Phenolic Washroom Partitions are Made for Everyone

A public restroom sign on an outside wall that signals there are convenient spaces with phenolic washroom partitions.

Slotted keepers and doors are important components on bathroom stalls, especially those made with phenolic washroom partitions. They’re designed to make sure everyone can use the stalls safely, including individuals with disabilities.

This focus on accessibility is a key part of Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, which means stalls must meet certain standards to make sure everyone can use them. A slotted keeper is a special latch on the stall door, shiny and smooth, letting people open the door from the outside if there’s an emergency. Someone can quickly help if a user inside the stall needs assistance.

These special latches are part of a system that makes sure stall doors work properly and stay closed when they’re supposed to. They’re usually also strong and resistant to damage, just like the phenolic material the stalls are made from.

Every part will last a long time, even if it gets wet or bumped frequently. Guests can continue using these stalls safely for several years to come.

ADA Rules: Slotted Keepers and Phenolic Washroom Partitions

Bathroom stalls and phenolic washroom partitions must be safe and easy for everyone to use, particularly in cases of emergency. While ADA requirements might not specifically mention every single part of the stall, they provide guidelines that guarantee accessibility and safety.

The following rules set some guidelines that latch manufacturers must follow:

Easy-to-use functionality. All parts of the stall, like the locks and latches, need to be easy to use with just one hand. They can’t be too hard to open or close, and they shouldn’t require any tight grasping, pinching, or twisting motions. The force needed to operate these parts should be no more than five pounds.
Correct height guidelines. The parts that restroom stall users need to open and close on doors have to be at the right height, specifically between 34 and 48 inches above the floor. This provides that everyone, including individuals in wheelchairs, can reach them.
Emergency access compliance. Slotted keepers, often used with gravity hinges, allow users to open the stall door from the outside if there’s an emergency.

While there aren’t specific rules about what the latches are made of, it’s recommended to use materials that won’t cause allergic reactions or other surface-contact health problems. The overriding concept is that latches should be long-lasting, easy to use with one hand, and shouldn’t require any difficult using.

How Phenolic Material is Manufactured and Benefits Everyone

The material on phenolic washroom partitions is a tough, shock-proof substance made from layers of kraft paper soaked in a special resin called phenolic resin. These layers are pressed together with a lot of heat and pressure, creating a solid material that’s super strong and doesn’t let water through.

This process of creating phenolic involves a chemical reaction called polymerization, which fuses layers together into a solid form. It’s also used to make electrical parts because it’s a good insulator and doesn’t conduct electricity.

This incredible plastic is perfect for public restrooms where things get wet and need to be cleaned constantly. It’s also used in other places where sturdy materials are needed, like in construction or even in electronics manufacturing. Phenolic components are useful in demanding conditions because they can handle moisture, physical impacts, and resist bending or stretching.

In the case of public restroom stalls, heavy-duty phenolic elements crafted within partitions and partition parts are rugged, water-resistant, and easy to clean. This focus on using hypoallergenic materials, like titanium or niobium, reduces the risk of allergic reactions and increases user comfort.

Companies, employees, and guests can take for granted the fact that phenolic material and the careful consideration of other pieces used in bathroom fixtures plays an important role in making sure restrooms are accessible and convenient.

Phenolic Washroom Partitions: Known for Unique Properties

Phenolic washroom partitions are incredibly tough and resist abrasions, which make them ideal for high-traffic areas.

They’re resistant to a variety of chemicals, including acids, alkalis, and solvents, making them ideal for laboratories and factories where exposure to unpleasant substances is common. Additionally, these partitions are fire-resistant, helping slow the spread of flames and smoke during a building fire.

However, it’s not just about function. Solid phenolic materials also look great and come in several colors, patterns, and finishes that you can use to create modern spaces. The non-porous surface makes them easy to clean and maintain, which is perfect for public places where hygiene is important.

Many phenolic substances and parts are made from renewable resources and can be recycled. They can handle hot and cold temperatures without warping or breaking, making them versatile for various applications experiencing temperature fluctuations.

Whether you’re renovating a public space or designing a commercial facility, phenolic materials are an increasingly popular choice. They’re tough, stunning, eco-friendly, appealing to visitors, and can handle a wide range of conditions.

Partitions are the Secret to Top-Rated Public Restrooms

One of many examples of phenolic washroom partitions on display happens to be airport restrooms, which are frequently in the running for national public bathroom awards. In this realm, metropolitan airports are stepping up their game and shining bright.

Today’s large airports have fancy technologies that let staff know when a bathroom needs cleaning or refilling, as well as touchless soap, hand sanitizer, and towel dispensers. There are even screens outside telling visitors how many stalls are free and when the bathroom was last cleaned. Many of these bathroom stalls are made of solid components.

In September 2020, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport was proudly announced as one of the top 10 finalists in a prestigious “Best Restroom” contest. This annual competition recognizes public restrooms across the United States demonstrating exceptional design, cleanliness, and overall user experience, NBC-5 Dallas/Fort Worth reported. “This year’s contest recognizes a wide range of finalists, each offering a one-of-a-kind restroom experience.”

Some fellow top-restroom finalists were:

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts in Scottsdale, Arizona: “Designed by award-winning Scottsdale architect John Douglas, the center’s upgraded restrooms are sleek and modern with terrazzo flooring, glass-tiled walls and a generous number of spacious, stainless-steel stalls that offer maximum privacy.”
Gaslight Bar and Grill in Cincinnati, Ohio: “Contrasts of black iron details and custom wood partitions and doors provide classic world touches.”
Portland Japanese Garden in Portland, Oregon: “These understated shaped and forms are aligned with the Japanese aesthetic of minimalism and with the qualities of a Japanese garden, which helps the mind and body feel serene and tranquil, even in the most vulnerable state of being.”

Experts agree that all public restroom features, including partitions, make a big difference, especially when everyone is concerned about hygiene, safety, and ADA accessibility.

The Public Regularly Uses Restrooms and Phenolic Washroom Partitions

For many of us, public restrooms and phenolic washroom partitions are an important part of our everyday lives. Eighty percent of people regularly use public restrooms, according to a report in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

“One might envision a lot of devastation out there,” the article states. “With all the clogged or unflushed toilets, jammed paper towel dispensers, and partition doors that won’t latch, nearly 70 percent of the country’s adults have had ‘an unpleasant restroom experience’.”

Fortunately, phenolic partitions come in various styles and mounting options for all types of commercial restroom designs, including floor-anchored and overhead-braced areas, ceiling-hung areas, and floor-to-ceiling anchored styles.

For enhanced privacy, there are vandal-resistant fasteners, emergency access that meets ADA requirements, and various hardware options like continuous piano hinges and anodized aluminum brackets.

Additional features include occupancy indicators and flush-finish, self-closing doors for privacy and security. These partitions are designed for ease of installation, as well as vault-hinge and heavy-duty use.

ASI Global Partitions

ASI Global Partitions develops phenolic washroom partitions by taking functionality and user experience to the next level. For customers who demand innovative products, we offer a complete collection.

What makes us so unique? Only ASI Global Partitions designs, engineers, and manufactures fully integrated solutions. All of our products work together seamlessly.