Touchless Sensor Faucet
Model: BS10108
Hospital restroom spec notes • Touchless hygiene • Contractor friendly
BathSelect Touchless Tech in Hospital Restrooms: A Study on Germ Reduction
This page is built for architects, engineers, and contractors who need a practical way to evaluate touchless faucets and related fixtures in clinical environments. You will find a swab sampling framework, a cleaning labor comparison, and a curated set of BathSelect touchless models and collections for specification and procurement workflows.
Goal reduce cross contact points
Method handle and sink-surface swabs
Ops cleaning minutes and callouts
Scope public + staff restrooms
Touchless activation removes a frequent contact surface
In high traffic wash areas, eliminating handle touches can reduce the transfer pathway from hand to fixture to hand.
Spec ready finishes for healthcare interiors
Brushed nickel, matte black, and chrome are commonly selected for durability and consistent appearance after frequent wipe downs.
Why touchless matters in hospital restrooms
Cross contact reduction
Manual handles are a repeated touch point across many users. Touchless activation removes the need to touch the faucet to start and stop flow, which can reduce surface contamination transfer.
Cleaning workflow simplification
Removing handles can reduce detailed wipe time around moving parts and crevices. In practice, teams often shift from handle scrubbing to consistent wipe passes across the spout body and deck, plus a quick sensor window check.
Bacterial swab sampling: a practical framework
Sampling points
For a simple before and after comparison: swab faucet handle areas (manual), spout body, aerator face, deck plate, sink rim near the faucet, and any nearby soap activation surfaces. Use consistent surface area and sampling time windows.
What to track
Track colony forming units (CFU) per area, plus location type (public, staff, ICU adjacent), patient traffic volume, cleaning frequency, and whether disinfectant dwell times are met.
| Test surface | Manual fixture baseline | Touchless retrofit | Observed trend | Spec / ops note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faucet handle zone (manual only) | Higher CFU counts commonly reported on frequent-touch surfaces | Eliminated as a touch surface | Largest hygiene gain | Removing the handle is the direct pathway reduction |
| Spout body + sensor window | Moderate CFU depending on wipe quality | Typically lower when wipes focus on one body surface | Lower surface transfer | Specify smooth geometry and easy access around the spout |
| Aerator face | Variable, influenced by splashback and water quality | Variable, similar drivers | Watch waterway hygiene | Use routine maintenance intervals and an aerator service plan |
| Sink rim near faucet | Often correlated with traffic and splashing | Can improve when users spend less time manipulating handles | Secondary benefit | Pair with splash control and correct spout projection |
AEC note: treat this as a repeatable ops-study method. The most meaningful comparison uses the same sampling locations, matched by traffic and cleaning schedule.
Method note: This page provides an on-site evaluation framework. CFU counts should be collected per facility protocol and compared using the same sampling locations and the same cleaning schedule. Results will vary by traffic, products used, and staff procedures.
Cleaning cost comparison: where the savings usually appear
Labor minutes per fixture
The biggest difference is often fewer detailed steps around handles and moving parts, plus fewer spot-clean events caused by fingerprints and smears. Savings scale with traffic volume and cleaning frequency.
Fewer service interruptions
Standardized on off cycles and fewer mechanical contact points can reduce certain service calls. In healthcare, the operational win is consistent appearance and fewer urgent wipe downs during peak periods.
| Cost driver | Manual | Touchless | What to quantify in your project |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detailed wipe time (handle + underside) | More steps and crevices | Often fewer steps | Minutes per fixture per clean × cleans per day × labor rate |
| Appearance rework (fingerprints/smears) | Common on handles | Reduced on handle-free designs | Spot-clean events per shift, especially near public lobbies |
| Consumables (wipes/chemical use) | Varies | Often similar, sometimes slightly lower | Average wipes used per fixture per day |
| Downtime / callbacks | Handle wear and misuse can contribute | Sensor tuning + power planning matter | Service calls per 100 fixtures per month |
Contractor note: estimate two scenarios (manual vs touchless) using actual labor rates and cleaning frequency. The most reliable inputs are minutes per fixture per clean and cleans per day.
Submittal checklist for architects and contractors
Plumbing and performance
Confirm flow rate targets, spout reach, deck thickness, supply line lengths, and mixing strategy (hot/cold). Specify aerator type and maintenance access.
Power and controls
Confirm power method (battery or hardwired), sensor range adjustment needs, auto-shutoff timing, and whether the facility prefers standardized settings across floors.
Compliance documentation checklist (project file)
| Document | Purpose | What to include | Who owns it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cut sheet / submittal | Baseline product identification | Model number, finish, key dimensions, installation requirements | Contractor / supplier |
| Controls / settings profile | Consistency across floors | Sensor range intent, shutoff timing intent, any standardization notes | Facilities / commissioning |
| Temperature-limiting approach | Risk management coordination | Where mixing occurs (central/local), intended setpoint control, adjustment responsibility | Engineer of record |
| Maintenance SOP | Infection-control repeatability | Wipe routine, sensor window cleaning, aerator service interval, spare parts plan | Facilities / EVS |
| Closeout record | Future servicing clarity | As-installed model list by room/area, date of install, warranty contacts | GC closeout |
This checklist is documentation-focused and intentionally avoids compliance claims. Use it to standardize what you collect for the project record.
| Item | Why it matters in hospitals | What to document |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Consistent look after frequent wipe downs | Finish name + maintenance method |
| Sensor window access | Cleaning crews need fast wipe passes | Clearance + cleaning instructions |
| Power plan | Prevents downtime in critical areas | Battery schedule or hardwire spec |
| Waterway maintenance | Controls splashback and aerator hygiene | Aerator replacement interval |
Tip: keep one standard setting profile per building (sensor range + shutoff timing + flow target) so maintenance teams can service with fewer variables.
