This article originally appeared in FMJ, the official magazine of IFMA. Its inclusion on CMM’s website is part of a strategic partnership between ISSA, which owns the CMM brand, and IFMA. One might say that commercial restrooms are the unsung heroes of commercial buildings. They are indispensable, unique, one-of-a-kind public spaces that seem to get a bad rap more often than not. Yet they increasingly require facility management’s time, attention, and care. Every commercial building has a restroom—sometimes multiple facilities—that are used by almost every person who enters the building. As such, public restrooms are high-use and high-visibility, making them high-impact areas for all building occupants and stakeholders. Restrooms are distinctive in that they are tight enclosed spaces in which people use toilets, have many germy touchpoints (about 10 in a single visit), and contend with indoor air quality issues, including airborne pathogens as well as disagreeable odors. Additionally, restrooms utilize volumes of water, soap, and paper products that are costly and can potentially create mess, slips, and falls as well as breed bacteria. They also require facility staff’s time and energy for regular cleaning, restocking, and maintenance throughout the day. To a layperson, restroom maintenance may seem straightforward and a business no-brainer. However, limited budgets and facility staffing issues mean that companies are having to do more with less staff and resources. Today, over-stretched maintenance staff are on the lookout for restroom products, technologies, and features that improve maintenance, save time, cut costs, and make their jobs easier. Upgraded maintenance strategies Fortunately, new solutions are available to support restroom cleanliness, infection control, and reliable handwashing for building occupants while optimizing maintenance and driving efficiency. For example, restroom products with maintenance indicators, internet of things (IoT) connectivity, and alternating current (AC) power—rather than batteries—simplify maintenance capabilities. Sustainable product designs like all-in-one handwashing models and nonporous sink materials also help reduce germs and upkeep. Not only do maintenance indicators give facility staff advance notice when something needs to be refilled, restocked, or addressed in some way, this smart technology also gives building occupants confidence in knowing that the restrooms will be regularly stocked and cleaned. To further anticipate and enhance restroom maintenance, it is also important to recognize the current drivers of change that are impacting restrooms and the people who use them. Elevated expectations for restroom hygiene Today, the public’s expectations for clean restrooms are higher than ever. Increased demand stems from worldwide public infectious health concerns, such as the coronavirus pandemic and the spread of any germs that cause illness, whether it be a COVID-19 variant, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), norovirus, or influenza virus. People associate a hygienic restroom experience with health, safety, and well-being. While it has always been important for a restroom to look and smell clean, now it is an absolute necessity. There is also a strong relationship between a restroom’s cleanliness, maintenance, and functionality and a business’ or establishment’s overall image and even profitability. Research illustrates how customers place a high value on clean restrooms—and reward businesses that offer them. According to the 2023 Healthy Handwashing Survey™ conducted by Bradley Corp., 60% of Americans say they would willingly spend more money at a business with clean, well-maintained restrooms. Another 60% say when out running errands they take restroom breaks at a business they know has “good” restrooms. Conversely, “bad” restrooms have the opposite effect. More than half of respondents say an unclean or unpleasant public bathroom shows poor management and causes them to lower their opinion of the overall establishment. Slightly more than half (52%) also say a negative restroom experience causes them to vow not to return in the future or think twice about doing so. Identifying restroom user pain points and grievances Unfortunately, restrooms intrinsically carry a certain “ick factor” that impacts how people view and use these public facilities. In turn, these perceptions and behaviors affect—and inform—facility maintenance strategies. According to the survey, the most common restroom frustrations include clogged or unflushed toilets; an overall appearance that is old, dirty, or unkempt; unpleasant smells; and empty or jammed dispensers for soap, toilet paper, and hand towels. Another pet peeve uncovered by the survey is having to touch bathroom surfaces, which is not surprising as people continue to be in an elevated state of germ consciousness following the pandemic. Plus, no one wants to touch things after somebody else just touched them, especially right after using the toilet. The majority go out of their way in bathrooms to avoid any skin contact. 62% use a paper towel as a barrier to avoid touching flushers, faucets, and doors. Women are even more likely to rely on paper towels, with 67% taking this evasive measure. Others employ sheer physicality to steer clear of germs: 43% use their foot to flush toilets (much to the dismay of maintenance staff since flushing mechanisms can get stuck or break) 31% hover over the toilet seat 27% open and close doors with their backside in hopes of avoiding contact. Women are significantly more likely than men to employ these actions. Cleanliness routinely tops lists of restroom improvements users would like to see. Access to touchless fixtures and better stocking of supplies, such as toilet paper, soap, and paper towels, were other high requests. Touchless restroom fixtures With so much effort going into evading germs, it is no wonder that 82% of adults believe it is important to have touchless fixtures in a public restroom and 60% say they are more likely to return to a business that offers no-touch capabilities in its restrooms. It appears the days of handled and levered faucets in restrooms are numbered and touch-free technology is the new gold standard. In the U.S., the top touchless restroom features considered most important are faucets, flushers, soap dispensers, and paper towel dispensers. The good news for building staff and restroom users alike is that the mechanicals used in sensor technology have been improved over the past several years. Specifically, faucets incorporate highly sensitive sensors and options for
