Advantages To Offering Hand Sanitizers

In this Manufacturer Roundtable, Facility Cleaning Decisions took the compilation of questions we received from readers and asked soap/sanitizer manufacturers to weigh in.

Facilities have increased their use of sanitizers following pandemic threats. What tips do you have for location and dispensing of hand sanitizers?
Henkel offers many options for hand sanitizer use. Placing hand sanitizer on stands outside the restrooms, in the main lobby and near the stairwells and elevators is very common. Smaller dispensers containing hand sanitizer can be placed on the wall if the stands are too obtrusive. Placing smaller 7.5- or 16-ounce pumps on counter tops or in conference rooms are also becoming commonplace.
— Ronald Lewis, Associate Brand Manager, Diversified Markets, Henkel Consumer Goods, Inc., Scottsdale, Arizona

In addition to providing adequate hand washing facilities, employers can encourage good hand hygiene practices by promoting the use of a hand sanitizer applied regularly to clean, dry hands to complement routine handwashing to reduce the risk of germ transfer. Everyone should use a hand sanitizer as they enter and leave their main work area; this is particularly important in large communal offices. It is known that enclosed environments, where people who are working or interacting in close proximity with one another, whether in a workplace, public facility or leisure environment are at a higher risk of the spread of germs. A hand sanitizer should be reapplied every 2 to 3 hours and certainly immediately after coughing, sneezing or touching surfaces or equipment likely to have been contaminated.  It is particularly important to use a sanitizer prior to consuming food. Offering hand sanitizing stations in restrooms in addition to proper hand washing stations can help increase the overall usage and prevent the spread of infection and illness. It is also important to apply hand sanitizer properly. The World Health Organization recommends covering all surfaces of hands and rubbing for 20 to 30 seconds until fully dried.
— Isabelle Faivre, Vice President of Marketing, North America, Deb Group, Charlotte, North Carolina

Good hand hygiene is paramount to good health all year long, not just during cold and flu season or when there is an illness outbreak, so it is important to have alcohol-based hand sanitizer where your building occupants can easily access it. We recommend having hand sanitizer at or in the entrance/lobby, elevator banks, work areas, reception desk, fitness facility/locker rooms, restrooms, break room/cafeteria, conference and meeting rooms, and in shared workspaces.
— Thom Wojtkun, Market Development Director, GOJO Industries, Akron, Ohio

Are there advantages of offering hand sanitizers inside restrooms (by the door, near changing tables, inside locker rooms, etc.)?
Though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to effectively kill germs, not everyone follows this best practice. Studies show that 1 in 5 people don't wash their hands and of those that do only 30 percent use soap.  Offering hand sanitizing stations in restrooms, in addition to proper handwashing stations, can help increase the overall usage and prevent the spread of infection and illness.
— Isabelle Faivre, Vice President of Marketing, North America, Deb Group, Charlotte, North Carolina

Placing hand sanitizers near areas where they are most convenient and top-of-mind by the patrons will improve compliance for use.
— Ronald Lewis, Associate Brand Manager, Diversified Markets, Henkel Consumer Goods, Inc., Scottsdale, Arizona

There are definite advantages to having alcohol-based hand sanitizers inside the restrooms. First, it demonstrates to the building occupants that those who manage the facility are taking that extra step to show the tenants they are taking care of them.
It’s also the second line of defense to help reduce the spread of illness-causing germs. It has been reported that one in four people do not wash their hands after the restroom. Having a hand sanitizer at the exit door is another way to reduce the spread of illness-causing germs.
Lastly, it helps to eliminate waste and reduce complaints caused by messy restrooms. Today, many people use a paper towel to open the door when exiting the restroom. By having an alcohol-based hand sanitizer available at the restroom exit, you are alleviating the use of additional paper towels and the potential for a messy restroom.
— Thom Wojtkun, Market Development Director, GOJO Industries, Akron, Ohio