How to make a Tippy Tappy for handwashing
Watch our video and learn how to make a Tippy Tappy or Tippy Tap for handwashing.
During the Covid-19 Pandemic we have all had remember to wash our hands a lot more than usual and hand hygiene has become ever more important.
What is a Tippy Tappy?
A Tippy Tappy or Tippy Tap is a simple contraption used for handwashing without the need for plumbing that is operated by your foot. This means contamination is much less likely to happen and this ingenious yet simple hand washing station uses a plastic container that releases a small amount of water when your foot presses onto the pedal.
In our video ‘How to make a Tippy Tappy for handwashing’ we will show you how quick and easy it is to create one for your school, nursery or workplace. It can be made into a permanent structure or moveable if needed.
Tippy Tappys or Tippy Taps are used all over the developing world at locations where there is no running water. There are lots of different versions using different materials so use what you have easy access to.
We used wood from our woodland and a 2nd hand plastic container but make sure it is clean and hasn’t been used to store chemicals or dangerous liquids.
The children who visit our woodland site love using it and are always eager to clean their hands when asked and the adults we train seem to enjoy the experience as well!
You will need:
- Spade
- 4 pieces of wood (bamboo is fine if you don’t have access to a wood source)
- Hammer and nail or screwdriver and screw to make an air hole in the container
- Water container
- String / paracord
- Soap
- Paper towels
Top Tips:
- Fill your container with warm water in the winter
- Remove the bark on your wooden poles to make them last longer
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