How do viruses spread?

The importance of sanitizing your hands and your surroundings has never been more pronounced. It is a common misconception that wearing a protective mask is enough to keep the virus from spreading. Health experts believe that the coronavirus has a high incidence of tactile transmission, i.e., spreading through touch.

This means that no matter how much you keep your social distance, some particles of the virus can be transferred onto the things you touch. So, you could be dispersing the virus without even being aware of it. When you spray or wash your hands with store-bought liquid sanitizers, you have no way of knowing if the bottle itself is contaminated.

The bottle that contains the sanitizing liquid might spread contamination.

Furthermore, sanitizing your hands with disinfectant liquid also enables you to wash your hands without having to search for a sink and soap to do so. Many schools, strip malls, offices, and major institutions have switched to automatic hand sanitizer dispensers instead of ones that you have to hold and press yourself to release the sanitizing liquid. Of course, there are other benefits to using touch-free hand sanitizer dispensers. Let’s take a look at what they may be.

Automatic hand sanitizer dispensers are perfect for ensuring safety in a variety of situations

dispenser installed at exhibition booth

Using a hand sanitizing liquid without having to touch the dispenser is the perfect solution for ensuring health safety in risky, high-contact environments such as schools and offices. Many companies have been struggling to keep their employees from contracting the disease. The same goes for schools – some countries have had to temporarily close down educational institutions.

Be sure to place automatic hand sanitizer dispensers at entryways, cafeterias, and shared rooms in your office building or school. In this way, people entering the closed space will be able to clean their hands and personal belongings whenever the need arises.

Automatic hand sanitizers are ensuring health safety in offices.

Alt: a woman sanitizing her hands in her office

However, be sure to enforce regular hand washing in addition to hand sanitizing. Hence, this is just one of the methods you can rely on to devise a successful disease prevention strategy.

Hand sanitizer dispensers are easy to install

Hand sanitizer dispenser, hand disinfectant dispenser, automatic sanitizer dispenser

Although this might seem counterintuitive, automatic handwashing dispensers are generally very easy to install. You only have to have an idea on how to choose the right hand sanitizer dispenser. Luckily, there are many great hands-free hand sanitizer dispensers on the market nowadays.

Hand sanitizer dispensers come in many shapes and sizes

Choose the dispenser based on the size and type of solution you prefer. So, if you are buying one for your office, you might want to opt for dispensers that can last through the entire day without needing a refill.

Furthermore, the mechanism that supplies the sanitizing liquid has been improved to ensure durability and efficiency. So, once mounted on a wall or a mobile station, you are free to use it.

Hands-free automatic sanitizers are fun and easy to use

Interestingly, the fact that the sanitizing liquid goes out of the dispenser automatically makes it much more fun to use. People tend to quickly abandon washing their hands every single time they touch something. As a result, installing an automatic sanitizer dispenser is a non-intrusive way to stimulate people to do so.

People quickly get tired of washing their hands all the time.

Alt: a person washing their hands with soap and water

So, this is one way you can ensure that children sanitize their hands regularly. The same goes for workers in factories, workshops, and other places where people touch their surroundings constantly.

Automatic hand sanitizer dispensers save time

Automatic hand sanitizers are good for speeding up the disinfection process. Let’s face it – all it takes to sanitize your hands is a simple movement of the hand. Hence, this is a much less time-consuming way to wash hands than the traditional wash, soap, rinse, and repeat technique.

Of course, this does not suggest that you should overlook or neglect proper, ‘traditional’ hand washing. But in some circumstances, it can make a big difference when you do not have enough time to leave everything you have been working on just to head on down to the toilet to do so. There are some situations when this is downright impossible.

For instance, some moving companies use automatic hand sanitizer dispensers to ensure that your belongings do not get contaminated while loading and unloading the moving truck. It is particularly important to keep everything clean during the process, and hand sanitizers can substantially help to keep everything disinfected.

Automatic hand sanitizer dispensers are economic

The COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted unprecedented damage on the global economy as well as individuals. With financial losses topping the charts worldwide, we need efficient and affordable hygiene more than ever.

