Handsfree Dispenser

     It is a great feeling of security when using a sensor-operated soap dispenser especially in a public restroom.  Even in the home having a touchless soap dispenser is essential when handling food, particularly  meats like chicken or fish.  Salmonella and e.coli from contaminated food can really make you very sick.

     There are two types of soap dispensers for restrooms and institutions. One type can be mounted like a faucet on the countertop. It looks like a faucet.  Other dispensers are mounted on the wall.  Both types use either a foam soap or a liquid soap.  These soap dispensers can be used in the home also.

     In addition to wall and countertop mounted dispensers there are models that stand on the kitchen, bathroom, or restaurant countertop.  These automatic devices use batteries that can last through many uses.  Any touchfree  step in the process of handwashing like sensor-operated soap dispensers eliminates some cross-contamination of germs.

     Wherever you go you pick up germs on your hands everyday. Door knobs, money, mail, keyboards, shopping carts, people, animals, diapers, and the list goes on. When we touch our eyes, nose, or mouth, hopefully it will be with clean hands.  If not,  we can potentially get infected by these microbes.

      The big hype today is preventing getting a flu, especially the H1N1 Swine flu. Viruses that cause a flu can live on objects for awhile, enough time for you to pick them up on your hands. Here are a few important tips in preventing cross-contamination:

       Wash your hands before eating.  This is really important out in public. Restaurant menus are handled by hundreds of people, so wash your hands after handling a menu or use hand sanitizer. Clean your hands after touching objects such as previously mentioned to stay healthy. Sensor-operated, hands free soap and towels are the best dispensers. You can use countertop models in the home.

     I am often asked the question  ‘ Where Are The touchless soap dispensers”  And I am asked more frequently now that it is the flu season.  People seem to be more aware of germs today and so they wonder why don’t public restrooms have these dispensers.

     Parents are concerned about schoolchildren being exposed to cross-contamination in school restrooms. College dorms are reporting sick students.  Industries and businesses cannot afford to have workers stay home because they are ill.

     So what is the answer to keeping people well?  We are told by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) That proper handwashing is the best defense against spreading germs. There are several steps in avoiding touching things that are contaminated.  They are using automatic, sensor-operated devices when in public restrooms. It starts with the sensor-operated toilet flusher, the touchless soap dispenser, then the automatic faucet and towel dispenser, and finally the exit with a sanitary door opener.

         Heaven forbid that one of us has to be a hospital patient. One never knows if that will happen.  On the other hand, many of us have been  visitors to a hospital patient. We are there to cheer-up the patient, often with a bouquet of flowers, box of candy, or reading material.

          But is that all that we bring with us?  Depending on what we were doing prior to the visit, and also where we were before we came, we actually harbor thousands of different microbes.  Many of them I might add are picked up with our hands.

          We bring germs from home or our work areas.  Phones, keyboards, doorknobs, elevator buttons, menus, and TV remotes are some of the more common objects that we touch.  The person that we are going to visit may be immune-compromised and could easily be affected by our germs.

           Many hospitals provide hand sanitizer dispensers for caregivers and visitors. They are even installing automatic soap dispensers.  Please make it a point to stop and use either hand sanitizer or wash your hands. This goes a long way in preventing cross-contamination. And of course, never sit on the patient’s bed.