Portable toilet

A portable toilet, also known as a 'porta-potty', is a modern, portable, self-contained outhouse manufactured of molded plastic in a variety of colors and are often used as a temporary toilet for construction sites and large social gatherings. Portable toilets are referred to colloquially or sold under such brands as port-a-john, port-o-let, sani-privy, port-a-san, porta-potty, tidy john, John To Go, toi-toi, shit-shack, porta-kybo.

Portable toilets are large enough for a single occupant - usually about 90 cm (3 ft) on a side by 210 cm (7 ft). While the units are typically free standing structures, their stability is augmented by the weight of the waste tank, which usually contains a liquid disinfectant and deodorizer. Some include both a seated toilet and a urinal. Most include lockable doors, ventilation near the top, and a stovepipe vent for the holding tank. Leaving the toilet lid open will reverse the flow of the venting of the tank. Some newer models include toilet paper or, occasionally, antibacterial hand gel dispensers. Though more expensive than a standard permanent outdoor latrine, portable toilets have several significant benefits mostly related to their portability. They are rented to customers by companies that guarantee their cleanliness, and so as a rule are drained, cleaned, disinfected and deodorized on a regular basis. As they are not plumbed, they do not clog. A single portable toilet can be hauled in the back of a pick-up truck. An average portable toilet is able to hold enough sewage for 10 people during the course of a 40 hour work week before the hold reaches unsanitary conditions.

They are frequentlywhen seen at outdoor work sites, particularly construction sites, and large banks of dozens of portable toilets allow for ready sanitation at large gatherings such as outdoor music festivals.

A major disadvantage of these "portapotties" is that the odour that builds up within the enclosure can quickly reach an unbearable level, especially in tropical climates, where users' behaviour (as well as aiming capabilities) can quickly soil a newly disinfected unit. This is probably due to the fact that the ventilation units are too weak to oust foul-smelling air fast enough, and have a open air duct (without compromising privacy) to allow fresh air in. Consequently it is akin to a self-imprisonment with one's excrement - especially if one has a habit of taking a long time to defecate.

It has become common for portable toilets to be paired with hand sanitizer or a portable hand washing station. These stations provide a foot pump to dispense water to wash one's hands after using the toilets. Soap and towels may be provided.

The [http://www.psai.org/ Portable Sanitation Association International] is the recognized authority on the operation of portable toilets.

In the United Kingdom the Trade Association representing operators of Portable Sanitation units is - [http://www.pse.org.uk/ "PSE"] . PSE also has a number of European members and works closely with similar trade organisations worldwide. PSE has a close working relationship with Government departments such as the Health and Safety Executive and Department of the Environment to improve stands of cleanliness, hygiene and promote good practice by its members. Unique to the PSE is its members award scheme. Presently members are able to qualify for a Gold Award after completing a stringent set of assessments set by PSE.

ee also

*Chemical toilet
*Honey bucket
*Public Toilet
*Outhouse
*Pay toilet
*Sanisette
*Toilet
*Urinal [http://uk.wikipedia.org/wiki/Біотуалет ua:біотуалет]

External links

[http://www.sanitationjournal.com Sanitation Journal]
[http://sherutim.com.ua Portable toilet. Ukraine]