Automatic Soap Dispensers

The Health Department requires that a reminder sign concerning hand hygiene be posted in every restroom that used by employees and the public.  Perhaps, the Health Department should require automatic soap dispensers in each of these restrooms.  Quite often there is no soap, at all, in these appropriately “signed” restrooms.  Sometimes, there is only cold water available.  How clean are the employees’ hands?  What will they be touching?  Will they be shaking hands or serving food?  Germs can be spread through direct physical contact with a person, and by touching surfaces that another person has touched. 

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), hand washing is the most effective action that the public can take to combat the spread of communicable illnesses.  Requiring automatic soap dispensers might help to reduce the spread of germs and bacteria.  Some options for automatic soap dispensers for these restrooms are:

1. The One-Shot Automatic Hand Soap Dispenser:  This no contact hand soap dispenser looks like a bathroom faucet.  The built in sensor eliminates surface contact and messy drips.  The dispenser has an improved pump and tube to limit the amount of soap dispensed.  This helps to reduce refill frequency and costs.  It is available in chrome, satin, or brass.  The One-Shot Automatic Hand Soap Dispenser is available online from Airdelights starting at: $69.99.

2. The Gen-1 Automatic Soap Dispenser:  This automatic dispenser was designed for medical and dental facilities, by Ultra Clenz.  Their technologically advanced infrared sensor design neutralizes environmental interference.  This eliminates accidental activation and prevents continuous cycling.  It has a compact, wall mount design, is easy to install, and is battery operated.  The soap dispenser features an adjustable dosage of 1ml, 3ml, or 5ml.  The hands free Gen-1 is available online from Ameraproducts for $34.95.

3. The Mosaic Automatic Soap Dispenser:  This soap dispenser features “switchable patterns”. It has flexible, moveable squares that can be arranged as desired.   The dispenser is white and the squares are available in a variety of colors.  This touch free dispenser is available in different models for foam, lotion, or spray.  This design is wall mounted, and is easy to install and easy to refill.  The Mosaic Automatic Soap Dispenser is available online from Kaiser.  Prices vary according to custom order specifications.

The CDC and the Health Department should work together to make automatic soap dispensers mandatory in employee and public restrooms.  Having automatic soap dispensers installed is a convenient, cost effective way to help reduce the spread of germs and bacteria.