Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infection, and tapware plays an important role in ensuring hand hygiene. Choosing tapware meeting relevant standards for public health and safety can help protect against harmful bacteria and other infectious agents.
In this article, we will discuss the importance of thorough hand washing to prevent the spread of a range of infectious diseases. We will also look at how tapware selection is essential for proper infection control measures in any setting. We will explain why tapware should meet certain standards, what features you should consider when selecting tapware, and how these measures can help reduce or eliminate the risk of transmission of dangerous pathogens. By taking a closer look at tapware selection criteria, you can ensure your facility has appropriate protection against potential infections.
The importance of handwashing to prevent the spread of infection
Handwashing is one of the best preventative measures you can take to reduce the spread of infection. Proper hand hygiene is essential, not only for medical professionals, but also for anyone working in the food industry, hospitality businesses, and other places where people regularly come into contact with different surfaces and objects. When it comes to preventing the spread of infectious diseases, ensure both hands are washed thoroughly and often.
The simple act of washing your hands with soap and water can help to stop germs from spreading when you touch contaminated surfaces or objects. By washing your hands regularly, you can reduce viruses such as influenza and coronaviruses (including COVID-19). Washing your hands correctly can also help to reduce infections caused by bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. To effectively remove germs from your hands, you should scrub them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before rinsing them off with warm tap water.
World Health Organisation guidelines for handwashing
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is the leading international health organisation, providing guidance and resources to promote the healthy wellbeing of all individuals around the world. The WHO has issued a set of guidelines on handwashing designed to reduce the spread of infectious diseases, with tapware playing an essential role in their implementation.
Washing hands should be done with plain soap or liquid detergent, and tapware must have adequate capacity for water flow to help ensure effective hand washing. Tapware must also be easy to use and accessible meaning people can quickly access running water for washing their hands frequently throughout the day. This includes tapware suitable for both adults and children, as well as those with disabilities.
In addition, tapware should be easy to clean and maintain, as tap surfaces can easily become contaminated with microbes from contact with unclean hands. Taps need to be regularly disinfected and cleaned to prevent the build-up of dirt and grime which can harbour viruses and bacteria.
The WHO recommends washing your hands thoroughly with soap or detergent before each meal, after using the toilet or changing diapers, after sneezing or coughing into your hands, when coming in contact with animals or animal waste products, after handling garbage or cleaning materials, and before touching food products.
Quality, efficient tapware plays a key role in reducing infection by making it easier for people to access running water for effective hand washing throughout the day.
Following these guidelines from the WHO can help keep us safe from harmful infections caused by inadequate hygiene practices in our daily lives.
What are the health risks we could avoid by handwashing?
Most of us have seen the signs in public washrooms advising us of the importance of handwashing to slow the spread of the Coronavirus over the past few years, but there are many more infections spread by touch, including:
Gastrointestinal illnesses
The spread of gastrointestinal illnesses like diarrhoea, cholera and dysentery are a major public health concern in many parts of the world. These types of infections can be particularly dangerous as they can lead to severe dehydration and even death if left untreated. However, thanks to advances in tapware technology, handwashing has become an effective way to reduce the risk of infection.
Respiratory infections
The common cold and influenza are highly contagious viral infections spread through contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces. They both typically cause symptoms such as fever, sore throat, congestion, muscle aches, chills, fatigue and coughing. Generally speaking, the flu tends to come on more suddenly than the common cold and causes more severe symptoms.
The good news is practising proper handwashing on a regular basis can help to reduce your risk of catching either of these illnesses by eliminating germs acquired from tapware or other sources.
Skin infections
Skin infections can cause a variety of problems, ranging from mild discomfort to serious medical concerns. Two of the most common skin infections are impetigo and ringworm. Both are caused by bacteria or fungi and can be spread through direct contact with an infected individual or through contact with objects such as towels, clothing, or surfaces.
