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Recommendations for good hygiene in education institutions

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Teaching children to understand the importance of hygiene is an essential part of their education. With their less developed immune systems, infections are more easily caught. School life can be frequently disrupted by the spread of communicable diseases such as Influenza, Norovirus and Escherichia coli (E. Coli). Hand hygiene really helps reduce the spread of germs. 

Research shows that improper hand washing can cost the education system millions of sick days, for students and staff. Hand washing is the most important thing you can do to keep from getting sick.

Adopt the right hygiene culture right in the washroom

Improving the condition of the school washrooms and providing adequate facilities supports increased hand washing rates and more positive attitudes in students. The simple act of washing hands can reduce the risk of stomach bugs by as much as 47%. Risk hotspots within the washroom include toilets, flush handles, cubicle handles and areas around the sink.

  • The use of colour throughout the washroom with coloured dispensers can enhance the mood and encourage positive attitudes towards learning. Spruce up your washrooms with vibrant red, green, blue or even pink hygiene facilities.
  • Effective hand washing and drying is critical to disrupt the spread of germs. Ensure soap and hand drying provisions are well-stocked. For optimal hygiene needs, non-touch sensor technology hand soap dispensers are available to minimise surface contact.
  • Provide hand washing demonstrations to students and equip washrooms with signage and visual prompts to promote good hygiene practices.

Creating a positive impression right at your door step

The reception and entrance areas create a first impression for students, parents and visitors. Make it positive and it will reflect well on the hygiene standards of the school. 

  • The reception and entrance areas is also often a high traffic space with multiple cross interaction during the day. 80% of the dirt in building is often brought indoors via public's shoes. Providing quality floor care by placing an entrance mat not only helps to demonstrate an added level of care and consideration to the students, but enhances the school's image of the school. Health and safety of the students are also not compromised by minimising risks of slips and falls.
  • Ensure a regular cleaning routine with a focus on high-use areas such as door handles, surfaces and even signing-in pens

Practising hygiene and food safety in the canteen

Food hygiene and safety are critical in ensuring childrens’ well-being and maintaining educational standards - keeping both staff and students safe from food-borne illnesses. 

  • Train staff on correct hand washing procedures and glove usage policies to minimise the spread of germs from hands to food and surfaces
  • Ensure adequate hand washing facilities are provided and well stocked including soap, paper or dryer in the canteen and kitchen. For optimal hand hygiene, offer hand sanitisers or opt for non-touch sensor technology hand soap dispensers for your employees and students.
  • Clean food preparation areas and disinfect work surfaces regularly to reduce the risk of cross-contamination

Deliver a safe and pleasant learning environment

  • An unclean classroom creates a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, affecting both children and staff.
  • Incorporating hygiene education in the curriculum can boost hygiene standards.
  • Door handles and common surfaces are often overlooked when cleaning. Ensure a good cleaning program and provide access to hand sanitisers to minimise the risk of cross-contamination.

Computer rooms

A study by Initial Washroom Hygiene found that the average computer mouse was home to more than three times the levels of bacteria-related contamination compared to the average toilet seat. 

  • Computer keyboards house thousands of microbes per square inch. Encourage students to clean computer desk areas regularly by providing surface sanitisers. 
  • Implement a regular cleaning regime of computer equipment as many hands come into contact with a single work station. To minimise the spread of bacteria and germs from surfaces to hand contacts, always sanitise your hands before entering or exiting the computer rooms for added hygiene protection.

Next steps

Air fresheners

Our fan and spray air fresheners dispense controlled fragrances and reassure users that your washroom is cared for.

 

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Hand sanitiser dispensers

Our hand sanitiser dispensers come with skin friendly yet powerful sanitiser that kills 99.9% of germs.

 

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Hand soap dispensers

Our award-winning Signature soap dispensers are built with seamless curves and an integral antibacterial surface to reduce the spread of germs.

 

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