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.

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.

References

1 https://www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/public-cleanliness/environmental-cleaning-guidelines/guidelines/interim-list-of-household-products-and-active-ingredients-for-disinfection-of-covid-19

* Alternative name: alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride

2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzalkonium_chloride

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 make your child wash hands?

How to make your child wash hands?

Children are always moving around and touching everything around them. While you can’t stop their curiosity, you can prevent them from being sick and teach them the right way to protect themselves. Washing your hands might seem natural for you but it may not be the case for your kid who may not understand the importance of this small act. Teaching your child how to wash their hands and to do it regularly is essential. Hand washing can take some time to be fully integrated and can eventually become a challenge to get it done. Below are some tips to help you make it a fun and natural experience.

Make it easy and safe as well as fun

You should wash your hands with water and soap. Convert washing hands as an enjoyable experience, using fun soaps with different shapes to make it more exciting.  To remove all germs, you have to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Make your child sings ‘happy birthday’ twice to be sure they rub their hands long enough.

Kids may not be able to reach the sink. Give them a stool or step so that they can easily wash their hands without your help.

Repetition is the key

Make hand washing a routine, something natural that your child will do without having to think about it. Repetition is the best way to learn and make hand washing a habit. Often remind your child to wash their hands especially when it is critical, before eating, after using the restroom and after spending time in public places.

 

Show the good example

If you don’t wash your hands, don’t expect your kids to do it. Children tend to copy what people around them are doing, especially their parents. If you often wash your hands, they will also want to practice hand washing.

Explain why hand hygiene is important

Understanding why we need to wash hands is a crucial point especially for kids. If they don’t see the meaning of hand washing, it can be hard to teach them to wash their hands. Take some time and explain in a simplistic way what germs are and what happen if your child doesn’t wash their hands.

Use your creativity

Sit down with your child and do some activities around hand washing like creating a poster showing the steps of hand washing with pictures. Most adults don’t wash their hands properly, so be sure to teach your kid the right technique from the beginning.  You can even place posters next to the sink to help them remember how to do it.

Ask your doctor to talk about it

If they don’t listen to you and still don’t want to wash their hands, sometimes, asking exterior help can be beneficial. Ask your doctor to explain your kids why they should wash their hands.

Carry a hand sanitizer

Carry an alcohol based sanitizer so that, even if you are outside and away from soap and water, you can still practice good hand hygiene as it should be practiced all the time.

Sources:

Kid spot. 2013. 9 ways to get kids to wash their hands. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.kidspot.com.au/9-ways-to-get-kids-to-wash-their-hands/.

Todaysparent. 2010. HomeKidsPreschoolHow to get kids to wash their hands KidsPreschool How to get kids to wash their hands. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.todaysparent.com/kids/preschool/how-to-get-kids-to-wash-their-hands/.

Soap in public restroom can contaminate your hands

Soap in public restroom can contaminate your hands

Washing your hands with soap and water is the best way to prevent the spread of illnesses and the transmission of germs according to The Centers for Disease and Prevention. It should be done regularly, for at least 30 seconds, and especially after going to the restroom. During the day, you pick up germs and touching your face with contaminated hands is enough to make you sick. Soap removes germs more effectively than water but what if the soap is dirty? Can the soap transfer germs?

Originally, bar soaps were found in public restrooms but got removed when studies showed that they were unhygienic and could transfer germs. The use of soap dispensers has been encouraged to limit contamination. But in public restrooms, studies found that“One in four dispensers is contaminated” allowing germs to thrive in soaps. Washing your hands with contaminated soap can add more bacteria on your hands than you had before washing them, thus contributing to the transmission of germs and spreading of infections.

How does the soap get dirty?

Several reasons can explain this phenomenon. Soaps contain preservatives to limit the growth of harmful microbes, but those preservatives may break down over time and become less effective.

Dispensers aren’t cleaned properly. Dispensers should be thoroughly cleaned before refilling them. Bulk soap dispensers are the most common type of dispensers found in public restrooms. To refill a bulk soap dispenser, you have to top off the soap inside through a lid while the dispenser stays mounted on the wall. The amount of bacteria found in the dispenser was 1000 times higher than the recommended limit. Researchers found that even if you take the soap out of the dispenser, disinfect the equipment with bleach, and refill it with safe and new soap, within two weeks, the soap inside the dispenser will be as contaminated as before the cleaning. Bacteria in the dispenser can be resistant to bleach, and even a small quantity of bacteria remaining is enough to contaminate the soap. Soap dispensers are usually mounted on the walls and it is harder to clean the inside properly. Previous studies have demonstrated an association between the use of bulk soap refillable dispensers and bacterial contamination of the soap. Bulk soap refillable dispensers can increase the number of germs on the hands and may play a role in the transmission of bacteria in public settings. They have been removed from healthcare settings as they increased the risk of cross contamination but are still common in public restrooms.

“Topping off” or improper refilling. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “Don’t recommend adding soap to a partially empty soap dispenser as it can lead to bacterial contamination of soap”.

Airborne and environmental contaminants from the restroom can enter the dispenser when open, especially in an environment where faecal bacteria are thriving. In most contaminated dispensers, coliform and faecal matters were found in important quantity.

Cleaning personnel can contaminate soap when refilling the dispenser with bacteria present on their hands, like after having just cleaned the toilets or if they aren’t wearing gloves.

Companies usually use concentrate soap that they dilute after. If the dilution is too important and more than recommended, it can make the soap less effective against germs.

How to avoid this situation?

The best and easiest solution is to replace bulk soap dispenser with sealed soap dispenser. With a sealed system, to refill the dispenser, you only have to put a sealed bottle or a pouch inside the equipment and don’t risk touching the soap.

In a study, contaminated dispensers were replaced with sealed soap dispensers. One year after the installation, the soap from the sealed soap dispensers was contamination free. The use of dispensers with sealed refills instead of bulk soap refillable dispensers can lower the risk of contamination and can reduce the spread of bacteria.

As a user, If you aren’t sure about the soap in a public restroom, you can also complement hand washing with hand sanitizing to ensure safe hands.

Sources:

American Society for Microbiology. 2010. Bacterial Hand Contamination and Transfer after Use of Contaminated Bulk-Soap-Refillable Dispensers. [ONLINE] Available at: http://aem.asm.org/content/77/9/2898.full.

CDC. 2002. Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Health-Care Settings. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5116a1.htm