It will come as no surprise that many toilets and public bathrooms can be breeding grounds for a whole host of nasty bacteria and viruses.
Shared toilets and bathrooms are necessary in all workplaces, schools, hospitals and public buildings, and if you own or work in an organisation that sees a large number of people use these spaces, it’s important to keep them as hygienic as possible.
If the last couple of years has taught us anything, it’s that personal hygiene matters – particularly amidst a global pandemic, with COVID-19 easily passed on in a bathroom environment. With this in mind, for this month’s blog, the team here at Envirotec Hygiene Services has outlined the key areas of public bathrooms to target when keeping people safe from infections.
Air Hygiene
One way in which COVID-19, along with other viruses and bacteria, can spread is via the air we breathe. In particular, COVID-19 primarily transmits due to droplets and airborne particles which can be breathed in. The virus is much more likely to be transmitted in this way in indoor environments, so it’s important to enhance your bathroom’s air hygiene in any way you can.
Primarily, the phenomenon of ‘toilet sneeze’ plays a major role in the spread of infections in public toilets. This occurs when a toilet is flushed without closing the lid, resulting in potentially infectious droplets being spread throughout the room.
Damp and mould growth is also commonplace in bathrooms, mainly due to poor plumbing, the moist environment and improper ventilation. Mould or damp produce hazardous spores that can pollute the air, causing harm to those exposed to it.
The best way to ensure that your property is practising good air hygiene is to install good ventilation and air cleaners that can prevent harmful air particles from being circulated.
As well as the transmission of viruses and bacteria, poor air hygiene can also result in unpleasant odours that are sometimes present in bathrooms, accumulating in the room making it an uncomfortable experience for those using it.
Surface Hygiene
Many viruses, bacteria and harmful substances can also thrive on bathroom surfaces. Door handles, toilet flush buttons, taps, soap dispensers, feminine hygiene units, sinks and more can all house viruses and bacteria. With these surfaces regularly touched by everyone who uses the bathroom, it’s easy to see how quickly infections can spread. Individuals themselves can add to the contamination of surfaces, too. Coughing and sneezing, as well as clothes, shoes, handbags, mobile phones and other personal items, can contribute to the spread of viruses, bacteria and infections.
To combat this, regular surface cleaning is a must. All bathroom surfaces must be frequently cleaned and disinfected with an appropriate cleaning solution.
Hand Hygiene
Good hand hygiene is the first line of defence against COVID-19 and other types of infections. During the pandemic, we all got used to spending more time properly washing our hands, and your bathroom should encourage users to do so.
Some of the factors that you can influence to support good hand hygiene include:
- Using no-touch technology for taps, soap dispensers, paper dispensers, hand dryers etc
- Provide antibacterial soap and sanitiser
- Install hand dryers that dry hands quicker – wet hands can transmit infections faster
It’s recommended that you spend 20 seconds washing your hands, and you can provide signage to encourage people to do so.
If you’re looking for professional washroom services in Sheffield, Leeds, Rotherham, Doncaster, Nottingham, Leicester or the surrounding areas, then Envirotec Hygiene Services is here to help. Supporting commercial bathrooms and washrooms in a wide range of sectors, Our team will ensure that your bathroom is as hygienic as possible and can also offer tampon vending, condom vending, and sanitary bin services. To find out more about how we can help, get in touch today.