Handwashing Solutions for Safe Restaurant Operations

Hot water is the lifeblood of restaurants. 

It's used not only for cooking, food prep and production, but in these times, for janitorial and enhanced sanitation needs such as cleaning food contact surfaces and high touch areas from doorknobs to display cases, checkout counters to order kiosks. Proper handwashing and cleanliness procedures are some of the best ways to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Restaurants across America are implementing new safety protocols in the fight against COVID-19. While many restaurants are opening up again, they are doing so at a reduced capacity, requiring staff to undergo temperature checks and wash their hands upon entry, wear a mask and gloves at all times, and follow stringent deep cleaning and disinfecting practices. The FDA's Food Safety Re-Opening Checklist  has strict guidelines for increased handwashing, cleaning, and sanitation requirements, all of which require a consistent and reliable supply of hot water. 

Since the onset of the pandemic, Eemax has seen an increased demand from restaurants looking to implement more handwashing equipment. Restaurant inspectors, architects, and specifiers are looking to improve hot water delivery to their handwashing sinks, while complying with the two-foot rule (IECC C404.5.2) that states only two ounces of hot water can travel between the water heater and the lavatory; meaning the water heater must be located right next to the fixture. 

The pandemic has also spurred the installation of handwashing units outside of the public restroom, for instance, next to fountain drink stations, trashcans, and at the beginning of buffet lines. Restaurants are even replacing water bubblers with small handwashing stations. Even the fast food industry is looking for more handwashing opportunities.  They are implementing portable handwashing stations in the drive-thru and carry out areas so employees can regularly wash their hands.  

There is public confidence in handwashing and restaurants need to be responsive to their customers by providing as many ways for them to feel safe and secure in their establishment.