Blog, Motor vehicles
Why hand washing is essential for truck drivers…
Feb
…and why it’s so much better if you can wash whenever you return to your vehicle
An article about the importance of effective hand hygiene for van and lorry drivers recently resurfaced in a number of social media posts. It highlights a few of the contamination risks that vehicle drivers can encounter on a daily basis – and they may not always be where you consider them to be, according to the report on the Safety and Health Magazine website.
In fact the opening paragraph alone is a bit of a show stopper – and every van or truck driver will encounter the horrors flagged there on a regular basis. Filling up with diesel or petrol or using an EV charging station presents the operative with three potentially harmful scenarios as they refuel the vehicle.
- Firstly, the pump or charger handle. The article claims that “Most pump handles contain 11,000 times more germs than a toilet seat in a public restroom.”
- Next, the keypad on the pump or charger. That’s even worse says the report. “The buttons typically have 15,000 times more germs than a public toilet seat”.
- And finally, everything else at a truck stop or rest area that hands can come into contact with are likely to present infection opportunities. Toilets, door handles, – even cash machines.
Wash when returning to your vehicle
A very effective way of minimising risk is by avoiding contact with your mouth and face with your hands whilst at the facility – then having a thorough soap and water hand wash upon returning to your lorry.
The report portrays a “traditional” hand wash, carried out properly, as being the most effective way to ensure clean hands.
“Wet, lather and scrub your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, then rinse and dry them with a clean towel.”
Disposable paper towels are probably the best way to go when it comes to drying hands hygienically.
The report emphasises that it is an employer’s responsibility to ensure that a driver has suitable hand hygiene options when they’re out on the road “as well as instruction on proper handwashing techniques.”
Handwashing 101 for truck drivers »
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