Foot pedal sinks have become a familiar fixture in numerous food processing and manufacturing facilities. These sinks serve a crucial purpose in maintaining hygiene standards by minimizing touchpoints. Instead of the conventional hand-operated switch found in regular sinks, foot pedal sinks employ a foot pedal switch to activate the water flow of the sink faucet. Although this can be a helpful feature, food pedal sinks still miss the mark in a variety of ways compared to CleanTech® Automated Handwashing Stations.
Foot Pedal Sinks Fall Short of Being Completely Touchless
While limiting touchpoints is a good feature of foot pedal sinks, it can be slightly misleading. Just like with motion sensor sinks, foot pedal sinks still usually require a user to dispense soap manually with their hands in one way or another. While foot pedal sinks may reduce the need to touch a faucet after handwashing, there is still a risk of cross-contamination through the soap dispenser if users do not perform a thorough hand wash every time. For instance, if a person with relatively clean hands uses a foot pedal sink after someone who has been in contact with harmful pathogens, it is highly likely that the second user will contaminate their hands by touching the same soap dispenser. In order to prevent further spread of these pathogens, the second person must ensure they perform a meticulous hand wash.
Unlike foot pedal sinks, CleanTech® Automated Handwashing Stations were designed to be 100% touchless. Users can effortlessly start the hand wash process by simply placing their hands, palms down and fingers spread, into the CleanTech® Automated Handwashing Stations. Equipped with a state-of-the-art photo eye sensor, the hand wash is automatically initiated, allowing users to focus on the large 12 second countdown timer displayed on the CleanTech®'s sleek interface. Once the countdown reaches zero, users can easily remove their hands for drying. With its advanced technology, CleanTech® accurately dispenses the perfect amount of hand hygiene solution during each hygiene event, eliminating the need for soap dispensers.
Learn how CleanTech® eliminates cross-contamination touchpoints
Foot Pedal Sinks May Contribute to Water Wastage
In addition to touchpoints, foot pedal sinks also suffer from limited water control. Similar to traditional manual hand wash sinks, the water flow in foot pedal sinks is dependent on each individual user. Users have the option to keep their foot on the pedal throughout the entire hand wash, even when they are not actively using the water. This can prove to be even more wasteful with foot pedal wash fountains or basins that turn on multiple faucets for just one user.
Learn about CleanTech® water savings
CleanTech® maximizes the use of water and hygiene solution during handwashing, ensuring that every drop is utilized effectively. The water flow lasts for a precise 12 seconds, providing an efficient and thorough handwashing experience. This helps facilities to conserve water and limit any unnecessary waste. Managers can also view useful compliance data and adjust the water temperature using the CleanTech® display’s touch screen dashboard to easily make each hand wash optimal for every employee. This often-necessary process can be more complicated on a regular foot pedal sink.
Learn more about how water temperature impacts hygiene compliance.
When it comes to handwashing, CleanTech® Automated Handwashing Stations outshine foot pedal sinks in terms of convenience, hygiene, and efficiency. Which method appeals to you more?
Check out our hand hygiene comparison guide
