Where should portable toilets go? A placement and delivery checklist

A toilet location needs to work on delivery day, during use and when the service vehicle returns. Marking a position on a plan helps everyone discuss the same place before equipment arrives.

Prepare a proposed location, then ask the operator to confirm its suitability. Ground conditions, equipment requirements and the vehicle used can change what is practical.

Check the ground and weather exposure

Look for a firm, level position and a usable route to it. Consider what the area becomes like after rain. A dry patch on the day of a site visit may sit in a low point or depend on an unfinished access road.

PolyJohn’s placement guidance highlights level ground, vehicle manoeuvring and keeping walkways unobstructed. Discuss any securing or wind-protection arrangement with the operator. The ground owner and operator need to agree a suitable method; do not improvise anchoring or move a unit after delivery without checking.

Plan the user route

Trace the route from the work area or event activities to the facilities. Identify steps, soft ground, cables, parked vehicles and other obstacles. Check lighting for every period when the toilets will be used.

Allow space for a person to approach the door and for queues to form. Include the handwashing point in the same walkthrough. For accessibility, inspect the complete journey as well as the unit itself.

Preserve delivery and servicing access

Ask the operator what access the intended vehicle and service arrangement require. Share gate information, road restrictions, turning constraints and the proposed stopping point.

Think ahead to the occupied site. Temporary fencing, guest parking, stalls and stored materials can close a route that was available when the toilets were delivered. Agree who keeps it open and who can resolve an access problem on the day.

Use a simple marked plan

Your drawing does not need to be elaborate. Start with an existing venue plan or a clear sketch and add:

• The proposed toilet and handwashing locations
• The entrance the delivery vehicle should use
• The agreed vehicle route and stopping area
• Pedestrian routes and expected queues
• Nearby gates, structures and restrictions
• A delivery contact and a service-access contact

Add photographs where they clarify a narrow gate, surface or approach. If you are ready to discuss equipment, share the plan with the hire team before confirming delivery.

Recheck before opening and collection

Walk the route after the rest of the site has been set up. Confirm the doors can open, signs are visible and handwashing remains reachable. Check again after heavy rain or a layout change.

Finally, keep collection access in the plan. Tell the operator if gates, working hours or site contacts will change after the event or project phase. A location that remains reachable throughout the hire period makes both routine servicing and collection easier to arrange.