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The latest infrared washroom technologies offer a ‘secret weapon’ when it comes to enhancing infection control for the school provider, all while saving water. Chris Tranter at Bristan discusses the options.


EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES BSEE


A LESSON IN INFRARED FROM BRISTAN


The latest weapon in infection control


contamination. Everything from urine to other bodily fluids and dirt contribute to washroom cleaning challenges daily.


P


uInfrared tap: The non‐touch mechanism prevents germs spreading, making it ideal for use in all premises seeking to optimise hygiene levels.


And things aren’t helped by poor hygiene. Studies show that 80% of infectious diseases are spread by touch yet 30% of people don’t wash their hands after going to the toilet – this is despite the fact that, as well published through Government campaigns, people's hands are the most common way in which microorganisms, particularly bacteria, might be transported and cause infection.


This can lead to serious illnesses, including salmonella, flu, diarrhoea and impetigo. Notably in 2006, poor hand hygiene was attributed to the


ublic washrooms are a huge infection


prevention challenge for any commercial setting, having the greatest potential for germ cross-


spread of MRSA in UK hospitals. All commercial providers have a duty of care to alleviate this risk by providing a clean and hygienic washroom supported with rigorous infection- control measures. The good news is that upgrading washrooms to address these issues is easily done, at relatively little cost.


Fundamentally, it is important to instil behavioural change by encouraging everyone to wash their hands regularly with soap and warm water. Good practice also constitutes routine sterilisation of surfaces and objects such as countertops, urinals, toilets, door knobs, toilet handles, and faucets. However, even with these measures in place there is still room for bacteria to spread, but this can be avoided by the installation of solutions that offer completely hands- free operation.


One example is Bristan’s new infrared tap range which uses infrared technology to detect human


presence and switch on the water flow, delivering the right amount of water when required. The non-touch mechanism alleviates the risk of germs spreading, making it ideal for use in all premises seeking to optimise hygiene levels – all while eliminating water waste too.


Another recommendation is a urinal infra-red automatic flush. Working in a similar way, the infra-red technology detects human contact and automatically flushes the individual urinal after use thus alleviating the need for human contact. Plus, the direct flush removes the need for an auto-flush cistern and associated plumbing used in traditional installations, which flush all urinals intermittently.


And there is a major added bonus to using both of these technologies; efficiency. With traditional setups, taps may be left running – or simply drip, while cisterns may have an unnecessarily high water demand.


But with non-touch technology, water is only used as needed. This enables schools to significantly minimise mains water use in order to lower their environmental impact and cut water bills.


There is also a new infrared soap dispenser specifically created to aid infection control in public sector premises. The dispenser spout incorporates infrared technology to detect human presence and dispense a user-set volume of soap thus negating the risk of cross- contamination between hands. In addition, wastage is eliminated thus further helping with efficiency measures.


When it comes to the washroom provision, the good news is that making upgrades to reduce cross contamination can be done relatively easily – helping to significantly reduce infection count, all while saving water.


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BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER APRIL 2016 23


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