Breaking the Chains of Infection with Touchless Tapware.
Sensor taps enable users to dispense water and complete handwashing procedures without human contact.
Touchless technology is not limited to tapware – sensor-operated soap dispensers and hand dryers can also be specified to create contactless bathrooms that virtually eliminate the risk of surface-to-hand transmission of viruses like SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease).
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Specifying Touchless Technology for Health, Sustainability and Aesthetics.
The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed how we approach the design of the built environment forever. Whereas aesthetics and performance were once the top design priorities, now minimising the risk of virus transmission has taken centre stage. De-densification, increased ventilation, social distancing measures and surface hygiene are all being considered in hopes of reducing the spread of COVID-19 via airborne transmission and contaminated surfaces.
Health experts, designers and architects are highlighting how the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed fundamental flaws in bathroom design. Bathrooms and washrooms are among the most frequented conveniences in a building with many shared touchpoints, such as doors, tap handles and soap dispensing buttons, that may serve as sites for infectious disease. Calls are growing for design innovations that ensure all future builds to comply with infection control measures.
One of the suggested innovations is the adoption of sensor taps that enable users to dispense water and complete handwashing procedures without human contact. Touchless technology is not limited to tapware – sensor-operated soap dispensers and hand dryers can also be specified to create contactless bathrooms that virtually eliminate the risk of surface-to-hand transmission of viruses like SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease).
Health concerns regarding bathrooms are well-founded given the number of people using the space every day. Each user of a bathroom or washroom will touch several surfaces on every visit thus increasing the risk of viral transmission. In studies following chains of infection in bathroom settings, virus was found on 50% of bathroom door handles and 19% of taps. In the same study, bacteria was detected on 14% of door handles and 9% of taps.
Research data further supports the potential of viral transmission via touching surfaces in public toilets. Factors that contribute to the risk in such settings include the presence of virus in fecal matter that can be spread by flushing the toilet, inconsistent cleaning practices and ineffective handwashing.
The preponderance of high-touch surfaces in public bathrooms presents a significant challenge with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommending
the use of a paper towel to turn off a tap to prevent further contamination.
Sensor taps provides an effective and functional solution for eliminating contact with one of the most highly-used elements in a bathroom. Before the pandemic, sensor taps were primarily used for settings where hygiene is paramount, such as hospitals and aged-care facilities. Now, specifying sensor taps is recommended for all types of builds. With a range of options on the market, there are sensor taps suitable for any facility, workplace or private household to keep the transmission of disease to a minimum.
While preventing infection is the primary reason for specifying sensor taps in the COVID-19 era, they are several other related benefits. The use of hygiene measures such as sensor taps can instill greater confidence in users of the safety of public buildings. The perception of safety is important in getting employees back into the office and encouraging people to use public facilities, the net effect of which will help boost the economy once public spaces fully reopen.
Sensor taps also offer the convenience of automation and accessibility. Sensor taps are easy to operate as they function by sensing the presence of hands. This means they can be used by anyone, including children, the elderly and users with limited mobility. Automation also eliminates moving parts such as levers and knobs that are prone to wear and tear through heavy use.
Touchless Technology for Modern Bathrooms: Billi Hands-free Sensor Taps and Soap Dispensers
Hands-free Sensor Taps
Billi sensor taps feature a unique electronic sensor built into its spout which automatically detects hand movement in the hand washing zone and shuts off as soon as you move your hands away reducing water wastage. The sensor tap is ideal for use in many situations, from medical and aged care settings to schools, retail shops and commercial washrooms, and more.
Features
• Contactless dispensing to maintain high hygiene standards.
• Available in bench mount, wall mount or straight wall mount designs.
• Easy to install, with options of mains or battery power supply.
• Available in a range of architectural finishes including Chrome, Matte Black, Brushed and Urban Brass.
• User friendly, ergonomically designed and conforms to current Australian Standards for ease of use by persons with a disability.
• WELS-rated 6 Stars for maximum water efficiency and sustainability.
• Back of wall install kits available to maintain project timelines an progress payment budgets.
