New Washstations Discourage School Bullies

A school that has been rebuilt following a fire earlier this year will benefit from stylish new washstations from stainless steel washroom and sanitaryware manufacturer Pland Stainless Ltd.

The new Sinfin Community School in Derby, which specialises in engineering and is due for completion in September 2008, features Pland Stainless’ Venice Circular washstations.

Pland Stainless, which has been manufacturing high quality stainless steel washrooms and sanitaryware products for almost a century, supplied the washstations for the new toilet facilities which features an open plan arrangement designed to improve supervision by teachers and reduce bullying.

The 6-8 person Venice washstations were integral to the layout of the open plan toilets because their circular free standing design allows them to be placed between the cubicles at the far end of the toilets and corridor, without compartmentalising the space.

As spokesperson for the architect on this project, explains: 'Our aim was to move away from traditional enclosed toilets found in older schools, because they can be intimidating for some pupils. The washstations from Pland met our design brief perfectly as they allow for an open plan scheme without creating blind spots, which could become havens for bullying.'

Aesthetics were also taken into consideration when choosing the Venice Circular washstations because the architects were looking to ensure the design of the building and, where possible individual elements, reflected the engineering bias of the school.

It was the aesthetics of the Pland washstation that first gained the attention of the architects, principally because it is a classic design that will never date. The fact that it was made from stainless steel complemented the overall aesthetics of the washroom and will ensure it retains its appearance and performance for years to come.

Stainless steel was specified on all the other fittings used in the toilets to create a bright and modern toilet facility that also hinted at the engineering bias of the school.

Balfour Kilpatrick, which was awarded the contract to provide the HVAC, electrical and plumbing services, fitted the Venice Circular washstations, which were supplied through Plumbing Trade Supplies (PTS) in Derby. Installation of the washstations was quick and easy because all the fixtures are already plumbed in for ‘plug and go’ fitting into a pre-mixed water supply.

Sensor taps were chosen for the Venice Circular washstations because their ‘no touch’ technology helps reduce the spread of germs and bacteria. They are also a highly effective way of saving water which means that, with the rising utility bills, it will save money for the school. Pland has estimated that the payback of fitting sensor taps can be as quick as six months. Sensor taps also prevent scalding as the temperature of the water can be set with the thermostatic mixer valve.

The Venice Circular washstation looks set to offer the school years of trouble-free service. The bowl is made from one sheet of 1.5mm stainless steel, whilst the 304 grade material itself will not corrode, is unbreakable, is difficult to dent or deform and is resistant to thermal shock. Maintenance of stainless steel type 304 is extremely easy and the parabolic shape of the bowl guarantees correct draining of the water, whilst contributing to the quality and hygiene of the washstation.

The Venice Circular washstation is available from Pland in 4-6 person size, 915mm diameter and 6-8 person, 1250mm diameter. As well as the sensor operated taps there is the option of button operated and foot operated. The centre column contains battery sensor control spray and soap tank with valves.

Sinfin Community School in Derby, which teaches pupils aged 11 – 16 is part of the Building Schools for the Future programme, with the completed facility offering a 21st Century learning environment to nearly 1000 pupils.

Web: http://www.plandstainless.co.uk