Hand drying with forced air or paper towels
A comparative study of different hand drying methods, carried out by two scientists from the School of Biosciences at the University of Westminster in London, found that single-use hand towels were the most hygienic drying method, far ahead of air-powered or jet-powered hand dryers.
Comparison of the 3 methods of drying hands
The study on this topic of hand drying took place in 2 phases .
It consisted of comparing the number of bacteria present on the subjects' hands before and after washing and drying them.
The results of this study on hand drying are clear.
It is clear that from a bacteriological point of view, even if the new generation of electric pulsed air hand dryers represents an evolution compared to electric hot air hand dryers, it is still by far the hand drying solution with paper hand towels which represents the most significant reduction in the presence of bacteria on the hands and more particularly on the palms and fingers.
Other methods of drying hands , on the contrary, promote the proliferation of bacteria and even contribute to their transmission between users within a 2-meter radius around the device.
In these times of repetitive pandemics as has been the case for several years with influenza A H1N1, the Cornavirus Covid19, STRAS, MERS… it is clear that hand hygiene is at the heart of hand hygiene.
It is therefore important to remember that hand washing is essential but that it must be accompanied by an appropriate drying method so as not to reduce the effects of the soap to nothing.
Hand drying comparison results
- Hot air hand dryers increase bacteria counts on the palms of the hands by 230.4% and on the fingertips by 186.4%.
- Jet air hand dryers increase the number of bacteria on hands by an average of 52.8% .
- Paper towels reduce bacteria counts by 44.6% to 77.9% on the palm and fingertips.
The conclusion is therefore unequivocal and the only reason that can still support electric drying devices is a purely economic argument.
Pasteur Institute study on hand drying and hygiene
A study carried out by the Pasteur Institute in Lille dating from June 1994 already demonstrated results in the same direction in favor of single-use paper hand towels.
In this study, these were hand drying with rental textile hand towels, hand drying with electric hand dryers, and drying with paper hand towels.
The hydroalcoholic solution or gel is the ideal complement
In addition to washing your hands and drying them with a single-use paper towel, having a hydroalcoholic gel or foam dispenser nearby will be a plus to ensure total hygiene and thus reassure your employees or visitors.
As you will have understood, providing a coherent and complete solution to employees, agents, visitors, etc. of the establishment has now become the cornerstone of your hygiene solution. There is no point in investing in broad-spectrum disinfection equipment and products for your floors and surfaces if hand-borne contamination, which currently represents 75% of the risk, is not treated correctly.
A soap or foam dispenser , a hand drying system with disposable hand towels, a hydroalcoholic gel or foam dispenser will provide everyone with safety that will enhance the level of hygiene in your establishment.
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