Disinfection of high touch points inside units

Disinfection of high touch points inside units

Disinfection of High Touch Points Inside Units: A Critical Practice for Health and Safety


In todays world, where health and hygiene are paramount, the disinfection of high touch points inside units is not just a routine task but a crucial practice that ensures the well-being of individuals. High touch points, such as doorknobs, light switches, elevator buttons, and communal surfaces, are hotspots for the transmission of germs and pathogens. Regular and thorough disinfection of these areas is essential in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and maintaining a healthy environment.


The importance of disinfecting high touch points cannot be overstated. In environments like offices, hospitals, schools, and public transport, these surfaces are frequently touched by multiple individuals, making them prime candidates for the transfer of bacteria and viruses. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the significance of this practice, as it has been a key strategy in controlling the spread of the virus. By regularly disinfecting these areas, we can significantly reduce the risk of infection and create a safer space for everyone.


Moreover, the psychological impact of a clean and well-maintained environment should not be underestimated. A clean space fosters a sense of trust and comfort among individuals. It reassures them that their health and safety are being prioritized, which can be particularly important in settings where people spend a significant amount of time, such as workplaces and educational institutions.


Implementing an effective disinfection protocol involves several key steps. First, it is essential to identify all the high touch points within the unit. This includes surfaces that are frequently handled, such as door handles, light switches, keyboards, and communal tables. Once these areas are identified, the next step is to choose the appropriate disinfectant. It is crucial to select products that are effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens and are safe for use on the surfaces in question.


The frequency of disinfection is another critical factor. High touch points should be cleaned and disinfected regularly, ideally multiple times a day, depending on the level of activity and the specific environment. In high-traffic areas, more frequent disinfection may be necessary to ensure that surfaces are consistently free from harmful pathogens. Additionally, it is important to follow the manufacturers instructions for the disinfectant being used, as improper application can lead to ineffective cleaning or potential damage to the surfaces.


Restroom rental services tailored for your specific event or location portable restroom cleaning tank.

Training staff on proper disinfection techniques is also vital. Employees should be educated on the importance of this practice and provided with the necessary tools and knowledge to perform it correctly. This includes understanding how to use disinfectants safely, the importance of wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and the correct procedures for cleaning and disinfecting different surfaces.


In conclusion, the disinfection of high touch points inside units is a fundamental practice that plays a crucial role in maintaining health and safety. By regularly cleaning and disinfecting these areas, we can significantly reduce the risk of infection and create a healthier environment for everyone. This practice is not only a safeguard against infectious diseases but also a reflection of our commitment to the well-being of individuals within our shared spaces. As we continue to navigate through these challenging times, the importance of this practice will only grow, reinforcing the need for vigilance and dedication to hygiene and cleanliness.

Citations and other links

A portable urine-diverting dry toilet, marketed in Haiti by Sustainable Organic Integrated Livelihoods under the name "EkoLakay"

A portable or mobile toilet (colloquial terms: thunderbox, porta-john, porta-potty or porta-loo) is any type of toilet that can be moved around, some by one person, some by mechanical equipment such as a truck and crane. Most types do not require any pre-existing services or infrastructure, such as sewerage, and are completely self-contained. The portable toilet is used in a variety of situations, for example in urban slums of developing countries, at festivals, for camping, on boats, on construction sites, and at film locations and large outdoor gatherings where there are no other facilities. Most portable toilets are unisex single units with privacy ensured by a simple lock on the door. Some portable toilets are small molded plastic or fiberglass portable rooms with a lockable door and a receptacle to catch the human excreta in a container.

A portable toilet is not connected to a hole in the ground (like a pit latrine), nor to a septic tank, nor is it plumbed into a municipal system leading to a sewage treatment plant. The chemical toilet is probably the most well-known type of portable toilet, but other types also exist, such as urine-diversion dehydration toilets, composting toilets, container-based toilets, bucket toilets, freezing toilets and incineration toilets. A bucket toilet is a very simple type of portable toilet.

