TippyTap

Product Description

The TippyTap is a hands-free way to wash your hands appropriate for rural areas where there is no running water. It is operated by a foot lever and reduces the chance for bacteria transmission as the user only touches the soap. It uses only 40 mL of water to wash your hands versus 500 mL using a mug. Additionally, the used “waste” water can go to plants or back into the water table.

Market Suggested Retail Price

$4.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Anyone can access the online manual on how to make your own TippyTap.

Manufacturing/Building Method

The solution is individually made with local materials.

Intellectural Property Type

Open Source

User Provision Model

Any individual or organisation can build a TippyTap using locally available resources. There are numerous online resources and manuals available.

Distributions to Date Status

Unknown

Design Specifications

The TippyTap is a simple device for hand-washing with running water. In general, the makeshift device 5 L container with a small hole near the cap, which is filled with water and tipped with a stick and rope. The device is operated by a foot lever, which reduces the chance for bacteria transmission as the user touches only the soap. A gravel bed is used to soak away the water and prevent mosquitoes. When the container is empty, the cap is unscrewed and the container is removed from the stick. The container is then filled again at a water pump and reassembled for use.

Technical Support

Online manuals are available.

Replacement Components

Components can be replaced using locally available resources.

Lifecycle

Unknown

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Tippy Taps are designed to be simple and economical hand-washing stations, made with locally available materials and not dependent on a piped water supply.

Vetted Performance Status

This low-cost solution has been assessed and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Foodborne and Diarrheal Disease Branch and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. This is reflected in various publications released for public reference.

Safety

TippyTap is operated by a foot lever and thus reduces the chance for bacteria transmission as the user only interacts with the soap.

Complementary Technical Systems

None

Academic Research and References

Chingatichifwe Mbakaya, B., Welcome Kalembo, F., Zgambo, M., 2020, Use, adoption, and effectiveness of tippy-tap handwashing station in promoting hand hygiene practices in resource-limited settings: a systematic review, BMC Public Health, 20 (1005).

Biran, A., 2020, Enabling Technologies for Handwashing with Soap: A Case Study on the Tippy-Tap in Uganda, Global Scaling Up Handwashing Project Working Paper.

Compliance with regulations

This solution is recommended by various organisations in expanding sanitation access in resource limited settings, particularly across Africa (e.g. World Bank's Water and Sanitation Program, Center for Disease Control).

Other Information

None