Promoting Workplace Hygiene: Where to place Hand Sanitizers?

Effective hand hygiene is a crucial factor in preventing the spread of germs and  infections, as approximately 80% of infections are transmitted through hands. Given the varied tasks employees undertake daily, from handling documents to greeting clients, it becomes imperative to combat the proliferation of germs and bacteria.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hand hygiene stands as the foremost measure to prevent the transmission of harmful germs. Placing hand sanitizers strategically within the office can not only encourage better hand hygiene but also contribute to fostering a safer and healthier work environment.

Key locations for hand sanitizer placement include:

  1. Entrances & Exits:

Door handles are recognized as hotspots for germ. Installing hand sanitizer dispensers at main entrance and exit doors, as well as other high-traffic doorways like those leading to restrooms and shared meeting rooms, can significantly reduce the risk of contamination.

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  1. Meeting Rooms:

Meeting rooms often bring together individuals from different parts of the building or even different companies, making them high-risk areas for germ transmission. Placing hand sanitizer stations outside meeting room doors or on meeting tables ensures germ-free interactions.

  1. Break Rooms and Eating Areas:

Shared kitchens and break rooms are notorious for harboring germs. Maintaining clean hands and a hygienic environment in these spaces is vital to minimizing the risk of illness.

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  1. Individual Desks:

Desks, phones, and computer accessories are frequent contact points for germs. Since employees spend a significant portion of their day at their desks, where they may eat, drink, cough, and sneeze, providing individual hand sanitizer bottles at desks can encourage regular hand hygiene.

  1. Elevators and Touchscreens:

Elevator buttons and touchscreens can serve as hiding spots for germs, even with regular cleaning. Placing hand sanitizer dispensers next to these spots can effectively reduce the risk of contamination.

 

When selecting hand sanitizer for the workplace, it is imperative to choose the right type. Opt for an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with a minimum alcohol content of 70% or an alcohol-free hand sanitizer containing active ingredients like benzalkonium chloride. Additionally, prioritize sanitizers with moisturizing ingredients to prevent skin dryness.

Maintaining robust hand hygiene practices in the workplace is essential for creating a safer and healthier environment for employees. Through strategic hand sanitizer placement and the selection of appropriate sanitizers, companies can play a pivotal role in minimizing the transmission of infections and ensuring the overall well-being of their workforce.

How to dispose of Hand Sanitizer in Singapore?

How to dispose of hand sanitizer in Singapore?

As the usage of hand sanitizers remains prevalent in Singapore, proper disposal becomes crucial, particularly with the increase in expired or unused products. Hand sanitizers, containing high alcohol concentrations, are potentially flammable and may require specialised handling. Follow these guidelines for responsible disposal:

Empty Bottles:

If the hand sanitizer bottle is empty, it can be disposed of in the regular household waste or recycling bin, depending on the material of the bottle. Check the label for recycling symbols.

Partially Used Bottles:

If the hand sanitizer bottle is partially used and you want to dispose of it, it’s best to use it up following the recommended usage guidelines. If there’s only a small amount left, consider using it for personal hygiene until it’s finished.

Expired Hand Sanitizer:

If the hand sanitizer has expired or is no longer effective, it should be disposed of. Avoid pouring it down the drain. Hand sanitizers often contain high concentrations of alcohol, which can be flammable and can have environmental impacts if not properly treated.

National Environment Agency (NEA) advised the following disposal guidelines.

For small quantities disposal (household /personal use): Place the expired hand sanitizer bottle in a garbage bag and seal the bag. Dispose of the sealed bag in your regular rubbish bin or through the rubbish chute.

For bulk quantity disposal (companies /commercial use): Contact a licensed toxic waste collector to arrange for the professional and compliant pickup of the expired hand sanitizer.

It is essential to follow the guidelines provided to ensure that the disposal is done in an environmentally friendly and safe manner. If in doubt, contact NEA or refer to their official website for updated information on waste disposal regulations.

