In light of COVID-19, many schools have had to find ways to improve their toilets, both aesthetically and hygienically. Here, we run through some of the best improvements you can make to your busy school washrooms.
Sensor activation
For better usability and significantly improved hygiene, sensor activation is perhaps the strongest option. By implementing sensor taps, hand dryers, sensor flush kits and PIR lighting, pupils can enter and use the washrooms with minimal physical contact with their surroundings. Every touchpoint heightens the spread of bacteria in a washroom, so the more you can remove these through sensor-operated fixtures and fittings, the better.
How much water do waterless urinals save?
Waterless urinals can deliver great economic savings. With no mains water connection, this modification keeps the urinal fresh and clean through a special cartridge inserted into the waste outlet. Depending on your site size, switching to waterless urinals can save up to 200,000 litres of water each year.
School Toilets
School toilets are lower than a standard toilet pan. They are designed for young children aged 2 to 7 and typically have a rim height of 305mm or 355mm. The lower height helps young children use the toilet more hygienically. They can climb onto and sit on the toilet unaided and use it while standing, which they can't do with a standard-height toilet.
How many toilets should a school have?
The exact number of toilets per school varies, but for England and Wales the following applies:
- For pupils under the age of 5 – one toilet for every ten pupils
- For pupils five years old – one toilet for every 20 pupils
- In special schools – one toilet for every ten pupils, regardless of age
- Where the majority of pupils are under 11 years old, you need as many washbasins as toilets.
Meanwhile, in schools where most pupils are over 11, ratios vary.
- For every washroom with a single toilet, you must also provide a washbasin.
- If a washroom has two toilets, you will also need two washbasins.
- However, when a washroom has three or more toilets, you must provide two-thirds as many washbasins as toilets.
We have a more comprehensive guide to toilet guidelines HERE.
How many sanitary bins do I need?
You should have at least one sanitary waste disposal bin in every female washroom used by pupils aged eight and above. However, most schools choose to have one in each female cubicle, especially in middle and secondary schools.
Are paper towels or hand dryers more sanitary?
This is a hotly debated topic and certainly worth your attention. Some past studies have shown that high-powered hand dryers can spread bacteria far from the hand-drying area in a washroom, while paper towels have been shown to be most effective at trapping bacteria on the paper towel and keeping them inside a waste bin.
Like many of these arguments, studies on both sides show each has its strengths. The bottom line is you need to make the call for yourself. Hand dryers use less electricity and perform well, and they mean you don’t need to keep topping up paper towels and emptying waste bins. Many hand dryers have changeable air filters that ensure the air blown onto hands is clean.
If you’d like further advice on improving school washrooms, contact one of the team today on 01202 650900.