Smart restroom technology is no longer the future—it is the here and now—so accepting its role in day-to-day life is not optional. For facility managers, particularly those who do not consider themselves tech-savvy, this reality can be intimidating. Fortunately, a good technology partner will work with facility managers and do most of the heavy lifting needed for implementing smart technology. The partner will install and deploy the systems, and then properly train facility managers and custodial teams on using the system and leveraging the data. The partner will also provide ongoing support to help facility managers meet the organization’s goals related to cost, waste reduction, hygiene, and productivity. Despite the assistance from a technology partner, facility managers must still be knowledgeable about the design, installation, and deployment of smart restroom solutions to ensure a successful implementation. The following five tips can help them set their facility up for success. 1–Understand the basics In the simplest terms, smart restroom technology connects sensors inside restroom fixtures to an app on a phone, tablet, or computer using the Internet of Things (IoT). The sensors collect data in real time and send it, via wireless technology, to an app where facility managers, building services contractors (BSCs), and custodians can see it, analyze it, and act on it. Connected restroom fixtures can include soap, paper towel, and toilet tissue dispensers; faucets and flush valves; occupancy monitors; and more. The data collected reveals how frequently patrons use the restroom, how much product they use, and how much product is available. The data can also indicate water flow and consumption rates, the most and least frequently used stalls, and dispenser battery life. The insights gleaned from the data allow for informed cleaning and maintenance decision-making, as well as improved custodian workflows. In essence, smart restroom technology gives those responsible for restroom maintenance eyes on what requires attention and when, so they only need to enter the restroom when necessary. This type of traffic-based preventive maintenance frees staff to perform additional and potentially higher-value cleaning and maintenance tasks. It positively impacts productivity, sustainability, safety, tenant satisfaction, and return on investment. 2–Don’t skimp on research When it comes to pursuing a smart facility, there is no such thing as too much knowledge. The Internet provides access to resources that can help educate facility managers on the mechanisms, benefits, and implementation of smart restroom technology. The internet also puts the names of potential technology partners at facility managers’ fingertips. When relying on the internet, managers should look for technology providers whose solutions have been recognized with industry awards and who have experience in their category. Beyond the internet, facility managers can network with their industry peers for first-hand accounts about implementing smart restroom solutions. Their peers may disclose what they wished they had known going into the process, as well as the barriers they encountered, and rate the helpfulness of their technology partner. Knowing what their peers experienced and with whom can be a valuable source of information for facility managers considering a migration to smart restrooms. Industry associations can be another valuable source of information, as they have a primary goal of helping their members achieve business success. Through trade shows, webinars, and other engagement opportunities, these associations can guide facility managers on their smart technology journey. 3–Secure your organization’s support Facility managers bear much of the responsibility for recognizing the benefits of smart restroom technology and then leveraging that technology to achieve those benefits. To do so, they need to first identify their organization’s pain points and then determine the impact smart restroom technology can have on these problems. Typical pain points include companywide cost-cutting measures, poor productivity among the cleaning staff, or frequent restroom complaints from tenants. Facility priorities often focus on meeting sustainability goals, achieving higher tenant satisfaction ratings, or demonstrating a commitment to hygiene. Clarity in these areas will not only assist facility managers with the technology design and installation process, it will also help them sell the idea of investing in smart technology to company leadership. Imagine going through the time, effort, and resources to deploy a smart restroom solution only to discover that your organization’s leadership, information technology (IT), and human resources teams do not support the project or are uncooperative because they were not involved from the outset. Their support and hands-on involvement are vital to the success of the project, from the planning stage through the final setup. Installation timing is another key factor in ensuring the successful deployment of a smart restroom solution. Infrastructure upgrades are disruptive to building occupants as they could encounter a temporary lack of internet access, closed restrooms, or technicians in their workspace. To limit these disruptions, facility managers can collaborate with staff in human resources and other key departments to determine the best implementation timing possible. They should consider production windows, vacation schedules, off-seasons, or already-planned renovations when choosing a time to install restroom technology. While there might not be a perfect time to proceed with installation, there is likely a better time. 4–Familiarize yourself with the installation lingo While facility managers can place much of the implementation process in the hands of technology and building engineering managers, they are the ones who need to ensure the technology delivers on its promises. Therefore, they will benefit from understanding some of the implementation and deployment language. For example, the network infrastructure includes the hardware, software, services, and other components that allow connected devices to communicate with each other. Routers, LAN cards, and cables are examples of hardware. Operating systems and firewalls are examples of software. Wireless protocols, IP addressing, and cloud connectivity services are examples of services. Familiarity with these terms will empower facility managers to engage in more meaningful conversations with their technology partner and internal stakeholder. It will also allow them to participate proactively in the discovery and mapping processes to identify network access points and confirm restroom locations. 5–Remain committed to the technology After facility managers purchase a piece of equipment and leave
