Hand Sanitisers
We all know that the best way to clean our hands is by using soap and water. But soap and water is not always available. If we are riding the train, walking outside, inside an elevator or attending a concert, we need to have something readily available to clean our hands. This is where hand sanitisers come in.
When is the best time to use a hand sanitiser?
It is recommended to use a hand sanitiser when you want to clean your hands if soap and water are not readily available. If your hands are not heavily soiled or they are not greasy, you can use hand sanitisers. It is most recommended to use an alcohol-based sanitiser. If your hands are visibly dirty liked you just finished your gardening, if they are greasy like after you repaired a car or you have handled harmful chemicals, it is best to use soap and water to clean your hands.
What is considered a good hand sanitiser?
A good hand sanitiser must contain at least 60% alcohol. If used correctly, it will help in killing most germs (but not all germs). It is also recommended that hand sanitisers must be fragrance-free because users tend to have a fragrance preference or worse, may be allergic to it. Hand sanitisers can come in forms of gel, foam or sprays. The type of hand sanitiser really depends on what type of organisation you belong to and the type of users you have.
Alcohol-based sanitiser can cause alcohol poisoning and is a fire hazard.
With alcohol-based sanitiser, there are some risks that come with it. Since it has alcohol, it can lead to alcohol poisoning and it is a fire hazard. They should be kept away from children as much as possible who do not understand its purpose. If there is an alcohol poisoning, call your local poison control hotline and go to your local hospital immediately. If your workplace is carrying an alcohol-based sanitizer, you must keep them away from a heat source or open flame. It is also recommended to have your hands completely dry after using a hand sanitizer to make sure that the alcohol component has been evaporated.
What is the difference between alcohol-based and alcohol-free hand sanitisers?
- Alcohol-based hand sanitisers contain alcohol and it usually comes in a gel. Alcohol-free based sanitisers are mostly water-based and do not contain alcohol. It usually comes in a foam. Foam alcohol-free hand sanitisers are less messy and more economical than gel alcohol-based hand sanitisers. Gel alcohol-based hand sanitisers because it provides the right amount enough to sanitise your hands.
- Alcohol-based hand sanitisers are riskier for alcohol poisoning, fire and surface damagesī¸. Alcohol-free hand sanitisers are safer and less damaging to surfaces.
- When it comes to effectivity, alcohol-free hand sanitisers are less scientifically proven for its germ-killing ability than alcohol-based sanitisers. That is why the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention is recommending to use alcohol-based hand sanitisers with at least 60% alcohol.
- Alcohol-based hand sanitisers are mostly used in industries like healthcare and food services and food manufacturing facilities where germ-killing ability is paramount. Alcohol-free hand sanitisers are most likely used in industries like prisons, correctional facilities or rehabilitation centres that do not allow any alcohol-based products, manufacturing facilities where fire or heat source is a major hazard or schools where it offers cost-savings.
How do you use hand sanitiser properly?
The efficacy of a hand sanitiser depends on its proper usage. Apply hand sanitiser to the palm of your hands. Rub the hand sanitiser all over the surfaces of your hands. Rub your hands together until they are dry. It might take at least 20 seconds before your hands are dry. Do not wash your hands or wipe it on another surface before it is dry.
If you have questions about hand sanitisers or if you need any cleaning advice, contact one of our hygiene experts or email us at sales@greenrhino.co.nz
Disclaimer: The articles are written with the best intentions but are of a general nature only for users who accept full responsibility for its use. Where advice is sought for specific requirements then the advice from a Professional consultant would be required. We do not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of the articles. Any action you take upon the information from this blog is strictly at your own risk. We will not be held liable for any losses and damages (whether direct or consequential) in connection with the use of this blog. We suggest that you seek professional advice to obtain solutions specific to your cleaning needs.