2020 is the year where we all can say, ‘never saw this coming.’ This year has taught us many things as well. From washing hands every hour to wearing masks or sneezing into our closed elbows, these simple yet crucial things have become part of our daily habits.
It will be an understatement to say that the pandemic has shaken us. Today, our prime objective is to stay cautious and protect ourselves and the others around us. While social distancing and masks are important, we are suddenly all the more conscious about proper hand hygiene measures. And when it comes to hand hygiene, hand sanitizers have a huge role to play.
Even after the COVID pandemic ends, the need for hand sanitizers and contactless sanitizer dispensers are not likely to go down. Failing to wash hands correctly contributes to nearly 50% of all foodborne illness outbreaks. Also, up to 80% of communicable diseases are transferred by touch. Given these statistics, the habit of handwashing and sanitizing will always be a pillar of good health.
Contactless Sanitizers and How They Became Essential
Popular surveys have shown that about 1 in 5 people don’t wash their hands; of those, 70% of people skip using soap. Also, the availability of soap and running water is not possible everywhere. The solution? Hand sanitizers.
Today, sanitizers have become the hero of this world after the spread of COVID-19. Experts have admitted that sanitizers are vital to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
There are so many surveys that prove that alcohol-based sanitizers help in killing other germs and disease-causing bacteria as well. Consequently, offices, schools, buildings, restaurants, hotels, and every other place have started making hand sanitization mandatory before entering their premises.
People have realized the importance of sanitizers, and everyone is using it to protect themselves and others from the minacious virus. In this context, contactless sanitizer dispensers are a breakthrough innovation.
Pre-COVID-19 – What was the Role of Contactless Sanitizer Dispensers?
Before the pandemic, sanitizers weren’t as popular or of common use by the public despite medical professionals constantly emphasising on hand hygiene. A few people used it, while others never thought of it as essential.
However, this has changed today as we rub sanitizers thoroughly on our hands many times a day. Sanitizers are now being considered as an essential commodity in every office, institution, or household.
There are multiple campaigns by the government and institutions to raise awareness among people and show them the importance of sanitizers. Celebrities have been seen actively promoting the benefits of hand hygiene.
According to popular surveys, there is a rise in the use of hand sanitizers by 255% in first-world countries like the U.K. in 2020. Some countries even had to limit the purchase of sanitizer per person to maintain the stock.
Early Contactless Sanitizer Dispensers: Foot-operated Mechanism
Sanitizer bottles have single contact points like lids and pumps, and when used by so many people, it can become the reason for cross-contamination of the virus.
With coronavirus spreading like fire, sanitizers that require minimum contact became the need of the hour. It is also understandable that if people had to touch sanitizer dispensers every time before and after using it, then it defeats the purpose of sanitization completely. So after a lot of research, the idea of foot operated-sanitizer dispensers came into the picture.
The prime purpose of this invention was to minimise the cross-contamination while sanitizing your hands. It was helpful, as people started using their feet to use the sanitizer, which means nobody touches the sanitizer bottle with their bare hands.
This device was designed mainly for public areas like schools, hospitals, banks, and corporate offices with a large number of workers, and other places which get a lot of visitors.
Disadvantages of Foot-operated sanitizers dispensers
Although it was a useful invention, foot-operated sanitizer dispensers have their disadvantages. Here are some prominent ones which render these devices less effective.
Vulnerable to theft
The dispenser stands are easy to use but provide very little security to the sanitizer bottles. If placed at an isolated location, the sanitizer bottles can be stolen.
No uniformity in dispensed quantity
The sanitizer stands can be operated by foot but cannot dispense the same quantity of ingredients every time. Depending on the pressure applied, sometimes it releases too much sanitizer and sometimes too little.
This can be a little annoying for the people, lead to wastage and be the reason behind people skipping sanitization when in a hurry.
Maintenance
It is vital to keep an eye on the pedal used to release sanitizer. The top and bottom of the machine are two separate mechanisms. The pedal is spring-based and with recurring use, it can break down or can be jammed. This might lead to affecting the amount of sanitizer it dispenses.
Foot-operated sanitizer dispensers had a really great start; they were useful and effective. Soon, the need for contactless sanitizer dispensers became evident, as the virus can be spread through even minimum contact. But a pandemic called for a better solution.
The Rise of Contactless Sanitizer Dispensers
The coronavirus has inspired us to ‘go touchless’ as much as possible. Today, we use apps to pay for essentials in the grocery store and clean our hands using sanitizers after returning home.
The ‘No Touch’ policy has made it mandatory to install contactless sanitizer dispensers at public places. These devices are automatic and powered by the latest technological innovations. Automatic touchless dispensers come with features that have benefits for every kind of use.
Basic Features of Contactless Sanitizer Dispensers
Let’s go ahead and find out the basic features of automatic contactless sanitizer dispensers.