Summer break for K–12 students may be in full swing, but as those responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of education facilities know, now is the best time to begin preparing for the school year ahead. Proper cleaning in schools is crucial in creating a safe and healthy environment for youth to learn. Not only does it contribute to higher productivity and performance in students, but it also plays a significant role in better attendance rates. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), schools without a major maintenance backlog have a higher average daily attendance by an average of four to five students per 1,000, and a lower annual dropout rate by 10 to 13 students per 1,000. From classrooms to the cafeteria, many school areas should be prioritized for overall cleanliness, including the restrooms. Consider the following tips as you stock up and prepare your restroom cleaning strategy for the busy school year. Choose an inventory of cleaning solutions Having a well-rounded inventory of cleaning solutions is essential for effectively cleaning school restrooms. Stock up on all-purpose cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, hand soap, disinfectants, and glass cleaners. Along with the basics, don’t overlook the importance of choosing the best hand sanitizer. Look for a sanitizer that is safe to use in schools, like a benzalkonium chloride-based product that kills germs and is not flammable. Train your staff The right cleaning solutions can only take you so far. Staff training is imperative for the effective and safe use of each cleaning product. Take advantage of the summer break to provide thorough training sessions for your cleaning staff. Make sure they understand proper dilution ratios, application techniques, and safety protocols. Well-trained staff can help maintain a cleaner and healthier environment for students throughout the school year and prevent mishaps that can cause disruptions. You can develop and implement these training courses yourself or utilize a third party for your training. Combat restroom odor Restroom odor is a common problem in schools that can negatively impact the perception of a facility’s overall cleanliness. Fortunately, there are easy ways to combat this issue ahead of time. Stock up on air fresheners and/or neutralizers, deodorizing systems, urinal screens, commode clips, and mats. Practice regular drain maintenance to prevent unpleasant odors from building up. Look for a restroom disinfectant that not only kills germs but also includes odor counteracting additives. By addressing odor issues proactively, you can create a more pleasant and inviting restroom environment for students and staff. Promote hand hygiene Hand hygiene is a critical aspect of maintaining a healthy school environment. Use the summer months to repair and reinstall broken soap and sanitizer dispensers. To engage and educate students about the importance of hand hygiene, consider using signage that is appealing and easy to understand. Encouraging proper hand hygiene practices can help reduce the spread of illnesses within the school community—something that became of greater importance during the COVID-19 pandemic and is still emphasized now in the endemic stage. Maintain a consistent cleaning schedule Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining clean restrooms. Establish a consistent cleaning schedule that ensures all areas are regularly cleaned and restocked. This often-overlooked aspect can make life easier for all involved and help maintain a consistently clean environment. Consider using cloud- or app-based software programs that allow you to manage quality assurance, documentation, and inventory tracking from your mobile phone. These tools can streamline operations and provide valuable insights to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Use the summer wisely Summer flies by quickly, so take advantage of your school’s empty classrooms—and restrooms—to plan your cleaning strategy, train custodians, and stock up on supplies. Before you know it, school will be back in session, and custodians will be on the run to clean up messes. With preparations in place ahead of time, schools can start the year off on the right foot, ensuring a clean and healthy environment for all.
WizKid Products provides the solutions to keep a restroom cleaner in between cleanings. WizKid Antimicrobial Mats protect floors in all areas of a facility from puddles, odors, and stains. The antimicrobial treatment breaks down odors for up to 30 days, the high-quality backing options keep the mats in place, and the carpet-like fibers air-dry like an entryway mat. The patented Splash Hog Vertical Urinal Screens are the only urinal screens that extend up the back wall and are designed to stop splashback where guys aim. Available in two sizes to work in both full-size and compact wall mount urinals. How WizKid Products makes the restroom a cleaner, better-smelling place. When a facility manager or building service contractor uses WizKid Products in their restrooms, they stay cleaner between cleanings and make their world a cleaner, better-smelling place. How much splash does the Splash Hog prevent? This video demonstrates the excellent job the Splash Hog Vertical Urinal Screen does at containing the liquid and keeping the floor below the urinal clean and dry. Does the Splash Hog Vertical Urinal Screen from WizKid Products actually work? See how effective the Splash Hog Vertical Urinal Screen is at stopping splash back where guys actually aim.
