Blog, Food preparation, General news, Workforce hand washing
Top guidance for hand washing in the workplace
Aug
How soap and water can make such a difference!
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the USA’s “leading science-based, data-driven, service organization that protects the public’s health”. A recent update to their hand washing guidance Hand Hygiene Frequently Asked Questions has a clear objective. To encourage effective hand washing.
“Keeping hands clean is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others.”
The guidance is provided in a question and answer format, which provides definitive information under a number of topics. A number of the most important are dealt with here.
1) Is a 20 second hand wash really necessary?
In short, says the CDC, the answer is yes. Simply, you don’t remove as many germs if you wash for a shorter duration – and you need to scrub all areas of your hands, including between fingers and under fingernails.
2) Recommended hand washing supplies
This couldn’t be simpler. Just don’t rely on gels and wipes. And they must be available where they’re actually required to ensure the most complete level of compliance.
“Ensure you have easily accessible sinks; clean, running water; soap; and a way to dry hands, such as paper towels or a hand dryer.”
3) Getting employees and visitors to buy in to the hand washing message
Making hand washing facilities accessible is of paramount importance says the CDC. Provide “accessible sinks, soap, water, and a way to dry their hands” at the point of need so that they actually get used! Visual hand washing reminders (such as posters in key area) can also be very important.
4) Soap and water or gels?
Alcohol based hand sanitisers with at least 60% alcohol are recommended in the guidance – but only if the preferred method of washing is not an option at the time.
“Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to remove all types of germs and chemicals.”
Hand Hygiene Frequently Asked Questions »
Effective mobile hand washing for everyone – wherever they are
Teal produces a comprehensive range of mobile and washing units for every type of hand washing situation for use by anyone who needs to wash their hands effectively, whether they’re in hospital or medical facility, care home, an office environment, temporary accommodation or out in the field on a daily basis.
Mobile hand wash stations can also be hired »
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, CliniWash – and now the new WashStand Xtra.