The Best Spots For Hand Sanitizer
Location is everything.
Health experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 80 percent of infections are transmitted by hands. That’s a staggering statistic, especially in the workplace where employees can pass germs to one another simply by touching a doorknob, turning on the faucet or placing their sandwich in the fridge.
And although washing with soap and water is “hands down” the best way to keep germs at bay, hand sanitizer wins a big second prize when lathering up isn’t an option. In fact the global market for the disinfectant is booming, and is expected to reach $1.8 billion by 2023. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the CDC, hand sanitizer is one of the best tools available to avoid getting sick and spreading germs. The CDC recommends applying an alcohol-based sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) to the palm of one hand and then rubbing both hands together over the surfaces of your hands and fingers until dry.
Strategically placing hand sanitizer in high traffic locations throughout your facility makes it easier for employees, clients and customers to practice good hand hygiene and shows them you care about their health.
Key Places for Hand Sanitizer:
Restrooms
A study conducted at Michigan State University showed that of 3,700 people observed using public restrooms, 33% of them didn’t use soap, while 10% skipped hand-washing entirely. Not a pretty statistic and all the more reason to have hand sanitizer as a backup option for those rushing to get out the restroom door. As an added benefit, a hand sanitizer placed near the restroom door helps reduce waste by eliminating the need to use an additional paper towel to open the door when exiting.
Break Rooms
Would you believe that the sink faucet handle in the break room is the “germiest” spot in an office? That’s the dirty truth uncovered by Kimberly-Clark Professional. High-touch surfaces, such as sinks, microwaves, refrigerators, vending machines, coffee pots and water fountains make break rooms, cafeterias and kitchens some of the most germ-ridden places in a facility.
Entrances and Exits
New research by CBS shows that a virus on a single doorknob can spread germs throughout an office within hours. Doorknobs, elevator buttons, light switches, and other high-touch areas near entrances and exits are a hotbed for germs. In addition to regular disinfecting of these areas, having hand sanitizer available near entrances and exits will help limit the spread of infection.
Employee Work Stations
Desks, computer keyboards and phones are a natural breeding ground for germs since they are touched so often. Having individual hand sanitizers at each employee’s desk is a good way to encourage healthy hand hygiene.
Meeting Rooms
Any place that large groups of people meet, interact and shake hands is going to be a mecca for germ swapping. Placing hand sanitizers near the doors of these rooms or even on the tables offers employees and guests an easy way to keep hands clean and people healthy.
Transaction Counters
Paper money is a breeding ground for germs. In a study published by PLOS ONE, researchers swabbed $1 bills from a New York City bank and found hundreds of species of germs living on them. Making hand sanitizer available at teller windows in banks and at check out counters in grocery and other retail stores reminds people to keep their hands clean.
What about your business? Do you take a “hands on” approach to good hygiene? CLICK HERE to win a month’s supply of FREE hand sanitizer.
If you need help maintaining a fresh, clean and healthy work environment for yourself, your customers and your employees, give us a call, or CLICK HERE to contact us. Buildingstars’ comprehensive cleaning solutions create cleaner, healthier workplaces and let you focus on the most important aspects of your business.