The fact that automatic hand sanitizer dispensers release just the right amount of sanitizing liquid makes it the perfect solution to your financial problems. Also, it is really hard to lose or break automatic hand sanitizer dispensers. Of course, this may be only a small part of the whole sum of expenses you might be dealing with. Nevertheless, it is invaluable for saving money, time, and, most importantly, people’s lives.

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Professional spaces often present multiple risks for workers and, on other occasions, affect their well-being without our realizing it.
This factor can become a problem since, as we highlighted in our Barometer on health in work environments, the well-being of workers directly conditions their performance.
Next, we review the concept of industrial hygiene, which is so closely related to risk prevention and well-being in professional settings.

What is industrial hygiene?

The INSST defines industrial hygiene as the science that anticipates, identifies, assesses and controls risks that occur in the workplace or in related environments and that can put the health and well-being of workers at risk.
In other words, industrial hygiene seeks to make the “work environment” safe and healthy.
Industrial hygiene, in addition to improving the well-being of workers and, therefore, also their performance, reduces the number of sick leave that occurs due to risks at work.
papelmatic-professional-hygiene-industrial-hygiene-what-is
What are the stages to apply industrial hygiene?

In a very summarized way, industrial hygiene follows the process shown below:

Prevention. It contemplates the configuration of the spaces and the elements that compose them. As with hygienic design, you must evaluate how to configure the professional environment in advance, this time to prevent potential risks.
ID. The next step is to identify potential hazards in the work environment.
Action. This stage aims to tackle the detected or identified risks, verify that they are not generated again and reconfigure, if necessary, the work environment.

Possible risks related to cleaning

There are multiple potential risks in the work environment, we will focus on those that can be tackled with cleaning and disinfection.
These are exposure to chemical agents and biological agents (viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc.).
In this sense, in addition to protecting staff, it is important to anticipate in order to prevent these risks, which are often invisible, but which have serious consequences for the well-being of workers.
papelmatic-professional-hygiene-industrial-hygiene-chemical-risks
How to protect workers from exposure to chemical and biological agents?

To protect workers against these types of risks, we often need more than Personal Protective Equipment.
In this case, continuous and quality training plays a fundamental role.
In addition to showing workers the risks they face, it is important to teach them how to act to deal with them. A possible example would be to train personnel in the correct handling and dosage of cleaning chemicals.

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It’s no secret that good hand washing plays a critical role in infection prevention and thus the spread of illness; Hands are the main pathways of germ transmission according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). In hygiene-critical areas and environments such as healthcare and the food industry, the spread of infection can have serious repercussions; a good hand washing technique with the right product at the right time can save millions of lives in the healthcare sector alone.

However various studies have shown that hygiene compliance rates in these critical industries are not what they should be. According to WHO, even in resource-rich hospital settings, hand hygiene compliance can be well below 40 per cent. Elsewhere, the Food Standards Agency found that a shocking 39 per cent of staff do not wash their hands after visiting the toilet, and a huge 53 per cent do not wash their hands before preparing food. Hand hygiene has a part to play in general washrooms too – less than six per cent of the population wash their hands adequately according to a study by Borchgrevink, C.P. et al.

So why is this the case, and how can better hand hygiene compliance be promoted and put into place?

Hygiene critical areas: healthcare

The first and most obvious area where hand hygiene is critical is healthcare. Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAIs) are a persistent and serious health threat to patients, and inadequate hand hygiene compliance has a significant part to play in this. In the UK alone, a study by the University of Nottingham found that HCAIs caused by hospital superbugs such as C.difficile and MRSA are responsible for at least 5,000 deaths a year; greater than the number associated with road traffic accidents.

There are several reasons for low hand hygiene compliance in healthcare. According to a report by the AHA Health Forum, the issue is twofold: the human factor, and the method of reporting. On an individual level, insufficient education can lead to common misconceptions; that glove use does not necessitate hand washing; demands being placed on medical staff can lead to fewer hand hygiene events than necessary, or simply forgetfulness. Furthermore, when it comes to reporting hand hygiene compliance, data can also be inaccurate. If measured incorrectly, the required actions are less likely to be implemented when it comes to a hand hygiene review.

Tackling hand hygiene compliance can come in many forms. Greater awareness and education is needed, for example, the teaching of the WHO’S 5-Moments for Hand Hygiene. Strategic placement of resources around healthcare facilities can aid this, encouraging and reminding healthcare professionals when to sanitise and clean.

