Hand washing has been called a small act with a big impact. It helps stop the spread of germs, not to mention ridding hands of dirt, grease, dust and grime. Even so, hand washing facilities are often overlooked during event planning. One simple and effective way to encourage clean hands and make your guests feel more comfortable is to add an event hand washing station.

These portable sinks are easy to set up for indoor and outdoor spaces. They require no plumbing, and because they operate by foot pedal, they waste little water. A garden hose is all you need to fill the water tank. Wastewater is collected in a separate tank. Some portable sinks come with a built-in hose for transferring wastewater directly into a sewer or leak-proof container.

Here are a few of the reasons you should consider including hand wash stations at your next event.

They make guests comfortable

Happy guests are a sign of a successful event. Providing convenient access to hand washing facilities is one way to please your attendees and show them you prioritize their needs.

Depending on the type of event, guests may want to wash their hands not only after using the restroom but also before and after eating, after handling certain materials or after activities that get their hands, or their children’s hands, dirty or sticky.

If you’re already renting a restroom trailer for the event, you may have enough sinks for bathroom washup, but consider adding portable sinks in areas near food or activities.

These sinks typically come with built-in soap dispensers and paper towel dispensers. Warm water hand washing stations add another level of comfort. They require an electrical outlet, portable battery or propane to power the water heater.

They help prevent the spread of illness

Nobody wants to catch a cold or stomach bug at an event. Hand washing is one of the best ways to reduce the spread of germs that cause illness. It’s especially important at events where food is served, and at large gatherings where the risk of illness transmission is higher.

If workers will be preparing food at your event, they’ll need access to a properly equipped hand washing station to reduce the risk of developing or spreading a food-borne illness such as a salmonella infection.

Hand washing stations are best placed next to porta potties, in high traffic areas and near food service. Because these stations operate by foot pump, there’s no chance of catching germs from faucet handles.

How many hand washing stations are required? The optimal number depends on the size of the venue, the number of guests, the length of the event, whether food is being prepared or served, the activities planned and whether the site will also have porta potties or restrooms trailers equipped with sinks. Sink pods with multiple hand washing stations are a good option for larger groups.

To supplement portable sinks, you can add portable hand sanitizer stations so guests and workers can sanitize their hands in places where sinks are not available. Sani stands are compact, lightweight and easy to transport.

They may limit bathroom lines

Some guests use bathrooms simply to wash their hands, which makes restroom lines longer. A few thoughtfully placed sinks around your event site could minimize bathroom lines and save guests an unnecessary trip.

They help you comply with regulations

Portable hand washing stations can help you comply with any applicable federal, state and local regulations and avoid potential fines or penalties.

For example, employers may be required to provide hand washing stations for food preparation workers by the health department and the FDA Food Code. Check with your local or state health department. A properly equipped hand washing station must have clean water, soap and individual hand towels and be located close to work areas to encourage use.

Sometimes it’s the small touches that elevate an event to the next level. Adding an event hand washing station to your event space treats guests to an amenity they’ll appreciate. It’s an easy way to enhance their enjoyment without a big investment.

Visit our online marketplace to browse our portable hand washing and sanitization offerings.