The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) introduced GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) in 1998 to minimize the risk of food contamination by growers and packers and improve overall food safety. GAP aims to ensure the quality and safety of produce by eliminating opportunities for food contamination. Learn more in our blog, Renting GAP-Compliant Restrooms.
GAP regulates the sanitary use of restrooms and handwashing protocols by growers, pickers, and processors. Four main areas set GAP solutions apart from traditional portable toilets. These include:
Access
Regular porta-potties typically sit on the ground directly, whereas GAP-specific units are available as ground or trailer units. The GAP trailer units allow easy movement between locations and into tight spaces. Mobility is crucial for farmers who need to move around their land as different crops are planted and picked. Without this flexibility, growers and pickers would have to walk a long way to use the bathroom and are less likely to maintain all sanitary regulations.
Sinks
GAP-compliant restrooms are not just toilet units; they also include sinks on the exterior. These sinks allow for more thorough hand washing than just using hand sanitizer. The sink’s standalone location outside the toilet area also keeps sinks cleaner. Additionally, it encourages more frequent usage by allowing everyone to wash their hands quickly and easily. Hand sanitizer is required in all units as well.
Maintenance
Like any other unit, GAP bathrooms are regularly serviced by a professional portable toilet supplier. However, unlike standard porta-potties, these units have service records to provide compliance documentation. During servicing, units are safely pumped and cleaned, and the technicians restock supplies like paper towels, hand sanitizer, and unscented soap.
Instructions
GAP toilet units have special signage directing people on properly following specific safety and sanitation protocols. Signage includes a Spill chart (Emergency Spill Response plan) and service records. These signs are also bilingual (in English and Spanish) for greater accessibility and understanding in the field.
Kerkstra Portable Restroom Service Inc. provides portable restroom service across Michigan and luxury restroom trailers for all the states surrounding the Great Lakes. Take a look at our mobile restroom trailers and request a quote today!