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Hi, I'm James Pease and this is Take5, Building Operating Management's podcasts on topics of interest to building and facility executives.

Visiting a public washroom can be an unpleasant, even scary thing. But there is a significant trend towards improving the overall hygiene in public washrooms through a combination of automation and enhancements in the effectiveness of consumables.

Joining us today is Jerry McDermott Executive Vice President with Technical Concepts. Technical Concepts designs and manufactures innovative hygiene solutions for public access washrooms including a wide range of soap and air freshening systems, automatic faucets, flusher and door openers, and automated fixture cleaning and drain maintenance systems. With 20 years of experience, their systems are used worldwide in every market segment.

Thanks for being here, Jerry.

[Pease] There seems to be a lot of chatter going on about cross contamination. What’s driving the trend toward improved hygeine?

[McDermott] The general public has become increasingly aware of the dangers of spreading disease through touching contaminated surfaces and by interacting with other people. The away from home washroom can be a breeding ground for germs, and a very uncomfortable place for many people. Facility owners and managers have recognized this and many are really starting to see the benefits of creating a positive washroom experience for their customers, tenants and employees, while reducing cost, increasing value and making a positive contribution to our environment. With today’s technology, it’s no longer one or the other…. It can be both.

[Pease] People who have travel abroad quickly discover there’s quite a difference in washroom hygiene standards. Is this increased demand for cleaner and safer washrooms widespread or just a US trend?

[McDermott] Not only the US; we see increased hygiene awareness globally. For example, think of Norovirus and Birdflu. But also closer to home when one thinks of MRSA, food contamination and, most commonly, the flu! While the washroom facilities may differ around the world, most areas are trying to improve washroom hygiene. Our global presence gives us a great vantage point to see emerging trends and needs, and be on the forefront of creating the solutions using the latest, highly innovative technologies.

[Pease] I know I’m not the only one turning faucets on and off or opening doors with the back of the hands or elbows to avoid touching anything because I’ve seen others doing it too. How can facilities create a more positive, hygienic washroom experience?

[McDermott] There are two approaches to this. Automating washroom fixtures eliminates the need to touch surfaces and breaks the chain of cross contamination. Automated Faucets, Auto Flushers and Automatic Door Openers are good examples of this. Keeping toilets and urinals clean and sanitary is also important. Automatic Cleaning systems provide round the clock cleaning, while controlling cleaning supply costs., Automation is key, but not enough

Improving the frequency of Hand Washing and Surface Cleaning is critical Studies have shown that high quality soap and automated soap systems actually encourage people to wash their hands more frequently. This is very important as recent research showed only 62% of people observed actually washed their hands after using the washroom.

And last but not least: Air freshening systems really need to counter-act unavoidable odors to make the washroom visit pleasant.

Washroom visitors have a hygienic and positive experience If all systems work in harmony. At the same time, facility owners and managers will reduce cost and, ultimately, increase value. A win win for all.

[Pease] So why isn’t everyone upgrading their washrooms?

[McDermott] A very good question!

A lot of facilities are improving their washrooms, but many had bad experiences with early technologies. Infrared sensors on faucets frustrate users trying to find the sweet spot to activate the water. This problem was solved using capacitive sensing or “Surround Sensor Technology”, which activates the faucet once hands are within a few inches of the faucet. Surround Sensor Technology also allows the designers to make more aesthetically pleasing faucets to match a washroom décor. Another challenge is solenoid valves which frequently fail. The solenoid valves are being replaced by units with “cam gear” technology, which is much more reliable. Water temperature control has also frustrated users. We eliminate this by recommending the use of a very cost efficient thermostatic mixing valve which keeps the water temperature in a range of 3-5 degrees.

Installation has also been a headache, with some systems requiring 30-45 minutes to install an automatic flusher. Our AutoFlush installs in less than 2 minutes. Another problem is that most air fresheners only temporarily mask odors; our proprietary MicroTrans neutralizing technology really eliminates odors.

Leakage and the reliability of automatic soap dispensers and foam soap used to be an issue too. Now we have very reliable automatic soap dispensers available in a wide range of colors and finishes to match any décor. The last technology change is energy conservation, with most of our automated system delivering 3 years or more of service from a set of standard alkaline batteries. This helps from an environmental and controls cost.

In short- easier installation, user friendly performance and world class reliability are driving our success.

[Pease] What about the cost? Is there a decent Return on Investment with these systems?

[McDermott] For a complete automated washroom the ROI is usually in excess of 35%. Said another way, that’s a payback in less than three years! Cost savings are driven by a 70% reduction in water usage , reduced energy usage and the controlled dosing of soap and cleaning chemicals. This conservation is good for the environment as well. Many facilities are installing washroom automation to help the building earn LEED credits. Many are also looking for green seal certified products like our One Shot Auto Soap System.

[Pease] What does the future look like in the washroom?

[McDermott] They will be a cleaner and more comfortable place. Technical Concept is leading the way with true innovations and we would like to take this opportunity to invite your listeners to experience the benefits of a more hygienic washroom themselves. Asimple trial program will show what I have been talking about We also offer free needs evaluation programs that help facilities determine exactly where the biggest benefits are for them.

Most people know that hygiene is important. We are committed to making it easy and fun. Our innovative hygiene solutions help to eliminate points of cross contamination and actually encourage healthy hand washing.

[Pease] Thanks for being here, Jerry.

Our guest today has been Jerry McDermott, Executive Vice President with Technical Concepts. For more information on Technical Concepts’ free needs evaluation and trial program, please click on the “More Info” button or the Technical Concepts text link on this page.

I’m James Pease and this has been Take5.

Jerry McDermott, Technical Concepts

"Take5," a podcast series from Building Operating Management magazine, interviews Jerry McDermott Executive Vice President from Technical Concepts, on the trend towards improving the overall hygiene in public washrooms through a combination of automation and enhancements in the effectiveness of consumables.