Can Hand Sanitizer make your hands dry? 3 tips to prevent dryness.

Can Hand Sanitizer make your hands dry? 3 tips to prevent dryness

Hand sanitizing has become an integral part of our daily routine. While it is essential for maintaining good hygiene, frequent use of hand sanitizers may lead to dry and irritated skin. We will explore practical tips and strategies to prevent and alleviate dry skin caused by hand sanitizing.

Understanding the Culprits
Hand sanitizers typically contain alcohol, which is highly effective in killing germs but can also strip the skin of its natural oils. The repetitive use of alcohol-based sanitizers can lead to dryness and redness. Additionally, factors such as weather conditions and individual skin types can exacerbate the problem.

Not all Hand Sanitizers are created equal
Formulation matters. Opt for formulations that prioritize your skin’s health by incorporating high-quality ingredients, including moisturizing agents like aloe vera. These additives can provide a protective layer for your skin. Alternatively, consider alcohol-free hand sanitizers, such as MaxShield Aqua Hand Sanitizer, suitable for sensitive skin. 

All our hand sanitizers are formulated to kill more than 99.99% of germs and contain Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to moisturize and keep the skin in good condition.

Practice Proper Hand Sanitizing Technique
Ensure you’re using the correct amount of hand sanitizer. A little goes a long way. Use a coin-sized amount, rubbing it thoroughly on all parts of your hands until they are dry.

Use Hand Creams and Moisturizers
Regularly apply a high-quality hand cream or moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. Look for products that are fragrance-free and specifically designed for sensitive skin. After using hand sanitizer, apply your hand cream or ointment once your hands are completely dried.

 

By being mindful of the products you choose and adopting a proactive skin care approach, you can keep your hands soft while preventing the spread of germs.



Do Hand Sanitizers Have an Expiration Date?

Do Hand Sanitizers Have an Expiration Date?

Hand sanitizers have emerged as indispensable tools in the battle against germs and illnesses, including common colds, flu, and COVID-19. Yet, like many products, hand sanitizers have an expiration date.

Why Do Hand Sanitizers Have Expiration Dates?

Hand sanitizers typically have a shelf life of two to three years. However, as time passes, the alcohol content gradually evaporates, leading to a decline in effectiveness. Although using expired hand sanitizer is not harmful, it may not efficiently kill bacteria and viruses. While it’s not advisable to use expired sanitizer, it remains a better option than using no sanitizer at all.

When uncertain about a hand sanitizer’s efficacy, a simple method is to check its consistency and smell. Expired hand sanitizers may become runny or develop an unpleasant odour. However, the absence of noticeable changes doesn’t guarantee the sanitizer’s potency. Some sanitizers might appear unchanged but still have reduced effectiveness due to the breakdown of active components.

We believe in full transparency by clearly marking the manufacturing date on all our MaxShield Hand Sanitizer bottles. Our alcohol and alcohol-free hand sanitizers maintain their optimal quality for up to 3 years from the manufacturing date. 

How to Store Hand Sanitizer?

Improper storage conditions can significantly impact the longevity of hand sanitizers. Exposure to high temperatures or direct sunlight can impact the active ingredients, further reducing its efficacy. Store hand sanitizers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

 

Hand sanitizers do have an expiration date, and it’s crucial to check this date and ensure proper storage to maximize their effectiveness. Regularly replacing expired hand sanitizers is a simple step toward maintaining good hygiene practices and safeguarding against potential health risks.

Protection Against New Covid-19 Variants Spread

Protection Against New Covid-19 Variants Spread

With the increase of unlinked community cases in Singapore, tighten measures will take place from 16 May 2021 to 13 June 2021 to remove “the most high risk settings”. Many experts have warned that the new strains are more transmissible with evidence that they can spread through aerosolised particles1 and now takes less virus to be infected2.

