Stop germ transmission in its tracks by employing no-touch systems
No-touch technology can be employed in toilet flushers, water faucets, and dispensers for toilet paper, soap and hand towels. No-touch technology is especially crucial for hand towel dispensers, since towels are typically used once hands are clean, after having been washed and rinsed. That is the most important time for employees not to touch potentially germ-laden surfaces.
Tip: Look for towel and tissue dispensing systems with "interleaved" paper, so users only need to touch the towel or toilet paper they use without fishing around inside the dispenser, thus reducing therisks of contamination. Or look for completely "touchless" roll towel dispensers that don't have levers or cranks.
Encourage proper handwashing
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), handwashing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Educate employees on the importance of proper handwashing. Post reminders in restrooms.
- Wet hands with warm running water.
- Apply handwashing agent and thoroughly distribute over hands.
- Vigorously rub hands together for 10 to 15 seconds, generating friction on all surfaces of the hands and fingers, including thumbs, backs of the fingers, backs of the hands, and beneath the fingernails. Use a nail brush if necessary.
- Rinse hands thoroughly to remove soap. When drying hands with paper towels, the towels should be dispensed from holders that require the user to remove them one at a a time. (Leaving soap on the skin and incomplete drying contribute to dermatitis.)
- If the sink does not have foot controls or an automatic shutoff, avoid recontaminating the hands by using a paper towel to shut off the faucet.
- When using an alcohol gel antiseptic cleanser, APIC recommends a vigorous, one-minute rubbing with enough alcohol to wet the hands completely.
Tip: Make sure there's always plenty of mild hand soap and soft, absorbent hand towels in every restroom. Nothing is more disconcerting to people who want to "do the right thing" by washing up, only to find no handwashing supplies. If supply run-out is a problem, consider a high-capacity dispenser and remember - high-capacity doesn't need to mean industrial. Find a high-volume dispenser that lends a little class to your restrooms.
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