Does my site need a hand washing station?
A site needs a hand washing station whenever food is served, under Cal/OSHA field sanitation rules for farm crews, and under Cal/OSHA Section 1527 on construction sites. Standard porta potties have hand sanitizer only, so a two-sink station is what gives people soap and running water.
| Situation | Rule or recommendation |
|---|---|
| Farm field crew | 1 handwashing facility per 20 workers, within a quarter-mile walk (8 CCR 3457) |
| Construction site | Washing facilities required (8 CCR 1527); we suggest 1 station per 2 toilets |
| Event with food | Our recommendation: 1 station per 2 toilets, placed between the toilets and the food |
| Food booth at a public event | Handwashing set by the county food permit; ask Sutter County Environmental Health |
What is a portable hand washing station?
A portable hand washing station is a free-standing unit with two sinks, foot pumps for water, a soap dispenser and a paper towel dispenser. It holds its own fresh-water tank and a separate gray-water tank, so it needs no hose, drain or power. Two people can wash at once.
- Fresh water: enough for about 400 hand washes between refills.
- Footprint: about 3 by 3 feet; fits beside a porta potty or at a food line.
- Weekly service on long rentals: gray water pumped, fresh water refilled, soap and towels restocked.
