The Crucial Role of Handwashing in Health and Hygiene: Embracing Touchless Faucets for a Safer Future

Posted by Lori Shemek; March 1, 2024

Are touchless faucets the way to go in helping to prevent illness? Handwashing is a simple yet incredibly effective way to prevent the spread of infections and illnesses. It’s a habit that we’re all familiar with, but its importance cannot be overstated, especially in the context of public health. Regular handwashing, when done correctly, can significantly reduce the risk of contracting and spreading diseases like the common cold, flu, and even more serious infections like COVID-19. The Basics of Handwashing The process of handwashing is straightforward but requires attention to detail. It involves wetting your hands, applying soap, lathering and scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, rinsing thoroughly, and then drying with a clean towel or air dryer. This process helps to remove dirt, bacteria, and viruses from your hands, reducing the chance of spreading germs to others or to different surfaces. Importance in Preventing Illnesses Handwashing is particularly important in healthcare settings, where the spread of infections can have serious consequences. Healthcare workers are trained to follow strict hand hygiene protocols to protect both themselves and their patients. In the community, regular handwashing can help prevent the spread of illnesses like the flu, which can be particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, and people with underlying health conditions. The Role of Touchless Faucets

Touchless faucets, also known as automatic or sensor faucets, have gained popularity in recent years due to their convenience and hygienic benefits. These faucets use sensors to detect when hands are placed under the tap, triggering the flow of water. This touch-free operation reduces the risk of cross-contamination from touching the faucet handles with dirty hands. In fact, The Crucial Role of Handwashing in Health and Hygiene: Embracing Touchless Faucets for a Safer Future.

Handwashing is a simple yet incredibly effective way to prevent the spread of infections and illnesses. It’s a habit that we’re all familiar with, but its importance cannot be overstated, especially in the context of public health. Regular handwashing, when done correctly, can significantly reduce the risk of contracting and spreading diseases like the common cold, flu, and even more serious infections like COVID-19. According to the Healthy Handwashing Survey™ conducted by Bradley Company, Americans implement handwashing on an “as needed basis.” Case in point, 74% wash their hands more frequently or more thoroughly in response to seasonal virus outbreaks and 54% increase their handwashing activity when they’re sick. In addition, 77% make it a point to wash up when on a road trip or in an airport and 67% wash more when they have travel coming up. Advantages of Touchless Faucets

1. Hygiene: Touchless faucets minimize the spread of germs by eliminating the need to touch potentially contaminated surfaces.
2. Water Conservation: These faucets often have sensors that control the flow of water, reducing wastage and promoting water conservation.
3. Convenience: They are convenient to use, especially in situations where hands may be full or dirty, such as in the kitchen or bathroom.
4. Energy Efficiency: Touchless faucets can be more energy-efficient, as they can be programmed to shut off automatically after a certain period, preventing water wastage.
5. Modern Aesthetic: They add a modern and sophisticated touch to any kitchen or bathroom, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.

Incorporating Handwashing into Daily Life To make handwashing a habit, it’s important to incorporate it into your daily routine. You can do this by washing your hands:

• Before and after preparing food
• Before eating
• After using the bathroom
• After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
• After touching animals or animal waste
• After caring for a sick person

“No matter the season and no matter what’s circulating, handwashing should be top-of-mind every single day,” says Jon Dommisse, vice president of marketing and corporate communication for Bradley. “It’s especially important for parents to get their children into the life-long habit of washing their hands before and after eating, after using the bathroom, after sneezing and other times throughout the day.” Handwashing is a simple yet powerful tool in the fight against infections and illnesses. By washing our hands regularly and thoroughly, we can protect ourselves and others from harmful germs. Touchless faucets offer a hygienic and convenient way to wash hands, further reducing the risk of cross-contamination. Embracing these technologies and adopting good hand hygiene practices can lead to a healthier and safer future for all. Touchless faucets can contribute to better hygiene whether in the public restroom, kitchen, laundry room and more by reducing the spread of germs. Since they can be operated without touching them directly, there is less opportunity for bacteria and viruses to transfer from one person to another. This is just one important tool in preventing illness and disease. For more than 100 years, Bradley has been known as the leader in advanced commercial washrooms and comprehensive emergency safety solutions that make public environments hygienic and safe. Bradley innovated the industry’s first and most specified WashBar multi-function touchless handwashing and drying fixture. Washroom accessories, partitions, HDPE lockers, as well as emergency safety fixtures and electric tankless heaters round out its product range. Headquartered in Menomonee Falls, WI, Bradley Company, a subsidiary of Watts Water Technologies, serves commercial, institutional and industrial building markets worldwide. www.bradleycorp.com.