Note: This is a series of articles addressing various products and technologies available to complement the changing office landscape due to COVID-19 safety.

During our weekly design and construction meetings, discussions that used to center on space planning and paint colors now focus on products that help minimize physical contact in potential germ spreading areas such as lobbies, elevators, restrooms, and breakrooms.   

In this installment, the high-touch restroom is one the most concerning areas of increased infection prevention. Each time you flush a toilet, it sends millions of water droplets, which can travel up to 10 feet and land on counter tops and other surfaces. Drying your hands with an electric dryer can also spread and circulate germs around the room.

From the entry door to the toilet fixture, how can you best prepare your restroom for continuous use beyond regular cleaning? Here a few that I’ve found that may help decrease risk: 

1. Entry Door

Touch-less hand Sanitizing Door Handle
Antimicrobial Door Hardware
Disable Keypad Door Locks
Hand/Arm Pullers
Step/Foot Pulls

2. Fixtures (many can be retrofitted with solar-powered technology)

Sensor-activated faucets
Sensor-activated soap dispensers
Sensor-activated flushometers for Water Closets and Urinals
SloanTec Glaze on all vitreous fixtures which inhibits the growth of germs and bacteria
Dryers integrated into the sink or sensor operated hand towel dispensers
Copper fixtures contain antimicrobial properties
Sensor-activated paper towel dispensers
Self-Cleaning toilets
Sensor-activated feminine hygiene dispenser
Automatic toilet paper dispenser

If you have items to recommend be added to the list, please send me a note. 

Related Series Article:
UV Disinfect on Demand – Post Covid 19 Office Technology Safety Series