Proper hand washing techniques are critical in preventing the spread of disease and maintaining good health.When soap and water are not available, however, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, which do not require water, are an excellent alternative to hand washing. For this reason, the Office of Risk Management recommends that all schools and institutions install wall-mounted hand sanitizer dispensers in common areas.
Background
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends hand washing to reduce infection transmission. In general, if hands are visibly soiled, soap and water should be used for hand hygiene. In other circumstances, the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be as effective as soap and water.
In the case of young children who may not thoroughly wash, rinse and dry hands, the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers may be more effective than the use of soap and water when hands are not visibly soiled.
Choosing the Right Hand Sanitizer
Not all hand sanitizers are created equal.The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that alcohol-based hand sanitizers must be at least 60 percent alcohol (ethanol or isopropanol) to be effective; the use of other types of cleansers is not recommended.
It is important to note that the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers will not lead to bacterial resistance.There is no evidence that organisms adapt and become immune to the active ingredients in alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Guidelines for Use
Hand hygiene with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be done frequently, and especially at the following times:
Before
Preparing food or eating
Rendering first aid or treating a person who is ill
Administering medication or completing a medical procedure
After
Any contact with blood, body fluids or soiled objects
Using the toilet
Assisting with personal hygiene, such as changing diapers
Touching animals or animal waste
Food preparation, especially after handling raw meat, poultry or fish
Blowing your nose, using a tissue or coughing or sneezing into your hands
Treating or touching open wounds or a person who is sick or injured
After handling trash or garbage
Precautions
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are flammable; do not use or store near heat sources or open flames
Hand sanitizers have a shelf life; note the expiration date when purchasing
Dispensers should be positioned so they do not drip liquid on the floor to create a fall hazard. A “drip catcher” may be placed on the dispenser to prevent this.
Suggestions for Installing Wall-Mounted Dispensers
Dispensers should have a maximum capacity of 68 ounces
Dispensers should be installed in locations that are not above, below or directly adjacent to electrical outlets, switches, appliances, devices or any other potential ignition source
Dispensers should be placed between 42 and 48 inches from the floor
Ordering Dispensers and Refills
The ORM has recently contracted with Claflin Company, a medical equipment vendor, to provide alcohol-based foam hand sanitizing products at a considerable discount.Claflin is offering a case of four 1000ml foam sanitizers for $65.60/case ($16.40 each). This price includes shipping.
In addition, for every container of sanitizer purchased, Claflin is offering a wall-mounted dispenser for $1.00 each (to cover the cost of shipping).
To order, please call 1-800-343-7776, ext. 8243
Be prepared to give the following information:
Account number 406
For the 1000ml foam refills, order # HPIN-11125R-FM4
For the foam dispensers, order # HPIN-EQDISPFW
Your tax-exempt number
Credit card number for payment
Or download the Hand Sanitizer Order Form, fill it out, print it and fax or mail it to the number/address on the form. If you have trouble downloading the form, you may call Claflin at 1-800-343-7776, ext. 8243 and order directly from our sales representative, Jillian Lemire.
Below is a PDF version of the Hand Sanitizer Fact Sheet
Proper hand washing techniques are critical in preventing the spread of disease and maintaining good health.