INFECTION CONTROL
"Studies have shown that up to 80% of all infections are
transmitted by the hands."
IN SAFE HANDS
Prior to the pandemic, hand hygiene was not typically a top concern for anyone outside the healthcare or cleaning industries. Fast forward to the present day, and everyone, from the CEO, to facilities managers and individual staff members, considers having an effective hand hygiene system essential to protect public health.
In fact, according to recent research, eight in 10 people now expect to see hand sanitiser in public facilities with the majority (60%) expecting to use it on a daily basis. This shift in attitudes is to be celebrated.
After all, studies have shown that up to 80% of all infections are transmitted by the hands, contaminated hands can sequentially transfer some viruses to as many as seven surfaces, and that fourteen people can be infected by touching the same object.
Consequently, an increase in healthy hand hygiene behaviour can only be a good thing when it comes to infection prevention. So why are some sanitising practices doing more harm than good?
SUPPLY AND DEMAND When the pandemic broke out, manufacturers of
soaps and sanitising gels were under huge pressure to meet an unprecedented demand for their goods. This led to an influx of opportunistic entrants to the market, many of which were intent on selling cheap to companies desperate for product. Some of these products were, sadly, not fit for purpose. In fact, several products have been pulled from European markets recently, due to compliance and safety issues.
The problem of demand outpacing supply last year also gave rise to an increase in using ‘bulk fill’ or ‘open refill’ systems. These dispensers are serviced by pouring product into them and are usually ‘topped-off’ from gallons or drums of sanitiser that are not equipped with pumps for individual, portion- controlled usage.
twitter.com/TomorrowsHS
Chris Wakefield, Managing Director UK & Ireland at GOJO Industries-Europe Ltd, explains how businesses can ensure they are supplying safe and effective hand hygiene products.
Whilst they helped plug the gap during the crisis, they could cause your hand sanitiser to be less safe and effective, and even risk users’ skin health. Problems associated with this type of dispensing include branded hand sanitiser products being refilled with other formulas, products mixing into unknown chemical combinations, contamination or degradation, and product tampering. What’s more, mixed or topped-off products no longer match the labels, making them uncompliant; something that is completely at odds with health and safety policies.
Furthermore, the mixing of sanitisers can produce a poor user experience, whereby the product is watery, sticky, or causes skin irritation. From experience, we know that people are less likely to use a product they don’t like, and are more likely to abandon the act altogether if they think it will dry out hands or aggravate a skin condition.
While hand hygiene compliance is at an all-time high, we must work hard to ensure that this continues, and that people are not put off by bad experiences, caused by the use of low quality or topped-off products. Purchasers should look for formulations that are kind to skin, yet effective against germs. Select dermatologically tested formulations that conform to key standards EN 14476 and EN 12791, which validate their efficacy. Factory-sealed refills can provide additional reassurance. Smart, safe, and sustainable, PURELL SANITARY SEALED refills simply snap into place on site. Since they are sealed at the point of manufacture, the product inside is protected from evaporation issues and contamination.
Hand hygiene will continue to be an important health and safety strategy going forwards, so long-term solutions are key. By partnering with a trusted supplier, you can feel confident you are offering safe, effective, and uncontaminated solutions.
www.GOJO.com 33
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
