Case studies

When an estimated 13,600 people use your washrooms every day, it presents the facilities with a formidable challenge. At the London Eye, visitor numbers meant paper towels weren’t even considered for the washrooms. “Never paper towels. The footfall’s too heavy,” explains Andrew Wallace, facilities business manager at the London Eye. “We’ve always used hand dryers.”

Prior to spring 2007, the washrooms at the London Eye had conventional warm air hand dryers – and they struggled. “The existing hand dryers weren’t able to cope with demand. Like most people we got frustrated with them not working properly,” he recalls. “I got in touch with Dyson after reading about the Dyson Airblade™ hand dryer in a facilities management magazine.”

“We were very excited about the effectiveness and the environmental performance was an appealing prospect, too. We’re always looking to improve our contribution to sustainability. We’re saving energy and recycling all that we can.” 14 Dyson Airblade™ hand dryers were soon installed, in washrooms for both the staff and visitors.

The response from people using them was immediate and positive. “The staff love them, they were very impressed, and they’re not the sort that are easily pleased,” laughs Andrew. “They met everyone’s expectations and work very well. They’ve stood up to some pretty tough treatment.”

“At the London Eye we’re always interested in new technology. You can’t be involved in the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel and not be. And the Dyson Airblade™ hand dryers fit right in, they’re the latest technology and are revolutionary.”

London Eye