Business
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Different Types of Hygiene Equipment?

Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari

There are few better places to pick up germs and bacteria than in the workplace. Taking steps to install or make available hygiene equipment in the workplace can go a long way toward preventing the spread of infectious diseases and bacteria. Hand sanitizing stations are a relatively new option for hygiene equipment, and they are a convenient way to combat germs and bacteria on computer keyboards, copying machines, and phones. Making tissues readily available an also help spread illnesses, as can making sanitary wipes or paper towels on combination with a sanitary spray to clean office equipment regularly.

In bathrooms, hygiene equipment is common but often ignored. Toilet seat covers, for example, are a great way to prevent the spread of bacteria on public toilets. These covers can be stored in dispensers in each toilet stall, and most covers are designed to be flushed down the toilet like toilet paper. Other hygiene equipment in the bathroom include hands-free dryers that reduce paper waste from paper towels, and hands-free sinks that are activated by a motion sensor. Such sinks can reduce water consumption as well, as the sink does not activate unless the hands are placed in the path of the sensor.

Not all office equipment can be sprayed with anti-bacterial solutions.
Not all office equipment can be sprayed with anti-bacterial solutions.

Hand sanitizing stations are pieces of hygiene equipment that can go a long way toward the prevention of disease and bacteria spreading. Computer keyboards and mouse units tend to collect bacteria more than most other areas in the office, so using hand sanitizer regularly can help prevent transmitting that bacteria to other people, or to other objects. These, too, can include motion sensors that will dole out only a certain amount of sanitizer, thereby eliminating waste and preventing people from actually touching the unit. Hand sanitizers are alcohol-based and the gel dries quickly, making them a convenient way to wash one's hands without a trip to the bathroom.

Paper towels are often used for cleaning and maintaining person hygiene.
Paper towels are often used for cleaning and maintaining person hygiene.

Creating a cleaning station in the office is a great way to promote cleanliness as well. Spray bottles and rolls of paper towels are simple versions of hygiene equipment, but when the spray bottle is filled with an anti-bacterial cleaning solution, office workers can spray down keyboards, mouse units, desks and tabletops, and other office equipment to kill bacteria and prevent the spread of illnesses. All office workers should be careful with spray bottles, however, as not all office machines should be sprayed with a solution. The moisture can damage some equipment and render it useless if not carefully cleaned and maintained.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Not all office equipment can be sprayed with anti-bacterial solutions.
      By: Sven Hoppe
      Not all office equipment can be sprayed with anti-bacterial solutions.
    • Paper towels are often used for cleaning and maintaining person hygiene.
      By: didecs
      Paper towels are often used for cleaning and maintaining person hygiene.
    • Hands free sinks are an example of hygiene equipment.
      By: Maksim Kostenko
      Hands free sinks are an example of hygiene equipment.
    • Toilet paper is common hygiene equipment.
      By: nebari
      Toilet paper is common hygiene equipment.
    • Antibacterial wipes are often used to sanitize hands and surfaces.
      By: Scott Milless
      Antibacterial wipes are often used to sanitize hands and surfaces.