Soap dispensers will be installed in all Council run public toilet blocks across the Central Coast, where possible and within available funding.
Vandal guards will be installed on 20 dispensers in blocks considered to be at risk of vandalism.
Mayor Lisa Matthews said that in making the decision, Council had weighed up the health benefits of soap being available to help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 against the high cost posed by vandalism and the risk of people being injured if they fell on spilt soap.
“Previously, we haven’t installed soap dispensers because councils usually experience very high rates of vandalism in public toilets, even with soap dispensers and equipment which are considered vandal-proof,” she said.
“There is also a significant risk of falls and injuries if soap lands on the floor, causing a slip hazard.
“However, we know that washing hands with soap reduces the risk of spreading COVID-19 and we need to do all we can to reduce community transmission of the virus,” the Mayor said.
To reduce the risk of slip hazards, the dispensers will be installed directly over wash basins.
Source:
Media release, Aug 24
Central Coast Council