Rank: Guest 
|
Posted By N.I
Good morning all.
I am trying to source some anti-bacterial hand gel that needs to be alcohol free (for religious reasons).
Does anyone know of any suplliers?
Thanks in advance!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Chris Packham
If you search on Google (hand sanitiser, alcohol free) you will find a number of suppliers.
However, a word of caution. The alcohol-free ones use an active that is, in effect, a biocide. These are sensitisers. Used in cleanser etc. they are usually only on the skin for a very short time. Even so, dermatologists are reporting cases of allergic contact dermatitis from the active in the anti-septic cleansers.
In a leave on product, which is what you will be providing, the active will be in long term contact with the skin. This significantly increases the potential for sensitisation and allergy.
I checked on the religious question some time ago and was advised by an authority on this that there was no objection on religious grounds for using alcohol on the skin. The problem only arose when it was consumed orally.
If your worker insists, then the safest alternative is to wash hands rather than use a sanitiser.
Chris
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Bob Shillabeer
An interesting question. My local hospital has hand gel at each entry point to wards in the local hospital. I don't know if they are alcohol free but some individuals of other religeons use them, try asking your local NHS Trust for info.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By TBC
You will also have to careful what colour it is so you don't offend.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By JWG I work for a hospital and I have not heard of any employees refusing, expressing concern, or asking for a non-alcoholic alternative due to religious grounds. The alert below, 'Clean hands help to save lives', was produced by the NPSA for all Trusts to follow. There is no mention of an alternative gel to the alcohol gel. But soap and water should still be used to clean hands. www.npsa.nhs.uk/site/med...uments/644_cyh_alert.pdf
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Chris Packham
Additional comments to my earlier posting:
Alcohol gel will kill most bacteria and many viruses. However, it is not effective against spores and endotoxins. These are often the main offenders when it comes to cross infection, e.g. C.difficile. Actually, nor will the antiseptic cleanser kill spores.
However, alcohol gell is quickly inactivated by organic matter, so hands that are soiled with organic matter need to be washed wil normal liquid soap. Antiseptic soaps offer no significant benefit and may actually be counter-productive.
Chris
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.