Everyone at one time or another has visited a public restroom. Not all restrooms are created equal. They range from the portable variety at fairs and other outdoor activities to the very up- scale powder rooms at fine hotels and restaurants. In between we are offered facilities that are clean, less clean, odor-free, fully equipped, sparsely equipped, and more or less equipped with fixtures and dispensers that are touch free.
A modern restroom will have sensor-operated toilet flushers, toilet seat covers, automatic faucets, hands free soap and towel dispensers, metered air fresheners, touchless trash cans, and hands free door openers. Today, people expect these touchfree devices, and only their absence draws attention. Patrons appreciate the sanitary environment because it conveys a sense of security in avoiding cross-contamination and illness.
Many restrooms however do not provide a germ- free way to exit. One is forced to touch the door in order to leave. Some people resort to using the paper towel to open the door. Some facilities have moved their trash cans near the door for this reason. Newer restrooms have eliminated doors with the "S" floorplan. Touching the door is the weak link in the chain of barriers against contamination. It doesn't have to be since technology has solved this problem.
Several types of devices are available. Foot operated openers, arm grasping handles, and sensor-operated automatic doors can easily be installed to eliminate touching the exit door. With MRSA and other illnesses becoming more prevalent, hands free doors are a requirement.
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Article added to SearchWarp.com on Wednesday, October 08, 2008 View other articles written by Amy Bauer R.D.H.(53)
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