Chapter 21 · Hygiene and sanitation21.8 Improvised washing station
Chapter 21 · Hygiene and sanitation

21.8 Improvised washing station

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Have two: one next to the emergency toilet and another next to where you prepare food (Oregon State University). There are two models.

Figure 21.2. Handwashing stations: water jug with a spigot on a table (indoors) and a foot-operated “tippy tap” (outdoors).

A. Jug with a spigot (the best option in an apartment)

  1. Set a water jug with a dispensing spigot on the edge of a table, the sink, or the counter.
  2. Under the spigot, a bucket or basin to catch the used water.
  3. Next to it: soap (liquid, or a bar hung in a stocking), paper towels, and a container with a bag.
  4. Disinfect the spigot often and close it with the used paper towel (Oregon State University).
  5. Don't reuse the water in the bucket for anything that touches the mouth: use it to dilute urine or to flush the toilet.

B. “Tippy tap” (outdoors or patio)

A 1-gallon jug with a small hole near the neck, hung from a crossbar. A string runs from the jug to a wooden foot pedal: when you step on it, the jug tips and a small stream comes out. No one touches anything with dirty hands. The soap hangs from a cord. Put gravel or a bucket underneath so it doesn't turn to mud. It uses very little water.