Abstract
Handwashing and hand drying are key elements of infection control. Paper towels are
generally accepted as the most hygienic means of drying hands and are often distributed
from generic dispensers. Effective dispensing of towels is of importance economically
and may influence infection control objectives if hands become contaminated during
hand drying. In this study, a method to identify potential exposure routes for hand
contamination and evaluate the efficiency of paper-towel dispensing is described and
applied to 5 different folded paper towels using a generic wall-mounted dispenser.
A total of 18 male and female participants of varying heights participated in pull
testing of 400 paper towels each, in controlled hand-drying simulations. All events
having the potential for hand contamination, including towel jamming, towels falling
onto the floor, and incidental contact of paper exits, were monitored and documented.
There was considerable variation in dispensing efficiency between different towel
brands. One towel (Z) had significantly (P <.05) superior dispensing properties from the generic dispenser. Participants of
a shorter height obtained a lower incidence of dispensing malfunctions using all towel
products and type. The results indicated likely contamination exposure routes and
wastage levels for each towel type. Environmental service managers and infection control
practitioners should carefully consider, for economic and infection control reasons,
the siting and design of towel dispensers and the types of towel purchased. (Am J
Infect Control 2003;31:104-8.)
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Article info
Footnotes
*Supported by a grant from Georgia-Pacific Health Smart Institute.
**Reprint requests: Christopher J. Griffith, PhD, School of Applied Sciences, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, Colchester Ave, Cardiff CF23 9XR, United Kingdom.
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Copyright
© 2003 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
