Pedal bins in disabled/handicapped toilets

[roserodent]

Need I say more? Argh! The hospital has a special design of pedal bin that you cannot open by hand at all. It's to help with infection control so you don't have to touch the bins. So instead you have to lean out of your chair and push the bar where others have put their feet and push it with your hand. You cannot wash your hands afterwards because the paper towel goes in the pedal bin.

Who thinks of these things? Does anyone think?

Comments

[adrian_turtle]

That's horrible. They should know better. The kind controlled by motion sensors have existed for years. The prices came down quite a bit in the last 5 years or so. (In public toilets in the US, they're using motion sensors to make toilets flush automatically when a person moves away, and towel dispensers put out a section of section of paper towel when a hand waves in front of it.) They seem to be used as infection control measures, more than accessibility things. If you have the energy, you might send a letter to management, suggesting it.

For the time being, you might try covering your hand with the damp paper towel when you lean down to push the pedal bar. It's still hard to lean out of the chair to reach, but at least you aren't touching the dirty bar without being able to wash your hands after.

Can't make a quote box!

[roserodent]

If it's possible to put a quote box in comments I haven't found it! ;) QUOTE

"For the time being, you might try covering your hand with the damp paper towel when you lean down to push the pedal bar. It's still hard to lean out of the chair to reach, but at least you aren't touching the dirty bar without being able to wash your hands after."

I'm confused how I then get the paper towel I have been holding on the push bar into the bin afterwards. The lids snap viciously and child-severingly shut the moment you release the pressure on the bar.

Oh, and I did write and complain, they informed me they just this minute bought all these new bins (I know!) but they will keep the suggestion in mind for next time they buy new bins on an authority-wide basis. So, about 5-10 years then. And just proves they did not undertake the legally required impact assessment before making this inane decision.

Re: Can't make a quote box!

[adrian_turtle]

"I'm confused about how I then get the paper towel I have been holding on the push bar into the bin afterwards. The lids snap viciously and child-severingly shut the moment you release the pressure on the bar."

Oh, ick. I was thinking of the kind of bins we have in this area, which close very, very, much slower. Your building management seems like they're actively working to create more disabled people, as well as being hostile to those already using their facility. (I have limited use of my hands. It's a sore point, so to speak.) If I were you, I'd be really tempted to just litter.