Take Control of Poor Hand Drying

Many washroom operators do not realise – to their cost – that paper towels are the most hygienic hand drying system available. KIMBERLY-CLARK PROFESSIONAL* Channel Manager Martin Knight-Jones explains the rationale behind a new pan-European Hygienic Hand Drying campaign.

Evidence is mounting that paper towels are by far the most hygienic form of hand drying there is. Most recently, a rigorous study conducted by the University of Westminster in London established that while hand towels dramatically reduce the levels of bacteria on the hands after drying, warm air dryers result in a marked increase.

And yet many organisations and companies persist in using hand dryers – and even linen towels – in their washroom facilities. It’s easy to see why they may do this. Perhaps they think emptying a bin full of used paper towels is a hassle they can do without or maybe they feel that finding a new system would be expensive and time consuming.

In both cases, washroom operators are failing to understand that their choice of hand drying system could be costing their organisation. Poor hygiene can raise staff sickness levels, which has a direct impact on the efficiency and productivity of a company or organisation. Use of a hand dryer or linen towel to save on cleaning costs is likely to be a seriously false economy.

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