Sanisette Control Panel

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This is the control panel of a sanisette. In Paris, sanisettes are now free, so you just push the button in the center to enter. This sanisette was in its cleaning cycle (signified by the blue light) when I photographed it. Orange means the toilet is occupied or cycling; green means it is ready for the next customer; red means that the sanisette is closed (in Paris they usually close during the night) or out of order. Pressing the button only opens the door if the sanisette is in the idle and ready state (green light).

Children under 10 years of age must be accompanied in the sanisette. The reason for this restriction was originally that the cycling mechanism is sensitive to weight on the floor of the sanisette, and small children were light enough that the sanisette might try to cycle while they are still inside if they go in alone. Supposedly a young child was once killed in this way, although I haven't been able to confirm this. I know of adults who have tried to enter the sanisette after someone else used it without letting it cycle and have been drenched with water by the cleaning mechanism, but they weren't harmed.

Also, the door opens after twenty minutes, whether you are finished or not (to discourage people from sleeping inside or doing other inappropriate things).

Photographed on June 26, 2009.