38 HEALTH AND SANITATION
Six ways the pandemic is transforming restroom design
Courtesy of the Bradley Corp .
The global pandemic of Covid-19 is fast-tracking infection control technologies and products in public restrooms .
David Viola , IAPMO CEO
In the spirit of the sharing of unique experiences that shape the plumbing industries in our respective nations , the following article looks at how companies , educational institutions and municipalities are all evaluating new procedures and products for their restroom facilities . Submitted to IAPMO by the Bradley Corp ., it is the next in a regular series of similar articles that will run in this magazine .
“ While cleanliness has always been a goal in designing restrooms , coronavirus has underscored the need for hygienic , sterile and safe environments ,” said Jon Dommisse , director of strategy and corporate development , Bradley Corp ., a global manufacturer of restroom equipment .
Companies , educational institutions and municipalities are all now evaluating new procedures and products for their restroom facilities .
“ Businesses are looking at short-term and long-term fixes for operating safely ,” said Michelle Kempen WRID , WELL AP , ASID , with Kahler Slater , a Milwaukee-based architectural firm . “ The goal is to create safe and healthy indoor environments that reduce the spread of airborne and surface contaminants .”
Kempen and Dommisse identify the following design strategies to help guard against coronavirus and other germ transmission in public restrooms :
1 . No-touch fixtures “ Today ’ s touchless hand washing models incorporate advanced sensing technology for continuous and reliable washing ,” Kempen said . “ Voice command and IoT are other up-and-coming hands-free technologies for restrooms . Automatic door openers typically seen to support accessible design are now also being implemented in locations to prevent hand-surface contact .”
In fact , as schools look to re-open , guidelines like the ones issued by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction recommend the installation of all touch-free fixtures for infection control .
Dommisse added that the Healthy Hand Washing Survey by Bradley Corp . shows that 91 % of Americans believe it ’ s important that public restrooms are equipped with touchless fixtures . “ Touchless restrooms are here to stay ,” he said .
2 . Improved ventilation “ We are seeing clients consider using more robust HVAC systems throughout their facilities but especially in shared
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