HEALTH AND SANITATION
39
Freepik . com spaces such as in restrooms ,” Kempen explained . “ Ventilating with outdoor air is vital to diluting airborne contaminants .”
According to Centres for Disease Control ( CDC ), the coronavirus appears to spread indoors through close personal contact and via poor circulation of building ventilation systems . The American Society of Heating , Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers ( ASHRAE ) advises that ventilation and filtration provided by heating , ventilating , and air conditioning systems can reduce the airborne concentration of SARS-CoV-2 , and thus the risk of transmission through air .
3 . Modified layouts Even before Covid-19 , European restroom models with gender-neutral layouts were gaining popularity . “ A parallel can be drawn between the benefits of a restroom planned to be gender-neutral and planned to address Covid-19 concerns . The European model of stalls forming a perimeter around communal washing stations with open circulation may be a layout we see more of in the US ,” Kempen predicted . “ This design can help facilitate one-way traffic and minimise cross-traffic .”
Design elements like eliminating doors , adding S-curved and automated doors and widening doorways are also gaining traction .
4 . Avoiding wet floors Water dripping from hands onto floors can cause slips and falls , and breed bacteria , Kempen noted . To avoid wet floors , she suggests locating soap and drying options close to sinks so people needn ’ t move from the sink with wet hands . “ I see a big opportunity for sleek all-in-one hand washing fixtures that have the soap , faucet and dryer all in one unit to contain water .”
5 . Antimicrobial finishes and materials Some high-touch restroom surfaces like grab bars are available with antimicrobial coatings . “ Before Covid-19 , the design community was seeing a lot of antimicrobial layers and coatings on products . We are now seeing a rise from facility managers and building owners requesting this option as an enhanced safety precaution for their customers ,” Kempen said . “ Clients are also considering products that are inherently antimicrobial such as copper .”
6 . Sink Materials and Designs “ For sinks , using smooth and nonporous materials with seamless construction like solid surface and natural quartz helps prevent bacteria , mold and delamination accumulation ,” Dommisse said . “ For multi-user restrooms , new washbasin designs with increased space between the hand washing areas allow for social distancing while washing hands .”
While there are a number of infection control measures on the horizon for restrooms , in the short-term it ’ s still important to keep six feet of distance between people , wash hands with soap and water , dry hands completely , wear masks and limit crowding in restroom areas , he noted . PA
“ Ventilating with outdoor air is vital to diluting airborne contaminants .”
March 2021 Volume 27 I Number 1 www . plumbingafrica . co . za