Why it’s Important to Have Appropriate Urinals and Toilet Facilities at Universities

The importance of high quality urinals & toilets in any learning facility is paramount to providing both students and faculty members with a comfortable (and hygienic) university experience. Making sure that school and university restrooms can effectively accommodate hundreds (if not thousands) of people each day may seem like a challenging task, but it really is crucial to ensuring students’ well-being. Negative restroom experience can impact a students’ physical or mental hygiene and may lead some students to avoid using the facility during school hours, which truly underscores the importance of providing a positive and comfortable restroom environment for students.

As a school or university, your obligation to students and staff encompasses their health, safety, and comfort in every aspect. This responsibility also extends to maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the washrooms. Due to the high volume of traffic and usage, public toilets are particularly susceptible to deterioration and subpar cleaning. To ensure proper hygiene standards, frequently upgrading toilet facilities may be necessary; upgrading washrooms and their cleaning schedule regularly is essential to uphold acceptable hygiene standards.

Selecting an optimal bathroom material - such as stainless steel - will not only address any cleaning and maintenance concerns, but it will also provide a long-term solution, as stainless steel is robust, hygienic, and is able to stand the test of time.

Maintaining Cleanliness

Maintaining good hygiene is crucial in all spaces, but it becomes especially vital in enclosed and damp bathroom environments, where bacterial growth and the spread of germs and diseases can thrive. Poorly maintained toilets and urinals can foster the growth of salmonella, whereas dirty bathroom floors can become breeding grounds for e-coli. Such bacteria can lead to poor health issues, ranging from mild stomach cramps and headaches to more severe issues like vomiting, diarrhoea, and nausea.

The high number (and frequency) of users in public toilets is the chief contributor to the presence and rapid proliferation of germs, as each and every user introduces their own microorganisms into the shared space. Fortunately, modern technology has paved the way for bathroom products that not only promote good hygiene but also blend functionality with style.

Hygiene Based Design

Hygiene-based design can help universities comply with health regulations and cleaning standards, minimising the risk of legal issues and penalties. By prioritising a hygiene-based design, faculties can create safer, healthier, and more appealing spaces for students and staff, as they demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of the university community and contribute to a positive learning and working environment.

In a university (or any area where a large number of people gather daily), good hygiene becomes essential to maintaining a healthy, safe, and comfortable environment. Indeed, while many won’t give a quick trip to the toilet a second thought, others may find it to be an anxious process, especially if the hygiene of the bathroom is lacking. In fact, studies have found that a dirty public toilet may have a negative effect on a student’s health and well-being, which can directly disrupt their learning experience.

According to research conducted by the University of Melbourne’s LEaRN (Learning Environments applied Research Network), children's perceptions of school toilets can significantly impact their behaviour and experiences. A public bathroom that’s perceived to be unclean and/or unsafe can critically affect a student’s ability to effectively engage in learning activities and school life in general. As such, hygiene-based toilets designs are of utmost importance in promoting cleanliness, sanitation, and overall student well-being.

When designing and installing public toilets, some designers tend to opt for commercial designs that complement the overall style of the facilities; while there is nothing wrong with striving for a strong aesthetic, these choices often prioritise sleek designs that occasionally compromise functionality.

The two aspects needn’t be incompatible; while the number one priority of any toilet should be the disposal of waste while preventing the spread of germs and diseases, there are still many design options that are both hygienic and aesthetically pleasing. This is not to say that the desire for an aesthetically pleasing bathroom is simply superficial; bathroom design that’s pleasing to the eye can help contribute to the mental wellbeing of the people using it. It can also encourage people to maintain cleanliness and hygiene, including correct waste disposal, regular hand washing, and overall hygienic practices. Simply put, a nice, clean restroom environment will ultimately lead to a conducive learning and working environment, enhancing the overall university experience for all.

Effective and Efficient Solutions

Choosing the right toilets and urinals for university restrooms is the right thing to do for the good of student and staff health and well-being; but it can also provide you with effective cost-saving solutions. When upgrading your facilities, consider both the initial cost and the potential savings achieved through reduced water and energy waste.

Any product made from genuine stainless steel can offer you tremendous cost savings and environmental advantages in more ways than one. Firstly, stainless steel is famously strong, and its exceptional durability and resistance to wear, tear and corrosion will drastically reduce the need for frequent replacements, which is obviously going to lead to long-term cost savings. Secondly, stainless steel’s low-maintenance properties result in reduced cleaning and maintenance expenses; as a metal, it’s quick and easy to clean, and requires very minimal chemical maintenance.

Embracing stainless steel not only saves on costs but also aligns with eco-friendly practices, making it a preferred choice for sustainable and efficient solutions; it is 100% recyclable, contributing to sustainability efforts by reducing waste and conserving resources.  Furthermore, stainless steel is non-toxic and non-porous, which makes it a hygienic choice for promoting health and safety within your bathrooms.

Conclusion

Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in university toilets is of utmost importance; it directly impacts the health and well-being of students and staff, it reduces the spread of germs and prevents illnesses, and it creates a positive impression of the university, contributing to a pleasant campus experience for everyone. Ultimately, a hygienic toilet promotes a sense of respect and consideration for others using the facilities, fostering a healthy and respectful campus community.

Stainless Express stock a wide range of urinals & toilets, which have become some of our most sought-after products, as they are sturdy, effortless to clean, and are compatible with a wide range of flushing systems. You can check out our selection of stainless steel and ceramic urinals and toilets here. While you’re there, you may want to browse the vast range of other Stainless Express products.

Stainless Express has gained global recognition as a leading innovator and manufacturer of stainless-steel products, commercial-grade plumbing fixtures, and architectural fittings. We stock high quality shelves & cabinets, benches, sinks & basins, and more. If you’re after a reliable stainless steel fixture, it’s more than likely we can sort you out - but if you can’t find what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Stainless Express directly here.