A New Era in Hygienic Standards: Three Years of Advancements during COVID-19
It’s a bit of an understatement to say the way the world views hygiene has changed over the past three years. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, infection control has become one of global society’s top priorities. In turn, hand hygiene practices have become more relevant than ever, allowing forward-thinking companies like Excel Dryer to shine. In this blog, we outline how we have led the charge into this new era in hygienic standards.
HEPA Filtration Results
In April 2020, just one month after the virus permeated the United States, LMS Technologies performed virus filtration efficiency testing on the HEPA filtration systems in our dryers. Suffice it to say: the testing cleared the air regarding hand dryer hygiene. It proved XLERATOR® Hand Dryers with HEPA filtration systems remove 99.999% of viruses and 99.97% of potentially present bacteria at 0.3 microns from the airstream.
Mobile Hand Hygiene Station and Global Response Team Efforts
Once the testing came back with such positive results, we mobilized our Global Response Team to provide organizations with the most hygienic hand drying solutions to help prevent the spread of the virus. We also engaged with local leadership and organizations to do everything we could to help our immediate community.
As part of these efforts, we created the XLERATOR® Hand Dryer Mobile Hand Hygiene Station, which provided an efficient, hygienic, touchless solution for hand drying for medical workers, eldercare staff and others on the front lines of the pandemic. We donated units to support COVID-19 testing sites throughout the Northeast, including one near our factory on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition. The stations allowed personnel conducting the tests to practice proper hygiene during the testing.
The testing site served around 250 first responders a day, with test results available in 24 to 48 hours. The site was in operation seven days a week for about a month, proving to be an essential element to the community response. After the success of that endeavor, we donated additional units to Mercy Medical Center in Springfield and the Hampden County Correctional Center in Ludlow.
The Study of Studies Supports Hand Dryer Usage
At the same time, false information was being spread online regarding the hygienic capabilities of hand dryers. In August 2020, a study of studies was able to put that myth to rest. Renowned researchers at the University of Arizona culled the current breadth of data, including published studies, news reports and authoritative online content, seeking to uncover which hand drying method, hand dryers or paper towels, was more hygienic and safer relative to human health risks.
Their exhaustive review of the data concluded with the finding that hand dryers and paper towels are equal from a health and safety perspective.
A History of No-Touch Solutions
Did you know 80% of germs are spread by touch? Since 2020, the critical need to limit interactions with objects, especially in highly trafficked areas such as restrooms, has come into the spotlight.
In a 2022 survey performed by MetrixLab, researchers spoke to 1,500 consumers across Europe to find out exactly what they want and expect when they visit a restroom. Respondents reported the availability of hands-free fixtures as one of the most essential elements on which they judge the cleanliness of an establishment. All our products, including the XLERATOR®, XLERATOReco®, XLERATORsync® and ThinAir® Hand Dryers, are completely touchless.
Present Day: Continuing to Lead the Way
Excel Dryer has always stepped up to lead the way into new, uncharted territory; we promise to continue our efforts as the global hygiene landscape evolves. If you want to learn more about our hygienic and touchless solutions, please contact us today.
