WASHROOMS


WHAT SHOULD WASHROOMS DELIVER? Paul Mulready, Marketing Manager at Northwood Hygiene Products Ltd, talks to Tomorrow’s Facilities Management about the importance of well maintained, hygienic and sustainable washrooms.


Q


: What should a washroom provide?


A site’s facilities are likely to be viewed negatively if they are not properly maintained, so washrooms need to be up to scratch. It might often be overlooked, but washrooms really do have an enormous impact on people’s health and satisfaction.


When considering the overall quality of a building, the washroom must never be neglected. Everyone will need to use one at some point– and if they’re poorly managed, they will have a negative impact on people’s perception.


The washroom must reflect positively, so they should be clean, hygienic, well designed and well stocked with soap and paper products.


Q


: How can FMs keep washroom costs down?


Washroom dispensers that hold a greater amount of paper and disposables will often offer better value overall. Such high-capacity units also help to prevent run-outs, which minimises the need for staff to visit between maintenance visits, thus saving on labour costs.


Soap, toilet paper and hand towels can run out very quickly in washrooms, particularly if dispensers do not control the amount of consumables used. Waste equals cost, so it’s wise to invest in dispensers that reduce over-consumption and prevent waste.


FMs should look for dispensers that are quick and easy to replenish and wipe down, which helps to reduce the time and cost of maintaining a washroom. Units with clear inspection windows, for example, enable the maintenance team to see at a glance if they need refilling, helping to cut down their time in the washroom.


Solutions like the North Shore premium proprietary system of washroom dispensers and consumables from Northwood, are helping providers to save money.


North Shore, for example delivers zero waste and volume in use and its range offers users a choice of three wipe- clean hand towel dispensers, as well as the 5,000-sheet capacity Orbit four roll infinity toilet dispenser and the compact 2,500 sheet capacity Side-by-Side toilet roll dispenser. Both toilet roll dispensers prevent ‘free rolling’ and only allow access to the next roll once the current one has been used.


How can washrooms be more


sustainable? When it comes to the environment, manufacturers play a


34 | TOMORROW’S FM


key role in supporting FMs by developing products that are both sustainable and affordable.


Controlled dispensers that limit the use of consumables like soap and paper towels are a must. Not only do they help to cut costs, they also significantly reduce waste and are therefore more environmentally sustainable. Dispensers that release one length of paper or one shot of soap at a time naturally limit consumption and contribute to sustainability.


Thinking sustainably, providers should ensure that paper products are made only from raw materials that have been responsibly sourced – either from recycled materials or from sustainably managed forests.


Jumbo toilet rolls are often used in high footfall washrooms, and whilst they offer high capacity, they do need to be checked to ensure the paper has not run out. Maintenance staff may be tempted to replace a roll before it is completely finished to avoid having to go back to replenish it, but this can drive up paper costs and waste product, which is not good for the environment.


A high capacity, dual roll toilet roll system in a locked dispenser is a sustainable, hygienic and efficient solution. There are dispensers, such as the Raphael TwinJumbo from Northwood, that restrict use to one roll at a time to deliver cost savings, reduce waste and help the environment.


www.northwood.co.uk twitter.com/TomorrowsFM


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