Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, hand hygiene has become more important than ever. Clean hands – as well as keeping distance and ventilating – are essential to limit the spread of viruses. Because contamination mainly occurs via hands, air and surfaces, more and more national and international chains are opting for touch-free solutions in their sanitary facilities.
Key points in brief:
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In busy public spaces it is crucial to prevent the spread of pathogens.
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Since COVID-19, there have been doubts about the hygiene of jet hand dryers.
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Scientific research shows that jet hand dryers are just as hygienic as paper towels.
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Sensor-controlled hand-held dryer taps minimize contact, contributing to optimal hygiene.
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Major chains such as Pathé, La Place, McDonald's and IKEA consciously opt for touch-free jet hand dryers.
Hygiene in public places
In places where thousands of people come together every day, such as restaurants, cinemas and department stores, the risk of infection is higher than average. A clean and well-equipped sanitary area is not a luxury here, but a necessity. Limiting hand contact and using sensor-controlled technology demonstrably contribute to better hygiene.
Jet hand dryers: proven hygienic
After the corona pandemic, the debate about the hygiene of hand dryers has flared up again. However, dozens of scientific studies show that jet hand dryers are just as safe as paper towels. They work completely contactless and do not require touching surfaces.
In a comprehensive 2019 study, Professor Kelly Reynolds (University of Arizona) analyzed 293 studies. Her conclusion: there is no convincing evidence that one drying method is more hygienic than the other. In both cases, the levels of aerosolization and microbes are comparable.
Pathé: touch-free hygiene for millions of visitors
Pathé, the largest cinema chain in the Netherlands, welcomes millions of guests every year. Because visitors often eat during the film, hand hygiene is extra important. Pathé de Kuip in Rotterdam was the first branch to switch to Dyson Airblade Wash+Dry hand dryer taps. These combine washing and drying above the sink, with HEPA-filtered air that removes 99.95% of bacteria and viruses from the air.
Today, most Pathé cinemas are equipped with this solution. “Waiting times are shorter, toilets stay cleaner and we reduce our ecological footprint,” says Robbie van Sleeuwen, Manager Building and Renovations at Pathé.
La Place: sustainability down to the toilet
La Place links its sustainable mission to an innovative toilet concept called 'PiPi'. Here everything is focused on saving the environment: from toilet paper made from sustainable wood to automatic flushing systems.
Dyson Airblade Wash+Dry hand dryer taps were also chosen here. They use up to 80% less CO₂ than paper towels and save considerably on water use. Because they are fully sensor-controlled, no water is wasted and there is no need to touch them.
McDonald's: speed, hygiene and sustainability
McDonald's welcomes tens of thousands of guests per location every day. Efficiency and hygiene are therefore crucial here. Thanks to the Dyson jet hand dryers, guests can dry their hands quickly and hygienically, without waste and queues.
Because McDonald's complies with strict HACCP food safety standards, the use of these dryers contributes to compliance with legal requirements. Other fast food chains such as Burger King and KFC are also making the switch.
IKEA: pioneer in sustainable sanitary solutions
Back in 2010, IKEA Groningen, the largest branch in the Netherlands, installed its first jet hand dryers. Eight years later, they switched to the latest generation of hand drying taps – a solution that combines washing and drying, without water on the floor or waste in the bin.
Other locations, such as Delft, Hengelo and Breda, followed suit. IKEA's approach is fully in line with their sustainability goals.
Conclusion: touch-free is the new standard
In busy environments, hygiene is not optional, but essential. That is why more and more leading organisations are opting for sensor-controlled jet hand dryers. They combine safety, speed, durability and ease of use – setting a new standard for hand hygiene in public spaces.