{"id":54425,"date":"2025-11-09T21:30:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-09T21:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/?p=54425"},"modified":"2025-11-09T18:55:50","modified_gmt":"2025-11-09T18:55:50","slug":"hand-hygiene","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/cospedia\/hand-hygiene","title":{"rendered":"Everything You Need to Know About Hand Hygiene"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Good hand hygiene<\/a> is essential for preventing the spread of illnesses and maintaining a healthy environment in workplaces, schools, and public spaces. From regular hand washing to convenient hand sanitisers, consistent hygiene habits protect you and everyone around you against the spread of germs while helping promote overall wellbeing.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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The Importance of Hand Hygiene<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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According to research<\/a>, washing hands reduces the spread respiratory illnesses by 16-21%. From the common cold and flu to more serious infections, hands are the primary transmitters of germs. When you touch a contaminated surface, those germs transfer to your hands, and from there, they can enter your body when you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.<\/p>

In Australia, hand hygiene compliance<\/a> in public hospitals was approximately 86% in the 2022-2023 audit period. This exceeds the national benchmark of 80%. However, a 2023 survey<\/a> reveals a huge gap, with 17% of Australians admitting that they don\u2019t always wash their hands after using the toilet, and 34% saying they don\u2019t always wash their hands before handling food.<\/p>

These numbers show that while everyone understands the importance of hand hygiene in different workplace settings<\/a>, making it a consistent habit continues to be a challenge.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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How to Wash Hands Properly<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Knowing how to wash hands properly is key to the effective removal of germs. A rigorous approach is necessary before eating, after restroom use, after coughing or sneezing, and upon entering clinical or communal spaces. Here\u2019s the recommended process:<\/p>

  1. Wet your hands with clean, running water.<\/li>
  2. Apply soap and lather thoroughly.<\/li>
  3. Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds, covering palms, back of hands, between fingers, and under nails.<\/li>
  4. Rinse well under running water to remove all soap residue.<\/li>
  5. Dry your hands completely using a clean towel or air dryer.<\/li><\/ol>

    When soap and water aren\u2019t available, use a hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol. This is especially valuable in high-traffic areas or on the move.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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    Soaps vs. Sanitisers: What Are the Best Hand Hygiene Products to Use?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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    The choice between soap and sanitiser depends on the situation.<\/p>

    Washing with soap and water is always the preferred method when hands are visibly dirty, greasy or contaminated. Soap and water do not necessarily kill germs, instead using surfactants and friction to lift, trap, and rinse them away physically.<\/p>

    Hand sanitisers<\/a> are gels, foams, or liquids that quickly inactivate microorganisms on the hands. Available in alcohol-based or alcohol-free formulas, sanitisers serve as excellent options when soap and water aren\u2019t immediately available.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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    Understanding Different Hand Hygiene Products<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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    There is no one-size-fits-all approach to hand hygiene. Every workplace, classroom, and public facility has unique hygiene needs based on the number of people using the space, the nature of daily activities, and accessibility to sinks or hand sanitising stations. Understanding the types of hand hygiene products available ensures your environment remains both clean and comfortable for everyone.<\/p>

    1. Liquid Hand Soap<\/h3>

    Liquid hand soap<\/a> is one of the most common choices for workplaces and public bathrooms. It\u2019s ideal for high-traffic areas because it effectively removes dirt, oil, and bacteria. These soaps are dispensed through wall-mounted or countertop dispensers, providing a controlled amount of product to reduce waste.<\/p>

    Liquid soaps are suitable for most environments, from office bathrooms to school washrooms and healthcare settings. Many modern formulations also include moisturising agents like aloe vera or glycerine to prevent dryness caused by frequent washing.<\/p>

    2. Foaming Hand Soap<\/h3>

    Foaming hand soap<\/a> has become increasingly popular in schools, offices, and hospitality venues. It dispenses as a pre-lathered foam, which means less water and soap are needed to achieve the same cleaning results as traditional liquid soap. This not only saves resources but also helps reduce long-term costs.<\/p>

    Foaming soaps are particularly effective for encouraging children to wash their hands, as the foamy texture can make the process more engaging. For facilities focused on sustainability, foaming soap systems can significantly reduce water use without compromising cleanliness.<\/p>

    3. Heavy-Duty Hand Soap<\/h3>

    For industries like construction, automotive, or food processing, heavy-duty hand soap<\/a> provides a deeper clean. These soaps are designed to remove grease, oil, paint, and other stubborn contaminants that regular soap might struggle with.<\/p>

    Heavy-duty options often contain natural abrasives or specialised cleaning agents to lift grime effectively while still being gentle on the skin. Many workplaces pair these soaps with barrier lotions to help protect and repair the skin after frequent washing.<\/p>

    4. Soap Bars<\/h3>

    Soap bars<\/a> remain a classic option, especially for small offices, residential care facilities, and home-like settings. They\u2019re simple, affordable, and effective for personal hand hygiene. However, to reduce the risk of cross-contamination in shared spaces, liquid or foaming soaps are generally preferred.<\/p>

    5. Hand Sanitisers<\/h3>

    Hand sanitisers play a crucial role in maintaining hygiene when access to water and soap is limited. They\u2019re convenient for use at desks, entryways, and other high-touch areas. Providing hand sanitising stations throughout shared spaces promotes consistent hygiene habits and complements regular hand washing routines.<\/p>

    6. Barrier Lotions and Moisturisers<\/h3>

    Frequent hand washing and sanitising can strip away natural oils from the skin, leading to dryness and irritation. Barrier lotions<\/a> form a protective layer on the skin, helping to maintain hydration and reduce damage from repeated cleaning.<\/p>

    In workplaces where employees wash their hands often, supplying barrier creams encourages long-term compliance with hygiene practices by keeping hands healthy and comfortable.<\/p>

    7. Dispensers and Refills<\/h3>

    A well-designed hygiene system is not just about the products themselves, but also how they\u2019re delivered. Hand hygiene dispensers<\/a> make soaps and sanitisers accessible and hygienic by limiting contact and controlling the amount someone uses.<\/p>

    Touch-free and sensor-based dispensers reduce cross-contamination, while refillable models help reduce plastic waste, thus supporting a more sustainable hygiene program. Choosing the right bathroom dispensers<\/a> can contribute to both hygiene and sustainability in shared facilities.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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    Building a Hand Hygiene Culture<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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    Providing the right products is only part of the solution. A culture of proper hygiene is built through awareness, consistency and accessibility:<\/p>