Proper hand hygiene is one of the most effective and at the same time simplest measures against the spread of pathogens, as the World Health Organization (WHO) has been promoting for years.1
Experts estimate that about 90% of all hospital infections are transmitted via the hands. In everyday life, people’s hand hygiene in general – at least before Corona – was not especially good. In the UK, for example, it has been shown that almost one third of people who regularly use public transport have bacteria of faecal origin on their hands.2
In both the domestic and public setting, hand disinfection in particular as a core element of good hygiene practice can prevent infections. Studies show that especially the probability of gastrointestinal infections, but also respiratory and skin infections, is significantly reduced when people sanitise their hands or at least wash them very thoroughly.3
Hand hygiene is one of the most cost-efficient ways to reduce sick leave and absenteeism among staff.4 Studies show that the risk of contracting infections can be reduced by 30–50% through better hand hygiene measures.5,6
One study, in a large insurance company with almost 1,400 persons, recorded 20% fewer sick days among employees who were provided with hand sanitisers. The company’s focus on the health and well-being of its staff was also appreciated and reflected in greater employee satisfaction.7 In another study, regular hand disinfection during working hours alone reduced cases of colds by 65%.8
*Does not include supply of equipment or technology
Any kind of hand hygiene is OK? No, the choice of disinfectant agent is crucial. The following applies when selecting high-quality hand sanitiser:
Pay attention to proven effectiveness according to EN 1500, to added care substances and to proven quality. This can be recognised through approvals from the professional associations ÖGHMP (Austrian Society for Hygiene, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine) or VAH (Association for Applied Hygiene), as well as from the rating in the Vienna disinfectant database WIDES.
When washing your hands thoroughly, some germs and viruses are rinsed off mechanically, together with dirt and skin particles. Hand disinfection, in contrast, eliminate the pathogens - very quickly and thoroughly. The reduction in germ levels required to reliably prevent further transmission of pathogens is specified in international test standards (such as EN 1500). Neither hand washing with conventional soap nor “non-alcoholic hand disinfection” meets this requirement.
Low quality products may actually damage the skin. Frequent hand washing with soap and water is also very stressful on the skin and makes it dry and cracked. Premium hand sanitisers, such as desderman® and desmanol® contain specially selected care substances. They deliver valuable ProPanthenol and moisturising ingredients to the skin with every application. The dispensers can be conveniently placed wherever they are needed – even away from washbasins.
Ethanol and 1- and 2-propanol are agents of choice for hand disinfection, with good reason. They are effective against bacteria, fungi and many viruses, within short contact time (max. 30 seconds) and the alcohol evaporates quickly following application. Your hands are dry and well cared – for thanks to the skincare ingredients. “Non-alcoholic hand sanitisers” – usually chlorine-based – are not suitable for preventing infection efficiently. Using hand sanitiser products containing sodium hypochlorite is strongly discouraged, due to their unstable nature and potential for skin irritation.