Commercial Restroom Health Standards

Public health and wellness are paramount in any decision to invest in new amenities or compliant appliances for your public restroom or commercial facility. When customers enter an unkempt bathroom, hygiene can be a deterrent and result in a negative experience. Cintas recently released a proprietary research study claiming that 80 percent of restroom users rate the cleanliness of a commercial bathroom based on the availability of paper towels or other hand drying methods. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide all workers with sanitary and available toilet facilities. Their sanitation standards are intended to prevent adverse health effects and contamination. In this article, we will review commercial restroom health standards so your business can stay compliant and conscious of best practices.

One of OSHA’s commercial restroom health standards mandates that the floor of every workroom shall be maintained, so far as practicable, in a dry condition. Where wet processes are used, drainage shall be maintained and false floors, platforms, mats, or other dry standing places shall be provided, where practicable, or appropriate waterproof footgear shall be provided (1910.141(a)(3)(ii)). Furthermore, all sweepings, solid or liquid wastes, refuse, and garbage shall be removed in such a manner as to avoid creating a menace to health and as often as necessary or appropriate to maintain the place of employment in a sanitary condition (1910.141(a)(4)(ii)).

The use and availability of antibacterial soap is another important aspect to commercial restroom health standards. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention claims that lathering and scrubbing hands creates friction, which helps lift dirt, grease, and microbes from the skin. Without an adequate means to dry hands, research shows that the risk of contamination increases due to the transfer of pathogens. Research students at the School of Public Health and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation at Queensland University of Technology found that paper towels are most effective at decreasing residual moisture and bacterial colonies. On the other hand, warm air dryers require less expendable costs and eliminate the need for contact. Should you choose to install hand dryers as opposed to paper towel dispensers, your cleaning personnel should exercise a rigorous cleaning schedule to maintain all surfaces from infection or corrosion.

Education is another important aspect to commercial restroom health standards. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires certain signs to be posted as well as design guides that ensure your commercial restroom is accessible to individuals with blindness or any limitation. Each state holds specific regulations for handwashing codes and requirements to ensure your employees are reducing the risk of contamination and unsafe handling. Consult and verify all design distances and heights as well as signage requirements with local codes or ordinances, because they often supersede federal requirements. If you have any questions about this article, please contact PandaProducts.com today for further assistance.