Every fall, cold and flu season sends more people to the washroom sink and more people reaching for tissues. For facility managers, that means higher paper use and less tolerance for empty dispensers. A little prep in September and October avoids scrambling in November. Here is a practical list for offices, schools, clinics and workplaces across Canada.
Why It Matters
Hand washing is one of the simplest ways to reduce the spread of common infections, and the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety covers the basics in its guidance on hand washing and reducing the risk of common infections. It only works when soap, water and a way to dry hands are available, which is a supply question as much as a habit one.
Stock Up Before Demand Rises
- Raise par levels on hand towels, toilet tissue and facial tissue by 20 to 30 percent from October, then review after a few weeks.
- Order early. Popular formats can run short at the same time everywhere. Our washroom restocking checklist explains how to set par levels.
- Add facial tissue in reception areas, meeting rooms and classrooms. Our facial tissue guide shows what to stock.
Check Your Dispensers
- Test every touchless unit, and replace batteries if it uses them.
- Confirm each towel dispenser feeds smoothly. A jammed dispenser sends people away with wet hands.
- Consider adding touch-free options where traffic is highest. Our White Roll Towel No-Touch Dispenser is one example.
Give Break Rooms and Shared Spaces Attention
Washrooms are not the only place people wipe hands and surfaces. Break rooms need towels within reach, and our comparison of kitchen roll towels vs. folded towels shows what to stock. For cleaning shared equipment, a Wall Mount Wipes Dispenser keeps wipes handy, and our wiper guide covers heavier cleaning jobs.
Remind People, Lightly
A simple hand washing sign near each sink helps, and it works better when the sink actually has soap and towels. Keep signage short and consistent across buildings.
Bottom Line
Stock early, test dispensers, and put supplies where people need them. Browse our facial tissue, roll towels and dispensers to get ready before the season starts.
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