Below are some things we can actively do to protect our families and curb the spread of New Covid-19 Variants:

mask
  1. Wearing a mask with Higher Filtration Capability

As studies have shown that the spread can now happen with aerosolised particles, Choose a mask with at least 95% bacterial filtration efficiency (BPE)3. Choose a single use surgical mask or re-usable mask with at least 2 or 3 layers of face mask and preferably made of different fabric. This should include an outer layer that is water-repellent, a middle layer to filter particulates, which can be disposable filter inserts, and an absorbent inner layer to absorb droplets from the wearer’s mouth.

To help guide us. Health Sciences Authority have issued a list of Surgical Masks Manufactured by HSA-licensed  Local Licensed Manufacturers and can be found in the link here. For the updated guidance on use of mask click here, and here for FAQs on the use of mask.

hang washing

2. Good Hand Hygiene

Hand washing is still the first line of defence in the fight against COVID-19. Experts have said that it is good practice to wash hands after touching any kind of surface, even if they appear to be clean4. Remember to keep hands dry after washing, as microbes grow better in a wet environment, in order to avoid cross-contamination, avoid touching the face even after washing your hands. It is also important to wash your hands with soap after you returned home from public areas and before every meal.

If you do not have access to wash your hands with soap and water, you can use a hand sanitizer to clean your hands if your hands are not visibly soiled, and until you have access to a hand washing facility with soap and water. Reminder to apply the hand sanitizer onto the palm of one hand and rub the product all over the surfaces of both your hands and wrists until your hands are dry. Click here for tips on the different active ingredients in hand sanitizers and how to choose a suitable hand sanitizer for you and your family.

Choosing a suitable hand soap is essential we wash our hands more regularly to curb virus spread and protect ourselves and our family.

How to thoroughly wash our hands:

Active ingredients in hand sanitizers

Active ingredients in hand sanitizers

With the ongoing COVID-19 situation, most of us keep a handy size hand sanitizer with us while we are out, however, with so many different types of Hand Sanitizers sprouting in the market, how do we choose what is suitable for us and what do we need to protect ourselves and our loved ones?

Here are some tips for you to look out when you choose your Hand Sanitizers with the suitable active ingredients that is protects1 you from COVID-19:

1. Effective Active Ingredients

Before you purchase, always check what is the listed active ingredient and its percentage to understand how to use it and how it protects us.

  1. Alcohol (minimum 70%)

Remember to not only look for Hand Sanitizers with minimum 70% alcohol content but also the type of alcohol use as the active ingredient. There are 2 main types of alcohol, and the difference types of alcohol makes a difference:

Isopropyl Alcohol also known as IPA or Rubbing Alcohol is more commonly known as an industrial use alcohol and is unsafe for consumption.

Ethyl Alcohol (Ethanol) is a food grade alcohol and is consumed in the beverages industry and regarded as safer option for older children, older folks and household with pets.

2. Benzalkonium chloride*(minimum 0.05%)
A quaternary ammonium compound that has biocide properties and is widely used as an antimicrobial preservative for pharmaceutical products2 in skincare, eyedrops and even antiseptic mouthwash and shampoos. In higher concentrations, it is used as an antiseptic and disinfectant. It is also used in hospitals as an active ingredient in surgical disinfection. It is recommended for younger children, people with sensitive skin or who are allergic to alcohol.

To help guide us, Singapore’s National Environmental Agency have come up with an extensive list of active in Active Ingredients and Their Working Concentrations Effective Against Coronaviruses on their website.

The important thing to note in the table is the guidance on the effective contact time, it is the time required by the active ingredient to act on a contaminated surface, to be effective against coronaviruses. which varies among the different active ingredients.

Source: National Environment Agency

2.  Buy from a Trusted Source

Knowing what is inside your Hand Sanitizer and where it is made is especially important as most of us now use Hand Sanitizers daily, knowing that the ingredients are from a trust source is crucial. With the increase in demand for hand sanitisers, buyers might be making an uninformed decision.

