Selecting Seat Cover Dispensers

The consensus when walking into a restroom that doesn’t provide seat covers is that the facility is contaminated or harboring disease-causing bacteria or illnesses such as strep, hepatitis, herpes, and other viruses. According to residents at the University of Colorado’s Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Science, gut-associated taxa are prevalent on toilet surfaces and can suggest fecal contamination. Selecting a seat cover dispenser for your public bathroom or facility can reduce patron or patient exposure to potentially contaminated surfaces and eliminate the repulsion aspect that deters customers from using your facilities. Aside from handwashing and maintaining adequate hygiene, seat covers are a sound choice for preventing contact.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that Salmonella causes one million foodborne illnesses annually in the United States. In a report concerning the survival of Salmonella in bathrooms and toilets, J. E. Barker of Aston University argues that the bacteria persist in the biofilm material found under the recess of the toilet bowl rim, and certain strains can persist in a toilet for up to four weeks. Seat covers are proven to reduce toilet stall contamination and many designs are mandated by state laws or local health ordinances. To ensure you and your facility are compliant with any local or state requirements, contact the appropriate authorities or public health department for more information.

Seat cover dispensers typically come in recessed or partition mounted designs. The functionality and available space in your commercial restroom play a large part in selecting a seat cover dispenser your customers will use and your employees can easily maintain. Recessed models are typically affordable and made of metal for superior resistance to corrosion, chemical damage, and heat. Partition-mounted dispensers are versatile, and many models combine the convenience of toilet paper, a feminine hygiene receptacle, and toilet seat covers.

*The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that compliant toilet seat cover dispensers in stalls shall be installed at 1.5 inches, minimum, below the available grab bar.

Minimize the risk of disease-causing bacteria or microbial illnesses by selecting a seat cover dispenser that is made from high-quality materials and is accessible to patrons of all abilities. If you have any questions about this buying guide or need help finding a solution for your public restroom, contact a member of the PandaProducts.com team today for further assistance.