Washing hands with soap is an important aspect of hygiene and public health, preventing the spread of intestinal and respiratory illnesses.
Desinfectants
Disinfectant soap is unnecessary in most cases.[verification needed] Some people have raised concerns that they have a negative impact, as they may cause bacteria to develop resistance,[expansion needed] and lead to the health problems associated with being excessively hygienic.[expansion needed]
Handwash station, Thailand
A simple hand wash station was created for a Sunday School in North East Thailand. Watch the video: http://www.ourmedia.org/node/265218
Description: The watering can is suspended, with a cord attached to the nozzle. The cord is attached to one end of a stick (perhaps 50 cm or 20 inches long) on the ground, adjusted so that one end of the stick lies on the ground, and the other is raised slightly. The user steps on the stick, dropping the nozzle and enabling them to wash without touching anything with their hands.
Suggestion: perhaps redirecting the cord around a pole or pulley would make it easier for the user to keep their feet dry?
A similar design is shown on Akvopedia at Tippy Tap.
Handwashing sanitizer
Alcohol based hand sanitizers provide a low-cost and portable hygiene solution. There are home-made recipes on-line, however, these are not likely to have the greater than 60% level of alcohol recommended by the CDC. The issue is well explained in this New York Times article. There is potential for the development of a >60% home-made sanitizer recipe.
Related projects
External links
- Hand Sanitizer Alcohol Poisoning - snopes.com (Status: True)
- Tip Tap
- Tip Tap 'how to' video
