Paper towels vs. Hand Dryers (split from AC Open Forum)

Quote: vendman1

They are obviously trying to save money on anything they can. The restrooms were not stocked with paper towels on Thursday (they have hand driers) but were stocked with them Fri/Sat. I mentioned this to a restroom attendant and he said they are instructed to not stock them except on weekends. Wow.

Wow, that is really sad. Just one item on a long, LONG list of things that show you the direction AC is going (item #1 being the decaying carcass of the Revel). But how personal. I hate hand dryers; I will use them for a first pass but even the new super-powered ones (AirBlade or similar) don't quite get your hands completely dry. I always finish with at least one paper towel where offered.

Quote: AcesAndEights

Wow, that is really sad. Just one item on a long, LONG list of things that show you the direction AC is going (item #1 being the decaying carcass of the Revel). But how personal. I hate hand dryers; I will use them for a first pass but even the new super-powered ones (AirBlade or similar) don't quite get your hands completely dry. I always finish with at least one paper towel where offered.

It's not uncommon a lot of businesses are switching to them, especially ones with many high traffic bathrooms ( such as casinos).
They save the environment (less paper usage, and a lot of businesses try to be green friendly).
They save time (the janitor does not have to spend time checking all the paper dispensers).
They save money (one less product to stock and continuously refill).
And, it lowers garbage output (paper towels can add up fast to filling garbage cans).

I also like towels, but it makes total sense why buisnesses don't. Plus it's good to be a positive influence on the environment.

Quote: Gandler

It's not uncommon a lot of businesses are switching to them, especially ones with many high traffic bathrooms ( such as casinos).
They save the environment (less paper usage, and a lot of businesses try to be green friendly).
They save time (the janitor does not have to spend time checking all the paper dispensers).
They save money (one less product to stock and continuously refill).
And, it lowers garbage output (paper towels can add up fast to filling garbage cans).

I also like towels, but it makes total sense why buisnesses don't. Plus it's good to be a positive influence on the environment.

I use Dyson dryers in my restaurant bathrooms and then offer a hand sanitizing station just outside the rest rooms for those who are concerned about touching the door after washing. I have had very few complaints and it is a win/win for the reasons you list above.

Nothing's worse than when you use the dyson air blade that has other peoples disgusting hand water on it(pools up at the bottom). Sprays you in the face everytime. Feels more sanitary wiping your hands on your pants rather than taking a blast in your face.

Don't wash your hands. Problem solved.

Quote: Intheknow

Don't wash your hands. Problem solved.

Don't pee on your hands.

Not from the most objective source but this cites a study:

"Warm air hand dryers cause an average 254 percent increase in the number of bacteria on the palms of people’s hands as well as contaminating the surrounding area, according to a recent study by University of Westminster in London.The study also showed that on average, paper towels reduce bacteria on the hands by 77 percent."

http://www.tork.com.au/Tork-and-your-Business/Why-Tork/TorkHygiene/Warm-air-hand-dryers-increase-bacteria-on-hands/

Quote: 7star4now

Not from the most objective source but this cites a study:

"Warm air hand dryers cause an average 254 percent increase in the number of bacteria on the palms of people’s hands as well as contaminating the surrounding area, according to a recent study by University of Westminster in London.The study also showed that on average, paper towels reduce bacteria on the hands by 77 percent."

http://www.tork.com.au/Tork-and-your-Business/Why-Tork/TorkHygiene/Warm-air-hand-dryers-increase-bacteria-on-hands/

That's discouraging. And new information to me. I thought hand dryers had been proven more sanitary.

Hand wash is an effective tool to stop the spread of decease during epidemics. When most people are healthy hand washing is not so important. It's not a pleasant site to watch people who used bathroom and did not wash their hands, but in reality it's not as dangerous as many people might think.

I read somewhere urine is sterile. Made me feel much better about those who don't wash after.