“Happy Birthday to you… Happy Birthday to you…” no longer the tune of a merry celebration and now the theme song for our scrubbed, hardworking hands. Hand washing routines hit schools in the UK dramatically back in March, ahead of the official coronavirus crisis lockdown.
As we now move out of lockdown and back to the ‘new normal’ we are still being advised to wash our hands thoroughly and regularly throughout the day. But why is handwashing so important and what are the best ways to go about it?
- Regular handwashing with soap, removes germs from hands
This seems incredibly obvious, but statistics suggest that we in the UK are particularly resistant to washing our hands, with men being worse than women for not only neglecting to scrub their mitts, but by lying about it afterwards!
Research from the University of Colorado revealed that the average person’s hands carry at least 3000 different bacteria! So, get scrubbing, to get rid. A good quality antibacterial soap and dispenser will help you do this.
- Your germs are 1 in 8 million
Over the course of a day, one germ on your hand can multiply to more than 8 million! Stop them in their tracks with effective hand washing.
- We are exposed to several hazards a day – without even knowing
Washing your hands after visiting the loo or before and after cooking are obvious to most people, but what we do not always think about is how other situations allow bacteria on to our hands.
Did you know, for example, that TV remote controls are a breeding ground for germs, particularly in places where many people use them, like hotels and shared school spaces.
Pets can also harbour nasties in their fur. Cute and fluffy they may be, but hand washing must always be carried out after a fuss.
- Your face is a germ highway
Washing your hands before and after touching your face is something many of us would never have thought to do before the coronavirus crisis. This article from the New York Times discusses how millions of mucous membranes exist in our eyes, nose and mouth. These are a literal fast track for infections, into the bodies respiratory system.
Regular washing or sanitising helps to kill the bacteria on the hands, before they make the journey in to your body.
- Germs live a long, happy life on many surfaces
Information from the World Health Organisation suggests that coronavirus bacteria can survive for up to 72 hours on plastic or steel surfaces and up to 24 hours on cardboard. With all of these materials being a regular feature in schools, it is important to not only regularly clean surfaces with a good quality antibacterial cleaner, but also to wash hands with regularity, to avoid the spread of infection in the first place.
- Wash hands like a pro, with the W.H.O.
Most people in the UK will have seen some sort of handwashing sign during lockdown. This helpful guide to washing your hands thoroughly and effectively from the World Health Organisation.
Prominent displaying of a clear and simple handwashing routine sign is essential in all schools and education facilities. You can see our range of these here.
- Hand Sanitiser? What’s the drop?
Sales of hand sanitiser skyrocketed during March at the outbreak of the infection. But many people still don’t understand the different types that are available and which the best is for protecting against coronavirus.
Public Health England suggests that an alcohol-based hand sanitiser was best for breaking down the coronavirus particles ‘envelope’ surround and killing the infection. Alcohol based sanitisers should preferably contain at least 40% alcohol for maximum effectiveness.
For more sensitive hands for example in a school, nursery or nursing home setting, a low-alcohol or alcohol-free sanitiser should suffice, but check before you buy that the gel or foam is affective for COVID-19.
- Warm is wonderful
There have been several debates over the years about warm water vs cold water for the most effective handwashing. This article from the NHS debunks myths around cold water being just as effective as cold for killing the bacteria on our hands, revealing that whilst cold water is effective on E.coli bacteria, warm water is still best for killing virus’ and infections.
- Drying is important too!
Grabbing a grubby towel to dry your mitts after a handwashing session is not only counterproductive, it’s pretty gross too! Research suggests that Covid-19 Bacteria can live on fabric surfaces for up to 24 hours, meaning you could be sharing more than a bathroom with your co-workers or family members.
Air drying or drying with paper towels is the best option for lessening the risk of spreading infections.
At Paper Plus we have been supporting schools for over 20 years. The coronavirus pandemic has allowed us to get even closer to our partner schools, working with them, to put in place effective supply plans to tackle germs and provide reassurance to staff and children.
Get in touch with our friendly team today to enquire about our range of PPE, Signs & Safety equipment and cleaning products to help you make the return to school life in September as stress free as possible.
