Hand Sanitiser – What are the Expectations in Buildings?

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26 November 2020 | Updated 01 December 2020

The results of a new study show what the public expect to see when it comes to hand sanitiser provisions in public spaces in Europe.

Conducted during the summer of 2020 as businesses began to reopen after the initial lockdown, the findings from the survey show that the public overwhelmingly prefers touchless dispensers.

75 per cent of people also want the security of alcohol-based hand sanitiser. 

72 Per Cent of People Would Avoid Using Hand Sanitiser if it Looked Unhygienic

The study from Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP) shows how businesses can effectively demonstrate their commitment to public health and safety, by protecting staff and customers with appropriate solutions that people want to use.

Typically, perhaps linked to the wider governmental approach, 75 per cent of people want the security of alcohol-based hand sanitiser. However, the remaining 25 per cent prefer alcohol-free sanitiser, which means, depending on the type of facility and associated risk factors, facilities should implement the approach that’s right for them.

Respondents were also asked to describe a venue with no hand sanitiser provisions. The most common words were unsafe, unclean and dangerous. Two of these words relate to safety, indicating people consider such facilities a personal risk. In describing the individuals that run such a facility, the top words were irresponsible, careless and cheap. 

The research also found that 72 per cent would avoid using hand sanitiser if it looked unclean or unhygienic, perhaps reflecting a coming change in public perception. Throughout lockdown and the beginning of the reopening phase, the public has focused on facilities that have hand sanitiser. But increasingly, as more facilities implement hand hygiene solutions, the focus will shift from the existence of provisions to the quality of provisions on offer.

Sanitiser Provision the “Most Important Factor” in People Feeling Safe

53 per cent of respondents expect to see hand hygiene provisions placed throughout a venue. Entryways are a natural bottleneck for hand hygiene provisions, particularly when they are also exits, but provisions placed throughout a facility allow for continued vigilance as well as continual reassurance. 

Seeing hand sanitiser provisions throughout a space can provide a sense of safety for the public, 79 per cent of respondents said hand sanitiser provision was the most important factor in their safety in a location other than home.

Paul Jakeway, Head of Marketing RCP, EMEA said “Businesses that wish to encourage customers back to their facilities should be mindful of the expectations of those customers. Deploying alcohol or alcohol-free hand sanitiser in touch-free dispensers, on stands or walls at key touchpoints throughout a facility reassures customers, putting businesses ahead of their competitors who are still offering substandard provisions.”

Choosing a Soap and Paper Dispenser Supplier

As the demand for dispensers has continued to grow during the COVID-19 pandemic, many new suppliers of dispensers have emerged offering cheap and quick dispensing solutions. Many of these new suppliers, mostly operating online, have taken advantage of the situation, and are making claims about products that are not easy to verify.

With so many brands and products available, how do know you which one to choose? How do you know the dispenser you buy is of good quality and safe to use?

Established suppliers of dispensers ensure they put their products through vigorous safety and compliance checks and are there to support their customers throughout. Considering all of this, Nicole Mathes from Brightwell Dispensers looks at what facilities managers need to consider:

• Product specifications and quality – Does the product meet your requirements? Where do you want to install the dispenser? What do you need it for? Does the product adhere to industry standards? Has the product been thoroughly tested by the manufacturer so it is safe to use and of good quality? A good supplier will support you in finding the best solution for your business. 
• Check any available product certifications and the company credentials – With many newly established companies appearing, especially online, it is important to check the company credentials and any product certifications before buying any products. 
• Is the company ISO 9001 certified? By sourcing products from an accredited ISO 9001 manufacturer you can be assured that you will be equipped with consistent, good quality products that offer a high return on investment, contributing to your business’ longevity. While a cheaper alternative may cost less upfront, the long-term benefits of good quality equipment in terms of customer satisfaction, long-term savings and improved productivity, can fast outweigh the short-term gains of a cheaper product. 
• What returns policy or warranties does the company offer? Does the product have a UK/European warranty? A longer warranty for a dispenser will ensure you that the product you buy is of good quality.
• Available pre-and after-sales customer service and technical support – When choosing the right equipment supplier it is important to have a loyal partner who will support you pre-and after-sales. Customer support should not end with your order and the company should continue to be there for you whenever you need support. 
• What accessories are available? You need a new pump for a soap dispenser or need to switch from a liquid pump to a foam pump for your dispenser? It is important to consider what accessories and spare parts you can get from a supplier, to give you the flexibility for all eventualities. 

COVID-19 Resources: Stylish Hand Sanitisation Solutions

For those that manage high-end buildings and want to balance safety with style, we’ve put together some hand sanitation solutions that won’t compromise the aesthetic of your office space. 

Discover more COVID-19 resources here.

Picture: a photograph of a person using a touchless hand sanitising station

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 26 November 2020

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