ADA, WaterSense, and CALGreen notes for AEC teams
ADA (accessibility)
Confirm clear approach and user reach to the activation zone. For public restrooms, keep controls intuitive and avoid settings that require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting. Coordinate with the project accessibility consultant and local code authority.
WaterSense (water efficiency)
If the project requires WaterSense labeled fittings, verify label status at time of submittal. In all cases, document the specified flow rate and aerator type, and coordinate sensor shutoff timing to minimize unnecessary runtime.
CALGreen (CA projects)
For California work, confirm applicable nonresidential plumbing fixture requirements and document compliance at submittal. Flow rate selection, commissioning, and maintenance plans usually drive real-world performance.
Submittal evidence checklist
Include product data, flow rate, finish, power method, settings profile, and maintenance instructions. If a specific certification is required, provide the supporting documentation from the manufacturer at time of submittal.
Coordination image
Use for fixture schedule and finish review, then match to submittal package.
Finish verification
Helpful when teams want consistent appearance after frequent disinfectant wipe-downs.
Accessibility discussion
Use to align activation zone, user reach expectations, and commissioning settings.
| Requirement area | What to include in the submittal | Who typically reviews | Project note (no claims) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accessibility (ADA) | Cut sheets, installation requirements, activation method description, mounting and reach notes if provided | Accessibility consultant + AHJ | Confirm final interpretation with local authority and project accessibility lead |
| Flow rate / water efficiency | Specified flow rate, aerator type, and any required label documentation if the project mandates it | MEP engineer + owner | Verify requirements and documentation at time of submittal |
| CALGreen (if applicable) | Applicable compliance forms or schedules used on the project, fixture flow documentation | MEP engineer + code consultant | Requirements vary by building type and scope |
| Infection control operations | Cleaning guidance, sensor window care instructions, aerator service interval plan | Facilities + EVS / infection prevention | Plan should match the facility’s disinfection products and routines |
| Commissioning settings | Sensor range guidance, shutoff timing guidance, power plan (battery or hardwire) | Contractor + facilities | Standardize settings across floors to reduce troubleshooting |
Compliance note: requirements vary by jurisdiction and project scope. Use these as coordination prompts and confirm final requirements with your accessibility consultant and the authority having jurisdiction.
Short spec paragraph (copy ready)
Specification intent
Use this paragraph as a starting point in Division 22 fixture schedules. Adjust flow rate, finish, and power method to match your facility standard.
Commissioning checklist
Verify sensor range, shutoff timing, mixing temperature at point of use, and consistent settings across floors. Document battery replacement cadence or hardwire verification.
Copy ready paragraph
Provide touchless electronic sensor faucets with a smooth cleanable spout body, adjustable sensor range as required, and automatic shutoff timing suitable for public restrooms. Coordinate hot and cold mixing method per project standard, include aerator service access, and provide a maintenance plan for sensor window cleaning and aerator replacement. Submit product data, finish confirmation, power method, and recommended settings profile for building-wide standardization.
BathSelect product videos (two-up)
Contractor focus: install + settings
Look for mounting clearance, supply hookup, power method, and how sensor range and shutoff timing are set during commissioning.
Architect focus: finish + cleanability
Review silhouette, finish appearance under lighting, and wipe-down access around the spout body and sensor window.
These videos are presented in a two-up layout on desktop and stack on mobile.
BathSelect touchless models for hospital restroom specs
Cards focus on model and finish for fast submittals. Use the buttons to route to the correct BathSelect category pages.
Brushed Nickel Touchless
Model: BS-BAO87B
Matte Black Touchless
Model: BS10356
Gold Finish Touchless
Model: BSTHD508-BG
Discover BathSelect Fixture Collections
References and guidance (optional reading)
Why references help
This page is written as an AEC and operations framework. If your project team prefers additional background reading, you can include public guidance sources as optional references without turning the page into a medical claim document.
How to use this section
Keep it as “Further reading.” Do not state performance guarantees. Use it to support project discussions with infection prevention and EVS teams.
CDC Infection Control (Guidance)
WHO Infection Prevention & Control
EPA Safer Choice (Cleaning Products)
Note: These links are general guidance resources. Project compliance and protocols should be confirmed with the facility team and the AHJ.
FAQ for hospital restroom projects
Is touchless always better for infection control?
Touchless helps by removing a repeated contact point. The biggest gains show up when cleaning teams keep sensor windows clean and when aerators have a defined maintenance interval.
Battery or hardwire?
For critical areas with heavy traffic, many facilities prefer standardization. Use battery where access is easy, hardwire where downtime risk is high and power planning is available.
What fails most often?
Settings drift, sensor window buildup, and inconsistent power planning. A single building-wide settings profile reduces troubleshooting time.
How do we write a clean spec?
Define finish, sensor range needs, shutoff timing, mixing method, and a maintenance plan (aerator and sensor cleaning). Add submittal requirements for consistency across floors.
Do we need temperature limiting?
Many healthcare projects manage scald risk by controlling mixed water temperature at the source (for example, using a mixing valve strategy) and then commissioning fixtures to match the facility standard. Coordinate the final approach with the MEP engineer, infection prevention, and the authority having jurisdiction.
What is a practical infection-control maintenance plan?
Keep a written routine for sensor window wipe-downs, aerator inspection and replacement intervals, and periodic checks for splashback patterns. Align disinfectant chemistry and dwell times with facility protocols, and standardize fixture settings so troubleshooting is consistent across departments.
