Blog, General news
South Africa – why washing hands properly is so important
Aug
The key is the word “properly”…
Effective hand hygiene is “The easiest and most important method to prevent the transfer of bacteria…” according to information compiled by the Life Fourways Hospital in South Africa, which was published recently on the Fourways Review website.
The Hospital is continually focussed on infection prevention and patient safety, with hand hygiene being described as the “cornerstone” of that strategy, says the report.
Hand washing should be the focus for the entire community, not just the healthcare sector – and is hugely relevant for everyone in South Africa. And it’s a message that’s currently not getting through, says the report.
“Recent studies show that 60 per cent of South Africans do not wash their hands properly after using the toilet and 66% of South Africans do not wash their hands with soap.”
Wash properly with soap and water
The article asks three questions, namely why hand washing is so important and when and how hands should be washed. The guidance quoted is clear on the preferred method of hand hygiene.
“Wet your hands, apply soap, rub hands together to form a lather, rub all over the top of your hands, between fingers and around and under fingernails and rinse your hands well.”
In order to demonstrate the most effective way of washing hands, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has produced a video called Fight Germs. Wash Your Hands!
“It states that you should scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have a clock nearby, keep scrubbing until you’ve sung the ‘Happy Birthday’ song twice.”
Tips to prevent infection »
Effective, water saving hand washing
Teal portable hand wash units use very little water: the entire range provides effective hand hygiene through a highly efficient water jet. Vehicle mounted, wall mounted, mains powered and free standing hand wash stations are all available.
Efficient water use is a focus for Teal »
The Teal range of highly water efficient mobile sinks includes the MediWash, Hygienius, ProWash, BigSynk, Super Stallette, TEALwash, Handeman Xtra, Compact Classic, KiddiWash Xtra, KiddiSynkand WashStand.
Teal’s Southern Africa distributor »
TEAL’s representative for Southern Africa is GS Hygiene (Pty) Ltd.
“TEALwash mobile hot water hand wash stations make hand washing possible when no plumbing is available. Our unique products provide hassle free, cost effective and efficient solutions for your health and safety needs.”
