In the bustling environments of educational institutions such as schools, colleges and universities, maintaining clean and hygienic washrooms is paramount to the health and well-being of students, staff and visitors.
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the importance of hygienic washrooms in schools and explore the various services and technologies available to promote cleanliness and sanitation.
Clean and hygienic washrooms in schools play a pivotal role in promoting overall health and well-being. Here’s why:
Health and safety
Hygienic washrooms contribute to mitigating the spread of germs and bacteria, reducing the risk of illnesses and infections spreading among students and staff. By fostering a sanitary environment, schools prioritise the health and safety of all.
The Department of Education does not set regulations on the minimum number of fittings to be provided in relation to the ages and number of pupils but generally, HSE’s workplace facility guidance is applied to school washrooms to ensure adequate facilities are provided.
The below table shows the number of toilets and washbasins that should be provided in mixed-use (or women-only) washrooms.
| Number of people | Number of toilets | Number of washbasins |
| 1-5 | 1 | 1 |
| 6-25 | 2 | 2 |
| 26-50 | 3 | 3 |
| 51-75 | 4 | 4 |
| 76-100 | 5 | 5 |
The table below shows the number of toilets and urinals that should be provided in men-only washrooms.
| Number of people | Number of toilets | Number of urinals |
| 1-15 | 1 | 1 |
| 16-30 | 2 | 1 |
| 31-45 | 2 | 2 |
| 46-60 | 3 | 2 |
| 61-75 | 3 | 3 |
| 76-90 | 4 | 3 |
| 9-100 | 4 | 4 |
Image and reputation
The cleanliness of school washrooms reflects the image and reputation of the education facility. Schools with hygienic, well-maintained facilities convey professionalism and care, creating a positive impression for students, staff, parents and visitors.
Educational value
Hygiene practices learned at school can instil lifelong habits in students. By emphasising the importance of cleanliness, schools can educate students on maintaining personal hygiene in their daily lives.
From air care to feminine hygiene, hand hygiene and urinal treatments, a comprehensive approach to maintaining hygiene in school washrooms is essential for creating a favourable environment for education and well-being. Let’s explore the diverse range of services available to uphold hygiene standards in school washrooms.
Air care services
Our air care services include a range of products including air fresheners and air purifiers. Automatic air fresheners release bursts of pleasant fragrances at regular intervals to ensure a consistent fresh atmosphere and help to neutralise odours.
The NWR Hygiene Fresca is a stylish, eco-friendly and hassle-free 60-day cycle air freshening system that delivers continuous levels of fragrance and odour control. Our refills are available in a wide range of modern fragrances to keep busy washrooms smelling pleasant.
The BioZone, part of our premium range, actively eliminates airborne bacteria and viruses, contributing to a cleaner and safer washroom environment. BioZone’s HVAC UV technology has the power to reduce the number of microorganisms in the air by 70%.
Feminine hygiene services
Providing discreet and hygienic disposal solutions for feminine hygiene products is essential for promoting the comfort and well-being of students and staff. It is also a requirement for sanitary disposal units to be provided in toilets for girls aged eight and above.
Our sanitary bins are designed for easy and hygienic disposal, and to maintain cleanliness and privacy in washroom facilities. We recommend our slimline, hands-free, foot pedal sanitary bin which can fit into the smallest of cubicles. The bins are lined with a scented liner along with an enclosed lid preventing smells from escaping and concealing disposal.
Hand hygiene services
Encouraging proper hand hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing and the use of hand sanitiser, can significantly reduce the risk of illness and germs spreading.
Our soap dispensers provide luxurious soaps, promoting maximum hygiene, and leaving hands clean and feeling fresh. Soap refills help ensure optimum hygiene at all times and our selection of refills are available in the following: antibacterial foam soap, instant hand gel and luxury foam soap.
Accessible hand sanitiser offers a practical solution for maintaining hand cleanliness and reinforces a proactive approach to preventing the spread of germs within a school setting. Our hand sanitiser products include hand sanitiser stations with alcohol gel which include a board to help promote hand hygiene practices. Also available is our pedal-operated hand sanitiser which provides a hygienic hands-free option.
Hand dryer services
At NWR Hygiene we have a range of hand dryers available including the Dyson Airblade V, Dyson Airblade 9KJ, Air Lite Max and Air Lite Super Max. These high-speed hand dryers efficiently dry hands without needing paper towels, reducing waste and environmental impact while promoting hand hygiene. Each hand dryer has individual benefits depending on your requirements.
Urinal treatment services
Urinal treatments including mats and screens help to absorb splashes and keep urinals clean and odour-free and are therefore essential for maintaining cleanliness in male washrooms.
We recommend the NWR Hygiene Zest and Sense to help with the upkeep of male washrooms. The Zest is a triple-action urinal screen offering fragrance and enzyme protection for up to 60 days. The NWR Hygiene Sense system provides continuous programmed maintenance, ensuring W.C. and urinal fixtures remain clean, sanitised and odour-free. This programmable dispenser can be set to dispense between 8, 12, 16 and 24 hours
By prioritising hygiene solutions such as air care, feminine hygiene, hand hygiene and urinal treatments, schools can create a safe and sanitary environment for staff, students and visitors.
At NWR Hygiene Group, we can help you implement the school washroom strategies outlined in this guide, offering unique and tailored solutions for your educational institution through our managed, fully serviced hygiene solutions. Get in touch with our team today for a free, no-obligation quote.
