The issue of restroom vagrancy is popping up far too often for us to ignore.
Even though we discussed urban bathroom lock solutions last year, the vagrants and drug users seem to be hitting the streets and finding our restrooms again.
Many establishments, particularly restaurants, need to provide restroom access to their customers, but in doing so they have to deal with their fair share of issues. We have heard stories ranging from drug users passed out in bathrooms, to graffiti spray paint covering the bathroom walls, to fixtures being stolen. (On a side note – what are they doing with these commercial fixtures? I’d love to know!)
We love to be the deliverer of good news; and there is good news! There are solutions to ease the troubles of your restroom issues.
Bathroom Locks – Solutions
- LockNet’s Restroom Strike Kit – an access control style solution that opens the lock when staff releases the button for patrons.
- Alarm Lock DL 4100 – a push button style lock with a code that can be regularly changed for easy control of entry.
- KABA EPlex 2000 – similar to the Alarm Lock, this lock contains a push button keypad with a code to control entry.
- MARKS iQwik – also in the category of push button locks access; the iQwik is controlled by a push button keypad that allows staff to control entry.
- Nik-O-Lock – a tried and true method of access control, patrons must use a coin provided by staff, or a quarter to unlock the restroom door.
Bathroom Locks – Administration
Each of these solutions requires that patrons go to the counter to request access to the bathroom lock. With the exception of the less common Nik-O-Lock that simply requires your patrons spare change.
However, be it a key, a code, a coin, or being buzzed in remotely – people must get the stamp of approval before they can enter your restrooms.
I can hear many of you now, “But Katie – how on earth can I expect my cashiers to have time to give out codes? I need them selling product, not policing the bathroom.”
You have a very valid point – administering these bathroom locks does add stress to the operations of your organization. In fact, a few locations where we have installed these locks have since removed them because of the hassle.
However, these locations also saw a decrease in the need for the products.
If you have vagrancy issues, it is well worth the hassle.
Think about how much hassle your store clerks will avoid – no scrubbing graffiti, no complaints over unclean and damaged restrooms, no drug users in your bathrooms.
In fact, many locations that have these bathroom locks sing their praises with feedback such as:
“It’s great at keeping the riff-raff out.”
“In the last 7 months we’ve only had 2 instances of vandalism. It’s great.”
Bathroom Locks – Considerations
The important thing to remember with these bathroom locks is that they are not all fully ADA and/or life safety compliant.
Life safety code requires single-action egress. Translation – If you have to turn a deadbolt, and then open the door, it’s not life-safety compliant.
Here’s a tricky one. 2003 ADA code requires that any “operable part” (translation – something you grab/turn) have a shape that is easy to grasp with one hand without requiring tight grasping or twisting of the wrist. It doesn’t specifically address keypads in this statement, but the required dexterity creates a big gray area when it comes to the compliance of keypads.
2010 ADA code changes this to an advisory. The advisory specifically dissuades the use of hardware that requires simultaneous hand and finger movements (like a keypad), but it doesn’t state that this type of hardware is prohibited.
So what does this mean for you? If you are concerned about ADA compliance (which you should be) find out which code your municipality operates under, 2003 or 2010.
If you are operating under the 2003 code, it would be wise to check with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) regarding their opinion.
What solutions have you tried? Any horror stories of vandalism that these nifty bathroom locks could help avoid? We’d love to hear them!
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