Washroom Occupancy Sensors - Why Your Building Needs Them

Occupancy sensors are an important part of any modern building, and an integral part of occupancy management – but they are an absolute must in post-COVID washrooms.

By detecting the motion of people in any given space, occupancy sensors allow smart systems to do a number of things automatically. From adjusting the AC to turning off lights when you leave the room, the sensors utilize built-in technologies to trigger automatic responses, offering operational efficiencies and reduce waste.

In larger commercial spaces, where footfall is high, the use of washroom occupancy sensors provides facilities management teams with benefits that go far beyond reducing waste.

We take an in-depth look at what washroom occupancy sensors are, how they work, and crucially, the benefits they offer for overall better management of bathroom facilities.

What is a washroom occupancy sensor?

As the name suggests, washroom occupancy sensors are simple, cost-effective tools that monitor the movement of people and accurately measure user numbers in real-time. They allow businesses to make the most effective and efficient operational decisions, that will ultimately provide the most comfortable environment for the user.

Let’s take VERTECO’s LooLights™ as an example. The sensor system works in a similar way to how a car park shows users space availability. A sensor detects when a washroom cubicle is in use, and when attached to the ceiling outside of each washroom cubicle door, helps to manage people flow by directing customers to empty spaces and away from occupied stalls. The system, which can be easily retrofit into any space, uses a simple green for vacant cubicles, red for engaged and blue for disabled.

Data that the occupancy systems collect can then be displayed at the washroom entrance, directing customers to less busy facilities if needed, instantly easing congestion. For facilities management teams, the data on cubicle occupancy can be viewed and analysed on a desktop or mobile device, helping them to make real-time decisions that immediately impact and improve operational efficiencies.

Why every washroom needs occupancy sensors

• Maintaining social distance
  One of the most obvious benefits of washroom occupancy sensors is addressing social distancing. Notoriously small spaces, to adhere to recommended guidelines, washroom occupancy often needs to be limited. But there is no way of knowing if occupancy levels have been reached until you are actually inside the washroom.
  
  When an occupancy sensor is installed and connected to a display panel at the entrance of the facility, customers can be alerted and avoid entering an over-crowded space, keeping everyone happy and healthy.
  
  
• Improved Cleanliness
  Real-time data is immediately analyzed by facilities teams, alerting them to busy periods and allowing them to make immediate operational changes. The frequency of cleaning schedules can quickly be increased and the highest levels of hygiene maintained.
   
• Improving staff efficiencies
  Because facilities teams have an up-to-date view of the washrooms they are managing, resources can be diverted to where they are really needed, supporting more effective facilities management.
  
  
• Cost savings
  By having a better understanding of where people are, things such as lighting and AC can be set to the most cost-effective levels, supporting better management of resources and reducing waste.
  
  
• Happier employees
  Washroom occupancy sensors support a more hygienic, safe and well-managed environment for employees, something which has never been more important.

The benefits of washroom occupancy sensors are vast, but ultimately, they provide the best possible experience for customers, staff, and business owners, with the reassurance that their wellbeing is a top priority.

Read more in our blog about the benefits of occupancy management.