16/10/2020

Three essential touch-free innovations for your workplace

Necessity is the mother of invention – a saying that has proved itself during the pandemic. Beckoning a new era of innovation, we are seeing the worldwide creation of PPE vending machines, virus killing snoods and even delivery robots to help us return to ‘normal’ life. 

But what about in the workplace? Although it may not be visible to the eye, workplaces can be a haven for bacteria. 

To meet the vital health and hygiene requirements that the UK government has implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic, employers may need to consider additional measures – including the introduction of touch-free products – to ensure a safe return to the workplace. 

Here we outline three exciting technologies that will help you reduce contact points in the workplace. 

 

1.     Touch-free drinking water solutions

Everyone needs water – especially while they are at work. However, with the average person touching their face more than 20 times an hour, it’s possible to transfer viruses from everyday objects, such as handles and taps, to the mouth and eyes, and vice versa.

At Zip, we have a number of new touch-free drinking water solutions for the workplace. Whether you already have a system fitted and are looking for a contactless retrofit solution or want a brand-new product that will enable staff and visitors’ hands-free access to drinking water, at Zip we have it all. Find out more below. 

 

The brand-new HydroTap Wave

The brand-new Zip HydroTap Touch Free Wave offers a 100 percent contactless solution for filtered boiling, chilled and sparkling drinking water. The Zip HydroTap Touch Free Wave boasts all the same benefits as the rest of the HydroTap range, including our world-leading 0.2 micron filtration and a host of cutting-edge energy saving technologies. To dispense water, a user simply hovers their hand 1.5-5cm from the smart infrared sensor and the water flow will stop immediately once their hand has moved away. The tap will deactivate if touched or grabbed.

 

The HydroChill HC03 touch-free dispenser

For areas that require larger volumes of filtered chilled and ambient water, the innovative new floor-standing HydroChill HC03 touch-free dispenser is the perfect solution. Easy to install in areas away from the kitchen – such as staff rooms and corridors – this dispenser also features a nano silver surface coating that works to kill up to 99.9 percent of bacteria across a 24-hour period.

 

Touch-free adaptor for the HydroBoil and EconoBoil

If you already have a Zip HydroBoil* or EconoBoil system fitted in your workplace, our simple to install touch-free adaptor allows for the dispensing of boiling water without needing to touch the tap. Manufactured from corrosion resistant hard-wearing grade 304 stainless steel, the adaptor can be quickly and easily fitted over the existing HydroBoil or EconoBoil handle to enable users to dispense boiling water by pushing back on the handle with a cup.

 

2.    Touch-free door opening hooks

Did you know that just one dirty door handle can spread a virus to 40 to 60 percent of employees and visitors in a building in as little as four hours? Simple door opening hooks enable employees to open a door without touching it, hooking around the handle for them to pull and open hands-free.

 

3.    Touch-free enabling workplace apps 

Workplace apps can be created and downloaded onto employees’ own personal mobile phones to help make the office contactless. Capable of many things, the app could enable users to check into the office upon arrival, use near-field communication to open doors or call lifts, have an area to book meeting rooms or enable the cash-free purchase of food and drink at the workplace canteen.

 

A new era for the workplace

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world in incomprehensible ways. What’s clear, as we emerge from lockdown, is that future workplaces will incorporate touch-free technology. Right now less touch points can help support the gradual, safe return to the workplace. 

To find out more about any of our products, please request a meeting with our expert team or visit specify.zipwater.co/wave.