SELECTING PLUMBING FIXTURES FOR COMMERCIAL RESTROOMS IN HEALTHCARE FACILITIES

摘要

Hospitals and healthcare facilities cater to vulnerable populations. Not only are patients often more susceptible to disease-causing organisms than healthy people, healthcare facilities provide treatment for a higher proportion of people with physical challenges. This unique set of circurnstances requires these facilities to focus on reducing the risk of acquiring and spreading pathogens, as well as accommodating patients who are physically challenged. The transmission of infectious disease is a serious problem in hospitals and other health care settings. Proper hand washing is the single most effective means of preventing the spread of pathogens; however, people do not always practice proper technique. Through strategies such as antimicrobial coatings and hands-free operation, plumbing fixtures can help prevent the spread of these disease-causing pathogens. This article will provide an overview of the technologies and products specific to healthcare settings; it also will include a discussion of ADA requirements and a review of products that may enhance the safety and comfort of hospital occupants.