Trends and issues in touch-free washrooms

Transcription

1 Trends and issues in touch-free washrooms By Richard DiPaolo, an expert in the Jan/San industry who has been researching and writing about the market for over seven years.

2 Today s restrooms: A step into the future Once a building occupant, visitor or cleaning worker enters a public restroom, their health is at risk. Countless bacteria and germs thrive in the ideal environment known as the restroom and, when in contact with humans, can potentially cause serious health problems and long-term disease. It is not a surprise that restroom care has been a troubleshooting focal area for many Jan/San manufacturers and distributors, but studies show that public perception and lack of adequate cleaner training continues to make restrooms a hotbed for cross contamination, which can quickly spread disease throughout an entire building and beyond. From entrance to exit, facility managers must maintain keen senses and employ comprehensive systems. Poor restroom care can not only be detrimental to human health, inadequate conditions can yield unpleasant impressions and, sometimes, lost business. In order for end-users to equip their staff with the right tools and feature modern touch-free equipment in washrooms, they must first learn the critical areas of the restroom and strategically set up a system that works best for their particular needs. Touch-free innovations found in restrooms can certainly cut down on cross contamination, however minimizing the soil that enters and leaves the washroom is key to decreasing infection. One industry study on toilet seats found in restaurants, gas stations and other public places reports: 97% 39% 22% of toilet seats harbor micrococacceae, which can cause skin reactions. are contaminated with streptococcaceae the leading cause of epidemic sore throat and bronchial pneumonia. harbor pseudomonadeceae, which can lead to urinary tract infections and blood poisoning. A different breed of soil Although restrooms typically account for only five percent of a building s total space, they obtain approximately 40 percent of a facility s entire soil load. However, the soil found in restrooms is much more harmful than dirt found in other areas of a facility. With various water sources, high foot traffic and several other variables, restrooms often contain germs and bacteria that can lead to serious illness. 19% 81% 45 min had enterobacteriaceae (kidney infections, thyphold/paratyphoid fever, salmonella and shigellosis). can infect visitors with coryneform, which can cause diphtheria and hepatitis. serious viral infections can be transmitted by a drop of urine on a toilet that has been present for up to 45 minutes. page one 2007 sca tissue north america.

3 Obviously threats exist, but the difference between safety and contamination is industry knowledge and product innovation. Unfortunately, many end-users are at a disadvantage with a tri-fecta of obstacles: Strict budgets Common employee issues, such as high turnover and ESL employees Lack of comprehensive industry knowledge With the right no-touch/low-touch cleaning equipment, today s workers can stay out of harm s way and still do an effective job of cleaning. There are many benefits for facilities to enjoy after investing in modern product categories. The following types of products can have shortterm and long-term paybacks for the cleaning staff and building occupants. Examples of modern equipment for your cleaning staff to utilize to combat a different breed of soil found in restrooms include: All-in-one spray and vac systems, which apply chemical and water at high pressure to minimize worker contact and elbow grease. Microfiber mops and cloths, which provide greater scrubbing power and absorbency. Color-coded systems to prevent cross contamination between rooms and surfaces as well as to assist ESL employees. Dual compartment buckets, separating clean and dirty water. Green cleaning products, which have a reduced impact on human health as well as the environment. Effective matting, which can eliminate 85 percent of all outdoor soil, moisture and other pollutants from walking in a facility. Experts indicate that it takes six to 10 paces before this amount of soil is removed from a person s shoes. Therefore, a minimum combined length of 18 feet is needed outside of entryways and leading in to the facility. When these types of ergonomic products are employed, worker morale improves. However, facilities can also experience higher productivity, less sick days and, most importantly, lower soil levels. Where there is smoke Odor is typically the first area a patron will notice after entering the washroom. And, where there is smoke there is fire malodor usually means bacteria is present. Besides obvious sources, malodor can be the result of: A faulty water drain The abundance of urine near urinals and toilets Lack of or inadequate cleaning An ineffective odor control program Bacteria buildup in grout lines Today manufacturers have made it easy for end-users to implement an effective odor control program. Ideally, experts suggest that end-users incorporate one odor control dispensing system for every two or three toilets/urinals. Although adequate ventilation, square footage and number of toilets seem to be leading factors for end-users when selecting an odor control program, a system that is effective, cost-efficient, less susceptible to vandalism and requires the least amount of maintenance are also leading needs of the cleaning staff. And, the best part of today s odor control options is that these systems come in various models, including touch-free. FACT: Approximately 25 percent of people leave the restroom with bacteria on their hands. page two 2007 sca tissue north america.

