Waste Collection Workers should have hand washing facilities on their vehicles

Portable hand wash sinks must be robust for a mobile workforce.

The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have emphasised just how important good hand facilities are for recycling and waste collection workers – and that hand wash sinks and basins should be robust and easy to clean.

The UK HSE said “Good personal hygiene is vital for waste and recycling workers so as to prevent infections and other ill health caused by working with waste. The quality and performance of the washing facilities should reflect this need and be of a high standard.”

“Provide adequate education and training to ensure workers understand the importance of hygiene and utilise the facilities that are available.”

Hand wipes are insufficient for recycling workers:

The UK HSE emphasise the importance of washing with soap and water saying:

“Antiseptic hand wipes alone may be insufficient for refuse collection workers who may need to deal with skin contact with poisons and aggressive acids/alkalis.”

They further stated in their report that:

“Hand-washing provision should be provided where there is a risk of contact with corrosives, acids, biohazards etc. This may include warm water, mild soap and towels. Cleansing wipes alone should only be provided on vehicles where there is a minimal health risk and no hand washing facilities. Avoid strong cleansers that can cause irritant dermatitis. Good personal hygiene will reduce the risk of ill health.”