Maintaining high hygiene standards in school toilets is a critical part of safeguarding student health and wellbeing. With hundreds of pupils using toilets daily, facilities teams face the challenge of selecting equipment that’s not only hygienic and efficient, but also suitable for a wide range of ages and needs.

Hand dryers play a pivotal role in this equation. Compared to paper towels, they offer cleaner, more sustainable, and lower-maintenance solutions, but not all hand dryers are created equal. Design matters, especially when considering young children, older students, and those with accessibility requirements.

Why Hand Dryers Improve Hygiene in Schools

Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of illness in schools. Hand dryers support this by:

• Reducing surface contact: Touchless activation eliminates the need to handle dispensers or bins, lowering the risk of cross-contamination.
• Minimising waste: No discarded paper towels on floors or in sinks, which can harbour bacteria and create slip hazards.
• Encouraging compliance: Fast, reliable drying encourages students to complete the handwashing process rather than skipping it due to inconvenience.

Modern hand dryers such as the Mitsubishi Electric Wave range also feature HEPA filters and anti-bacterial coatings that further enhance hygiene in high-traffic environments.

Hands-In vs. Hands-Under: Which Design Works Best?

When choosing between hands-in and hands-under dryer designs, it’s important to consider the age range of students and the layout of your facilities.

Primary Schools

For younger children, hands under dryers such as the Wave u02 are often more suitable as younger children may struggle with the positioning required for hands-in models. Hands-under dryers are intuitive and easier to reach for small arms.

Secondary Schools

Older children can benefit from the ease of use of hands-in dryers like the Wave i01. Note that if your school has dedicated bathrooms for year 7, then hands-under may also be a good choice. Older students benefit from the increased hygiene and drying efficiency of hands-in models, which contain airflow and reduce splash.

Hand Dryers for Accessible Bathrooms

When planning accessible bathrooms, the most suitable option is normally a hands-under design such as the Mitsubishi Electric Wave u02.

Hands-under models allow for easier reach and positioning for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. They can be installed at appropriate heights and angles to meet accessibility standards. During installation and routine maintenance, it is important to check that activation sensors are responsive and positioned to accommodate varied hand placements.

Installation and Maintenance Considerations

Key considerations for installation and maintenance for accessible bathrooms include

• Height: Adjust according to age group and accessibility needs.

• Noise levels: Choose low-decibel models to avoid sensory discomfort, especially near classrooms or SEN facilities.
• Energy efficiency: Look for models like the Wave i01 and u02, which consume significantly less power than older warm air dryers — helping schools meet sustainability targets while reducing operating costs.

Find out More

Hand dryers are more than just a convenience for pupils; they’re part of a broader hygiene infrastructure. When they are chosen and installed thoughtfully, they can help to promote consistent handwashing habits, reduce the maintenance demands on the cleaning and janitorial teams, help to align with the school’s budgetary and environmental goals, and help to ensure that student needs are met as part of a wider inclusiveness strategy.

To learn more about how Mitsubishi Electric Wave hand dryers could improve hygiene and energy use in your schools, contact us today to book a demonstration