Help to cut down on gastro-intestinal infections
As people start to venture outdoors with the onset of spring, farm visits are on many people’s to-do lists. Farm visitors need to be aware of the need for effective hand washing at key times – and farmers need to provide appropriate facilities in order for this to be achieved, according to a recent report on the Bath Echo website.
The article reports that Public Health England (PHE) has warned that incidents of gastro-intestinal infections – associated with activities including farm visits – tend to increase at this time of the year.
“With these figures in mind, it’s a good time to remember that washing hands properly after using the toilet and before eating food is a healthy habit to adopt.”
Hand washing facilities should also be available at the point of need, says the report – and they should be suitable for the people using them.
“Having the right hand washing facilities at the right height and in the right place is particularly important to encourage hand washing.”
Soap and water – not gels – on farm visits
The report also emphasises that effective hand washing techniques must be taught and used during a farm visit, quoting Public Health England South West’s health protection officer Dr Toyin Ejidokun, who recommends hand washing with soap and water after all contact with animals.
“Hand gels or wipes are not a substitute for washing your hands with soap and running water although they are better than nothing if soap and running water is not available” Dr Ejidokun is quoted as saying.
Public Health England urges good hand hygiene for Easter visits to farms »
Buy or hire hand wash units for your farm event
The TEAL range of mobile sinks are robust, easy to move around and need surprisingly little water and includes the mains powered Super Stallette and the ultra portable Handeman Xtra and WashStand which use preheated hot water and can be placed anywhere within a farm environment.