Implement the PROCESS-over-PRODUCT approach
Every product, whether it is single-use or reusable regardless of the material, can transmit infection, even it is wrapped in plastic or made of plastic.
Reusable products though can be washed and sanitised and are then safe to be used again whereas single-use products just creates unnecessary waste that can be contaminated.
PROCESS-OVER-PRODUCT approach
Of course, hygiene is always of crucial importance, not only during a pandemic outbreak. Good hygiene prevents the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses that can affect you, your staff and your guests.
As bacteria and viruses usually transmitted via airborne virus cells or via direct contact with a contaminated surface that has been previously touched by an infected person.
That means that every product, whether it is single-use or reusable regardless of the material can transmit infection, even it is wrapped in plastic or made of plastic. The main difference between single-use and reusable products are that single-use products have more negative than positive impacts, e.g. creating unnecessary waste that can be contaminated. Reusable products can be washed and sanitised and are then safe to be used again.
Thus, it is more effective, better and safer to improve processes rather than buying (single-use) products. This is called the PROCESS-OVER-PRODUCT approach.
The PROCESS-OVER-PRODUCT approach for single-use gloves
- Imagine, every one of your staff is wearing single-use gloves because everybody thinks it is safer this way.
- With the gloves the products are not touched directly.
- But how many surfaces and products touch the people whilst wearing the gloves?
- Door handles
- Trays
- Glasses and bottles
- Their faces
- …
- And how many people wash their gloves regularly? Wearing gloves distracts people from washing or sanitising their hands on a regular basis.
- Frequent handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol-based sanitizers is the most effective method to prevent infection.
Conclusion: The PRODUCT (in this case the gloves) does not keep people necessarily safe AND produces a lot of waste. Whereas the PROCESS of handwashing and sanitising is more effective and avoids a lot of unnecessary waste.