Hands-free Soap Dispensers
Offering a contactless handwashing experience, Billi’s hands-free soap dispensers feature a 1000ml reservoir with the flexibility of mains or
battery power supply. Ideal for a wide range of applications, the Billi soap dispenser features a unique electronic sensor built into the spout
to automatically detect hand movement in the dispensing zone.
Features
• Contactless dispensing to maintain high hygiene standards.
• Easy to install, with options of mains or battery power supply.
• Dispenses for a set time, min 0.5 seconds -> max 10 seconds.
Custom settings available.
• User friendly and ergonomically designed.
• Suitable for use with liquid soap – non foaming.
Full Article: Architecture & Design
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The impact of bottled water on natural resources is 3,500 times higher than for tap water, scientists have found.
Researchers also found the impact of bottled water on ecosystems is 1,400 times higher than tap water.
Moving forward, It is crucial to improve access to private and public water to buildings where we can bring our bottles and don’t need to buy one.
Instant filtered water systems: an environmentally friendly solution.
By supplying up to three different types of water from a single unit, instant filtered drinking water systems directly address the needs – and wants – of people when it comes to water, reducing the desire for bottled water products. Instant filtered drinking water systems can provide boiling, chilled, still, sparkling or drinking water direct from tap to cup – or reusable vessel.
With chilled & sparkling water being particularly popular bottled water types, having these available direct from a dispenser is a significant step forward in reducing demand for plastics. Instant filtered drinking water systems have self-contained filters, heaters, and carbonators, meaning they deliver all the enhanced benefits of these different water types while still utilising tap water. This makes them a long-lasting and cost-effective solution.
With no single-use parts, the only transportation requirements for instant filtered drinking water systems following installation are the occasional replacement of filters, reusable CO2 canisters for sparkling water, and any maintenance that the units may require. This reduces the need for trucks to be
Billi has been a leader in the provision of instant filtered drinking water systems to the Australian market. Backed by a proud history of innovation, Billi products are fully Australian designed and manufactured. Their in-house innovation and research & development teams continue to look to the future and how to better supply sustainable, environmentally friendly filtered water systems to homes and businesses around the world.
Billi Eco and Quadra ranges are GreenTag® certified, providing a globally recognised guarantee that their products conform to the highest environmental standards.
Billi systems deliver instant boiling, chilled, still or sparkling filtered water direct from the unit, reducing the demand for plastic bottled water in both the home and the workplace.
Call us today at 1800 812 321
Whitepaper Architecture & Design
Continue reading the full article regarding the environmental impact of bottled water: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/aug/05/environmental-impact-of-bottled-water-up-to-3500-times-greater-than-tap-water
The full environmental impacts of bottled water
The negative impact of plastics on the natural environment around the world cannot be understated. The world has produced 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic in the last 70 years, and it is estimated that there are now somewhere in the region of 5 trillion pieces of plastic in the world’s oceans.
Plastic bottles are a significant contributor to those statistics. When many people think of the environmental harm caused by the production of plastic bottles, they think of waste in landfill. Bottled water contributes significantly to landfill in Australia. Plastic water bottles are among the 10 most common rubbish items picked up on Clean Up Australia Day, and Australia recycles only 36% of its PET plastic water bottles, meaning that around 373 million plastic water bottles end up as waste each year.
Instant filtered water systems: an environmentally friendly solution
By supplying up to three different types of water from a single unit, instant filtered drinking water systems directly address the needs – and wants – of people when it comes to water, reducing the desire for bottled water products.
Instant filtered drinking water systems can provide boiling, chilled, still, sparkling or drinking water direct from tap to cup – or reusable vessel.
With chilled & sparkling water being particularly popular bottled water types, having these available direct from a dispenser is a significant step forward in reducing demand for plastics.