No Contact Required
Unlike manual sanitizer bottles or foot-operated dispensers, contactless sanitizer dispensers can be operated without touching them. All you need to do is to place your hands below the nozzle, and it will dispense the sanitizer.
This is made possible by the use of infrared or ultrasonic sensors. Elimination of common contact points ensures ultimate safety and protection from germs.
Sturdy and Durable
Contactless sanitizer dispenser machines are mostly sturdy and durable. Since these are touchless, there are fewer chances of wear and tear damage.
These dispensers can last for years when proper usage instructions are followed after installation. They are heavy and usually wall-mounted, which makes them less likely to be stolen.
Dispenses a Standard Quantity
Any good automatic contactless sanitizer dispenser will dispense a predetermined amount of ingredient that’s enough to cover both hands. This is one of the most significant advantages of these machines over manual ones where the amount of dispensed sanitizer cannot be regulated.
Hygienic
As these sanitizer machines dispense a standard dose, they create less spillages and keep a clean surrounding making it easy on the eyes. It results in minimal wastage, even when used by hundreds of people.
Less Maintenance
These automatic dispensers require less maintenance. It has a sensor that only reacts as you put your hands under the nozzle. It offers zero contact, no wastage, and takes care of your hand hygiene.
Modern Appearance
Contactless dispensers have a sleek and stylish design. They look good and add a modern appearance to the place, whether it is a professional workplace or a residence.
Because of their modern design, these machines attract attention, which becomes helpful in encouraging people to clean their hands.
Public Areas Where Contactless Sanitizer Dispensers Should Be Installed
Workplaces
Offices and businesses are resuming, and the nation is trying to get back to normal. However, these places always see a considerable amount of gathering and it’s difficult to really control the flow of people. Hence, the chances of cross-contamination are always high. Automatic contactless sanitizer dispensers come in most handy at these locations as everyone can afford a quick few seconds of hand sanitization to stay safe.
Critical areas in offices include cafeteria, elevators, washrooms, meeting rooms, and any other places that host a large number of people.
Railway and Metro Stations
In a densely populated country like India, trains and metros transport a vast number of people all the time. People coming in and going to different places at the same time makes these hotspots for germs and viruses.
There must be touchless sanitizer dispensers at metro and railway stations so that people have clean hands even on the go. Key areas at railway and metro stations that require hand sanitizer dispensers are escalators, lifts, checkpoints, ticket counters, etc.
Hotels and Restaurants
Due to the lockdown, the food industry has taken a big hit. Now, they are slowly opening up again for the public. But key guidelines of thermal checking, social distancing, and hand sanitization are being followed to ensure the safety of everyone.
Touchless sanitizer dispensers are being installed near entry points and guests are being asked to clean their hands the first thing on entering.
Busy Street Corners
When putting up messages to use sanitizers everywhere, why leave the streets? It is the most virus prone area with a huge number of people, making it crucial to have sanitizer close by.
Installing contactless sanitizer dispensers in every corner of the streets becomes a good reminder for people to clean their hands. The government or NGOs or even the public can contribute to install a contactless dispenser in a particular area. These dispensers, when installed in an accessible place, encourage people to use it when in need. They can also make sanitizing stations to protect it from theft.
Shopping Malls and Public Parks
With malls and parks opening up, people would like to take a stroll and get out in the new normal. It is important that people have some recreation after the long lockdown but also take the necessary precautions while doing so. Installing a public sanitizing station will be the best solution to this problem. This will make it easy for people to maintain hand hygiene even when out in the open. It lets them enjoy their day without compromising on their safety.
OakMist: The Contactless Sanitizer Dispenser
After the rise in coronavirus cases in India, efforts were made by the government and private innovators alike to develop sturdy sanitization solutions for the nation. In this quest, the Defense Research and Development Organisation of India (DRDO) in association with Oakter, a subsidiary of Riot Labz Pvt. Ltd. came up with India’s first touchless automatic sanitizer dispenser OakMist within the first 30 days of the outbreak.
The innovation was soon manufactured at a large-scale and made available for the public. Today, OakMist is playing a significant role in helping people during the pandemic and has become a household name.
Key features of the OakMist contactless sanitizer dispenser
Approved by DRDO
The OakMist contactless sanitizer dispenser is a truly ‘Made in India’ product and was approved by the DRDO within 30 days of the outbreak. It was also installed in places like airports and other government offices.
मुझे यह कहते हुए गर्व हो रहा है कि DRDO ने COVID-19 के खिलाफ लड़ाई में योगदान देने के लिए अपनी निरंतर प्रयास के माध्यम से पिछले 3-4 महीनों में 50 से अधिक उत्पाद, जैसे bio suit, sanitizer dispenser, PPE kits आदि विकसित किए हैं: रक्षा मंत्री
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) May 11, 2020
Zero Contact
The non-contact ultrasonic sensor makes the device usable without any need for human touch. This makes it the safest choice for your home or office.
