You Can’t Touch This Over the years, many things in com-mercial restrooms have become auto-mated. Some of the touch-free options today include: ■ Paper towel and tissue dispensers ■ Faucets ■ Soap dispensers ■ Urinals and commodes ■ Air dryers ■ Doors ■ Lotion ■ Air fresheners ■ Toilet seat covers ■ Hand sanitizer ■ Lighting. ally eliminated for janitors and custodians. When automation is taken to this level, surfaces are able to be sprayed and scrubbed clean without ever having to physically touch anything. Plus, as studies have shown, touchless cleaning devices are able to achieve supe-rior results in less time, as they are better able to clean deeply into grout lines and other cracks and crevices. This helps ensure that soils are removed — not just spread around, as is often the case with mopping or wiping — and poten-tial malodors never metastasize. Not only is this beneficial for cleaners, but it also makes for more satisfied patrons in that restrooms are cleaner with less downtime. Infection Control Efforts Many automated components in restrooms are aesthetically pleasing. But, in addition to their sleek modernity, touchless fixtures contribute to infection control and prevention efforts. A recent study concluded that germs and bacteria can be spread from one person to the next seven surfaces he or she touches. Theoretically, a patron can contaminate all of the common touch points in a clean restroom during one visit. Then, whoever visits the restroom after that can further contaminate the area and bring that contamination to other parts of the facility. With an automated restroom, those potential points of infection are removed, which greatly reduces the chances of someone contracting a virus or other bug from their restroom stop. In addition, some of the new touchless dispensers are treated with antimicrobial agents that resist germs and bacteria. Healthy building occupants are happy building occupants, and a clean, automat-ed restroom can help keep them produc-tive and pleased. CM Circle Product Information no. 216 on page 32 www.cmmonline.com 23
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