The science is clear: Paper towels are the most hygienic option for hand drying.
In a new normal, where the definition of occupational hazards, safety and security evolves to include a more comprehensive approach to hygiene. How can we help you make a POSITIVE CHANGE?
Caring about your employees means delivering a hygienic and safe workplace and one of the most impactful ways to promote a cleaner work environment is a hygienic washroom.
The science behind good hand hygiene is clear: single use paper towels are the most effective and hygienic way to dry your hands. Compared to Jet Air Dryers and other hand drying options, single-use paper towels are recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Mayo Clinic Proceedings as the best hand drying method for good hand hygiene.
Why is Washroom Hygiene so important?
Poor washroom hygiene can expose employees and guests to microbes that can cause sickness. Did you know that 95% of adults don’t wash their hands long enough to remove bacteria and germs, that can remain on hands after washing.
We know that hand washing is critical to prevent the spread of bacteria and germs but did you know that Hand Drying is an important part in overall hand hygiene? So which hand drying option?
Jet Air dryers v Paper Hand Towels
A recent study found people had 42% more bacteria on their fingers and 15% more on their palms after using a jet air dryer1 but drying your hand with a paper towel can remove up to 77% of the bacteria that remains on hands after washing.2
The inner surfaces of a jet air dryer can harbour 48 times more bacteria than found on a toilet seat.1 and Fecal bateria, E. Coli and staph have all been found on jet air dryers1
Paper towel are the recommend and preferred hand drying option. According to the Mayo Clinic Proceedings review paper, “…given the strong preference for using paper towels, hand hygiene adherence would possibly decrease if paper towels are not available in washrooms.” During a study in 2016 when faced with a choice of drying methods, 95% of people chose paper towels over jet air dryers in the restroom.3 The World Health Organization recommends single-use paper towels in its patient safety instructions for health care workers.4
If you would like to make your workplace truly exceptional – a place where everyone feels equipped and empowered to contribute to a more hygienic world then Kimberly-Clark Professional™ has a range of Washroom solutions to help you offer a more hygienic and safe workplace.
For advice on these products or any of the products in our Kimberly Clark range please contact our Customer Service teams on bcss.info@bunzl.ie or phone +353 1 6301800
1 Eurofins-Inlab study (2012)
2 University of Westminster, “Changes in the number of different types of bacteria on the hands before and after drying using paper towel, continuous cloth roller towel, warm air dryer and jet air dryer” (2010)