Making Use of Hand Sanitizers Effectively to Maintain Safety During the Pandemic

Now that many people are returning to the office, there are a number of precautions that employees can take to lower their risk of catching or spreading COVID-19.

While social distancing and wearing proper PPE’s might be two approaches, proper commercial cleaning services and using hand sanitizers are other trusted ways to help keep the virus at bay.

However, when it comes to sanitizers, there’s a right and wrong way to use it. Whether it’s your own supply at your workstation or from a public dispenser, ensure you are using one that is alcohol-based that contains at least 60% or higher alcohol. Put enough sanitizer on your hands to cover all surfaces of both sides of your hands and rub together to create friction like you would washing your hands with soap and water until they feel dry (this should take around 20 seconds). Ensure the sanitizers are not part of the ones being recalled.

Make Sure It’s Approved

When choosing a hand sanitizer, make sure the product has been approved by Health Canada. This does not mean they’re specifically aimed at coronavirus; however, these products have been shown to reduce the spread of microorganisms that cause infectious diseases.

To find out, read the natural product number or drug identification number on the label and compare it to the Health Canada’s list. New products can be added to the list at any time, so be sure to check often.

How To Properly Use Sanitizer

When applying the sanitizer, use a generous amount to coat both the front and back of your hands. That includes targeting nails, as well as getting between your fingers like you would with soap and water.

In order to get all areas of your hands, you may want to consider removing any jewellery that can be an obstruction. Let it dry completely – don’t rub it off.

It is especially important to use sanitizers when hand washing is not an option like after touching public surfaces such as door handles and doorknobs although these are often cleaned and  targeted by commercial janitorial services it is wise to sanitize your hands in between these commercial cleaning services to ensure the areas have not been re-contaminated.

Things To Avoid

There are other ways to maximize the effectiveness of sanitizers, and they involve the things you don’t do. For example, as mentioned earlier, only buy approved sanitizers – don’t try to make it on your own or buy it from an unknown source. Some commercial cleaning companies can supply hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes for you and your workplace.

Keep it separated from areas that contain food (prep surfaces should be sanitized by commercial cleaning services using food grade safe disinfectants. Sanitizers and disinfectants should always be placed away from sources of flame. Don’t let your children or pets get at it either.

Don’t add anything to the sanitizer to change the scent. If you develop any negative side effects, stop using it right away and call your doctor and seek medical guidance.

Learn more about how commercial janitorial services can help reduce the risk of COVID-19 alongside with proper sanitizer usage from Arelli Commercial Cleaning.