Business idea - huge need - touchless occupancy/vacancy indicator for company restrooms

[MANative]

One of the items on my COVID return list for my company is to find a way to limit occupancy in our restrooms. We won't be able to allow more than one person at a time. There needs to be some kind of touchless indicator on the outside of the entry door that turns on with a wave of a hand but stays on until it's deliberately deactivated.

Tons of "motion sensors" out there, but few are programmable. Most turn off (like a nightlight) after 20 seconds, or they're meant to be interior room lights. That won't work when people are constantly moving through a hallway. Haven't been able to find anything that fits the bill, but I'm pretty certain there will be tens of thousands of businesses that will be looking for similar solutions.

If you're in a similar business, this could be a $$ maker as a product addition.

If you know of something that does this, please share! I've been scouring websites and haven't found anything that does this.

[MineralMan]

1. Everything about public restrooms needs to be rethought.

Door handles? Why are they even there? Automatic door openers are available. The door won't open until the person who has entered earlier leaves. Easy.

Everything in public restrooms needs to be touchless.

Some airports have figured this out, and doors don't even exist in their public restrooms. Everything turns on and off based on sensors, not someone touching something. From sink faucets to soap dispensing and flushing mechanisms to paper towel dispensers.

All of that technology already exists.

[MANative]

3. Fortunately, we have some of these things already in place

Motion-sensing faucets, soap dispensers and toilet flushing were all installed years ago. We'll need to replace the paper towel dispensers. Our doors are currently two-way swing. Haven't seen the automatic door openers that won't open until the previous occupant leaves. I'll need to check that out.

You're absolutely right about the need to rethink the use of public areas. I'm starting to tackle the whole idea of our company kitchens, and it's just daunting. People used them constantly. Fridge for lunch storage, coffee machines, water cooler, microwaves, toaster ovens, etc. We know we won't be able to use them as "break rooms" in the same way we used to.

Thanks for the auto door idea!

[dlk]

2. It's the cost of installing the technology that's the issue

Business like to save $$$ wherever they can.

[MANative]

4. That's certainly a factor

But we only have a couple of restrooms that we're responsible for directly, so the cost should be manageable. The building handles the others.

You're completely right as a general statement, and I do think it will depend on things like location (we're midtown Manhattan) and commitment to employee wellness. We won't skimp on that. My CFO will be supportive on this. I know others won't.

[dlk]

9. We're only at the beginning of a change in the way business operate

I think many or even most business will evolve incorporating the new technology. It just takes a while.

[Wawannabe]

5. Easiest non technical way

Install deadbolt lock that indicates vacant/not vacant. Saw this on a public restroom door yesterday.

[MANative]

7. Yeah, thought about that, but it requires people to touch it. Haven't seen an automated version

of that, but of course that doesn't mean that it doesn't exist!

[mwooldri]

6. Reminded me of this meme...

[MANative]

8. Wow! Ain't that a kick in the teeth! nt

[marybourg]

10. How will you avoid a clump of

people waiting outside.? Sign up app?

[MANative]

11. The hallway access is limited by its configuration

There can't be more than two people in the area and we'll put markers on the floor. We also have access to other restrooms on our floor, so that should help limit lines.

We're also limiting the number of people who will work at the facility. About 20% will work from home permanently, about 65% will work 2-3 days per week from home, and the remainder will work in the office most or all of the time. Those employees need equipment that generally can't be used in a home, or are responsible for physical plant/equipment maintenance. We're putting extensive safety protocols in place. My project outline (topics only, no detail) is 5 pages single-spaced.