Oilfield Porta Potty Rules for the Permian Basin
Which OSHA table applies to your location, how many units it needs, and how we run Permian routes from Lubbock.
Which OSHA rule covers an oilfield location?
OSHA's 2009 interpretation says only site preparation, such as leveling, trenching and excavation, counts as construction under 1926. Drilling and servicing fall under general industry, 29 CFR 1910.141, plus the General Duty Clause. So pad building uses Table D-1, and the rig crew uses Table J-1.
Sources: OSHA interpretation (April 2009) · OSHA 1910.141.
How many toilets does Table J-1 require?
Table J-1 requires 1 toilet for 1–15 employees, 2 for 16–35, 3 for 36–55, 4 for 56–80, 5 for 81–110 and 6 for 111–150, then 1 more per 40 employees. The count is per sex where separate facilities are provided. Mobile crews with immediate transport to nearby facilities are exempt.
| Employees | Minimum toilets |
|---|---|
| 1–15 | 1 |
| 16–35 | 2 |
| 36–55 | 3 |
| 56–80 | 4 |
| 81–110 | 5 |
| 111–150 | 6 |
| 150+ | +1 per 40 |
How do you service remote Permian sites?
We run Midland, Odessa, Andrews, Big Spring, Hobbs and Lovington as scheduled routes from Lubbock, with fixed service days and batched stops to keep distance charges down. Twelve-hour shifts usually need service 2–3 times a week. In New Mexico, septage goes only to permitted facilities and records are kept for 3 years under 20.7.3 NMAC.
Written by the Scott Rental Works dispatch team: the people who schedule, deliver, service and pick up our units from 2201 34th St in Lubbock.
We checked these facts against OSHA, the International Plumbing Code, the 2010 ADA Standards, PSAI guidance, manufacturer spec sheets, NWS Lubbock climate normals and City of Lubbock pages. Last reviewed .
Related questions
Every question below was asked on a real rental call. The short answer comes first, then the conditions that change it.
What are the rules for an oilfield location?
OSHA says drilling and servicing fall under general industry, 29 CFR 1910.141. That means 1 toilet for 1–15 employees, 2 for 16–35, 3 for 36–55, and up from there. Mobile crews with quick transport to facilities are exempt. Site prep and pad building count as construction.
Do you really deliver to Midland, Amarillo or Hobbs?
Yes, on scheduled routes. Cities 90–135 miles out are booked 24–48 hours ahead and serviced on a fixed route day. A distance charge starting at $95 is listed on its own line. New Mexico sites run on Mountain Time, so we quote the window in your local time.
Can your truck reach a ranch or lease road?
Usually, if the caliche or dirt is dry and firm. Tell us about cattle guards, gates and soft spots. After a heavy rain we may set the unit at the pavement edge so the service truck doesn't bog down.
Can my company get an account?
Yes. Business accounts get emailed invoices with your PO or job number, one portal for every unit, and a single contact for add-ons and pickups across multiple sites.
Can I add a service visit?
Yes, from $80 a visit. Big jobsites, three-day events and tailgate lots often add one. For multi-day festivals, the most useful slot is overnight between day one and day two.
Get an itemized quote
Six fields. You get one line each for the unit, dates, delivery, pickup, servicing and fees. If we can't hit your date, we'll tell you on the first call so you aren't left waiting for a callback.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before drop-off
- Weather call? We move your date, no charge
- Delivered pumped, sanitized and stocked