Over the past two years the constant threat of pandemic has turned many of us into hygiene freaks; with hand washing, social distancing, masks, PPE and sanitizing sprays being a constant part of our everyday lives.
Despite some degree of complacency creeping in staff and customers have a heightened sense of awareness about hygiene and now expect higher standards in public spaces and in the workplace. The importance of hand hygiene has grown phenomenally.
Most people now expect to see hand sanitizer whenever they enter an office, supermarket, bank or restaurant. Even if they walk right by without sanitizing, the sight of a hand sanitizer gives reassurance and suggests that cleanliness and hygiene standards will be up to scratch in other unseen areas.
At the outbreak of the pandemic the initial massive demand meant that there was a shortage of sanitizer. Inevitably prices were pushed up and new suppliers emerged to fill the shortfall.
Some sanitizers were very effective at killing bacteria, but were not to so kind to hands. Often leaving the skin feeling dry and tight, with repeated and frequent use resulting in more serious skin problems.
Prolonged use means that hand sanitizer needs to be chosen carefully. Good quality is important. It may kill germs but if it’s to runny or sticky or has an unpleasant smell your staff are not going to use it.
There’s no point installing dispensers if people don’t use them. So make sure they are conveniently placed and easy to use. In certain work situations (where frequent sanitizing is required) this means within arm’s reach.
If staff are more mobile then pocket sized sprays or rubs should be provided so they can sanitize on the go.
Dispensers need to be seen. Place them at a height of around 40 inches, by entrance doors and in open areas such as waiting rooms and reception areas. Positioning them close to the door handle makes them more visible and prompts people to use them.
This is a key are for hygiene. Everyone is aware of the importance of handwashing, but not everyone is 100% diligent about it. Placing a sanitizer dispenser by the door gives people any extra reminder and nudges them to take hygiene seriously.
It’s easy to slip back into bad habits and poor hygiene. Make sure that your organisation takes action to maintain standards and prevent complacency:
· Maintain an enhanced cleaning routine for floors, worksurfaces, touchpoints.
· Adopt a holistic approach including clean hands, clean surfaces, clean air.
· Place antibacterial gel on desks and workbenches.
· Place dispensers where people are prompted to use them.
· Ensure that the dispensers are always topped up and working properly.
· Use good quality gel that is effective against bacteria but is also kind to skin.
