WHAT’S NEW?
WHY HANDWASHING IS IMPORTANT AND HOW FMs
CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE We automatically use our hands to carry out most daily tasks, from greeting people and eating to opening doors and driving. It’s no surprise therefore that hands are among the main transmitters of germs – it is estimated that up to 80% of all infections are transmitted by hands. At a time of growing recognition around the importance of handwashing, hand hygiene should be as important as eating and sleeping, vital to keeping facilities clean and thus ourselves and others around us healthy.
Everyday life can bring individuals into contact with a range of germ hotspots such as mobile phones, keyboards, door handles and light switches, so it is crucial that facilities encourage regular, thorough handwashing by providing pleasant, clean washrooms.
Handwashing in itself is an easy, effective and affordable way to help prevent the spread of germs and infections; washing with soap and water physically removes germs from the hands. When germs are not removed or washed away thoroughly, they can be passed from person to person and spread sickness, and can easily be transferred to hotspots such as door handles and light switches, which then go on to transfer to other people’s hands.
There are a wide range of factors that contribute to hand hygiene compliance levels in washrooms; It is critical to bring raised awareness of hand hygiene and the potential risks to truly drive compliance. Resources such as posters and signs can help encourage this, as can training and skin care plans – for example, employees should be reminded to wash their hands regularly and especially before and after eating, after coughing or sneezing and using the washroom.
A good handwashing technique needs to be employed in order to clean the hands thoroughly and thus prevent the further spread of germs – SC Johnson Professional can display tailored washroom dispensers with detailed instructions on this technique.
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When it comes to encouraging compliance, one of the important factors from an FM or cleaning professional’s point of view however is quality product provision and its presentation. Products which are enjoyable to use, have a pleasant scent and care for the skin communicate freshness and cleanliness to the user.
The quality and ease of maintenance of dispensers, as well as the ability to see if soap is available and their presentation during use are key for FMs and cleaning professionals. Dispensers with clear product levels which are clean and easy to use enhance this, thus encouraging hand hygiene compliance.
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Despite the above, hygiene compliance rates can swiftly become irrelevant if the washroom itself is unhygienic, or the products contaminated. Commonly seen in washrooms, open soap systems that are bulk filled can present a serious hygiene problem. Airborne bacteria can enter the soap reservoir, potentially contaminating the soap – these dispensers are also often inadequately cleaned. Procedure states that they should be emptied and cleaned thoroughly on each refill wasting time and money, however
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this rarely happens, meaning that contaminated soap is simply topped up. A huge 25% of public refillable bulk soap dispensers are contaminated with unsafe levels of bacteria and can actually leave the hands with 25 times more bacteria after washing.
Cartridge soap dispensers as supplied by SC Johnson Professional are sealed and bring maximum hygiene, with a measured dose of fresh product dispensed each time. The maintenance of washrooms has a significant impact on hand hygiene, and with a more readily replaceable cartridge, this is made easier and simpler for cleaning professionals. With visibly cleaner and more pleasant soap dispensers, users are far more likely to wash hands thoroughly and carry out a full hand hygiene event.
Promoting proper handwashing practice and techniques is vital for everyone’s health and wellbeing. Cleaning professionals and facility managers have a responsibility to keep washrooms clean and safe, as well as pleasant to use, thus encouraging hand hygiene compliance.
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