Sanitaryware from leading stainless steel specialist GEC Anderson provides highly functional but stylish ‘scrub up’ facilities for ground staff working to keep aircraft on schedule at the new Heathrow Terminal 5. GEC Anderson provided specially modified wash troughs for the “airside” washrooms, as well as wall hung basins for disabled users. The durable GEC Anderson products were specified as they could be custom made within the tight construction and fit out schedule for Terminal 5 – and they complemented the Terminal 5 washroom design theme.

Kay Greetham, BAA Design Manager for Terminal 5, says toilets throughout the terminal reflect new design standards – and share many specifications. She says: “Ground staff washrooms maintain the visual theme of the public facilities, but are adapted to suit additional requirements. For example, they need deep ‘industrial’ basins so that engineers and other ground employees can wash their arms thoroughly.

GEC Anderson offered the bespoke engineering that we needed, and the ability to manufacture a relatively small quantity of these rugged and durable wash troughs in a short timeframe. In the airside accessible toilets, the special GEC Anderson basin for Disability Discrimination Act compliance comfortably meets our needs – and it looks good too. For us, it was a design-led choice.”

Martin Tye, Managing Director of GEC Anderson, says stainless steel is the ideal material for heavily used washrooms. He says: “It is unaffected by most chemicals and retains its good looks, even in locations where heavy use demands frequent and rigorous cleaning. The wash troughs at Terminal 5 will easily withstand any dirt that ground staff bring in after working on aircraft or ground handling equipment.”

GEC Anderson supplied 45 single user wash troughs, with additional shrouding to conceal waste outlets for aesthetic purposes and to withstand sustained hard use. The V246 wash trough, which features a continuous rear shelf for toilet articles, is normally supplied in lengths from 600–3,600mm – providing space for up to six users. GEC Anderson also provided 10 wall hung basins for DDA-compliant washrooms. The V216 HCP basins at Terminal 5 also have shrouded wastes and, to ensure unhindered wheelchair access, a specially reduced height profile. Both variants have concealed mountings and are designed to deter and prevent misuse.

Founded in England in 1962, GEC Anderson has pioneered the development of made-to-measure stainless steel products. Today, the company’s range includes sinks, worktops, cabinets, shelving and sanitaryware for use in domestic, commercial and specialist environments, such as hospitals and laboratories. All products are manufactured to ISO 9001 and backed by a comprehensive support service from planning and product specification to installation and maintenance.