Hand sanitisers with poorly labelled labels may be produced using ingredients from dubious sources or made in facilities that do not adhere to proper hygiene procedures and health standards. These factors in turn may compromise the effectiveness of the Hand Sanitizers.

Always look for a reliable manufacturer or a trusted source, you can also look for products with Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and ensure that the manufacturing source of your hand sanitiser is legitimate or look for the company’s accreditation and the professional testing being done on the product.

How to apply Hand Sanitizer:

Recommended products:

DuPREX Singapore, is a Singapore based hygiene products manufacturer and with over 30 years of experience and present in over 20 countries. We have our own in-house production facilities in Singapore and have been accredited SO 9001:2008 Quality Management System, ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management System and ISO 22000:2005 Food Safety Management System (incorporating HACCP standards). All our Hand Sanitizers are formulated according to guidelines provided by National Environment Agency list of Active Ingredients and Their Working Concentrations Effective Against Coronavirus.

Instant Hand Sanitizer

Active Ingredients:
Ethyl Alcohol (75% min) and Chlorhexidine Gluconate (0.5% min).
Special Features:
Kills 99.99999% of germs. Tested in accordance to BSEN 1040:2005 standard.
Provides anti-microbial protection for up to 6 hours.
Skin caring formula - contains Aloe Vera and Vitamin E.
Non-drying formula suitable for frequent uses.
Quick drying, pleasantly scented, non-rinse formula.

Hand Sanitizer Gel

Active Ingredients:
Ethyl Alcohol (75% min) and Chlorhexidine Gluconate (0.5% min).
Special Features:
Kills 99.99999% of germs. Tested in accordance to BSEN 1040:2005 standard.
Provides anti-microbial protection for up to 6 hours.
Skin caring formula - contains Aloe Vera and Vitamin E.
Non-drying formula suitable for frequent uses.
Quick drying, pleasantly scented, non-rinse formula.

Aqua Hand Sanitizer

Active Ingredients:
Chlorhexidine Gluconate (0.5% min) and Benzalkonium Chloride (0.08% min)
Special Features:
Kills 99.99999% of germs. Tested in accordance to BSEN 1040:2005 standard.
Alcohol free formula, water based formula suitable for younger children and users with sensitive skin.
Provides anti-microbial protection for up to 6 hours.
Gentle formula that keeps skin in good condition.
Skin caring formula - contains Aloe Vera and Vitamin E.
Pleasantly scented, non-rinse and non-tainting.

Aqua Foam Hand Sanitizer

Active Ingredients:
Chlorhexidine Gluconate (0.5% min) and Benzalkonium Chloride (0.08% min)
Special Features:
Kills 99.99999% of germs. Tested in accordance to BSEN 1040:2005 standard.
Alcohol free formula, water based formula suitable for younger children and users with sensitive skin.
Provides anti-microbial protection for up to 6 hours.
Gentle formula that keeps skin in good condition.
Skin caring formula - contains Aloe Vera and Vitamin E.
Pleasantly scented, non-rinse and non-tainting.

HFMD, Hand Foot and Mouth Disease: Prevention

HFMD, Hand Foot and Mouth Disease: Prevention

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a disease caused by many different viruses. It is generally mild but complications can occur affecting the lungs, nervous system and the heart. The virus is highly contagious, and present all year round in Singapore. Children and infants, especially below 5 years old, are the most affected, but adults can also get the virus. HFMD lasts about 10 days and there is no actual cure or vaccine.

Common signs & symptoms:

–          Fever;

–          Sore throat;

–          Ulcers in the throat, mouth and tongue;

–          Headache;

–          Rash with vesicles on arms, on the palm side of the hands.  It may also be located in the legs, the sole side of the feet and on the buttocks;

–          Vomiting;

–          Poor appetite;

–          Lethargy.

How does HFMD spread?