Types

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A line of blue plastic portable chemical toilets

Chemical toilets

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Main article: Chemical toilet
Plastic-moulded outdoor cubicle, commonly used for chemical toilets at building sites and festivals

A chemical toilet collects human waste in a holding tank and uses chemicals to minimize the odors. Most portable toilets use chemicals in this way and therefore are considered chemical toilets. The chemicals may either mask the odor or contain biocides that hinder odor-causing bacteria from multiplying, keeping the smell to a minimum.[1]

Enclosed portable toilets

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Enclosed portable chemical toilets are widely used for crowds at festivals, and for worksites without permanent toilets, such as early stages of construction and remote worksites.

On planes and trains, some toilets are chemical toilets, and others are vacuum toilets.

Portable camping toilets

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Various boat toilets, including the most basic models on the bottom right

A portable camping toilet has a seat and a small waste tank. Adding a packet of chemicals to the waste tank reduces odors and bacteria, until the waste can be dumped at an appropriate facility. They are used in camping, travel trailers, caravans, and camper vans. They may also be used on small boats which lack a built-in marine toilet.

WAG bags

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Main article: WAG bag

Waste aggregation and gelling (WAG) bags have a gel to immobilize liquid waste and surround solid waste in a plastic bag, which is then put in the trash. They are used in the US Army[2] and in wilderness.[3] They can be used to line a bucket, with a toilet-seat lid, and are required for Utah river trips.[4]

Urine-diversion dehydration toilets

[edit]
Main article: Urine-diversion dehydration toilet

Portable urine-diversion dehydration toilets are self-contained dry toilets sometimes referred to as "mobile" or "stand-alone" units. They are identifiable by their one-piece molded plastic shells or, in the case of DIY versions, simple plywood box construction. Most users of self-contained UDDTs rely upon a collection agency or a post-treatment process to ensure pathogen reduction. This post-treatment may consist of long-term storage or addition to an existing or purpose-built compost pile or some combination thereof. The necessity of a post-treatment step hinges upon the frequency and volume of use. For instances of infrequent or very modest seasonal use, a post-treatment phase might be deemed unnecessary due to the lower accumulation of waste, simplifying the overall disposal process.

Container-based sanitation refers to a collection system which regularly replaces full containers with empty containers, and disposes of the waste.

Commode chair

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A commode chair (a chair enclosing a chamber pot) is a basic portable toilet that is used next to a bed (bedside commode) for people with limited mobility. Before indoor toilets, it was used world-wide as an indoor alternative to an outhouse.

History

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A portable toilet in a British Royal Air Force WWII plane

The close stool, built as an article of furniture, is one of the earliest forms of portable toilet. They can still be seen in historic house museums such as Sir George-Étienne Cartier National Historic Site in Old Montreal, Canada. The velvet upholstered close stool used by William III is on display at Hampton Court Palace; see Groom of the Stool.

Early versions of the "Elsan chemical closet" ("closet" meaning a small room, see water closet, WC, and earth closet) were sold at Army & Navy Stores. Their use in World War II bomber aircraft[5] is described at some length by the Bomber Command Museum of Canada; in brief, they were not popular with either the flying crew or the ground crew.[6]

African-Americans living under Jim Crow laws (i.e. before the Civil Rights Act of 1964) faced severe challenges. Public toilets were segregated by race, and many restaurants and gas stations refused to serve black people, so some travellers carried a portable toilet in the trunk of their car.[7]

Since 1974, Grand Canyon guides rafting on the Colorado River have used ammo boxes as portable toilets, typically with a removable toilet seat, according to the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, Arizona.[8][9]

Society and culture

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19th century "thunderbox" portable toilet

A slang term, now dated or historic, is a "thunder-box" (Oxford English Dictionary: "a portable commode; by extension, any lavatory"). The term was used particularly in British India; travel writer Stephen McClarence called it "a crude sort of colonial lavatory".[10] One features to comic effect in Evelyn Waugh's novel Men at Arms:[11]

"If you must know, it's my thunderbox." ... He...dragged out the treasure, a brass-bound, oak cube... On the inside of the lid was a plaque bearing the embossed title Connolly's Chemical Closet.

