Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/880397
W EEKLY EDITION SEPT 27, 2017 New ASSE Standard for Sanitation on Construction Sites Complements and Contrasts the PSAI's Standards …continued By PSAI Executive Director Karleen Kos Going forward, the PSAI will be involved in updates of ANSI/ASSE A10.25, and we will similarly invite representatives from AS SE to the table when the PSAI's standards need to be update d. Overview of ANSI/ASSE A10.25 - 2017 ANSI/ASSE A10.25 is a comparatively short, focused document. The standard applies to all construction and demolition job sites, and it addresses potable water, toilets, and hand washing facilities. Here are some notabl e points from the standard: • The standard references another ANSI standard, the Code of Federal Regulations on drinking water standards, and OSHA standards. It does not reference the PSAI's standards on similar topics. • The ASSE standard does include a 1:10 ratio of restrooms to workers as the minimum. • The standard does not require a specific ratio of hand wash stations to units or workers. • The standard allows exceptions, which permit the use of other devices or methods that will achieve an equivalent means o f sanitation. "Equivalent means of sanitation" is not defined. • The standard addresses topics not covered in the PSAI's standard including drinking water on the work site. Comparison with Related Standards The ASSE standard is just one document that decis ion makers might turn to for guidance in equipping their job sites. It is important, then, for you to know how these standards compare, and why you should strongly urge your customers to follow the PSAI's standard ANSI/PSAI Z4.3 - 2016 which covers minimum r equirements for non - sewered waste disposal systems. The table that follows will give you a better idea of how these standards compare.* PAGE 3 OSHA ASSE PSAI Notes Units • 1 toilet up to 20 workers • 1 toilet seat + 1 urina l up to 40 workers. • Over 200 workers requires 1 toilet seat + 1 urinal per 50 workers. • 1 toilet seat+ 1 urinal per 10 workers when serviced weekly. • Encourages employers to provide units for female use only. • Requires the tank have a "secured lid" for stora ge of waste. • 1 toilet facility (which includes a series of fixtures within a room) per 10 workers when serviced at least weekly. • 1 toilet facility per 15 workers when serviced more often. • Specifies that if employees of more than one employer are present on the site, each employer is responsible for obtaining adequate units for his team. • Specifies minimum dimensions, fixtures, ventilation, and other important features required to ensure the user experience is acceptable. • PSAI specifies that the ratio perta ins to a 40 hour week; the others do not. • PSAI places the burden on employers for ensuring the units are clean and sanitary, increasing the incentive to contract for adequate service. • OSHA states that toilets in an "unsanitary condition" do not count in m eeting the minimum requirements. • ASSE allows exceptions. Hand Wash Stations • No specific ratio. • Standard requires "each lavatory should be provided with" hot/cold or tepid running water, hand soap or a similar cleaning agent, and hand towels or blowers. • No specific ratio • Standard requires hand washing facilities "in proximity" to toilet facilities • Requires hand washing facilities to provide potable water, soap, and either cloth or paper towels. • 1 station per 10 restrooms on the site • Defines soap and paper t owels as "necessary items" • Specifies that hand wash units must be serviced every 45 days with a 10% bleach solution. • ASSE requires that hand wash stations use "potable water" but does not recognize the water cannot be maintained as potable in a portable ha nd wash station. • PSAI requires that hand wash stations be clearly marked as containing water "not for consumption." CONTINUE D ON PAGE 4