The XLERATOR® Hand Dryer with HEPA Filtration System was recently tested by LMS Technologies and proven to remove 99.999% of viruses from the airstream, a crucial asset in the global fight against viral pandemics. It’s the only HEPA filtration system in the industry with a metal mesh washable pre-filter for reliable service and extended filter life. The HEPA filtration system is now available as an optional XLERATOR feature, or can easily be retrofitted into existing units. With its touchless, sensor-activated design, XLERATOR with HEPA filtration also eliminates the multiple touchpoints of contagion that come with using paper towels or traditional hand dryers. Packed with enhanced features, the XLERATOR® Hand Dryer with HEPA Filtration System is the ultimate hygienic restroom solution. *Based on testing performance by LMS Technologies, April 2020 www.exceldryer.com/hepa/
As families begin to revisit public places, it’s more important than ever that a facility’s child care accommodations are safe and sanitary. Koala Kare has created hygiene and maintenance guidelines for baby changing stations and high chairs to help you ensure your products are clean and in proper working order as your building gets ready to re-open. Visit koalabear.com/maintenance-matters for our maintenance checklists and safety reminders. www.koalabear.com/maintenance-matters
This year, the World Health Organization will celebrate World Hand Hygiene Day on May 5 with the goal to highlight the importance of hand hygiene in health care globally. In correlation to this Saturday, Bradley Co. released new data from its annual Healthy Handwashing Survey™, which surveyed more than 1,000 American adults about their use of public restrooms. The survey found the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic remain—especially in terms of hand hygiene and public restrooms. Today, the vast majority (80%) of Americans said they are now more conscious of encountering germs in restrooms because of COVID-19. Stores (55%), health care facilities (52%), and restaurants (40%) cause the most concern about encountering germs. “While there is a lingering sensitivity to germs that cause sickness, the majority of Americans appear to have raised their awareness of the importance of handwashing, and many have stepped up—and continued—their handwashing behavior,” said Jon Dommisse, Bradley vice president of business development and strategy. The survey found Americans are prioritizing handwashing in ways including: Practicing better hand hygiene—In 2009, at the outbreak of the H1N1 swine flu virus, only 45% of Americans opted to increase their hand hygiene in response to seasonal virus increases. In contrast, in the spring of 2020, 90% of Americans washed their hands more diligently. Respondents washed their hands on average 10.5 times a day, compared to six times per day before COVID-19. This year, handwashing activity has leveled out at 74% of American adults who wash their hands more frequently (or more thoroughly) in response to seasonal virus outbreaks. Relying on handwashing to stay healthy—According to the survey, 95% of adults believe handwashing is essential to maintaining their overall health—a viewpoint that’s nearly universal across gender, age, and geography. In addition to the physical benefits, 72% said they feel healthier or safer immediately after washing their hands. Focusing on handwashing when traveling—During travel, 77% of Americans make a point to stop in public restrooms in airports or during road trips specifically to wash their hands. In fact, 67% make a point to wash more diligently before a trip to avoid sickness. Ramping up handwashing when out in public—Americans wash their hands 89% of the time after using a public restroom.The top reasons for not washing hands in a public bathroom are empty soap or paper towel dispensers or a nonworking or unclean sink. Americans also are critical of others who don’t uphold public standards for washing their hands. Observing someone who doesn’t wash up leaves a negative impression for 70% of respondents. Approximately 70% of total respondents also have seen others leave public restrooms without washing their hands, and men see this more frequently (79% men versus 59% women). More than half of Americans have a negative impression when they encounter someone with dirty or sticky hands. Favoring touchless fixtures in public restrooms—The majority (86%) of Americans think it’s important that restrooms have touchless fixtures, a preference that has remained high ever since the pandemic. Additionally, 70% said they are more likely to return to a business offering no-touch capabilities in its restrooms. The top touchless restroom features considered most important are faucets, flushers, soap dispensers, and paper towel dispensers.
