Safety tips for on-site restrooms - CleanLink

Contributed by Waterless Co.

During the pandemic, we've learned some good bathroom habits that have kept us sane. But health officials fear many of those protective measures are now being jettisoned.

"Even when toilet surfaces appear clean, they can be little more than a petri dish," says Klaus Reichardt, CEO and founder of Waterless Co., Inc., a marketer of waterless urinals. "With so many surfaces, shelves, knobs and handles in public restrooms, it's hard not to come into contact with surface contaminants."

Worse, the toilet and urinal plume, the release of germs and bacteria into the air when the toilet or urinal is flushed is constantly adding germs and bacteria to surfaces. Although this is not a problem when installing waterless urinals, most toilets release plumes. To protect ourselves, Reichardt suggests we do the following:

cover your hands

Don't hesitate to pick up a paper towel when entering a public restroom. Use it to cover your hands so they don't touch the toilet's surfaces or fixtures.

The faster the better

Be quick, do what needs to be done, wash your hands and get out as fast as you can. The longer you stay in the bathroom, the more likely it is that you will come into contact with pathogens.

wear a mask

Wearing a mask in public restrooms is optional, but still a good idea. Not only is toilet vapor a problem, but when people congregate in public restrooms, they are more likely to sneeze and cough, which can spread germs.

away from your phone

A study on travel medicine and infectious diseases found that cell phones are a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses and fungi. One of the main reasons: they are worn while people use the bathroom.

Don't give up the paper towel

Instead of throwing away used paper towels, use them when you leave the bathroom.

"Finally seeing something, saying something," adds Reichardt. "If the toilets need cleaning, tell a manager. What you do helps keep others healthy."

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