Sanisette

From ArticleWorld

The Sanisette is a trademark of a self-cleaning, self-contained, unisex, public street toilet invented and spread by the French company JC Decaux. Large cities around the world can present such toilets although the city that shows most of them is Paris.

Description

A sanisette hold a toilet that is enclosed by a door. The door will open after a button is pushed or an amount of money is inserted, acting as a pay fee. A washbasin can also be found inside. There are different models of sanisettes so different types and sizes of toilets and washbasins can be noticed. An important thing for any toilet user is privacy. This is provided by the door closing once inside and it can no longer be opened from the outside. It can only be done from the inside by pushing a button or when the time for one use is over. When the user finished using the toilet and exits the door closes again and a wash cycle that runs for around one minute is initialized for cleaning purposes. The system practically renders the need for toilet attendants to a minimum. Specialists will only be need for the electrical functions in case of a breakdown. Sanisettes designed for people of disabilities are also popular and can be found in major cities around the world.

Advantages and disadvantages

Several advantages can be found in using a sanisette. First of all it requires no toilet attendant and is a good way to replace street urinals. The usage is not limited to one sex due to its unisex design and it can be used for defecation and urination. A self cleaning mechanism will also keep them clean at all times and will eliminate unpleasant odors. Privacy is also taken to the next level with basically no way of entering in a sanisette if it is being used. The biggest disadvantage stands in the activation system. The sanisette uses a weight sensor that makes it impossible for smaller children to be detected. Because of this, usage by an under 10 year old child without adult presence is dangerous. Several reports of kids being hurt when a washing cycle began have been noticed and it can be damaging for a smaller child. A regular sanisette is not usable by someone with disabilities and it became a popular spot for prostitutes and drug dealers in some areas of the world. These problems have led cities like New York to not use sanisettes because of public demand.