If there’s one problem that sours a food service employee’s daily work, it’s having to wait in front of a restroom.

In most clean room facilities restrooms are located outside of the work area. Of course, food service employees know they must wash their hands every time they travel in and out of designated sanitary areas. And proper training during restroom breaks are key to avoid cross-contamination.  But what if the restroom is locked when they get there? This leaves the employee with two choices. Either stand in front of a locked door and wait. Or, return to their workstation and keep one eye open toward the restroom to see if anyone comes out. Neither option is ideal. Both result in idle and unproductive time. In addition, not all restrooms are close by. It may be down the hall and out of sight, or even in another room!!

Most food service business owners are unaware of the loss of revenue that they encounter when their employees go in and out of the restroom.

Up until now there have been few alternatives. But now there is a choice for better sanitation. The Heads Up Lock Company (www.headsuplock.com) has taken an innovative and affordable approach to visibly showing whether restrooms are vacant from a distance; even when it’s out of sight or in another room. They have all but eliminated the guesswork by using a simple light that is visible for everyone to see.

How does it work? A smart lock in the door triggers a sensor that talks to receiving lights mounted in a noticeable place (all included in kit). When the eye-pleasing light is green it is vacant. When it is red it is in use. It’s that simple.

This patented, affordable, and ADA approved device is low-maintenance and the kit can be installed by any qualified handyman. It can be used in all single-stall restrooms such as in commercial buildings, restaurants, fast food chains, convenience stores, supermarkets, gas stations, hair salons, clinics, banks, schools and small business establishments of every kind.

If installed in a food service operation or commercial building, it usually results in an instant increase in productivity because workers are now able to gauge their need-to-go with just a quick glance. It’s evident that it doesn’t take long for the unit to pay for itself in a short period of time.

The Heads Up Lock also makes it easier for custodial staff to know when the restroom is clear for maintenance. So just say, “No” to contamination risk, and, “Yes” to productivity.