Commonwealth Games lesson: hand washing for staff and customers essential to “boost confidence”

Teal Hygienius mobile handwash unit in a food hall

“Cleanliness and hygiene are always high on the agenda for hospitality businesses” says report

Hospitality businesses can give confidence to their guests by adopting vigorous hand hygiene procedures for both staff and visitors. The simplest and most effective way to achieve this is to provide hand washing facilities where they’re convenient and easy to use, according to a recent report on the Hospitality & Catering News website

Lessons learned during the recent Birmingham Commonwealth Games – described as the largest sporting event held in the UK since the onset of the pandemic, with over a million spectators and participants being estimated.

The article, by a Director of Medical and Scientific Engagement, Hygiene at Reckitt states

“Measures should also be put in place to make hand washing as easy as possible, such as encouraging staff and customers to sanitise or wash their hands regularly and at critical times – for example, upon arrival at the premises.”

The importance of “Targeted Hygiene”

Hand washing opportunities should be presented where they will be of most use – at the point of need, writes Dr Lisa Ackerley, CEnvH, FRSPH.

Hand hygiene facilities are of limited use if they are in out of the way locations she says.

Putting them in the right place is critical. In short,

“…interventions should be put into place when and where they are most effective.”

Personal hygiene “plays a key role”, with hand cleanliness being a hugely important element of this says the report: “…handwashing with plain soap and water reduces the presence of bacteria to 8%.”

How hospitality businesses can apply learnings from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games to boost confidence of customers and staff »

Teal mobile hand wash units – place them wherever they’re needed!

The image above shows the WashStand Xtra mobile handwash unit – which can be deployed indoors or out.

There are vehicle mounted, wall mounted, mains powered and free standing hand wash stations as well as mobile sinks for use with pre-heated hot water.

The Teal range of mobile sinks includes the MediWashHygienius and Hygienius ProWashBigSynkSuper StalletteTEALwashHandeman XtraCompact ClassicHandSpa, CliniWash – and now the new WashStand Xtra.