Dyson Airblade Tap hand dryers have been installed in all 60 bathrooms at the University of Western Australia (UWA), reducing the problem of wet floors, improving hygiene and achieving savings from the elimination of paper towels.

One of the leading Australian universities for excellence in teaching, learning and research, UWA has almost 24,000 students enrolled across four faculties. With thousands of people using the campus bathroom facilities every day, there was high consumption of paper towels, with the University incurring a high ongoing cost. Additionally, the use of paper towels in combination with only a few hand dryers led to considerable unwanted mess and complaints.

The University sought a solution from their architects, one that would save costs on purchase of hand towels as well as resolve the hygiene and safety issues arising out of water spillage across the washroom floors.

Architecture firm Ferguson Architects, which was commissioned by UWA for the upgrade, recommended Dyson Airblade Tap hand dryers for all 60 bathrooms. Combining water tap and hand dryer capabilities, Dyson Airblade Tap was found to be the ideal product for addressing the University’s specific requirements.

A one-off trial installation received positive feedback from maintenance staff, cleaners and washroom patrons. Following the trial, Dyson provided training to the installers who handled all 60 bathrooms, achieving a seamless fitting of the Dyson Airblade Tap hand dryers at the University campus.

Since the installation across all the bathrooms on the campus, there is noticeable reduction of unwanted water on the bathroom floors, improving the hygiene quality. Additionally, the cleaner washrooms have reduced the workload of maintenance staff and increased satisfaction levels of users.

"Getting rid of paper towels has helped reduce waste, decreased costs and makes UWA even more sustainable and environmentally friendly."