Call to reduce reliance on sanitisers in the workplace and encourage hand washing

“Norovirus outbreaks increasing in England” warns the UK government

Norovirus, the so-called “winter vomiting bug”, is, unusually for the time of year, becoming a real issue and is spreading rapidly across the UK. An over-reliance on hand sanitisers puts office workers and other employees at risk of contracting the illness – because they are largely ineffective against it – warned a recent release by Public Health England (PHE). 

Norovirus is highly contagious, being “easily transmitted through contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces” according to the report.

Fortunately, there are “simple actions” that can be taken to reduce the spread of the illness.

Washing hands with soap and water for the prescribed 20 seconds and drying with a disposable paper towel, are proven to be highly effective methods of protecting people from catching it. The “convenient” alternative – the use of hand sanitisers – simply doesn’t work says Professor Saheer Gharbia, Deputy Director, National Infection Service, PHE.

“As with COVID-19, handwashing is really important to help stop the spread of this bug, but remember, unlike for COVID-19 alcohol gels do not kill off norovirus so soap and water is best.”

Make hand washing widely available in the office

The importance of hand washing and avoiding over-reliance on ineffective gels in the workplace was also emphasised by in a recent article on the I News website. The advice came from a virologist at the University of Edinburgh Dr Eleanor Gaunt, who was quoted as saying

“I suppose the risk with hand sanitisers placed around the office is that it discourages people from washing their hands,” she adds. “Hand washing is still more effective than hand sanitiser, which some viruses can prove more resilient to.”

Norovirus outbreaks increasing in England »

Provide effective hand washing for employees and visitors – wherever it’s needed!

Teal produces a comprehensive range of mobile sinks and portable basins for every type of hand washing situation for use by anyone who needs to wash their hands effectively, whether they’re in an office environment, temporary accommodation or out in the field on a daily basis.

The images (above) show the new CliniWash mobile handwash unit.

The range of portable handwash units for the workplace »

There are vehicle mounted, wall mounted, mains powered and free standing hand wash stations as well as mobile sinks for use with pre-heated hot water.

The Teal range of mobile sinks includes the MediWash, Hygienius and Hygienius ProWash, BigSynk, Super Stallette, TEALwash, Handeman Xtra, Compact Classic, HandSpa. and the new CliniWash – shown in the images above.