Tye Works Advanced Hand Wash System

Product Description

The Tye Works Advanced Hand Wash System is a portable tap with a hose and foot pump that is slipped over the rim of a bucket. There is a holder for soap attached to the tap. The end of the hose is connected to a water tank (or other water source) and the user can then make water flow by stepping on the rubber bulb.

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Tye Works sells the product directly via their website but it is also accessible on retail sites such as Amazon and Etsy. Implementing organizations include internal humanitarian organizations such as Oxfam America and Samaritans purse.

Manufacturing/Building Method

The product is mass-produced in the United States.

Intellectural Property Type

Trademarked

User Provision Model

Users can acquire the Advanced Handwashing System directly from Tye Works and online retailers (Amazon, Etsy).

Distributions to Date Status

Several thousand units sold to date. ^{Interview with Manufacturer in 2017}

Design Specifications

The tap is attached to a bucket and the hose is put in a water source. By using the foot pump, water flows through the tap making handwashing possible. A holder for a soap bottle is on the tap and the product comes with a bag to transport the equipment in. The pump supplies 25-30 mL each time the foot pump is stepped on.^{Interview with Manufacturer in 2017} Metal parts are made of aluminum, copper, and stainless steel. The pump is made of rubber and the hose from vinyl, and the bucket and water tank are not part of the system.

Technical Support

The manufacturer offers complete support regarding spare parts and full refurbishment of the system and individual components. ^{Interview with Manufacturer in 2017}

Replacement Components

All components are replaceable and offered by the manufacturer.

Lifecycle

The critical point of the system is the rubber bulb pump which is more easily worn down than the metal parts. The vinyl hose can also be damaged if not handled properly. The manufacturer estimates a lifetime of 3-4 years in constant use. The manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty on the metal parts. ^{Interview with Manufacturer in 2017}

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Manufacturer specified performance targets include: portable, manually driven, lightweight, and small. Additionally, the use of the foot to pump water reduces the potential for bacterial spread. ^{Interview with Manufacturer in 2017}

Vetted Performance Status

The Advanced Hand Wash System has been tested by Camp Trend in the field, citing 4 to 5 foot pumps to build pressure and produce a reliable stream of water.

Safety

There are no safety concerns with use of this product.

Complementary Technical Systems

Additional components include a bucket and a water tank for source water storage and handwashing basin. A 16" extension of the hose is available for an additional 4 USD.

Academic Research and References

None

Compliance with regulations

Unknown

Other Information

Several reviews exist on Amazon and Etsy.