Another slang term "The Johnny on the Spot" refers to portable restrooms always being conveniently available, denoting a similar meaning as the original phrase.[12]

See also

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  • Accessible toilet
  • Dignified Mobile Toilets, a mobile public toilet system from Nigeria
  • Sanitation
  • Telescopic toilet

References

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  1. ^ Kauffman, Kenneth (November 1, 2017). "11 Fascinating Facts About Portable Toilets". Nisly Brothers. Archived from the original on October 31, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  2. ^ McCann, Christina (2007-08-14). "Soldiers, environment love WAG bag". Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS). Retrieved 2025-02-05.
  3. ^ Cecco, Leyland (2023-09-15). "When nature calls: Canadian wilderness area offers poop bags to fix fecal furore". The Guardian. Retrieved 2025-02-05.
  4. ^ Fields, Melissa; P.m, 2021 at 3:00 (2021-08-11). "Coming to terms with the poop problem in Utah's outdoors". www.ksl.com. Retrieved 2025-02-05.cite web: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ Oxford English Dictionary. Oxford University Press. Archived from the original on 4 May 2021. Retrieved 13 June 2016.
  6. ^ Wright, Ken (2010). "And When Nature Calls". Bomber Command Museum of Canada. Archived from the original on December 10, 2020. Retrieved May 4, 2021.
  7. ^ Sugrue, Thomas J. "Driving While Black: The Car and Race Relations in Modern America". Automobile in American Life and Society. University of Michigan. Archived from the original on December 16, 2017. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  8. ^ "A History of the Groover". rowadventures.com. 8 July 2021. Retrieved 2023-12-27.
  9. ^ "Our History". swca.com. 22 June 2016. Retrieved 2023-12-17.
  10. ^ Patterson, Steven (2009). The Cult of Imperial Honor in British India. Springer Publishing. p. 10.
  11. ^ Ayto, John (1998). The Oxford Dictionary of Slang. New York: Oxford University Press. p. 20. ISBN 0-19-280104-X.
  12. ^ "9 Nicknames for Porta-Potties and Their Origins". 2024-09-26. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Portable toilets.
 

 

A public toilet, washroom, shower room or bathroom is a room or little structure with bathrooms (or rest rooms) and sinks for usage by the general public. The centers are readily available to customers, tourists, employees of a business, college students or prisoners. Public toilets are usually found in several places: urban places, offices, factories, colleges, colleges and various other places of work and research study. Similarly, museums, cinemas, bars, restaurants, and entertainment places usually supply public commodes. Railway terminals, filling up terminals, and far away public transport automobiles such as trains, ferryboats, and planes usually provide toilets for basic use. Mobile toilets are commonly readily available at huge outdoor occasions. Public toilets are commonly divided by sex (or gender) right into male and female bathrooms, although some are unisex (gender-neutral), particularly for little or single-occupancy public toilets. Public commodes are occasionally available to people with handicaps. Depending upon the society, there may be differing degrees of splitting up between men and women and various levels of privacy. Usually, the entire space, or a stall or cubicle consisting of a bathroom, is lockable. Rest rooms, if existing in a male commode, are commonly mounted on a wall surface with or without a divider panel in between them. Neighborhood authorities or commercial companies might offer public commode facilities. Some are unattended while others are staffed by an attendant. In numerous cultures, it is customary to tip the attendant, particularly if they give a particular solution, such as may be the instance at high end nightclubs or dining establishments. Public toilets might be municipally owned or taken care of and gotten in straight from the road. Additionally, they might be within a building that, while privately had, allows public access, such as a chain store, or it might be limited to the business's customers, such as a dining establishment. Some public toilets are cost free, while others charge a charge. In the latter situation they are also called pay commodes and sometimes have a charging gate. In the most fundamental form, a public commode may just be a road rest room known as a pissoir, after the French term. Public toilets are understood by several various other names depending upon the nation; instances are: bathroom, restroom, males's area, ladies's area, lavatory (United States); bathroom (Canada); and toilets, bathrooms, water closet (W. C. ), women and gents (Europe).

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Frequently Asked Questions

The most common high touch points inside portable toilets include the door handles, flush handles, grab rails, toilet seat, and faucets.
High touch points in portable toilets should be disinfected at least once a day, or more frequently if the toilet is used by a large number of people.
Recommended disinfectants for cleaning high touch points in portable toilets include EPA-registered disinfectants, such as bleach solutions, alcohol-based disinfectants, or hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectants.