A Toilet Unit that includes a doffing area for doctors finishing their shift in the COVID ward to safely remove and dispose of their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), use the washroom and take a shower before wearing sterile clothing and exiting the unit. One person can use the module at a time. Cleaning and maintenance need to be minimized, infectious contact avoided, and regular decontamination carried out. In addition to this, the units need to be quickly constructed and ready to use within the span of a few days to a week.
This unit – including its layout, services, and details – has been designed based on these needs, and customized according to WHO recommendations on contact and droplet precautions plus discussion with the hospital staff and doctors. It is intended to be prefabricated and installed on site within a tight timeline.
Multiple units can be placed side by side (a s windows/doors are on either end) to maximize the available site area. Each unit is 6 x 12 ’’, not including the
Entry and exit on different ends of the unit through different doors give the best option for containing and avoiding the spread of infection.
Chute for discarded PPE allows staff to remove the disposal bin without entering the unit.
Push doors, automatic flush, an d foot operated tap help keep the unit clean, reducing the maintenance required.
Sprinkler system is used to d isinfect the space as re quired . Exhaust fans in each section keep the unit venti lated and dry.
Privacy and security is maintained through locking mechanism and self closing push doors.
The services (electrical, water supply and drainage) are arranged to maximize efficiency , i.e
o electrical wiring on roof top, for minimum wiring usage.
o water supply and drainage aligned along one wall, saving material and cost.
Important features
- Doors are push-only (no handles). They swing 90° in one direction, as indicated in the plan, and not in the other direction. They will be fitted with automatic closers.
- The entry and exit doors are in opposite directions to avoid contamination. This makes locking the door after entering, for privacy, and releasing the doors upon leaving (without re-entering the contaminated area) an issue to be carefully addressed. Here, we provide a mechanical solution in the form of a simple metal rod bent at the ends to the width of the door (as seen in the diagrams above). These will run the 12’ length of the unit from entry door to exit door. In the open position, they point upward, and the doors are free to swing open when pushed. In the closed position, the metal bar is rotated outwards to sit in the bracket and bar both the doors at the same time. Thus, they can be released at the same time when exiting the unit.
- A chute is provided above the wash basin, through which the user can dispose of the PPE that is removed. This chute is a short opening which leads to a medical waste bin outside the unit. The contents of the bin can be emptied without having to enter the unit.
- The wash basin tap is foot-operated (only a spout and foot pedal).
- The flush tank is automatic to minimize physical contact (it will automatically flush when the sensor is activated by the toilet being used).
- A ceiling-mounted sprinkler will allow for disinfectant to be sprayed in the doffing area.
- A fixed seat is provided in the doffing area for resting.
- Shelves are provided in the dressing area for sterile clothing to be kept.
- Exhaust fans and windows are fixed above the door frame for frequent ventilation.
- Interior and exterior lights allow the units to be used even when dark/in the nighttime.