The exit door of semi public washrooms (like offices) should be tied into the faucets and soap dispenser. Unless the soap dispensing knob has been jiggled, and the water run for at least fifteen seconds, with hands held beneath it, the door will not open. If someone tries to open the door without washing, a bright red sign lights up telling them to wash their hands, and the door does not open.
-- Galbinus_Caeli, Jan 17 2006

Gary Larson's take. http://www.2000gree...eviewcard.htm?c=197
[2 fries shy of a happy meal, Jan 17 2006]

The Head The_20Head
my idea [Zimmy, Jan 18 2006]

I changed the bezel in the sign. It now says "Nugent Rules!"
-- bungston, Jan 17 2006


//with hands held beneath it// there's the rub.
-- po, Jan 17 2006


"Hands held beneath" not a problem. Lots of washrooms already have faucets that turn on automatically when you hold your hands underneath them. This same sensor could be used to ensure fifteen seconds of use.
-- Galbinus_Caeli, Jan 17 2006


Very good point - I always consider it annoying I wash MY hands then have to touch a door covered in other peoples' germs to get out!
There are a couple of solutions though - make the doors open outwards so you can just push them with your feet or body (I'm not fussed if i can't eat with my elbows) or use an automatic door opener like disabled access doors.
I'd still want to know people washed their hands though...
-- Texbinder, Jan 17 2006


Urine is actually pretty sterile. Feces are a different matter. It is the strongest disease vector around. Followed by sweat. Especially sweat that has been marinating in someone's trousers for a few hours.
-- Galbinus_Caeli, Jan 17 2006


I was watching a story on the news some time ago about a big resturant that had a verification system where the employees had a flashing light on their name badges. It would flash red any time they went into the restroom or went outside of the building. Once they washed their hands the light would reset. I dont know if this caught on because it was just as easy for the employee to just stand beside the handwashing sink long enough for it to reset.
-- Jscotty, Jan 17 2006


What about bathrooms with more than 1 stall? Do we have to wait until everyone has washed their hands? Are people going to be able to leave 2 at a time, with one maybe not having washed their hands? Or are we going to have washing facilities in every stall? But I still like this idea.
-- PollyNo9, Jan 17 2006


Saliva actually contains more germs than fresh urine - however its still not nice to realise you have just been touching other people's genitals by proxy. I think that push open doors would be preferable and simpler.
-- fridge duck, Jan 17 2006


I have actually been stuck in a bathroom waiting till someone came in so I could walk out w/o touching that disease infested bathroom door in the mens room of the gym I attend.
-- Dumb But Tough, Jan 22 2006


Also, what about people who aren't using the toilet? Many people go to the washroom only to use the mirror, for instance.
-- Alx_xlA, Sep 11 2010



random, halfbakery