Soap Dispenser Safety

Soap dispensers can contain harmful bacteria.

Hand washing is widely known to halt the spread of disease and maintain public health. However, some soap dispensers can spread the very diseases that they are designed to protect against. There are ways to make soap dispensers safer.

Types of Soap

The type of hand soap used in the soap dispenser can contribute to the safety level of the environment. Anti-microbial soap is recommended for environments where the spread of germs is a major concern, such as hospitals and doctor's offices. In addition, using an alcohol-based antiseptic cleanser is recommended as a protective measure.

The Problem

While hand washing is highly recommended by all medical professionals and organizations, numerous people touch public soap dispensers every day. Even soap manufacturers admit that there is a possibility of contamination.

Prevention/Solution

Sanitary sealed soap dispensers spread disease less than dispensers that you can open and refill. In addition, reusable soap dispensers are more difficult to keep clean. If you do use a refillable soap dispenser, the CDC recommends that you do not refill the dispenser when it is partially full to avoid the spread of disease.

References

• 3M Health Care: Recommendations From the CDC Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings
• Gojo: Response to Bulk
• CDC: Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Health-Care Settings