Sustainable Mechanical Design of a Dual-Pedal Handwashing System for Public Hygiene Applications

The rapid transmission of communicable diseases through contact with contaminated surfaces remains a major global public health concern. Effective hand hygiene is widely recognized as one of the most reliable measures for preventing such infections; however, access to hygienic and contact-free hand washing facilities is still limited in many public and low-resource settings. This study presents the design and development of a sustainable dual-pedal hand washing system aimed at improving hygiene accessibility while minimizing hand contact and water wastage. The system employs a mechanically operated dual-pedal mechanism that independently controls water flow and soap dispensing, thereby reducing the risk of cross-contamination. Designed using locally available materials, the unit is cost-effective, durable, and environmentally sustainable. The proposed system offers a practical solution for enhancing public hygiene and reducing the spread of communicable diseases in community and institutional environments