on spec by Jeff Pitts Contributing writer
Best Practices in Hand Sanitation ››
Soapless Cleaners
High-End Hand Sanitizing Once upon a time, the idea of a wide-spread system of drinking fountains seemed silly. What would be the point? Public water buckets were readily available and equipped with a common drinking cup for anyone to slurp from. Ditto for doctors washing their hands before surgery—a practice that remained optional for most of the 19th-century. Today, we know so much more about the important roll hygiene plays in overall health. For example, “80% of illness-causing germs pass by way of the hands,” explains Tristan Smith, a representative for Vaask, the hand-hygiene company. “People don’t want to get sick,” he explains matter-of-factly. That’s true regardless of the disease’s
“80% of illness-causing germs pass by way of the hands.” name, whether it is COVID or a head cold or some other communicable form of pain and suffering. The current pandemic’s conditions may have acted as the catalyst to speed this innovation along, but this product is a no-brainer even if and when the current contagion subsides for good. Being clean and practicing better hand hygiene will stand the test of time. Vaask made a splash earlier this year when it debuted its high-end, hand-sanitizing unit. “No one has specified it before,” he says. So, when architects and designers at building and trade shows first saw the stylish offering, “They said, ‘Wow! Why has no one thought of this?’” The concept is simple. How many times have you walked up to one of those haphazard, hit-or-miss, temporary hand-sanitizing units, and instead of getting a glob of germ killer, the broken machine is empty and inoperable? Vaask is challenging the less-than-sanitary status quo by combining durability, reliability, and high-design in its all-metal, cast aluminum permanent hand-sanitizing fixtures. The new product’s presence is being felt at award shows. Vaask has been recognized with the Red Dot Design Award, Time’s Best Inventions and Boutique Design New York—BDNY, to name just a few. “Basically, wherever we go, we win an award,” admits Smith. Built to execute one million sanitization efforts during a machine’s lifetime, that is roughly two million hands served, Vaask solutions last roughly 10 times longer than the industry standard. Another point of differentiation—laser range
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In the same way that you wouldn’t expect to find a bright blue porta-potty performing within a Ritz Carlton, you also shouldn’t expect to see rinky-dink, hand-sanitizing dispensers in society’s hotspots. Things designed to be temporary, do not generally work well in a permanent capacity. Inspired by the Norwegian word for “wash,” Vaask—pronounced V-ahh-sk—is like a breath of fresh air and embodies today’s desire for a higher class of clean.
sensors that eliminate waste and drips with better palm detection and more precise dispensing capabilities. “These machines misfire less,” assures Smith, and are “without a peer in the industry.” The price tag for a Vaask machine ranges from $1,200 to $2,200, but they should end up saving the buyer money in the long term. High-traffic areas can recoup the initial cash outlay in a year or so due to the reduction in maintenance and a more efficient use of hand sanitizer. The ADA-compliant fixtures boast “touchless operation,” which seems quite sane in society’s quest to avoid germ-induced sickness, and the machines build directly into the wall. A non-professional installer can achieve installation in a half an hour, while, according to Smith, a professional should only need 20 minutes. Most machines will be livewired to AC, but the units do offer power-overEthernet (POE) capabilities to make installation possible without an electrician. Either way, the fixtures eliminate any reliance on batteries—a frequent headache with temporary machines.
Sales have been encouraging across the board. Fed up with broken, empty canisters-on-a-stick, owners, operators, and on-site managers with an eye for style are saying: “Wall warts, be gone!” according to Smith. They need hand-sanitizing stations, but they are lusting for high quality, made-tolast machines with a desirable look and customizable finishes that will match any space. High-traffic areas with high-touch intersections make perfect candidates for Vaask’s durable machines. The hospitality industry has been hot, including hotels, restaurants, and casinos, who are “chomping at the bit,” according to Smith. Safety-first types also quickly understand Vaask’s value. This includes schools, businesses, and any establishment determined to demonstrate a concern for people’s well-being. Easy access to hand sanitizer makes solid sense but doing so with temporary contraptions that frequently fail … not anymore. “The phone is ringing off of the hook,” admits Smith. For more information, visit www.vaask.com.
07 10.2014 . 2022
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