Hand sanitiser as we know it has been around since the late 1990s. It offers a way for people to disinfect their hands while travelling, while away from home, or when in places where there’s no access to soap and water.

The portability of hand sanitiser made it moderately popular back then, although its popularity increased when more people gained access to computers. Some studies revealed that computer keyboards have more germs than toilet seats. This is especially true in some workplaces where more than one user has access to a desktop.

When these findings became common knowledge, office workers began to keep not only alcohol at their desks but also hand sanitiser. Today, however, hand hygiene has become more important than ever.

COVID-19 and hand hygiene

The novel coronavirus or SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, can be transmitted via respiratory droplets in close quarters.

However, the virus particles can also land on surfaces or materials called ‘fomites’ (e.g. door handles and clothing). Germs, including the new coronavirus, can survive for a few hours to several days on fomites depending on the material. When an unsuspecting person comes into contact with viable virus (or other germs) via fomites, there’s a possibility of infection.

This is why proper hand hygiene is known to be one of the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, aside from physical distancing and face mask use. So, because of COVID-19 and its known transmission routes, everyone needs access to materials that support hand hygiene.

In the absence of soap and water, various establishments have been advised to provide people quick access to sanitiser with at least 60 per cent alcohol content. This is especially crucial in the workplace, where employees congregate for several hours.

Employees do not only use the same office space or work area. They also handle the same items, such as certain equipment designed for common use. These include doorknobs, photocopiers, cabinets in the pantry, coffeemakers and refrigerator handles.

Strategic places for hand sanitiser dispensers

To encourage hand sanitiser use, businesses need to ensure sanitiser dispensers are located in strategic locations. Ideal placements in offices and other workplaces include the following sections:

• Entrances and exits: Doorknobs and similar fixtures have the potential to spread germs. In fact, one study revealed that tracer virus placed on a doorknob quickly spread to 40 to 60 percent of workers and visitors in two to four hours. So, aside from putting a hand sanitising station near passageways, it’s also crucial to disinfect fixtures periodically.
• Meeting or conference rooms: Many employees routinely talk to clients and visitors in meeting or conference rooms. These are also the places where contracts and other types of documents are exchanged or signed. To reduce the chances of spreading germs, sanitisation is essential.
• Employee desks or workspaces: Keyboards and mice are left out in the open when they are not in use. The same goes for documents and office stationery kept on employee desks. So, aside from disinfecting the area, it’s best to keep sanitiser within reach to implement hand hygiene.
• Cafeterias, break rooms, pantries: Employees typically have common access to pantry staples and utensils in cafeterias or break rooms. Therefore, it makes sense to keep a hand sanitising station close by to remind people of the importance of hand hygiene, especially before eating.
• Restrooms or toilets: Aside from providing soap and water, people should also be given the option to use hand sanitiser. Employees in a hurry may forego soap and water when in a rush. But they would use hand sanitiser if it is available.

Hand sanitiser by Fevermates

Fevermates hand sanitiser contains 70 per cent alcohol and is proudly Australian made.

If you need high-quality hand sanitiser and other hygiene products, please check our website.