Here we uncover the installations and upgrades that can make your school washrooms fresher, stronger, easier to clean and more intuitive to use…
From configuring the layout to maximise efficiency, to bringing in design that makes them easier to clean, school washrooms have come a long way in recent years. As we emerge amidst a global coronavirus pandemic, school washrooms improvements are a high priority. As well as allowing you to bring students into school safely, it has been shown that the quality of your school toilets can also affect your Ofsted rating. Here we look at some of the most popular improvements being made in the school washroom environment.
Better hygiene through sensor activation
Bringing in sensor activation is a powerful way to tackle hygiene, particularly post coronavirus lockdowns. The beauty of sensor flush kits, sensor taps, sensor operated hand dryers and PIR lighting systems is that they remove the need for a user to physically touch items in the wash space. The simple act of replacing conventional taps with sensor taps has been shown to significantly improve hygiene in the washroom. With students not needing to touch these items, it reduces the spread of bacteria, but also dirt, making the washroom much easier to clean.
The efficiency of wall cladding
In order to deep clean washrooms effectively, large format wall cladding is perhaps the strongest move forward. Tiles can be problematic due to grout lines, an area that is not only difficult to clean effectively, but also prone to bacteria build-up. Similarly, wall surfaces, substrates and even paint can be porous. A high-grade wall cladding such as Altro Whiterock leaves you with a slick, highly hygienic and easy to clean surface. With strong fire rating, a lengthy warranty and the ability to be thermoformed around corners to reduce join lines, this is arguably the most efficient wall covering available.
Anti-slip safety flooring
Flooring is an area of major concern in high traffic environments like schools. This is the surface that gets the most wear and tear but is also where many accidents in the washroom can occur. Anti-slip features should be employed in all flooring, but the move to a safety vinyl floor is becoming increasingly popular. A high impact anti-slip safety flooring like Altro Walkway is not only tough enough to stand up to heeled shoes but delivers impressive anti-slip properties. When fitted, this material is lapped six inches up the wall to create a watertight finish. This simplifies hose downs and deep cleans while simultaneously protecting your new flooring from delamination.
Full height toilet cubicles
For a very long time toilet cubicles came in a standard height. However, there has been a move towards full height cubicles for a number of valuable reasons. Full height cubicles run floor to ceiling, so when closed they create a privately contained space. Banks of full height cubicles can create a dramatic design finish in a washroom as they look very elegant, but they have also been shown to reduce bullying in schools.
Inclusive washrooms
Unisex or inclusive washrooms go hand-in-hand with full height toilet cubicles. Many progressive schools have made the decision to bring in unisex washrooms and are enjoying the benefits they bring. With no door to the wash space, users are met with a communal central hand wash area, with full height cubicles flanking the room. This allows all teachers to be able to monitor the wash space but also helps prevent students from congregating in concealed washrooms. This style of washroom has been well received in all age groups settings.
If you would like more advice on school washroom upgrades, installations and refurbishments, please get in touch with one of the team on 01202 650901
