Please Be Wise and Sanitize
As part of our hand hygiene series, we have previously discussed the importance of hand hygiene and how to properly clean your hands. We reviewed the different types of hand cleaners and today we will cover how and when to use hand sanitizer.
It’s important to ensure that all organic matter is removed from your hands before using a waterless hand sanitizer. Squeeze a dime-sized amount into your palm and rub your hands together. Continue rubbing until all surfaces of your hands and fingers are covered and the sanitizer has been absorbed.
Provided the hands are not visibly dirty, waterless hand sanitizers can provide some advantages over washing with soap and water. Of course, this method is quicker and more accessible than washing at a sink. It quickly kills microorganisms and reduces bacteria on hands and is less irritating to skin than soap and water.
You should use hand sanitizer throughout the day if you come into contact with animals, people or food. Think about what your hands have been touching and reduce the chance of getting sick by sanitizing. If there are any debris on your hands, clean them first as hand sanitizer is most effective when applied to clean hands.
There are a variety of options when it comes to hand sanitizers.
- Closed cartridges fit into dispensers, like this one, and are easy to maintain. They last longer and are good for busy areas within your organization.
- Touch-free dispensers, like this one, reduce the germs you come into contact with. Did you know people are 30% more likely to use a touch-free product?
- Alcohol-free sanitizers, like this one, are easier on your skin with a moisturizing formula that will not dry or irritate your skin. Please note, if you are within a healthcare facility, alcohol-based sanitizers are required.
- Foam sanitizers, like this one, are less messy than gel and won’t drip from the dispenser. They spread smoothly over your hands without leaving a sticky residue, and will last longer than gel. You also get three times as many applications per once as gel sanitizers.
- If you have people on the road or in more remote areas of your organization, you may consider desktop or pocket-sized bottles. This way, they will have access to a hand sanitizer when the need arises.
We hope this overview of hand sanitizers helps your team stay healthy during the winter months when germs seem inevitable. If you would like assistance in choosing the product that is right for your business, contact our Checkers team.
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