FEATURE SAFE HANDS
Peter Thistlethwaite, technical manager at MSL Solution Providers, explores how EN 17430 strengthens hand hygiene standards in care environments this winter.
Each winter brings a challenging time of year for the care industry, with seasonal viruses like influenza, norovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) placing added pressure on teams and infection control protocols. As colder months set in, the risk to vulnerable groups rises. With multiple germs in circulation, care providers must ensure every layer of protection is fit for purpose – and this starts with good hand hygiene.
Widely recognised as a cornerstone of public health, hand hygiene plays a critical role in preventing infection. All hand sanitisers must undergo rigorous efficacy testing to meet established standards. Tests such as EN 1500 (bactericidal efficacy), EN 14476 (virucidal efficacy), and EN 13624 (fungicidal activity) remain essential, offering valuable insights into how products perform under controlled laboratory conditions.
But care environments are dynamic, high-contact spaces where infection prevention must work in real time, on real hands, under real pressures. That’s where EN 17430 comes in.
Introduced in spring last year, EN 17430 is a new Europe-wide standard which evaluates the virucidal efficacy of hygienic hand rubs under practical conditions. Whereas EN 14476 tests products in-vitro (assessing their ability to inactivate viruses in suspension), EN 17430 bridges the gap between laboratory tests and everyday use. It simulates real-world conditions to determine whether a hand rub reduces the release of virus contamination from hands when applied.
More stringent than previous standards, EN 17430 provides a higher level of assurance regarding the effectiveness of hand hygiene products, especially important in care settings where infection prevention is critical. It complements existing standards, adding a crucial layer of evidence that reflects how products perform in practice, and offering a more realistic measure of how well a product protects staff and residents.
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If you’re a care leader reviewing your infection control protocols, or a supplier providing hand hygiene products to this sector, EN 17430 is a standard worth prioritising. Products tested to this benchmark not only meet compliance; they offer strengthened infection prevention protocols, support staff with proven real- world efficacy, and help reduce the risk of viral transmission in high-contact environments.
“EN 17430 simulates real-world conditions to determine whether a hand rub reduces the release of virus contamination from hands when applied.”
For manufacturers and brands supplying to the care sector, EN 17430 provides a competitive edge. Compliance with this standard confirms product efficacy, while also enhancing credibility. As the importance of good hand hygiene is better understood, products that meet rigorous standards are more likely to be trusted. The initial investment in EN 17430 testing can yield significant returns, helping brands to differentiate their products, strengthen reputation, and contribute to improved infection prevention.
As the winter season unfolds, care leaders face renewed pressure to safeguard residents, support staff, and keep facilities running smoothly. In such settings, where every touchpoint matters, hand hygiene should be backed by evidence that reflects real-world use. EN 17430 offers this assurance. It’s not just a technical standard; it’s a signal of quality, care, and commitment to protecting those who need it most.
www.msl.io www.tomorrowscare.co.uk
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