CM Oct'09 64+4pp 19/10/09 13:04 Page 16
Hospital Hygiene
Rub hands up the right way
Effective hand hygiene remains at the centre of any infection control and prevention
strategy. Now that Influenza A (H1N1), also known as swine flu, is predicted to make a
resurgence, JohnsonDiversey advises alcohol based hand rubs
I
n healthcare, an alcohol based hand rub is the recommended
practical and convenient alternative to frequent washing with
soap and water. However, as with any aspect of cleaning and
hygiene, all products are not the same.
Most alcohol hand rubs used in healthcare in the UK have ethanol
or propanol as their main active ingredient. Both alcohols are
effective in killing the viruses that cause Influenza A (H1N1) and other
common hospital infections (and products from any reputable
supplier will comply with the
international EN1500 standard). But
JohnsonDiversey believes that there
are some significant advantages in
choosing products containing
propanol.
Ethanol based products have a
flashpoint of 19
0
C and are classified
as highly flammable whereas the
slightly larger molecular size of
propanol means that these products
have a flashpoint of 24
0
C and are
consequently classified as
flammable. This seemingly small
difference has major implications for
storage and handling of products. The
rules governing flammable materials, while
strict, are not as stringent as those covering highly
flammable products. The amount being stored, the storage The choice of alcohol rub usually comes down to a rinse, foam or
facility, documentation and other issues are all affected which will be gel. JohnsonDiversey argues gels, such as Med H5, and foams are
important to anyone who needs to stockpile large volumes to cope increasingly being specified over rinses because they are thicker
with Influenza A (H1N1). which makes them easier to use and dispense more easily, with less
likelihood of product falling on the floor. This reduces the risk of
Risky business? unsightly spotting on expensive floors and helps prevent the risk of
There are also other issues around ethanol based products says slips in busy areas where staff, visitors and vulnerable patients are
JohnsonDiversey. Recently, for example, there have been reports of often present.
hospital staff suffering serious hand burns after using ethanol based
foam hand rubs shortly before they took a smoking break. There is Three strokes and it’s out
also the small, but constant, risk of patients and visitors ingesting an It is generally easier to dispense and apply the correct amount of gel
alcohol based product in the misguided belief it is cheap alternative to comply with the EN1500 standard with three strokes of a pelican
to drink. Propanol reduces these risks because of its lower pump, says the company. Dispensing the correct amount of rinse or
flammability and because it is generally less palatable than ethanol. foam can be trickier and often requires more pump strokes which
These advantages are why JohnsonDiversey’s SoftCare Med H5 may be inconvenient and off-putting for users.
has a mixture of propanols as its principal constituent. Manufacturers Most rubs will be available in a variety of pack formats including
offer different product formulations; in general, the cartridges for wall mounted dispensers, pelican pump bottles for
higher the alcohol content the better the rub will general locations and small carry bottles for personal use. The
be at killing viruses and bacteria. Med H5, for variety ensures the rubs can be located conveniently for easy
example, contains a higher than average access. It is important to ensure that the same product is used in
70% alcohol. It also contains an each format to reduce confusion among users and support simple
above average amount of glycerol on-site promotion and awareness. JohnsonDiversey argues that
which acts as an emollient to the best personal carry bottles can be worn on a belt using a
help prevent skin problems special clip and should ideally have a flip-top lid rather than
associated with frequent cleansing pelican pump to prevent accidental dispensing that can lead to
with alcohol. Both factors can help product wastage and spills onto
42591 or cleaning-matters.co.uk/enquiry
promote user acceptance. clothing and floors. Tel: 0800 525525
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