As an increasing number of businesses are gradually returning to the workplace, we look at signs that public toilets and washrooms are in need of refurbishment, as well as important measures for preventing the spread of COVID-19.
In order to make workplaces, commercial and public buildings as safe as possible, business owners have been faced with many Government safety guidelines to follow, including the introduction of social distancing and increased hygiene practices throughout business premises.
Whilst some buildings allow for effective social distancing measures, toilets still remain a concern, as it is more difficult to enforce social distancing and to prevent the spread of germs and viruses. Given that it is likely that anyone spending an extended period of time in a building will need to use the toilet, and given current guidelines, people are advised to wash their hands on entering a building, toilet refurbishment and increased hygiene cannot be overlooked.
When do you know you need to invest in washroom refurbishment?
Damaged toilets and wash basins
It goes without saying that not only are damaged, leaking toilets and wash basins unsightly, they can also lead to a range of other issues. Cracks in cisterns, basins and plumbing mean a certain amount of water wastage and flooding. In turn, these issues can lead to discoloration of sanitaryware, and increase the spread of germs. In the case that any damages are found, even a hairline crack, it’s best to consider a complete refurbishment for long term benefits.
Broken fixtures and fittings
If toilet cubicle doors won’t lock, taps won’t work and toilets are unusable, then these are sure signs that a toilet refurbishment is urgently needed.
Mouldy or damaged tiles
Not only are mouldy tiles ugly to look at, making using the toilet an uncomfortable experience, a buildup of mould also provides a health risk. There are many ways to keep tiles clean, but if mould is a recurring problem, it’s time to reassess. A full refurbishment project may be the best solution.
Old-fashioned aesthetics
When it comes to business premises, you may believe that the way a washroom looks is the least of anyone’s concern, but this is certainly not the case. When the rest of a building has been modernised, outdated toilet facilities stand out in a very negative way.
Essential toilet refurbishment considerations in light of COVID-19
In addition to increasing washroom cleaning practices and introducing business hygiene practices, there are many considerations to be made when planning a toilet refurbishment to help create a safer environment and reducing the risks of spreading COVID-19.
There are many hardware choices that can be made in order to reduce the number of surfaces that are touched in a washroom, for example:
Automatically flushing toilets – toilet flushes with sensors remove the need to touch them.
Automatic taps and soap dispensers – install taps and soap dispensers that function automatically when your hands are sensed.
Automatic hand dryers – hands-free hand dryers.
Handle-free doors – doors that operate on a swing hinge, without the need for handles considerably reduce the need to touch doors with your hands when you have just washed them.
Whilst we are still observing social distancing practices for the time being, it is also important to consider the positioning of urinals, wash basins, and hand dryers. When investing in a toilet refurbishment, new fixtures can be installed with spacing of at least the recommended metre where possible.
Washroom refurbishment experts
For more information on washroom refurbishment and for advice on creating a safe washroom environment, contact Universal Contracting today by calling 01794 330 830, or visit our contact page.
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