The virus spreads through direct contact with the nasal secretions, saliva, faeces and fluid from rashes and can circulate through the air through coughing and sneezing.

Some people may not have symptoms but still be infected. People are more contagious during the first week of infection but the virus remains in the body several weeks and can still be spread.

What to do if your child gets HFMD?

–          Give your child plenty of water to avoid dehydration as it is the most common complication that can occur with HFMD. Avoid juice and sodas as the acid contained inside may be painful because of mouth ulcers;

–          Change to a soft diet such as porridge, pureed fruit in case of mouth ulcers as it will be easier to swallow;

–          Resting will help your child recovering;

–          Keep your child at home until the symptoms disappear and inform the kindergarten or school.

How to reduce the risk of infection?

–          Good personal hygiene is the best way to prevent being infected. Always keep your hands clean and often wash your hands thoroughly with soap especially after changing diapers;

–          Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;

 

–          Limit contact with infected people and wash your hands after any contact;

–          Don’t share foods, drinks, plate and other personal objects;

–          Disinfect and sanitize surfaces, toys to avoid cross contamination;

–          Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing.

For more information visit: http://www.hpb.gov.sg/HOPPortal/dandc-article/792

Sources:

MOH. 2014. Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_web/home/diseases_and_conditions/h/hfmd.html.

 

webmd. 2014. Facts About Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.webmd.com/children/hand-foot-mouth-disease.

 

mayoclinic. 2014. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hand-foot-and-mouth-disease/basics/symptoms/con-20032747

MERS-CoV: All you need to know [infographic]

MERS-CoV: All you need to know [infographic]

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory illness first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012.

Since May 2015, the virus has reached Korea, making it the largest known outbreak of MERS outside the Middle East. The virus is particularly dangerous to people who have underlying medical conditions and have a high fatality rate of 36% in those infected. There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment. Protection measures shown in the infographic helps reduce the risk of infection:

 

All you need to know about hand sanitizers

All you need to know about hand sanitizers

Hand sanitizers are increasingly popular and with virus outbreaks occurring frequently like the recent MERS-CoV currently happening in Korea, their use have become a common and effective way to prevent infection and the spread of germs. Hand sanitizers are convenient; they don’t require particular settings to install and can be put on table tops or in dispensers to enable everyone to use them. They are also easy to use and offer a quick solution to keep your hands safe. But not all sanitizers are the same. Check our tips to help you choose your hand sanitizer and be fully protected.

Benefit and effectiveness of hand sanitizer

Alcohol based hand sanitizers are proven to eliminate 99,99% of the germs on hands. Once you have rubbed your hands with the product and it has dried, your hands are safe. Hand sanitizers kill bacteria and most viruses, by dissolving the essential proteins of the germs and disrupting their normal cell activity, unlike hand washing with water and soap that only washes germs away. Hand sanitizers are effective against many bacteria, the common cold, flu viruses, as well as fungal infections. 

Studies shows that families who use hand sanitizers, saw a lower risk of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, and infections spread less among the members of the family. Providing hand sanitizer solutions can help increasing hand hygiene adherence necessary in healthcare settings as they offer a quick and easy alternative to hand washing. Adding them in classrooms and office can be a way to reduce absenteeism and sick leaves.

How to choose your hand sanitizer?

There are many hand sanitizers in the market and choosing the right one can be confusing. You need to read the ingredients as they are a determining factor and ensure the effectiveness of the product. Hand sanitizers contain active and inactive ingredients.

Active ingredient consists generally of alcohol. Be sure to choose a hand sanitizer with an alcohol concentration over 60% of the content. Under this amount, the product won’t be powerful enough and you will still carry germs on your hands.  Alcohol can be found under different forms; ethyl alcohol, ethanol or isopropanol. It is the central ingredient of hand sanitizers and kills most germs without causing harm to the skin. Whatever alcohol form you choose they are all suitable to ensure safe hands.

