What are the most common troubleshooting issues with a mobile hand washing station and how easy are they to fix on the spot?
One of the most common problems in the use of a mobile hand washing station is an electrical problem between the outlet and the unit. This can be because of a tripped breaker, an incorrectly plugged in cord or the need to reset the outlet that is located in the cabinet. More often than not, these issues are simple and easy to fix. To check that the breaker is not tripped plug in a different electrical device to the same outlet and see if it will turn on. If it does not, make sure the station is unplugged and find the breaker box. Turn on the breaker that has clicked off. Return and plug in the station.
The reset button is located between the two outlets that are positioned beside the on/off switch in the cabinet of the mobile hand washing station. It is a small button that, if it needs to be reset, will either have no light displayed or a red light. Reset and check the plug to the wall to make sure it is inserted correctly.
These simple corrections will also address the problem that caused the mobile hand washing station pump to work and then shut off. If this happens make sure that you are plugged into a dedicated 20A 110V outlet.

How is an outdoor mobile hand washing station designed to stand up to the elements? Is there anything I can do to extend the life of the cabinet if it is always outside?
An outdoor portable sink is designed to prevent damage from UV rays from the sun as well as damage due to rain, snow or sleet. The sides and back of the cabinets are either galvanized or stainless steel, making them strong and resistant to any type of mold, rust or scratching. The front of the cabinet is made of a very durable polyethylene that is resistant to UV damage caused by the sun. The top is stainless, as is the basin, making it very effective at resisting any damage caused by
the elements.
 A mobile hand washing station that is going to be used or stored outdoors also comes with an additional cover. This cover can be placed over the entire unit to prevent any long term exposure to rain, snow or sun. Protecting the surface area from this type of exposure will keep it looking new for years to come.
How can I estimate how long a fresh water tank will last?

The mobile hand washing station is designed to provide a steady and controlled stream of water that is suitable for hand washing and other uses where water is in short supply. The standard flow of water is ½ gallon per minute, which allows you to estimate how long a standard fresh water tank will last. With a standard fresh water tank of five gallons, that is filled completely, you can estimate that you have enough water for 42 hand washings. This is more than enough for a typical classroom of students per day or for several days in a smaller workplace environment. There is also the option to have additional fresh water tanks on hand so you never have to worry about running out of water.

I really want to be able to keep the portable sinks for daycare looking clean and new. What type of countertop do you recommend?

There are different types of countertops available for portable sinks for daycare. There is the option to use a lead free, phthalate free melamine that comes with a black laminate finish. The other option is to choose a stainless steel top for portable sinks. This is a great idea for daycares where paint, glue, and other messy and potentially staining materials may be used. Stainless steel is very resistant to any type of staining or scratching and, with the virtually rust-proof surface, it stays looking new for years. The sink top area is very easy to clean when you choose stainless steel as you can use almost any cleaner you want without worrying about ruining the material.
Stainless also offers additional advantages. It maintains a neutral color with regards to décor. This means you don't have to worry about matching new furniture, cabinets or fixtures to the laminate color, as most color schemes will mesh well with stainless steel.

I would like to use portable sinks for daycare but I already have a baby change table in the very small space I have available. Do you have any suggestions?

You can combine baby change tables with portable sinks for daycare to make an excellent option for those with limited space. This is not only practical for the kids, but it is incredibly handy for staff. No longer will you need to move from space to space with the infant, as everything you need for a proper diaper change is right there. The portable sinks are mounted to the change station, which is designed to meet all safety requirements. It has a seven inch deep changing deck with a one inch thick cushion pad. This means that baby is not only safe, but also very comfortable. With immediate access to hot or cold water, portable sinks for daycare make clean up a breeze.
The configuration of portable sinks for daycare provides additional storage area under the change table. This is perfect for storing wet wipes, lotion, diapers, and extra changes of clothes for kids.

The basic configurations for the cabinets are great, but I need some additional storage in my portable sinks for daycare use. What are my options?

Most people find that the standard cabinet storage options under the change tables or the extra storage cabinet offer all the storage that they need. In the event that you require additional drawers, cabinets, or other customized options they can be provided. Staff will talk to you to determine just what you are asking for with your portable sinks for daycare and then design a custom cabinet to meet those needs.

There are also some features that can help with storage of commonly used items. A wire holder for disposable gloves can be mounted on the inside of the cabinet door, in an open space or even on the outside of the cabinet to limit the need to have the box just sitting around on the cabinet top.

1. Are there any standards or requirements for portable hand wash stations that will be used in a school, daycare or nursery setting?
For many school, daycare, nursery, and child care center settings, having all equipment above the minimum safety and code requirements is a big consideration. The NSF or National Science Foundation is a United States government-managed agency that tests equipment for use in a variety of specialized settings. A portable hand wash station that meets NSF standards means that the product has been reviewed and passed all required safety standards for use of the sink. This not only provides liability protection for the school, daycare or nursery but it also gives staff and parents peace of mind to know that their children will be safe using the provided equipment.

2. What are the most important features to consider in selecting a portable hand wash station for a daycare environment?

There are many different features that can be found on a portable hand wash station for any type of child-centered environment. One of the most important features for any portable sink is the height of the cabinet and sink. Models that are designed with kids in mind will typically have countertops at about 28 inches in height. Companies may also offer a non-skid, slip resistant step that can be used for toddlers and kids under the age of three. This allows the children to learn how to wash their hands without needing an adult to give them a boost up to the sink.
Faucets that work on a sensor are also a great way to encourage kids to use the sink. It also eliminates a lot of clean up when little hands work the taps. Another great feature that make filling up fresh water containers a snap is an adaptor hose that fits on the fresh water tap and connects to the top of the container. This job can be made even easier with a dolly system that allows you to roll up to the sink with the tank, eliminating the need to lift or carry the heavier full tanks.

3. I like the idea of a laminate top for my classroom portable hand wash station. Is this a good idea? What are the benefits?

Laminate is a great idea for a school, daycare or nursery portable hand wash station. It is easy to clean, resists stains and scratching and also can be coordinated to match colors or existing countertops or work surface areas. It is important to check the laminate and ensure that it is melamine that is made without phthalates or lead.
Laminate tops require minimal in the way of routine care. In any type of setting it is a good idea to use an antiviral cleaner that can reduce the chance of contamination or the spread of germs with multiple users. A good option for this type of cleaning solution is Steramine. It kills viruses and is very easy to mix and use and doesn't have the harsh smell of chlorine or ammonia based cleaning products.