Theatre Catalog (1946-47)

or Theatre Washroom Sanitation and Safety Advantages of New Electric Hand Dryers Set Forth as a Sound Theatre Investment The popularity of electric hand dryers among progressive theatre operators has gained tremendous impetus during the past few years. In theatres where electrie dryers have been installed and in operation over a period of time their general success, reflected both by pa E. S. Hewirr Executive Vice-President, Electric-Aire Engineering Corporation tron enthusiasm and by economy of service, is predicated upon their practicability and value in the up-to-date theatre. It ELECTRIC HAND DRYERS can, as this model, be installed in toilet and wash rooms already built without too much trouble. Ameng the advantages of dryers are the enhancement of the appearance of washrooms, the elimination of a fire hazard, the making unnecessary the continuous service of a janitor or maid, a complete sanitary service, a continuous automatic drying service, the elimination of clogged plumbing, and long life with efficient service. 282 will pay every theatre manager carefully to consider the possibilities of installing electric hand dryers as part of any modernization program which may be contemplated. ‘WASHROOM MODERNIZATION There is perhaps no single phase of public establishment maintenance which is undergoing more thorough criticism by both the public and health departments all over the United States at present than this business of sanitation and safety. During the war years the public —eager for all kinds of amusement and recreation—were satisfied to put up with a great deal in the way of unsatisfactory (and, too often, downright unsafe) service. Health and fire departments were prone to excuse the operator in many instances because of the materials and labor situation. Today, however, the pendulum of public and civic opinion is swinging rapidly in the opposite direction. Stringent regulations governing the elimination of fire hazards and unclean rest rooms are rapidly going into effect and being enforced in many communities. Recent epidemics have had their share in focusing public attention upon the sanitation conditions in theatres. While it is true that washrooms constitute only one phase of this problem (adequate auditorium ventilation, heating, and the like are also in the picture), it is toward toilet facilities that most adverse criticism has been directed, and their jimprovement should be the first step in a sound modernization program. WHAT CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED Proper janitorial attention, the use of deodorants and air-conditioning, plus the repair and, wherever possible, replacement of worn-out or defective fixtures are all valuable and necessary steps in this program. However, all of these worth-while improvements are negated by patrons who throw paper towels on the floor. This patron practice of careless towel disposal is the bane of every theatre manager’s existence. Besides creating a dangerous fire hazard, it results in an insanitary and messy washroom. Constant surveillance is impractical. What, then, is an effective and at the same time, economic solution? EXPERIENCE OF ONE OPERATOR Mr. H., manager of one of the largest theatres on the north shore of Chicago, decided early in 1940 that the installation of electric hand dryers might help solve his washroom headaches. The habit of patrons to use handfuls of paper towels and toilet tissues, which were subsequently dropped on the floor, was making his washrooms unsightly, insanitary and a subject of public criticism —besides running up his operation costs. THEATRE CATALOG 1946-47