In addition to alcohol, inactive ingredients are usually part of the product. These inactive ingredients have different role. They can help for the application of the product and also prevent dryness of the skin. Choosing a sanitizer containing moisturizer agents will minimize irritation. These agents include Aloe Vera, Vitamin E and humectants, such as glycerin. With these ingredients, sanitizing hands turns out to be less drying and gentler for the hands than washing them.

Another ingredient that can be found is chlorhexidine which slows down the development of bacteria in your hands by creating a protective film on your skin, offering a good protection that can last up to 6 hours.

Hand sanitizers can also contain fragrance oils to help lessen the smell of alcohol when applying the product.

Hand sanitizers are usually in the form of Gel or Spray. Both products are equivalent in their effectiveness; the only difference will come from the texture and drying time. A gel alcohol hand sanitizer will take more time than a spray alcohol sanitizer to fully dry.

Can we replace hand washing with hand sanitizing?

Hand sanitizers are efficient at killing germs on hands, but they are not cleaning agents, and so not meant as a replacement, but as an alternative when soap and water are not available. Sanitizers are most effective when used in combination with hand washing. The majority of people don’t wash their hands long enough to completely remove all germs, using hand sanitizer is a good way to ensure a complete protection. Hand sanitizers will not get through fluids and dirt to kill germs. They must be washed away first for the alcohol in the sanitizer to be effective and so, for this situation, hand sanitizers are not a preferred solution. Handwashing with soap and water is recommended in such circumstances.

 

 

 

Sources:

Webmd. 2013. Hand Sanitizers: Do They Help Stop All Germs?. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20130208/hand-sanitizers-germs.

Livestrong. 2014. Ingredients in Hand Sanitizer. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.livestrong.com/article/164674-ingredients-in-hand-sanitizer/.

Wonderopolis. 2014. Does Hand Sanitizer Really Work?. [ONLINE] Available at: http://wonderopolis.org/wonder/does-hand-sanitizer-really-work/.

NCBI. 2008. Effect of Hand Hygiene on Infectious Disease Risk in the Community Setting: A Meta-Analysis. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2446461/.

How to keep your gym clean?

How to keep your gym clean?

People join gyms to be healthier and maintain a good body shape but they might actually end up with some infections considering that gyms are a hot spot for germs. Ensuring a safe and clean environment for your members is important for their safety and for you.

 

Multiple disease causing germs are present in gyms like influenza, staphylococcus, streptococcus, and E. coli. Studies reported that 63% of gym equipment harbour rhinovirus, the virus responsible for colds. Skin diseases including athlete’s foot and human papillomavirus, are also thriving in fitness centres. Gym facilities have also been pointed out to spread MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus), a life threatening bacterial infection, resistant to normal antibiotic therapy. MRSA infects people through cuts, abrasions or skin contact. Germs easily spread and people tend to touch their face several times per hours, allowing germs to enter their body through the nose and mouth, making them sick.

Dirty equipment and locker rooms, lack of cleaning products to wipe down equipment are among the principal cleaning issues experienced by customers. No one wants to exercise in a dirty gym or end up being sick each time they go to the gym. In order to ensure a disease free environment and avoid critical outbreak, which may greatly hurt one’s reputation, implementing an efficient cleaning policy is primordial. Not only will your members benefit from it, but your facility will gain a better reputation, sending a positive image of a safe and caring gym.

Evaluate your own gym centre.

Look at your gym from a new perspective, as if you were a potential customer discovering your facility for the first time. Would you be comfortable walking barefoot or using the equipment? Does your place communicate a clean feeling?

Staying in a certain environment for a long time can alter your vision, so, look for honest critics from your friends, reviews from internet, or directly ask your customers about the cleanliness. You will quickly realise which improvements are needed.