Alcohol-based hand sanitisers have been cited by the WHO as an essential, complementary method to washing with soap to drive hand hygiene compliance within healthcare facilities, as they require less time and are highly effective at killing potentially harmful germs. Well-placed dispenser points, and smaller more portable pump packs can also be effective here.

Monitoring can also assist when evaluating hand hygiene rates. Existing observation methods can be unreliable, but technology-based electric monitoring systems can both remind professionals of hand hygiene events and record these. They have been proven to provide accurate and reliable data on true hand hygiene compliance levels to help identify areas for improvement.

Hygiene critical areas: the food industry

Another critical area for hand hygiene compliance is the food industry, where the cross contamination of food can cause serious illness outbreaks. Thirty per cent of foodborne illness outbreaks can be traced to poor personal hygiene according to a study by Epidemiol, but many of these diseases are preventable through proper hand washing.

A study by Oregon State University found that the top factors affecting hand hygiene compliance were time constraints, inadequate facilities, a lack of accountability and a lack of general support for hand washing practices in the workplace. With the fast pace and turnover of the food industry, factors such as language barriers and unfamiliarity with the working environment can also lead to misunderstandings and a low compliance rate.

Long-term behavioural change needs to be driven in order to improve hand hygiene compliance in the food industry. More awareness and education of the risks and procedures involved is recommended, ensuring that proper training is fulfilled so that employees are aware of how to avoid cross-contamination. However for high compliance, the right products need to be provided at the right times – an on-site assessment can help with this, by identifying critical hand hygiene control points.

As with the healthcare environment, if products are clearly signposted and labelled, this will assist in promoting thorough and compliant hand washing.  Hand washing should also be incorporated with the use of hand sanitisers, which can be used without water, at the point of need, to provide rapid and easily accessible hand hygiene.

Protecting the general population

When it comes to the general washroom, although less hygiene critical in relation to acute illnesses, hand washing is important when it comes to infection prevention across the general population in places such as offices, schools and public spaces. According to the Centre for Economic and Business Research, the UK economy lost €4.9 billion in 2013 due to poor hygiene related sick leave.

The WHO states that 80 per cent of germs are spread through personal contact or by touching contaminated surfaces, and in office environments, for example, if hand hygiene is not promoted it can quickly manifest in absenteeism and loss of productivity.

A recent survey by the Royal Society for Public Health also found that although the importance of hand hygiene is generally well understood by the public, there is some confusion over the relationship between germs and hygiene, and the times and situations where hand washing is most vital.

There are a wide range of factors that contribute to low hand hygiene compliance levels in general washrooms. An understanding of the difference between washroom types is vital, as is awareness amongst users. In offices, for example, 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.

One of the important factors is quality product provision and its presentation. Products which are easy and enjoyable to use, have a pleasant scent and care for the skin communicate freshness and cleanliness to the user, thus encouraging hand hygiene compliance.

Despite the above, hygiene compliance rates can swiftly become irrelevant if the washroom itself is unhygienic, or the products contaminated. Commonly seen in general washrooms, open soap systems that are bulk filled can actually present a serious hygiene problem. Airborne germs and bacteria can enter the soap reservoir, potentially contaminating the soap – these dispensers are also often inadequately cleaned or refilled.

Procedure states that they should be emptied and cleaned thoroughly on each refill, however this rarely happens, meaning that contaminated soap is simply topped up. According to a study by Chattman, Maxwell and Gerba, a huge 25 per cent 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.

Maximum hygiene

Cartridge soap dispensers which are sealed will 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.

Not only are soap cartridges more hygienic, when coupled with foam soaps, they are much more cost effective with savings on refill time and water use, as well as reducing product usage and packaging.

Although the risks of inadequate hand hygiene are clear to most users, a clean washroom and availability of product is often the primary concern. Whether in hygiene-critical environments or general washrooms, it is clear that more could be done to really raise awareness of the risk, and make hand hygiene matter to users.

Time constraints, lack of awareness and proper facilities are common factors across all sectors from hospitals to office washrooms. More education, raised awareness and the provision of quality, safe skin care products could have a huge impact on hand hygiene compliance rates, thus reducing the spread of infection and ultimately the risk to life across all industries.