A recent survey by GP PRO on public restroom behavior found more than 90% of respondents have observed others using their mobile phone while in a restroom. In conducting the study, GP PRO queried more than 500 U.S. adults on behaviors they’ve witnessed in the last six months in high-traffic restrooms, such as those in airports, stadiums, and movie theaters. One constant the survey found was the use of cell phones, with 84% of respondents witnessing voice calls in a public restroom, 27% observing video calls, and 19% seeing photos being taken. Well over one-third of respondents found it “disgusting” when others conduct a video call or take a picture in a public restroom. In addition to phone use, GP PRO’s survey also found a surprising amount of consumers enjoying food or beverages in the restroom. Thirty-eight percent of respondents have witnessed others actively eating and 48% actively drinking in a public restroom; and 15% and 18%, respectively, admit to these behaviors themselves. Nearly two-thirds of respondents rated such behavior as “disgusting.” “The debate used to be which way to hang your toilet paper, but times have certainly changed, and perhaps not in a way that would make grandma proud,” said Ronnie Phillips, Ph.D., GP PRO senior director of innovation. “All joking aside, as a leader in restroom hygiene and innovation, it’s important that GP PRO be aware of behaviors that might make the work of maintainers more challenging. While we can’t keep a cell phone from clogging a toilet or a sticky soda from falling to the floor, we can ensure our dispensing products are as durable and hassle-free as possible, so maintainers have time to address these consumer behavior-related issues and keep public restrooms clean and in working order.” Access the complete GP PRO survey here.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a ban on most uses of methylene chloride, a chemical known to cause cancer as well as neurotoxicity, liver harm, and death. EPA’s action, also known as a risk management rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), will end many uses of methylene chloride while allowing key uses to continue safely under a new worker protection program. Activists have been pushing for such regulations for decades, CNN reports, and it is one of several dangerous chemicals, including toxic “forever chemicals” the Biden-Harris Administration has banned or restricted this year. Methylene chloride is used by consumers for aerosol degreasing, paint stripping, and coating removal. In commercial applications the chemical is used in products such as adhesives and sealants. In industrial settings, methylene chloride is utilized for making other chemicals, such as refrigerant chemicals. “The United Steelworkers applauds EPA’s final rule banning certain uses of methylene chloride and lowering allowable workplace exposure levels,” said David McCall, United Steelworkers international president. “More than 100,000 workers die from occupational disease each year, including those sickened by harmful chemical exposures. Our union fought for the updated TSCA so that we could ensure that worker exposures to harmful substances like methylene chloride are appropriately assessed and regulated at harmful levels. Now, thanks to the current administration, workers are safer and better protected.” Since 1980, at least 88 people have died from acute exposure to methylene chloride, largely workers engaged in bathtub refinishing or other paint stripping, even, in some cases, while fully trained and equipped with personal protective equipment. While EPA banned one consumer use of methylene chloride in 2019, use of the chemical has remained widespread. “My son, Kevin, died in 2017 from methylene chloride exposure from refinishing a bathtub at work,” said Wendy Hartley, mother of Kevin Hartley, who died from methylene chloride poisoning. “I am pleased that the EPA is finally taking action and banning methylene chloride as a commercial bathtub stripper. This is a huge step that will protect vulnerable workers.” EPA’s final risk management rule rapidly requires companies to phase down manufacturing, processing, and distribution of methylene chloride for all consumer uses and most industrial and commercial uses, including its use in home renovations. Consumer use will be phased out within a year, and most industrial and commercial uses will be prohibited within two years. Uses that will continue under the Workplace Chemical Protection Program are highly industrialized and include: Use in the production of other chemicals, including refrigerant chemicals that are important in efforts to phase down climate-damaging hydrofluorocarbons under the bipartisan American Innovation and Manufacturing Act. Production of battery separators for electric vehicles. Use as a processing aid in a closed system. Use as a laboratory chemical. Use in plastic and rubber manufacturing, including polycarbonate production. Use in solvent welding.
Seasonal influenza activity continues to decline nationally and in most areas of the country, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC). For the week ending April 20, medical visits for the respiratory illness sank below the threshold for an active flu season for the third consecutive week, except for New England which still is experiencing modest flu impact. Since January, the overall number of weekly flu hospitalizations has declined. CDC estimates that at least 34 million illnesses, 380,000 hospitalizations, and 24,000 deaths from flu have occurred so far this season, which began in October. While the flu season was long, CDC said the period was moderate due to the fact that most illnesses were attributed to a milder flu strain that was well matched for vaccines. Vaccines were around 40% effective in preventing adults from getting sick enough to seek medical attention, according to preliminary data. COVID-19 and RSV illnesses also have peaked simultaneously as flu. CDC data also shows hospitalization rates are similar between the flu and COVID-19. Additionally, the CDC data shows that COVID-19 hospitalizations did not reach the same numbers they did during the last three winters. Still, the CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine as long as flu activity continues.