Blog, Workforce hand washing
Why soap and water hand washing is preferable to gels
May
Hand sanitiser isn’t too good at actually sanitising it seems…
It’s quite a common scenario in many workplaces or other facilities – a quick squirt of a hand gel before a snack or meal and your hands are clean? In reality, it’s not necessarily so, despite the reassuring claims being made on the product label, according to a recent report on the Alternative Daily website.
It’s immediately apparent where the article is going as they set out their stall – that sanitiser, far from being useful, is, in many cases a waste of money. Hand sanitiser is deemed ineffective “…especially when the alcohol content is less than 60%”. Those with a higher concentration are more effective, but not as effective and a wash with soap and water says the article.
They quote the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) who in turn are very much washing advocates.
“Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce the number of microbes on them in most situations. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.”
Use the correct hand washing technique
Even a soap and water wash must be carried out properly in order to be effective – the World Health Organisation’s how-to will help here.
Gels are unsuitable “…when hands are heavily soiled or greasy, hand sanitizers may not work well” the CDC is reported as advising. Even when gels are deployed, they should be used thoroughly says the article.
Quit Wasting Your Money on Hand Sanitizer: Here’s What Works Instead »
The image above shows the TealWash wall or vehicle mounted hand wash unit.
Portable sinks enable effective hand washing in the workplace
TEAL produces an incredible 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.
There are vehicle mounted, wall mounted, mains powered and free standing hand wash stations as well as mobile sinks 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 and WashStand.