Skip to content

Field Sanitation

Oregon-OSHA Requirements
Division 4, Subdivision J: Field Sanitation for Hand Labor Work

Summary Download

Field Sanitation requirements include drinking water, toilets, hand-washing facilities, and employee notifications that must be provided for workers who do agricultural hand labor. 

Employers must comply with Oregon OSHA’s Field Sanitation Standard by doing the following:

  • Water must be potable.
  • Employers provide a sanitary way to dispense water (through a foundation, with a spigot into single-use cups, etc.).
  • Employees may not use dippers or dip cups into common containers.
  • Refill and sanitize common water containers as needed.
  • Clearly label any non-potable water sources in work areas that are unsafe for drinking, washing, or for use with food.

 

  • At least one toilet for every 20 workers (or portion of 20).
  • Toilets (chemical, flush, biological, etc.) can be fixed or portable.
  • Where possible, provide separate toilets for men and women and label them using language or symbols easily understood by the workers.
  • Toilets must be within a 5-minute or one-quarter mile unobstructed walk for all workers.
  • There must always be enough toilet paper.
  • Each toilet seat must have a toilet paper holder or dispenser.
  • All toilet structures must have doors that latch from the inside, adequate ventilation and screens.
  • All toilet structures must be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition.
  • Where there are no separate urinals, toilet seats must be hinged and have the ability to be raised and lowered.
  • Construction and location must comply with rules of DEQ-Onsite Wastewater Systems and Construction Standards. 

 

  • Hand-washing facility must include an adequate supply of potable water, soap, and single-use towels.
  • You may not substitute chemical hand cleaners for the soap and water.
  • There must be one hand-washing facility for every 20 workers (or portion of 20).
  • Hand-washing facilities must be next to the toilet facilities.
  • Provide a covered garbage container for used paper towels.

 

Employers must notify employees of the following:

  • The location of sanitation facilities.
  • Employees are allowed to use the facilities as frequently as needed.
  • Good hygiene practices to minimize exposure to hazards in the field (communicable diseases, exposure to pesticide residues, etc.).
  • Employees should drink water frequently, especially on hot days.
  • Wash hands before and after using the toilet.
  • Wash hands before eating and smoking.

 

Field Sanitation Notice

  • Oregon OSHA’s field sanitation notice must be posted for workers who do hand labor on crops intended for human consumption.
  • It is suggested to post the notice at each toilet and handwashing facility and/or where the field workers congregate. 

“Safe Practices When Working Around Hazardous Ag Chemicals” Booklet

    • Employers must provide a copy of this publication to all employees.  Printed copy or mobile version available.
    • This publication is also required for the Hazard Communication Standard.

 

Printable Field Sanitation Summary

A printable PDF summary of OR-OSHA’s field sanitation rules.

Download PDF Summary

OR-OSHA Division 4 Rule Text: Field Sanitation

Read OR-OSHA’s Division 4 rules about field sanitation.

Download OR-OSHA's Rules

Field Sanitation Notice - Spanish

OR-OSHA’s Field Sanitation poster – Spanish version.

Field Sanitation Notice - Spanish

Field Sanitation Notice - English

OR-OSHA’s Field Sanitation poster – English version.

Field Sanitation Notice - English

Field Sanitation Fact Sheet

OR-OSHA Field Sanitation fact sheet includes an overview of requirements.

Download Fact Sheet

"Safe Practices When Working Around Hazardous Ag Chemicals" Booklet

OR-OSHA booklet for Safe Practices When Working Around Hazardous Agricultural Chemicals – Bilingual version includes both English and Spanish text.

Mobile Version with Read-Aloud Audio – SPANISH

Mobile Version with Read-Aloud Audio – ENGLISH

Download PDF Safe Practices Booklet