Covid 19. Future Hygiene in the Washroom.

The relaxing of the stringent social distancing rules we have all become so used to is welcome news for everybody, as we can begin to see the start of “normal life” once more. However, we will all understandably feel nervous about using public spaces and shared facilities for a while to come, and a change to our mindset when it comes to the layouts and usage of these spaces should really become best practise to help lower future rates of infection. This article focuses on the things we can do in the washroom to help keep us all as safe and clean as possible. Superloos. If it is time to upgrade your washroom facilities, you could consider installing superloos to make users feel more comfortable about using your toilets. Superloos have been popular for a number of years now as their self-contained design means that not only do they save space but they also facilitate unisex washroom space. However, the additional (and most relevant) benefit right now is that they help cut down the risk of bacteria spreading around the washroom. Having WC, handwashing and drying facilities all in one space means that bacteria is also confined to one space and so has far less of an area to breed in. Dividers between urinals. Urinals are the ultimate example of public washroom space. To help with infection control in these areas, you could consider putting urinal dividers between panels. Not only will the user have a more private experience, but the area becomes less of a hazard where the spreading of germs is concerned as you have a slight barrier between you and the person next to you. These dividers can be made from a solid grade laminate material (SGL) or ceramic. Both equally “wipeable” and easy to clean materials. Increase the frequency of cleaning checks. Let your visitors and customers know that your washrooms are checked REGULARLY. If you have the resource, then add in extra cleaning checks on the rota, and let your customers know about it! We all appreciate clear communication in life, particularly when it benefits us or make us feel more comfortable about our environment. So let your customers/visitors know you are doing everything you can to create the most hygienic environment possible. Good hand washing. Encourage good handwashing. Put up signage to let people know the proper way (and length of time) to wash their hands. It tells your visitors/customers you are invested in making this a safe space for everyone to use. Mirror units – clutter free, no mess, no dirt traps. Mirror units with concealed water, soap and dry facilities are the perfect solution for hygiene control. For a start, everything becomes contactless so there is minimal contact with any surface in the washroom. The concealed appliances also means that there are far less dirt traps in the washroom, so cleaning can be done quickly and efficiently as there are no extra surfaces to clean on the vanity top. Paper towels instead of air dryers. When it comes to hand drying, you could consider providing paper towels instead of air dryers. Wiping our hands on a disposable towel and throwing it away is a much more hygienic solution versus warm air being pumped around the washroom, carrying germs and bacteria. Of course, we can’t totally disregard sustainability in place of cleanliness, so we are happy to advise that there are plenty of sustainable paper towels to be sourced in the marketplace. 2m markers between sinks and in queuing area. If you haven’t done so already, you could think about introducing 2m markers in your washroom space at the sinks and in any area where queues are likely to form. It is good for members of the general public that are unknown to each other to practise social distancing for a while to come, so this is a step you should take to ensure everyone feels comfortable using your facilities. For more information on planning a “Covid friendly” washroom space, or any other project requirement, please get in touch here. Top T-IPS … for “Covid friendly” washrooms Superloos Dividers between urinals Increase cleaning checks Communicate with your customers! Handwashing signage Install Mirror box units Paper towels instead of hand dryers 2m markers in and outside the washroom area

For more information on Covid 19. Future Hygiene in the Washroom. talk to T-IPS Washrooms