KWC DVS Systems pave the way for a "new normal." With outdoor sanitiser stations around Torbay

Areas around Torbay have recently been provided with outdoor sanitiser stations to encourage hand hygiene for shoppers in the high streets. TDA, Torbay Council's economic development company, contacted KWC DVS Systems on behalf of Torbay Council to provide a bespoke solution for the surrounding areas to encourage "safe shopping" during and post-pandemic. Their requirements included a robust, vandal-resistant, hygienic solution for the surrounding towns' passers-by. KWC DVS provided 12 sanitiser stations around Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, which were strategically placed around the towns in highly populated areas.

KWC DVS are specialist in hygienic solutions and adapted one of their current stainless steel hand sanitising stations to provide a bespoke solution for Torbay. The technical and design team at KWC DVS were proud to be part of a local project and spent significant time designing the bespoke sanitisers to ensure all requirements were met.

The finished product was a touch-free, automatic free-standing sanitiser station manufactured from 2mm grade 316 stainless steel, which is weatherproof and an ideal solution for an outdoor product. 316 stainless steel contains an addition of molybdenum that gives it improved corrosion resistance, a key design factor for an outdoor product in a seaside town.

Stainless steel is robust and vandal-resistant, which can withstand such heavy use and help prevent potential damage. The robust body of the sanitiser station also features a maintenance hatch with high-security tamper-resistant screws so that the stations can be regularly refilled. The touchless dispensers exceed the design of those seen in most supermarkets and stores, which can often be found grubby with overspilling. Such design considerations as touch-free and using easy-to-maintain materials should be at the forefront of any hygienic product, particularly in busy areas.

KWC DVS also offered maintenance packages, and once the sanitisers had been installed, they cleaned and maintained them twice a week for around four weeks. This provided support and ensured a smooth transition to the maintenance company, which now manages the sanitisers, ensuring that they are functioning correctly and are clean for members of the public. The sanitisers are electronic and operated by batteries, allowing around 40,000 uses before they need to be changed, offering minimal maintenance and a low-cost solution.

TDA commented, "We had specific requirements for this project, and KWC DVS helped ensure that they were met. The finished product is excellent; we hope this will encourage people to return to Torbay's high streets to shop safely. We hope the sanitiser stations, along with several other initiatives to support the reopening of the high streets, will encourage shoppers to support local high street businesses."

These robust sanitisers may be a thing of the future and the "new normal" around towns and cities, as excellent hand hygiene will remain paramount and should be encouraged post-pandemic. Hygienic hand washing and sanitising solutions could also be considered when venues reopen for outdoor events and leisure activities.