Improved Restroom Hygiene  by Peter Jahring    "Architechtural Record"

There are a number of basic reasons for using electronic plumbing products in public facilities. These include improved restroom hygiene.

The most important reason for using sensor-operated faucets and flushometer valves is to improve restroom hygiene. By the very nature of what a restroom is designed to do, the fixtures and fittings in a public restroom must come in contact with the bodily functions of a wide variety of human beings. Cleanliness is important not just for the aesthetic value of the facility, but also from the health and safety standpoint. The use of sensor operated plumbing products will keep the restroom cleaner. “Hands Free” products also help prevent the transmission of disease from one person to another.

When a person touches the handle on a faucet or a flush valve, residue on that person’s hand or fingers may be physically transmitted to the handle of the product. This residue can than be transferred to the next person touching the handle. Studies have identified that bacteria can be spread from one user to another from a faucet handle or knob. This is called “cross contamination”. The use of “Hands Free” faucets and flush valves eliminates the need for physical contact between the user and the plumbing device. This in turn helps to eliminate the possible transmission of a wide variety of pathogens, including hepatitis, salmonella and a wide host of other communicable diseases. Since restroom users are aware that multiple people have been using the facilities, a restroom that incorporates hand’s free plumbing devices is also perceived a lot less risky to use. This projects an overall perception to the user that the restroom is “hygienic”.

In a study by Kimberly-Clark Professional, 39% of survey
respondents feared picking up germs in a public restroom more
than any other place. Is there good reason for the fear or are
people overly concerned? Can you reduce the risks?Without getting too specific, there are many germs that can
thrive in restrooms. Bacteria live off of moisture and organic
food (or waste)- which can be plentiful in public restrooms.

Fears of contacting STD's (sexually transmitted diseases) from a
public washroom have more to do with the fear of the disease than
the likelihood of picking it up in a washroom. Many of these
bacteria and viruses do not live long enough outside the body to
be easily transmitted. However, some experts admit there is a
theoretical risk of herpes or crabs being contracted under
certain - but unlikely - conditions. Some public facilities
provide flushable toilet seat covers, antibacterial cleansers or
you can line the seat with toilet paper.

Of greater concern are salmonella and shigella bacteria which can
be transferred by contact with feces. The infected person can
transmit the bacteria on their hands which can then be
transferred to flushing handles, door handles and faucets.

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