The spread of both impetigo and ringworm can be reduced by proper handwashing techniques. Practising good hygiene techniques like washing hands regularly after touching potentially contaminated surfaces and wearing protective gloves when handling objects such as towels can help reduce the risk of spreading these infections to others.
Ear, nose and throat infections
Ear, nose and throat (ENT) infections can be caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses and fungi. The most common types of ENT infections include ear infection (otitis media), sinus infection (sinusitis), tonsillitis, laryngitis and pharyngitis. These infections can range from mild to severe. Symptoms may include fever, sore throat, nasal congestion, bad breath, difficulty swallowing and earache or ringing in the ears.
Poor hygiene such as not washing hands properly plays a major role in the spread of these infections.
Eye infections
The most common eye infection is conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. It is caused by a virus or bacteria and can be spread through contact with an infected person’s secretions, such as saliva or tears. Symptoms of conjunctivitis include redness and irritation in one or both eyes, discharge from the eyes, itchiness and/or burning of the eyes, and swollen eyelids. If left untreated it can lead to vision loss, scarring of the cornea (the clear dome-like structure in front of the pupil), glaucoma (increased pressure in the eyeball), long-term visual impairment, and even permanent blindness.
One way to reduce the risk of developing any type of eye infection is by keeping your hands clean. Washing your hands frequently with soap and water helps prevent viruses and bacteria from entering your body through your mucous membranes—which includes your eyes—and causing an infection.
Food poisoning
Staphylococcal food poisoning is an infection caused by Staphylococcus bacteria sometimes found in contaminated food and water. These bacteria can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhoea. In some cases, the infection may also lead to fever, headache, dehydration, and even death. The most common sources of contamination are improperly cooked meats, dairy products, shellfish, and vegetables exposed to sources of contamination.
Fortunately though, there are ways to reduce the risks associated with Staphylococcal food poisoning. One of the most effective ways is regular hand washing. It is essential everyone involved in preparing meals washes their hands thoroughly before touching any food item or utensil as this greatly reduces the chances harmful bacteria will spread from person to person.
Tapware selection for infection control
Tapware is a key element in infection control strategies for any business or healthcare environment. Choosing the right tapware for hand sanitation can help slow or prevent the spread of illness and minimise healthcare costs. Proper tapware selection should include considerations such as safety, durability, ease of maintenance, and cost.
The tapware you select should provide a reliable source of hot and cold water allowing hands to be washed quickly and effectively. Hot water can help reduce bacterial load on hands when used with soap and friction, while cold water prevents scalding injuries. In addition to providing adequate temperature control, tap spouts should remain open without manual activation while in use, allowing users to keep their hands below the tap while still receiving a continuous flow of , and shut off completely when not in use to reduce the risk of cross-contamination between users.
If possible, tapware should meet design requirements to make it easier for users with varied heights and statures, such as wheelchair users, seniors and children. Lever tap handles are particularly beneficial here as their long handles are easier to reach by people with limited mobility or those who find it difficult to grip short handles such as knobs due to physical impairments. These types of tap handles make it easier for everyone using the facility to access safe and hygienic hand washing facilities, even those with restricted physical abilities, by providing an alternative requiring minimal handling effort while still being easy enough to operate correctly without assistance.
Other considerations for tapware selection include durable construction materials capable of withstanding frequent use without corroding and an ergonomic design to increase user comfort by preventing fatigue during extended handwashing sessions.
Selecting tapware from reputable manufacturers who prioritise quality assurance will help ensure your system remains reliable over time.
GENTEC – Premium Quality hygiene solutions
At GENTEC, we are dedicated to providing you with high-performing products guaranteed to stand the test of time.
Using cutting-edge technology and customised solutions, our expert team will ensure any specification is met for your home or business needs, from basic plumbing supplies to specialist healthcare equipment. With a worldwide reach due to our central hub location, whatever industry you’re in, we provide all those necessary amenities!
We understand the importance of quality when it comes to delivering superior safety standards within healthcare environments. Rest assured each product has been thoroughly tested before being delivered directly into your hands.