4 Gone are the days where end-users had to climb on chairs or ladders to program automatic odor control dispensers. Today s touch-free products allow users to program the device via remote control, free from harm and injury. Effective odor control products will neutralize an odor (bacteria) and drop it to the floor. To effectively remove odor, after it is dropped to the floor, cleaning professionals should utilize color-coded flat microfiber mops and dual compartment buckets when mopping. Traditional mop and bucket systems literally drag dirt and bacteria around, which can worsen the problem. Especially in porous grout, dirty water can promote bacteria growth, which can lead to problematic mold and mildew. The problems associated with grout are countless. Since grout absorbs water and urine, this forms an ideal environment for bacteria to breed. In addition to discoloration, bacteria in grout can collect more dirt, produce malodor and lead to poor indoor air quality. Although the goal is to keep these areas dry, one of the best ways to prevent and eradicate the growth of mold, mildew and fungi spores is to use highpressure cleaning and extraction equipment. On today s market, low-touch/no-touch equipment is keeping cleaning crews at safe distances, while they effectively complete their job tasks. Touch-free trends in today s washrooms Addressing bacteria sources that enter the building is the first step in cutting down cross contamination. However, as mentioned earlier, nothing can completely eliminate the potential for disease when entering a restroom. Manufacturers have provided the next level of cross contamination prevention: Touchfree devices. Today s society is a germ-obsessed one and concerns are well-documented. Industry reports have estimated that approximately 30 percent of people avoid using a public restroom because of their awareness of germs presence. As a result, the touch-free market is customer-driven and, consequently, the public is more likely to use these systems compared to traditional products. Entrance: Some facilities feature zig-zag or a similar type of entrance into their restrooms. The main objective is to eliminate the need to touch doors or door handles and, therefore, exposure to germs. If a facility does feature this type of entrance, it is considered the first touch-free feature a building patron will be exposed to when visiting the washroom. After entering the restroom, building occupants are guided through futuristic systems, which are all aimed at cutting down patrons contact with surfaces and fixtures. Industry reports have estimated that approximately 30 percent of people avoid using a public restroom because of their awareness of germs presence. Purpose of visit: Although automatic stall doors have not been introduced, there have been several noteworthy additions inside of a restroom s stall. For instance, some toilet seat covers, which play an integral role in separating the user from the aforementioned toilet seat bacteria, are now automatically dispensed around the seat. FACT: The majority of people, who do not wash their hands after leaving the restroom, do so for various reasons, including a fear of touching fixtures and dispensers. page three 2007 sca tissue north america.

5 Some devices have a push-button activation for the sanitary seat covers and some dispensers simply require a wave of the hand. After the cover is used, it is automatically disposed of all without touching. Sensor-activated flushing is nothing new to the market and might even be considered the grand-daddy of all touch-free restroom devices. There are many benefits to these types of fixtures, but a rival has entered the market on the urinal side waterless urinals. Also no-touch, waterless urinals can not only eliminate cross contamination, these urinals can also reduce water and electricity needs. Washing up: Although not as common as other devices, touchless soap dispensers are available on today s market. These appliances, along with sensor-activated faucets, allow for touchless hand-washing. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says hand-washing is the single most important procedure for preventing the spread of infection. Furthermore, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) supports the CDC position, stating that hand-washing causes a significant reduction in the carriage of potential pathogens on the hands. Studies show that as many as 25 percent of those exiting a public restroom leave with bacteria on their hands. Washroom appearance can play a major role in whether or not the visitor will go the extra step and wash their hands. Since a wellmaintained washroom will promote hygiene and proper hand-washing practices, cleaners should pay close attention to: Defunct fixtures Vandalism Wet and wadded paper products on walls and ceilings Drying off: While soap, water and high-tech fixtures are good ways to keep bacteria off hands, drying them is even more vital. The two most common choices in today s restrooms for drying are blow dryers and towels. CDC recommends the use of paper towels over hand blow-drying increase in bacteria levels on hands as a result of using 500% air dryers. devices. Research shows that people are likely to choose paper towels and this willingness leads to less cases of cross contamination since damp hands are more likely to contract and spread more germs compared to dry hands approximately 1,000 times more likely. Studies also show that air dryers can increase bacteria levels on hands by as much as 500 percent. Additionally, the use of soap and warm water can only remove up to 90 percent of the germs and bacteria found on hands. However, after washing and then using a dry, clean paper towel, building occupants can remove up to 99.9 percent of germs. Visible dirt Waste on the floor Overflowing trash receptacles Soap or water puddles on counters and floors FACT: People are more encouraged to wash their hands when innovative touch-free devices are present. page four 2007 sca tissue north america.

