The SaniTimer Puts Food Safety On The Clock

To ensure your staff rinse, lather and wash their hands for the full 20 seconds as recommended by the CDC and taught in food handlers and health code courses nationwide to avoid the spread of harmful bacteria, the award-winning SaniTimer attaches easily to any standard handwashing sink faucet, the company said.

The SaniTimer automatically begins a 30-second countdown — the extra 10 seconds account for an individual's preferred hand-wash prep — shown on an easy-to-read LED display as soon as the water is turned on. At the end of the cycle, the SaniTimer resets itself to 30 seconds for the next member. The device works with pedal sinks as well as hands-free sinks for ease of installment and operation with existing sink and hand wash stations.

Purdue University’s Avery Food Lab ran a study using the SaniTimer in 2018 and the results showed a clear statistically significant result that the it did change behavior at handwashing stations and raise compliance rates.

Highlights from the study include:

• The SaniTimer raised average compliance wash times from 11.6 seconds to an average of 14.9 seconds: an increase of 28.4%. The increase was statistically significant with a SE value of .92 and a p value of .002 which is an incredibly strong correlation.
• It remained as effective during the entire time it was used. But after removing the timer, rates dropped back to previous levels before the timer was being used in practice. This shows consistency and effectiveness with longevity for the device.
• The timer was far more effective at changing employee behaviors than posted signage.
• With the timing increase came a significant boost in scrubbing procedure relating to proper handwashing technique as well.
• Note that these increases were done with no guidance from management or training on how to use the device, leaving room for improvement with proper training coupled incentive programs for adhering to food code and internal guidelines.

Study results available upon request. For inquiries about this topic or for more product information on the SaniTimer, contact Charles Abraham 817-933-5399 or charles.abraham@sanitimer.com, or visit www.sanitimer.com.