Implement a cleaning policy

Create a checklist, with different items to clean on specific days. Involve your personnel and make sure that they follow your recommendations. Some areas are more prone to germs than others and require more attention and cleaning. Be especially meticulous with these hot spot for germs areas:

–          Free weight

Free weights are one of the most used equipment in the gym and are ironically usually forgotten during the cleaning process though they should be cleaned after each use. Their hard surfaces are ideal for hosting germs that can lead to colds and other infections.

–          Locker room

Most of the germs in the locker room flourish on the floor. Shoes entering the locker room harbour faecal matter, picked up from the outside, which can give stomach flu and hepatitis A. The locker room is also the perfect place for germs like staphylococcus, streptococcus, and MRSA as well as fungi. A cut in your skin and a direct contact with germs is enough to let the germs enter your body and infect you. 

Ask your members to wear flip flops or other sandals in the locker room to avoid contact with the floor and wash it thoroughly before and after peak hours.

–          Exercise mats

Exercise mats are rarely cleaned. In the worst case, mats are reused for each class, becoming a den for germs.

Provide enough mats for two or three classes so that it can dry between training sessions and, clean it with an alcohol spray disinfectant containing at least 60 percent of alcohol to guarantee an efficient cleaning.

–          Cardio machines

Cardio machines like treadmills, bikes, and elliptical, are more likely to get wiped down after use than free weight. Yet, most of the machines have traces of rhinovirus, fungi, and yeast, especially on bike seats.

–          Showers

People shower to get rid of bacteria and be clean, but at the end, because of the high presence of fungi and other germs in this area, it can cause them more harm than good, infecting them with athlete’s foot and other fungal infections.

Plan the frequency and the method cleaning. Material cleaned regularly will be less dirty between cleanings, and have fewer microbes to remove each time. Germs and bacteria can survive days on surfaces so spray and wipe the equipment with alcohol sanitizing solutions throughout the day. When the centre is empty, operate a meticulous cleaning of the equipment with bactericide detergent. Spray the solution on surfaces and wipe with a clean towel. Wiping is an important procedure and ensures a complete removal of germs. Change towel when cleaning a different surface to avoid cross contamination by transferring germs from one surface to another. Thoroughly clean the floor, shower and other rooms with specific and adapted cleaning products.

Involve your members

You can’t always clean your equipment after each use, especially during peak hours. The best way to keep a squeaky clean gym is to make your members participate in the cleaning process. Provide cleaning supplies, sanitizing solutions and disposable paper towels within easy reach of equipment, throughout the gym, and near the exits to wipe off the equipment after each use and to sanitize hands.  You can also give each member individual travel pack sanitizer spray so they don’t need to check for supplies. Engage your trainers and staff to sanitize their hands when dealing with customers. They are the link between the members and the gym, and can encourage people to sanitize their hands and keep the equipment clean.

In many facilities, members take advantage of hand sanitizers and take part to the cleaning. Post signs to encourage members to wipe the equipment after use.

Making everyone regularly sanitizing their hands can make a difference and drastically improve the overall cleanliness, creating a safer environment that will benefit everyone.

Sources:

Fitness Magazine. 2012. Germs at the Gym. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/health/germs/germs-at-the-gym/.

 

DailyMail. 2016. How going to the gym can be BAD for your health: Free weights found to have 362 TIMES more bacteria than a toilet seat. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3528955/How-going-gym-BAD-health-Free-weights-362-TIMES-bacteria-toilet-seat.html.

 

Men’s Health. 2016. How going to the gym can be BAD for your health: Free weights found to have 362 TIMES more bacteria than a toilet seat. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.menshealth.com/health/how-dirty-is-your-gym-equipment.

Gym Insight. 2012. Keep Your Business Clean. [ONLINE] Available at: https://blog.gyminsight.com/321-keep-your-business-clean/.

Sportsmith. 2015. 9 tips you can use now to keep your club clean. [ONLINE] Available at: http://blog.sportsmith.net/fitness-equipment-maintenance/9-tips-to-keep-your-club-clean/.