Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/1267556
ASSOCIATIONINSIGHT Portable Sanitation Association International News BIWEEKLY EDITION JULY 8, 2020 Page 12 A Worldly Perspective on Deodorizers and Odor Control…continued from page 11 Continued on page 13 Leaving some of the cleaning agent inside the tank will further assist when the trailer is taken out for the next event. This mixture will "slosh around" in the waste tank during the drive and will also begin to mask odors as the event begins. Room To Go also has a smaller fleet of freshwater flush units that are serviced more frequently in hot weather and put in the shade "wherever possible." International Supplier Perspectives on Odor Control 1 In addition to our international operators' information concerning odor control in units and trailers, several of our PSAI international supplier Members offer some additional considerations. Sanitrax International, The Netherlands Marcel Bikker, the founder and CEO of Sanitrax International and an active PSAI international Member, has some interesting observations to share on these issues. "The root of the problem is the coning of human waste in the unit. As temperatures warm up, the bacteria in the waste begins to multiply rapidly and by doing so, the decomposing and rotting causes smells." While the deodorizer is effectively treating and masking the smell beneath the water, it is the coning (sometimes called "piling") that is the primary issue. Marcel has these suggestions: • Use restroom units with fewer crevasses and indentations. "A highly rounded [cabin or stall] will leave the leas[t] amount of dirt and is easier to clean." • Engineer spaces for maximum air flow. "Large gaps above and below the door of the unit will allow for the most possible ventilation of fresh air." • Upsell to higher-end units when possible. "Consider [offering] a vacuum toilet which besides eliminating the waste, also takes in a lot of air (and eliminates user smells) from the stall." • Another interesting suggestion is to "use lights so that people can see what they do." This minimizes incidental odors from spillage and misdirected fluids in the cabin. • Leaving adequate levels of toilet paper, as well as a small extra supply on-hand with the customer is another way to prolong the cleanliness of a unit. • Marcel's last suggestion mirrors that of the some of the operators above—offer onsite attendants. In this age of the COVID-19 pandemic, attendants can serve multiple functions. While they will be an added expense to the customer, their presence will provide better comfort, confidence, and hygiene to the end users. 1 Note: The PSAI does not endorse any company's product or service. To explore products mentioned here, please refer to the PSAI's online Supplier Directory for options. The PSAI is grateful to all who contributed to this article. Marcel Bikker—Sanitrax International, The Netherlands Want to Learn More about Deodorizers? In addition to sharing ideas and insights from our International PSAI Members, the PSAI is including its "Deodorizers: What You Need to Know" reference guide on pages 17–23. It's an excellence resource that will help your business provide even better customer service.