According to the NHS, germs like salmonella and E. coli can survive on washroom surfaces for as long as four hours. Whilst bathrooms are high-traffic areas where germs can spread easily, we must ensure both professional cleaning and individual care.
At CCS, we provide commercial bathroom cleaning services across the South West. Regular professional cleaning services ensure that touchpoints and surfaces are cleaned thoroughly, reducing the spread of germs and creating a clean atmosphere.
Good hand hygiene is paramount in maintaining a healthy workplace, especially in environments where individuals are in close contact, like businesses, offices, and schools.
In this article, we will discuss 5 steps to prevent the spread of germs in commercial bathrooms, and how you as individuals can take action for better hygiene.
5 Tips For Hand Hygiene In The Workplace
Proper Handwashing Technique
Begin by wetting your hands with clean running water, warm or cold. Apply soap and thoroughly cover the surfaces of your hands. It’s crucial to rub your hands together to create a lather and scrub all parts, including the back of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails.
Remember to scrub for at least 20 seconds – about the time it takes to hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice.
Rinsing and Drying
After scrubbing, rinse your hands with clean running water, warm or cold. It’s essential to turn off the tap using a paper towel or your elbow to avoid recontaminating your hands.
Dry your hands thoroughly using a clean towel or air dryer. Wet hands can transfer germs more easily, so ensuring they are dry is just as important as the washing process.
Using Hand Sanitiser Effectively
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Apply the palm of one hand with enough product to cover all surfaces of your hands. Rub your hands together, ensuring the sanitiser reaches every area, including between your fingers and the back of your hands.
Continue rubbing until your hands feel dry. Note that sanitisers can cause alcohol poisoning if ingested, so it’s crucial to use them correctly and supervise children when they use them.
Hand Hygiene Post-Contact Activities
Always wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, and after treating a cut or wound. It’s also vital to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands to prevent the spread of germs.
Regular Cleaning and Reminders
As a cleaning company, CCS understands the importance of maintaining clean surfaces. Regularly clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces in the workplace, including bathroom facilities.
Providing visible reminders and guidelines for hand hygiene can also encourage consistent practice among employees and clients.
By incorporating these hand hygiene practices, commercial buildings can significantly reduce the spread of germs and maintain a healthier environment for everyone.
