Using hand sanitiser

Clean hands play an important role in maintaining hygiene across workplaces, public spaces and shared facilities. Hand sanitiser provides a practical option when soap and water are not readily available.

Understanding how hand sanitiser works, when to use it and where its limitations apply can help support more effective hand sanitising practices.

What is hand sanitiser?

Hand sanitiser is a liquid, gel or foam designed to reduce the presence of microorganisms on the hands. Many hand sanitisers are alcohol-based and contain ingredients such as ethanol or isopropanol.

Non-alcohol-based products are also available, although their ingredients and performance may differ. Product labels should always be checked before use.

How does hand sanitiser work?

The primary mechanism by which hand sanitisers function is through the action of alcohol. Alcohol disrupts the outer coating of viruses and bacteria, rendering them inactive. Essentially, it breaks down their protective walls, causing them to become non-functional.

Benefits of hand sanitiser:

1. Convenience: It's portable and can be used without water, making it handy when you're on the go.
2. Quick action: It acts quickly to kill microorganisms on hands.
3. Accessibility: In situations where soap and water aren't readily available, hand sanitisers to the rescue.

However, we should be aware that hand sanitisers have some limitations. They are not effective against all germs - some germs aren't eradicated by hand sanitisers. Hand sanitisers don't clean dirty hands. So if your hands are visibly dirty or greasy, hand sanitisers might not work effectively. Also, they can't remove harmful chemicals. Hand sanitisers are not designed to remove chemicals like pesticides or heavy metals.

Use hand sanitation after touching public surfaces like door handles, railings, or elevator buttons, before and after visiting a patient in a hospital or before eating or handling food.

With multiple products available on the market, there are some core points for choosing the right hand sanitiser. Firstly, check the alcohol content: a hand sanitiser should have at least 60% alcohol to be effective.  Secondly, ensure that the product has been approved by relevant health organizations. And lastly, avoid harmful additives: some sanitisers contain harmful additives like methanol. Always read the ingredients.

When using and storing the product consider the important safety measures:

• Keep out of reach of children: Kids might ingest hand sanitiser, which can be harmful.
• Avoid contact with eyes: If contact occurs, rinse your eyes thoroughly with water.
• Flammability: Alcohol-based hand sanitisers are flammable. Keep them away from open flames.

Hand sanitisers have become a staple in our daily routines, and rightfully so. However, it's essential to understand their strengths and limitations. By using them correctly and choosing the right product, you can ensure that you're taking effective measures to stay safe and clean. Remember, while hand sanitisers are a great tool, they're not a replacement for good old-fashioned handwashing with soap and water.

Stay informed, stay clean, and stay safe!