May 21 2025 0Comment
Instant Toilets & Showers Five Star portable worksite toilet on display for worksite hire in Western Australia, showcasing durable build and clear all-gender signage

5 Features to Look for in a Portable Toilet for Worksites

On any worksite, portable toilets are one of those essentials that only get noticed when something goes wrong. Poor ventilation, weak construction, no soap, or constant servicing issues — it adds up fast, especially on longer projects or in remote WA conditions. And while it might seem like a small detail, the right toilet setup can make a big difference.

If you’re responsible for keeping things running smoothly, it pays to know what to look for.

1. Durability

Interior view of a Five Star portable toilet by Instant Toilets & Showers, featuring durable poly construction and internal hygiene facilities for worksite use

Portable toilets on worksites take a beating. They’re exposed to heat, dust, constant foot traffic, and the occasional rough treatment. Flimsy construction won’t last long in WA conditions, which is why durability should be non-negotiable when choosing a unit.

Both of our Five Star worksite models are built using heavy-duty polyethylene. This material is made to withstand high temperatures and tough environments without warping, cracking, or turning into an oven under the sun. Unlike the old metal units that trap heat and rust over time, these are purpose-built for the harsh Australian climate.

2. Easy Servicing Access

On a busy site, the last thing anyone wants is downtime caused by a toilet that’s difficult to clean or empty. Regular servicing should be quick, clean, and hassle-free. That starts with a design that considers access points, waste storage, and water supply.

Our Five Star Site Toilet (sewer connect) is perfect for long-term setups. It connects directly to sewer infrastructure, which means waste management is taken care of continuously (no tanks to pump out).

For sites that don’t have access to sewer, the Five Star Site Toilet (self-contained version) is ready to go from delivery and just as easy to service when needed.

3. Integrated Handwashing / Sanitising Options

Close-up of the interior of a Five Star portable toilet by Instant Toilets & Showers, showing foot-pump sink, seat, and durable internal design for worksites

Work Health and Safety (WHS) guidelines make it clear — worksites need to provide adequate hygiene facilities for all workers. That doesn’t just mean a toilet either. It means proper access to soap, water or sanitiser, and a clean space that won’t become a health risk after a few days of use.

Both of our Five Star Site Toilet models are set up to meet those expectations. Each one includes a spray hand soap dispenser and a toilet seat sanitiser unit to keep things clean and reduce the spread of germs. The self-contained unit is fitted with a foot-pump operated basin for hands-free handwashing, while the sewer connect model features a stainless steel sink and mains tap for continuous use.

Interior of a sewer-connected portable toilet by Instant Toilets & Showers, featuring ceramic toilet, stainless steel sink, and built-in hygiene dispensers

4. Ventilation and Odour Control

Close-up of internal ventilation inside a portable toilet, featuring air vents and a mounted exhaust panel for improved airflow

No one wants to use a toilet that smells like it hasn’t been cleaned in a week (even if it has). Proper ventilation and odour control are essential for keeping things usable, especially during long shifts or high-traffic periods.

Our Five Star Site Toilets are designed with airflow in mind. Each unit includes integrated ventilation to keep air moving and reduce build-up of smells. The odour control systems in both models help neutralise unpleasant smells before they become a problem. And because they’re made from tough poly construction, they don’t trap heat like old metal units.

5. Privacy and Security Features

Close-up of lockable portable toilet door by Instant Toilets & Showers, featuring all-gender signage and in-use indicator for added privacy on worksites

A proper portable toilet should give users more than just a place to go — it should offer a clean, private space that feels safe and secure. That’s especially important on busy sites with constant foot traffic.

Our Five Star Site Toilets are built for full privacy, with solid, non-transparent walls that block out both sight and light. Inside, the door lock is sturdy and reliable. When locked, a clear red-and-green indicator shows if the unit is in use, so there’s no awkward guessing.

Each unit can also be supplied with clear signage, whether you need gender-specific labels or neutral options for all users.

Tick the Boxes That Actually Matter

Instant Products Group Office

Getting the basics right on site matters, and your toilet setup is no exception. Strong materials, proper hygiene systems, ventilation, easy servicing and real privacy all play a part in keeping your crew focused and your project running smoothly.

Our portable toilets for hire are built for worksites across Western Australia and ready to perform from day one.

scott

Managing Director at Instant Toilets & Showers

Scott Rawson is the Managing Director of Instant Products Group, a specialist group of companies that offer portable building solutions, including sea containers, transportable offices, and portable sanitation products. With more than 20 years of experience in various management positions and a finalist in the WA Business News 40 under 40 awards in 2013, Scott is a highly motivated entrepreneur that has a passion for designing products to suit the needs of individual markets.