Bathrooms are there for practical purposes regardless of the type of establishment they are in. Building and keeping a tiptop bathroom is essential regardless of the kind of business one has. Large companies, schools, and businesses have bathrooms built in them.
Bathrooms should not only meet the minimum requirements but their condition will directly affect the health and comfort of those who visit them regularly. This is true also when it comes to bathroom partitions. Let us learn some interesting facts about bathroom partitions in this article.
Reasons Why Bathroom Partitions Do Not Go All the Way to the Floor
Here are some goodly reasons why bathroom partitions have gaps at the bottom of each stall:
- They Allow Air to Circulate – Improvement of the air circulation can be considered as the main reason why bathroom partitions have gaps below them. If bathrooms were fully enclosed, the bathroom partitions’ smell will be even more overwhelming. So, bathroom partition gaps may be the sole reason for making bathrooms less smelly.
- They Allow for More Visualization – The gaps below bathroom partitions will allow queueing people to see if bathroom partitions are vacant or occupied. This perceptibility will keep the line moving thereby preventing longer waiting minutes. Since bathroom partitions are not fully enclosed, individuals using them will get a sense of earnestness when it comes to their use.
- They Serve as Escape Courses – A jammed lock, an earthquake or some other reason can cause individuals inside bathroom partitions to be trapped. When this happens, the gap at the bottom may very well serve as an escape route. Individuals can simply crawl out when possible
- They Make Sharing Bathroom Papers Conceivable – The main point for bathroom partitions having gaps at the bottom is for sharing bathroom papers just in case one has run out of them.
- They Make Bathroom Partitions Easy to Clean – Bathroom partitions are rather easier to clean along with the rest of the bathroom when they have gaps at the base. Hosing down water or even power-washing the bathroom is made more practicable as the water can run somewhere even if there are no drains in individual bathroom partitions.
- They Serve as Emergency Ingress/Egress – It may take hours for people inside the bathroom to notice if someone has lost consciousness inside fully enclosed bathroom partitions. When this happens in bathroom partitions with bottom gaps, someone will notice it faster than when bathroom partitions do not have gaps below. Instead of breaking down the door, responders will only give to crawl through the space between bathroom partitions and unlock the door to help the victim or injured person.
- They Deter Undesired Activities – Given the fact that people can partially peek into bathroom partitions through the bottom spaces, untoward behaviors are discouraged. These activities may include spray painting graffiti on the bathroom stall wall.
- They Require Less Material and Costs Less – Having bottom gaps thus, not extending up to the ceiling will save on materials to build it and will make bathroom partitions considerably less costly.
Proportions of Standard and for Handicap Use Bathroom Partitions
The main factor to consider when a commercial space plans to upgrade or remodel its bathrooms is the standard dimensions of bathroom partitions.
The right proportions for the whole restroom will differ though on the available area. Bathroom partitions have standard dimensions that are indicated by certain regulations such as the ADA or Americans with Disability Act.
- The ADA Standards for Bathroom Partitions
The most basic stall dimensions and other sizing reference is the Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA. This regulation enforces certain dimensions for handicap bathroom partitions per law. This act has stipulations that are easy to apply to other parts of the bathroom as well. These standards are not only good to know but they ensure common dimensions that make customers comfortable with every bathroom use.
- Common Dimensions of Bathroom Partitions
Bathroom partitions setups have standard dimensions common for commercial use. A bathroom stall door is usually 24” in width and 58” in height. The bathroom partitions themselves stand at 36” wide and 60” high.
Depth can vary significantly depending on the layout of the bathroom partitions but it is usually around 48 to 78”. A key factor in determining the deepness of the bathroom stall space is making space for the inward-opening swinging door. The bathroom door should open completely without touching the toilet bowl for the bathroom stall to be considered as having enough room. If the bathroom door hits the toilet, then more space is needed.
- Handicap Bathroom Partitions Requirement
The one area where the ADA has a legal requirement is the bathroom partitions for handicap usage. According to this regulation, each public bathroom must have at least 1 bathroom stall compliant with the ADA standards.
The bathroom door should at least be 36” in width and the space should be at least 60 by 60”. Additionally, although not a requirement, ADA handicap bathroom stalls should be situated at the end of the bathroom stalls row having over 100” of width to maintain interior space even the doors out swung.
Bathroom Partitions Cleaning Frequency and Pieces of Advice
Cleaning bathroom partitions with stainless steel parts can be a real challenge. There are advisable cleaning and maintenance tips for stainless steel bathroom partitions because of the material. There are some primary tips to keep in mind when cleaning bathroom partitions.
- Bathroom Partitions Cleaning Frequency
How often do bathroom partitions need to be cleaned? There is no fixed answer. The rate of cleaning will depend on the frequency of use of the bathroom partitions and other factors. Generally, it is recommended to clean stainless steel bathroom partitions once a week.
In cases when the bathroom partitions always experience high traffic, then the frequency of cleaning should be increased to at least once a day. Clean bathroom partitions are hygienic and prevent infectious contaminants to build up and spread. Maintaining cleanliness within the bathroom partitions and throughout the whole bathroom will impress visitors and leave positive feedback for the entire building.
- Bathroom Partitions Grease and Mineral Accumulation
Common cleaning methods may not be enough to apply for grease and mineral deposits accumulation. It is highly recommended to use abrasive cleaner proven to be excellent for mineral build-ups. Solvents like kerosene may prove useful for grease stains. These methods may be incorporated into the basic water and detergent solution as part of the typical cleaning routine.
- Bathroom Partitions Cleansers to Do Away With
Particularly for stainless steel bathroom partitions, several cleaners and chemical agents are to be avoided. These include acidic cleansers that have bleach and other alkali cleaners as they are harmful to steel surfaces and can cause corrosion.