are in good working order, and you repair or replace any that are loose or showing wear. If a Unit Tips, Should You Charge Extra for Cleaning? Portable sanitation operators differ in their approach to charging extra for cleaning tipped units. • Some operators say they do not charge extra under any circumstances. • Other say they don't charge extra if the cleanup occurred on a regular route day. If they had to make a special trip to clean or replace the unit, these operators assess an extra fee. • Other operators are adamant that tip overs require extra work and should be charged accordingly. In other words, there is no definitive answer. You need to choose an approach that matches your business model. In another business segment, you find budget airlines that sell seats inexpensively, but charge for carry-ons larger than a purse, stowed bags, boarding passes at the airport, and all sorts of other "extras." Competing airlines charge more in the first place but don't add fees for your first carry-on or boarding pass. When it comes to tip overs, take the time to be clear on whether you are the "budget" company with the lower basic price and extra charges for cleaning up after a tip-over, you are the other guys who include the extras in your quoted price, or you operate somewhere in between. Whichever way it is, make sure you get paid for the work you do. Recovering Units Despite your best efforts, sooner or later it will happen—a unit will blow over. Or maybe it had a little help from vandals. Either way, now it's on its side. Here are some best practices for recovering the unit: • Take photos before and after recovery. This can be an important evidentiary record for a number of purposes. Continued on page 5