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Some facilities have had success mounting security cameras in hallways near restrooms – the presence of a camera and knowing someone is watching can be a powerful deterrent. These types of preventative strategies can be helpful, but vandals are persistent so it is also important to focus on selecting restroom fixtures with vandalism in mind to minimize repairs.
Here are five key strategies to help your campus restrooms stand up to abuse:
1. Evaluate Problem Areas
Before putting a plan of action in place, first evaluate usage, traffic volume patterns and common types of abuse for each restroom. In locations mainly used by staff, upgrades may be unnecessary. But high-traffic areas, such as those in the student union or restrooms used by the general public during sporting events, will usually need more vandal-resistant equipment.
Often a case can be made for installing more durable, heavy-duty commercial grade fixtures and washroom accessories through a life-cycle analysis – a good product manufacturer should be willing to help you prepare this. To stretch maintenance budgets, look into solutions that will solve the most immediate problems. If handwashing areas are a concern, look for newer equipment that is more difficult to damage. For instance, if handles on paper towel dispensers are frequently broken, opt for flush-mounted paper towel holders that are not as easily damaged.
2. Opt for Durable Materials
Common types of vandalism like graffiti on toilet partitions have plagued facility managers for decades. Better products made with more durable materials can make cleaning graffiti, and resisting other types of vandalism, easier.
If vandals are scratching toilet partitions or even trying to knock them down, investing in stainless steel partitions, for example, can be money well spent. Stainless steel is more expensive initially, but the investment will pay off in the long run. Stainless steel is extremely durable, and a textured stainless finish does not easily scuff, show marks or scratch. It is also very easy to clean.