6 Today s touch-free paper dispensing systems are designed to promote the ultimate in hygiene. Towels are enclosed in the dispenser to protect them from the unsanitary conditions that may be present in the restroom. Additionally, today s touch-free towel dispensers, which are usually constructed to prevent the buildup of germs and dirt, are easier to operate compared to past offerings. The dispensers come in a variety of models, such as roll towel or c-fold, and most can be customized with various colors and private logos. Simply put, today s touch-free market features various choices, models and price points for all end-users who are interested in touchless paper product dispensers. Nothing turns a visitor off more than scattered debris, including used paper towels, on restroom floors. Less is more Facility owners can conserve and stretch their maintenance and operating dollars in two of the most traditionally wasteful areas in the restroom: paper and water. In previous years, paper and water have been two resources that restroom visitors have mistreated with haphazard use. Luckily, innovative solutions are not only offered on the market, these products are touch-free as well. In terms of water usage, approximately 40,000 gallons of water is used by a traditional urinal per year; urinals can leak as much as 4,000 gallons of water per year. Compared to toilets, a urinal is used four times more per day. In addition, facility owners should also be aware of the energy costs that go into getting water in and out of a facility s restroom. Recent studies have found that the energy used to transport water in the state of California is approximately 19 percent of all the electrical use in the state and 23 percent of all gas use. And, since the average electrical maintenance cost necessary to keep a flushed urinal in operation is roughly $120, facility owners and reputable BSCs should invest time and money in researching other concepts that are less water/energy dependant. Now commonplace, sensor-activated urinals, toilets and faucets are one avenue for end-users to explore. Also, waterless urinals have been on the market for several years, but have recently garnered increased attention due to their longterm cost savings. Experts say that facility owners who are looking to upgrade buildings by achieving Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification should seriously consider these waterless urinals as well. Moreover, facilities that are looking to conserve paper can employ touch-free paper towel dispensers. Typically, these types of dispensers are installed in order to reduce bacteria levels and eliminate cross contamination. However, these environmentally-friendly dispensers can also play a significant role in reducing paper usage. FACT: At any given time there is upwards of at least 100 different bacteria on a door handle. page five 2007 sca tissue north america.

7 Today s touchless paper product dispensers, which are available in sleek, attractive and customizable designs, offer facility managers controlled usage. Oftentimes, these advanced dispensers can be programmed to only dispense as much towel as the custodial crew deems necessary and duration between dispenses can also be modified. Other perception benefits for facilities when installing touchless paper dispensers include: restrooms and wash their hands when touch-free innovations are featured. Cross contamination and abused resources are slowly becoming trends from the past. Facilities are looking ahead and enjoying benefits along the way. Touch-free systems truly provide a winning formula for all the future is bright. Modern, professional appearance A building that cares about its occupants health and well-being Reduced vandalism Reduced maintenance needs, such as the continuous replacement of towels Less trash, which benefits worker productivity and the environment Improved cleaner morale and productivity, as well as reduced sick days The goal of every facility is to reduce expenses, increase worker productivity and keep buildings safe and free of contamination. As science in cleaning and green products becomes more prevalent in this industry, the public s awareness and knowledge are sure to increase. Today s touchless products, including restroom design, features and equipment, will continue to evolve and advance. These products can be easily retrofitted and incorporated in every facility, regardless of market and foot traffic makeup. In some cases, these touch-free innovations can offer benefits to facility owners, including recognized building certification and operating savings. When these products are implemented, restroom visitors and cleaning crews are afforded the distance they need to remain safe. And, building occupants are more willing to use FACT: Proactive facilities can achieve points toward LEED-EB certification by installing environmentally-friendly energy and water saving systems, such as waterless urinals. page six 2007 sca tissue north america.