Above article is obtain from European Cleaning Journal.

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Studies have shown that proper hand washing can effectively prevent the spread of disease. Autumn and winter seasons are high seasons for a variety of infectious diseases, and the prevention of these diseases can be effectively prevented by strengthening hand hygiene.

What should I pay attention to when washing my hands properly?

Always use running water when washing your hands. Do not use basin water. It takes at least 15 seconds to wash your hands. You can’t just wash your hands with water. Use soap or hand soap to remove pathogens. In addition, the soap should be kept dry during use, and the soap box should be cleaned in time. If the bottom of the box can not be kept dry, bacteria will also grow in a humid environment. In addition, it should be noted that many people share the soap and are not hygienic.

Misunderstanding of hand washing

Myth 1: All hand sanitizers can be sterilized

Hand sanitizers are mainly classified into common type and antibacterial type, so not all hand sanitizers have a bactericidal effect. In the antibacterial and germicidal hand sanitizer, the antibacterial type has a bactericidal effect, but the sterilization rate is relatively low, generally more than 90% can be labeled as an antibacterial effect, and the bactericidal hand sanitizer requires a sterilization rate of 99.99% for the target bacteria.

Myth 2: Wash hands with disposable hand sanitizer

With a disposable hand sanitizer, there will always be substances left on the surface of the hand, so use them as little as possible. It is best to wash your hands with running water and soap. In addition, many people use the “saving” wipes instead of washing their hands before eating. Experts pointed out that wet wipes can not replace hand washing, how to wipe the wet wipes repeatedly, and can not remove bacteria on the surface of the skin.

Myth 3: The more you use the hand sanitizer, the better.

Many people are afraid that they can’t be cleaned, so press a lot of hand sanitizer on the hand and wash it hard. In fact, such deep cleaning can damage the skin, so that the skin not only can not retain moisture, but also easier to invade the bacteria.

Myth 4: Wash your hands with a wash basin

Many people think that washing hands with a wash basin can also wash your hands. In fact, after repeated washing, the water in the wash basin is dirty. Wash your hands with dirty water, your hands are still dirty, and you won’t be able to wash your hands. Even many people use a basin of water to wash their hands, and the degree of contamination is even more serious.

Myth 5: Dry your hands with a towel after washing your hands

Dry hands or dry with a disposable paper towel after washing hands. It is best not to use a towel, because the towel is easy to hide the germs, it is easy to make the washed hands contaminated with germs, not to use public towels.

Misunderstanding 6: Do not wash your clothes after drying your clothes

Dirty clothes and bacteria in the washing machine will be contaminated on the clothes during the washing process. During the process of drying clothes, the hands are likely to be stained with these bacteria. After the clothes are exposed to ultraviolet rays, they can eventually achieve the purpose of disinfection, but the hands are often ignored.

Seven steps to properly wash your hands

The first step: wash your palms. Moisten your hands with water, apply hand sanitizer (or soap), palms, and close your fingers.

Step 2: Wash the back side finger joints. The palms of the hands are rubbed against each other along the back of the fingers, and the hands are exchanged.

The third step: wash the palm side finger joints. The palms are opposite, and the hands cross each other along the fingers.

Step 4: Wash your fingers. Bend each finger joint, and put the back of the finger in the palm of the other hand and rotate it with both hands.

Step 5: Wash your thumb. With one hand holding the other hand, the thumb is rotated and the hands are exchanged.

Step 6: Wash your fingertips. Bend each finger joint, close the fingertips and rotate it in the palm of the other hand, and exchange the hands.

Step 7: Wash your wrists and arms, rub wrist, arm, hands exchange.

Under what circumstances should I wash my hands?

1. Prepare food and contact with raw meat;

2, before meals (feeding), before taking medicine;

3. After contacting the coins;

4. After contacting others, especially after going to the hospital or after contacting the patient (before);

5. After the cleaning work is completed, the garbage is disposed of;

6, outdoor sports, homework, after shopping;

7. After the outdoor play is contaminated with dirty things;

8. After contact with blood, tears, sputum, sputum and saliva;

9. Before holding a child, especially those who have been exposed to infectious materials, they must be disinfected and washed repeatedly;

10. After touching the pet.

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