What is the Best Hand Sanitizer Dispenser for Outdoors?
Choosing the Right Hand Sanitizer for Outdoor Use
Many people ask us, "what is the best hand sanitizer dispenser?" There are dozens of hand sanitizer dispenser types available. Small, squeeze-type dispensers are better suited for pocketable, personal use. Large pump-style dispensers or touchless automatic dispensers are ideal for group settings like board rooms or classrooms.
However, as more people are utilizing outdoor parks and recreation spaces, the question of what type of hand sanitizer dispenser is best takes on new meaning.
Outdoor Hand Sanitizer 101
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using soap and water to prevent the spread of germs and viruses. If soap and water are not available, the CDC recommends using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
With new CDC guidance about using parks and outdoor recreational facilities, there is renewed interest in making hand sanitizer available for park visitors. Many parks don't have restrooms or handwashing stations with soap and water. In these instances, hand sanitizer is the best option.
Keeping Hand Sanitizer in Place
A common concern among park and recreation workers is how to make sure a bottle of hand sanitizer doesn't "walk away." Some people have tried attaching metal cables or lanyards to hand sanitizer dispensers. Other people have resorted to using duct tape to secure a bottle of hand sanitizer to a post.
Neither of these approaches is effective at preventing people from moving the hand sanitizer. A better method is a locking hand sanitizer enclosure that is stationary, durable, and easy to maintain.
The Right Size Hand Sanitizer Dispenser
Another question we hear from maintenance staff is, "what size hand sanitizer dispenser should I buy?" A good rule of thumb is to buy the largest size that fits your outdoor hand sanitizer enclosure.
GameTime's Outdoor Hand Sanitizer Stations accommodate dispensers up to 1250ml. An internal mechanism can be adjusted to hold smaller sizes as well. A 1250ml dispenser will provide nearly 1,350 pumps, or "actuations."
Each person may require one or two actuations to provide an adequate amount of liquid to sanitize their hands. That means a 1250ml bottle will serve between 675 and 1,350 visitors before you need to refill it.
Where Should I Put Outdoor Hand Sanitizer Stations?
Hospitals and health care facilities have installed hand sanitizers outdoors for years to prevent the spread of germs inside their facilities. It is equally essential to make sure park and outdoor facility visitors feel confident they have access to hand sanitizer. We recommend placing hand sanitizer stations at multiple locations:
- At main entrances to parks, playgrounds and recreation facilities
- Near seating and picnic areas
- With trash receptacles (or install a GameTime Hand Sanitizer Station with built-in trash receptacle)
- Near athletic fields for team members and spectators
- With non-flushing toilets
- At any public spaces where people gather
So What is the Best Hand Sanitizer Dispenser for a Park, School, or Other Outdoor Facility?
The best hand sanitizer dispenser is the one that uses the right type of sanitizing liquid and is readily available. When using hand sanitizer outdoors, remember to make sure it contains at least 60% alcohol. Install hand sanitizer stations in places that are easy to find and access. Choose a durable, locking enclosure, so it is available whenever someone needs it.
If you would like to add hand sanitizer stations to your outdoor recreation space, contact a GameTime expert in your neighborhood. We will help you identify the right types of hand sanitizer stations, the number you need, and the best places to install them.