Continue reading – Whitepaper Architecture & Design
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The full environmental impacts of bottled water
Despite having some of the best quality tap water in the world, many Australians choose to drink water bottled in plastic. This may be due to personal preference, such as wanting a bottle of chilled or sparkling water that they wouldn’t otherwise have access to, or due to situational circumstances such as a water cooler being the main option for hydration in the workplace. The damaging effects of plastic production (both for single use and other plastics) on the environment are impossible to ignore, and impact everything from our air quality to the demand for fossil fuels, as well as the significant waste that is generated in landfill, waterways and oceans.
This is where smart specification of instant filtered water systems can make a difference. By offering a complete water system with a range of water types including boiling, chilled, sparkling or still, a filtered water system addresses many of the reasons people choose to drink from plastic. By doing this it can have a positive environmental impact by reducing not only the demand for plastic bottles and the vast amounts of waste that are generated through their use, but the requirements for transport associated with the production and delivery of plastic bottles.
Billi Instant Filtered Drinking Water Systems
For more than 30 years, Billi has been a leader in the provision of instant filtered drinking water systems to the Australian market. Backed by a proud history of innovation, Billi products are fully Australian
designed and manufactured. Their in-house innovation and research & development teams continue to look to the future and how to better supply sustainable, environmentally friendly filtered water systems to homes and businesses around the world.
Billi Eco and Quadra ranges are GreenTag® certified, providing a globally recognised guarantee that their products conform to the highest environmental standards.
Billi systems deliver instant boiling, chilled, still or sparkling filtered water direct from the unit, reducing the demand for plastic bottled water in both the home and the workplace. Billi also offers refillable
CO2 service plan options to ensure continuous sparkling water onsite with scheduled service to suit the CO2 usage of the customer, with all CO2 canisters returned to the supplier for reuse. With periodic plans
and plans available for sites with multiple units, Billi offers a bespoke management system for any customer need.
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Australia’s ageing population poses a major challenge for the healthcare and aged-care sector. In facilities across the country, the focus on hygiene has never been higher, especially in relation to protecting the health of immunocompromised patients and elderly residents.
Check out some of the key stats below and read the full paper Keeping It Clean – Water Sanitation and Hygiene in Healthcare and Aged-Care Environments, to see why an informed approach to design and specification is critical to minimising the spread of disease via contaminated drinking water and surfaces.
Read our latest whitepaper for a guide to sustainable building certification in Australia.
For more information please contact us here
Check out our latest whitepaper on the benefits of custom kitchen design.
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Check out our latest whitepaper on creating accessible spaces.
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MELBOURNE, November 19, 2019 – Today, Billi announced its involvement in the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) membership program as a Cornerstone member. Billi joins like-minded companies from across the globe that are committed to enhancing buildings and communities to help people thrive.
The membership program at IWBI convenes, celebrates and fosters collaboration with companies and organizations who are leading the movement to advance human health in buildings and communities around the world. This dynamic framework allows Billi to tap into IWBI’s expansive resources and knowledge and demonstrates Billi’s alignment with IWBI’s mission.
“Since the first WELL projects, we have continued to build the momentum towards a global transformation that puts people at the focus of a healthier future,” said IWBI Chairman and CEO Rick Fedrizzi. “The IWBI membership community is passionate and united around their efforts to elevate wellness in their everyday work, and we are excited to have each of them on this journey.”
Daniel Walker, National Sector Manager – Specification explains, “the IWBI and it’s WELL projects are an integral to the future of Billi globally. We are extremely excited to be involved with the IWBI and look forward to working alongside other WELL-focused Organisations, particularly in Australia and the UK where our teams are working concurrently to share the message.”
About IWBI
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is leading the global movement to transform our buildings and communities in ways that help people thrive. The WELL v2 pilot is the recently launched version of its popular WELL Building Standard, which will continue to be offered to the market, along with the WELL Community Standard pilot, a district scale rating system that sets a new global benchmark for healthy communities. WELL is focused exclusively on the ways that buildings and communities, and everything in them, can improve our comfort, drive better choices, and generally enhance, not compromise, our health and wellness. IWBI convenes and mobilizes the wellness community through management of the WELL AP credential, the pursuit of applicable research, the development of educational resources, and advocacy for policies that promote health and wellness everywhere. For more information about IWBI and WELL, please visit us here.