Posted By Robin B There are a number of comparative reports out there. However, it depends who has commissioned them. The paper mfrs say that hot air blowers move germs and bacteria about the place whilst on the other hand paper towels have to be refilled, cause dust and mess. You pays your money and makes the choice Robin B

Posted By David Kimmins Stephen This is a clear cut issue and I think it's appeared on the forums before if you do a search. The winner is the paper towel, especially if it's in a touch free dispenser. There is loads of legitimate university research out there on the net. The handdryers are not so much that they blow germs around, it's just that they are so ineffective and take so long people seldom dry their hands properly, leaving a moist warm surface, which is the environment germs love. A good toilet facility has touch free flushing, touch free soap dispensers; touch free taps; touch free paper towel dispensers, and preferably a concealed entrance/exit corridor that negates the need for a door. If you have to have a door make sure you have a trash can next to it so people like me can throw the paper towel in that I just used to open the door with. I do this rather than touch the same handle that the thousands of toilet users (aka Skanks) who sadly for everyone else chose not to wash their hands before they used that same handle. Even those who do wash their hands turned on a tap with unwashed hands, and then turned the fouled tap off with the warm moist hands .... Don't think about all this too much as it is scarey, especially when you think those who prepare your food in restaurants are probably not thinking about it (or those that design restaurants). David No, I don't have an OCD, I just think too much.

Posted By David Kimmins John You're right, I listened, to a bacteriologist talk just the other week, your desk is dirtier than the toilet. Strangely though, Women's toilets were much much dirtier (at the bacterial level) than the Gents. David

Posted By Richard Altoft is the answer to have hospital type hand sterilising gel just outside the toilet door so it is the last thing anyone uses.It would need to be dispensed by some non touch method perhaps by breaking a light beam. Has anyone got a COSHH assessment, MSDS and/or RA sheet for the gel??????????? Does it make floors slippery if spilt????????? Lets not bother R

Posted By Patrick Burns CMIOSH, - SpDipEM - MIQA From a personal point of view I prefer the roller hand towels. I believe they are more efficient, produce no waste and do what they are actually meant to do right first time. A good integrated management system solution to safety, quality and Environment.