Every year, when flu season hits, there is a lot of talk about washing hands. With the recent Corona Virus outbreaks, there has been all sorts of comments on what and what not to do. On Site Companies would like to take this moment to go through some best practices and some basic information.
Hand Sanitizing
One of the biggest questions or misconceptions is around hand sanitizer. A lot of people think using hand sanitizer is the same as washing their hands with soap. This is not true. According to the CDC, while hand sanitizer can quickly reduce the number of microbes on hands, it does not eliminate all types of germs.
Hand sanitizer is appropriate to use in some situations, but is not as effective as hand washing. Hand sanitizer will likely not remove harmful chemicals and is not effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy. If you are using hand sanitizer, make sure it is alcohol-based with at least 60% alcohol in it.
When using hand sanitizer, apply the sanitizer on the palm of your hand. Rub your hands applying the sanitizer to all the surface area of your hands. Continue to rub your hands together until your hands are dry. It is important to make sure you don’t stop rubbing your hands until they are dry as this makes sure all the surface gets covered.
Hand Washing
Hand washing with soap is more effective than using hand sanitizer. This is mainly because not only does hand washing kill germs, but it also removes dirt that hides spores that could make you sick.
To wash your hands correctly, there are five steps to follow. First, wet your hands with clean running water. The temperature of the water doesn’t matter. Then apply the soap to your wet hands and lather well. Once you are lathered, rub your hands together vigorously for twenty seconds. Make sure you cover all the surface area of your hands, front and back as well as in between fingers. Then, rinse your hands well with more clean water. Finally, dry your hands either with a clean towel or air dry them.
A lot of times, you may only have access to hand sanitizer, and that is fine. Your best bet would be to use the hand sanitizer at the time, but to wash your hands thoroughly the next time you get the chance.
The On Site Solutions
While all On Site Companies portable sanitation solutions come with at least hand sanitizer capabilities, we also have a variety of hand washing solutions as well. Our restroom trailers have working sinks in them, and we also carry hand washing stations for special events or construction sites, as well as our popular SaniSink with warm water. Call us today to upgrade your hand sanitizing to hand washing to help keep the people at your job site or event healthy.
