What constitutes effective handwashing, just the process or is there something more to it? Read on!
Significance of hand hygiene?
Handwashing is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from infections and diseases and prevent germ transfer to other people or surfaces. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, so much has been written, listened to and discussed handwashing! But was all that information restricted to combat only the crisis? Certainly not!
Let’s get back to the basics for starters. How could germs enter the body?
- Frequent touching of eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Use of unwashed hands while preparing or consuming food
- Use of unwashed hands while touching surfaces
What do we infer? Hands are the major vehicles of dirt and germs. Hence, frequent handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
How easily could hands spread bacteria? Hard facts!
- Globally, only 20% of people wash their hands after using the bathroom.
- Nearly, half of the hospital-acquired infections could be avoided through hand washing.
- Contaminated hands could spread viruses to over 5 surfaces or 14 objects.
How does hand washing with soap prevent infections?
Before we delve into the scientific info, let’s reiterate the correct handwashing process.
- Wet hands with clean, running water.
- Turn off the tap and apply soap to hands.
- Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails with the soap for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse hands well under running water.
- Dry hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds:
- Before touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- After touching your mask
- After leaving a public place
- After touching an object or surface that may be frequently touched by people
Now, let’s understand the mechanics of soap. Hand washing with soap creates friction that helps lift dirt, grease and disease-causing germs from the skin. A good soapy lather forms pockets called micelles that trap germs, harmful chemicals, and dirt from your hands and suspend them in water. These pockets wash away in water during hand rinsing. This is why clinicians recommend at least a 20-second lathering with soap.
How could commercial facilities encourage hand hygiene?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, encouraging people to wash their hands with soap frequently helps them and their communities to stay healthy consistently. Spreading tips and information related to handwashing reduces:
- Incidences of diarrhoea by 23-40%
- Respiratory illnesses by 16-21%
- Reduces absenteeism in schoolchildren due to gastrointestinal illness by 29-57%
So, if you own or manage a commercial facility, such as a hotel or restaurant or workplace, this is what you could do.
Encourage people to wash their hands frequently in some of these ways:
- Make soap, water, sanitiser and utilities to dry hands available easily.
- Enhance the access to washrooms and sinks for your employees as well as visitors
- In areas where soap and water are not available, use hand sanitiser dispensers with at least 60% alcohol near frequently touched surfaces.
- Put visual reminders, such as signs or posters, in bathrooms, near sinks and in kitchens to remove your staff and visitors to wash their hands with soap.
- Promote information related to hand washing on social media platforms and public platforms, both within and outside your professional and personal communities.
What must you use for hand washing? Soap or handwash?
In a commercial facility, it is preferable to use a hand wash because there is a risk of contamination through the usage of the same soap. If someone who is sick uses the soap bar, the probability of germ transfer through sharing of the soap bar is high. Hence, a handwash is way safer and more efficacious.
At Diversey Prosumer, we offer handwashes formulated by the experts across three variants — Premium Blossom, Triclosan-free Antibacterial and Sandalwood fragrance. All variants are available in 250ml with pump, 750ml refill pouch and bulk packs.
Premium Blossom Handwash (Rose Perfume)
This pleasantly rose perfumed disinfectant handwash kills pathogenic bacteria and viruses on the hands. It keeps your skin soft and supple, but at the same time kills 99.99% of the highly resistant bacteria and viruses.
Benefits
Has neutral pH — It is devoid of harsh chemicals and is gentle on the skin.
Gives high lather/foam
Is a special soap-free formulation.
Removes even the strongest food smells.
Is cost-effective, with 3-5 ml sufficient for a good hand wash.
Triclosan-free Antibacterial
Triclosan used commonly in many hand washes, poses health risks. Our Triclosan-free Antibacterial Handwash delivers results without impacting your health.
Benefits
Kills 99.99% of germs found on the skin of a particularly healthy person.
Removes even the strongest food smells.
Comes with a special soap-free formulation with a distinctive, long-lasting fragrance.
Gives high lather/foam.
Is mildly perfumed and formulated with organic actives.
Sandalwood Fragrance
Going by the name, this hand wash comes with a pleasant sandalwood perfume and offers benefits similar to Premium Blossom Hand Wash.
To sum it up
Hand washing is vital for health and hygiene no matter what your commercial facility is: Offices, stores, hotels or hospitals. Make sure your staff and visitors practise hand washing to prevent another wave of catastrophe in your community.
And, when it comes to complete hygiene and safety along with trust and affordability, you could count on Diversey Prosumer’s Soft Care hand washes.
