Renfrewshire Council launch ‘handy’ new kit to promote good hygiene

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Renfrewshire Council is the first local authority in Scotland to launch an interactive hand washing kit that uses a special ‘glow box’ to show children and adults the parts of their hands they might miss when washing. The ‘Hands on Hygiene' kit is an innovative concept designed to promote effective hand washing and prevent the spread of disease.

The Council has three of the ‘Hands on Hygiene' Kits which will be available to hire free of charge to local businesses and groups such as schools, nurseries, health professionals, voluntary groups and food shops.

The innovative ‘Hands on Hygiene' teaching kit consists of:

• a UV ‘glow box’ hand inspection cabinet with special lotion
• an interactive teaching CD
• replica food
• guidance on the importance of washing hands and information on other food safety and hygiene websites.

The interactive presentation kit uses a UV ‘glow box’ and a special disclosing lotion to test hand washing technique. Users apply the lotion then wash their hands as normal. When they then put their hands under the ‘glow box’, they are often surprised when the UV light shows the amount of lotion still applied on their hands. The immediate results make it a fun and informative learning experience for all ages from nursery children to adults.

Councillor Iain McMillan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Housing, Environment and Community Safety Policy Board, said: “Renfrewshire Council is at the forefront of promoting good hygiene and health education in Scotland. The launch of this new ‘Hands on Hygiene' kit is a great example of finding a new way to engage with the public on an issue we all need to be more aware of. The kit is a truly innovative and a fun way of teaching both children and adults alike the importance of washing hands.”

The introduction of the three new ‘Hands on Hygiene' kits have been funded using grants from the Food Standards Agency Scotland and Renfrewshire Community Planning Partnership Health Improvement Group.

If you would like to book the 'Hands on Hygiene' teaching kit please contact the Health Promotions Unit on 0141 840 3106.

Press Release: Tuesday 3 October 2006