Refillable Bulk Soap Puts the Health of Washroom Users and the Image of Building Owners at Risk
A recent study has shown that hands can have as much as 25 times more germs after washing with refillable bulk soap than before washing.1 Refillable bulk soap is the kind of washroom soap that’s typically poured from a gallon jug into an open dispenser reservoir. Find out how this soap can put your health at risk, then take action to help stop the threat.
Refillable bulk soap is messy and labor intensive, and has been proven susceptible to bacterial contamination that can lead to a range of health issues. The refillable bulk soap risk was highlighted as part of a CNN report on The 8 Germiest Places at the Mall, on November 26, 2011.
The Proven Risk
Germs identified in bulk refillable soap dispensers are known human pathogens and have led to infections and fatalities in immunocompromised individuals, the most vulnerable patients in the hospital setting.2,3
As a result, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Health Canada, and the World Health Organization (WHO) have all recognized the bacterial contamination risk of “topping off” refillable bulk soap dispensers, and have issued guidelines against the practice.4,5,6 For that reason sealed soap systems such as GOJO SANITARY SEALED™ systems are used almost exclusively in the healthcare industry in North America.
Impacting Washroom Image and the Bottom Line of Facility Managers
In addition to the health risk posed to tenants and washroom users, refillable bulk soap can negatively affect the image of buildings and washrooms. The pouring of soup into multiple dispensers is slow and can leave a soapy mess. The extended labor time and product waste translate to cost issues, impacting customers’ bottom lines.
The Safe, Smart and Sustainable Alternative
Building owners and facility managers have an alternative that addresses the problems associated with refillable bulk soaps. GOJO SANITARY SEALED™ Refills are factory sealed to help lock out germs. It’s the sealed soap system that’s better for people, the planet and the bottom line of customers.
Scientific Studies:
Leading University of Arizona microbiologist conducts study showing long-term contamination in one out of four refillable bulk soap dispensers
25x increase in germs on hands after washing with contaminated refillable bulk soap, says study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology
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