Mist-based Spray
The OakMist contactless sanitizer dispenser uses a water-mist based aerator technology that ensures total cleaning of your hands.
Minimum Wastage
The device has a nozzle that dispenses only a fixed amount of the sanitizer liquid resulting in very minimum wastage of the ingredient.
Cost-effective
Sanitization is a matter of public hygiene and safety. So, it is important that everyone has access to it. OakMist touchless sanitizer dispensers are reasonably-priced and affordable for the general public and offer great value-for-money so that no one has to compromise on their safety.
Bigger Storage Capacity
Most dispensers run out of sanitizers every few hours, making it inconvenient for people using it and even filling it. Oakter has designed its dispensers with bigger storage capacity so that it doesn’t need to be refilled every other hour. These dispensers can push out 1000 to 10,000 sanitization cycles (varies as per the model) without a refill.
Ease of Operation
The OakMist sanitizer dispenser is designed with an easy to use application. Fit, plug, and use. The sensor detects the hands and automatically dispenses sanitizer in mist form, offering full coverage to the palms. Runs 1000 cycles after every refill. And refilling it is easy too. Fill it with the alcohol-based sanitizer, and you are good to go.
Smart Controls with Smartphone app
Now, controlling your sanitizer dispenser is easy. With the OakMist smartphone app, you can control the volume of the spray from your smartphone and even turn on/off the device. Thus, your sanitizer dispenser is now truly touchless!
Endurance Tested for 1,00,000 Sprays
The dispenser machine comes with a sturdy design, making it durable and can be used for years. It has been tested for endurance with 1,00,000 sprays, which means it is sturdy and lasts long. It also offers a one-year replacement warranty, and if you require assistance, then the support team will help you out.
The OakMist sanitizer dispenser is also available in a compact size. Even if you are using the compact version, it lasts for around 1000 sanitization cycles. If you are using the bigger capacity device, then you can go without doing a refill for several days.
Ideal for home and office use
OakMist sanitizer dispensers are ideal for home use. It has an easy installation procedure. You can also opt for the compact table-top version if you want. Or it can be wall-mounted anywhere in the house; it just has to be near an electric power socket.
Ideal for busy, public areas
With everything reopening slowly, places are starting to get crowded. Public spaces like railway stations, metro stations, hospitals, police stations, offices, etc. see a large crowd daily. If such places install the OakMist hand sanitizer dispenser, it will save time and ensure the safety of the public.
Various Places OakMist Contactless Sanitizer Dispenser has been Installed
Banks
Banks are the lifeline of the economy in our country but have witnessed a serious spread of coronavirus recently. After the launch of the OakMist automatic sanitizing unit, it was initially installed in many banks across the country. As banks have so many people from different areas entering and exiting, it is crucial to have a touchless dispenser at such places.
Offices
Even though all the offices were shut at the start of the outbreak, few government workplaces like police stations and other offices were open. These places, at times, hold a massive number of people. These places opted for OakMist sanitizing machines as it became essential to install a contactless sanitizer dispenser to stop the spread of the virus.
Residences
After the launch of OakMist sanitizer dispenser, people became aware of the importance of a touchless machine. Many celebrities and government officials have already installed the OakMist sanitizer dispenser in their homes.
#OakMist touchless sanitizer dispenser is being adopted by countless homes across the country in this fight against #coronavirus.#hygiene #SafeHome #governmentoffices #coronawarriors #residences #Oakter #sanitizer #AtmanirbharBharat #dispenser #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/9NhDUyqrL9
— Oakter Smart Appliances (@OyeOakter) July 22, 2020
Airports
Airports witness a large number of people and can become a hotspot for viruses and bacteria. Many domestic and international airports across the country have installed OakMist dispensers for public use at their entrance and checkpoints, giving people a sign of relief.
#Throwback to when #OakMist touchless hand sanitizer was installed at the Chennai Airport.#OakMistMini #Oakter #handsanitizerspray #fightcorona #COVID19 #GoVocalforLocal #misthandsanitizer pic.twitter.com/cnhxDSYcaX
— Oakter Smart Appliances (@OyeOakter) July 24, 2020
Shopping Malls and Hotels
Malls and hotels were significantly affected by the pandemic. People have stopped going to these places because of the massive amount of people interacting here daily. OakMist installed the dispensers at these places to make people use these dispensers and also get back to their everyday life.
Shopping #malls across the country are opening their doors to the public with strict safety protocols. #OakMist touchless sanitizer dispenser is installed at Select CITYWALK Mall, #NewDelhi, where everyone is asked to sanitize their hands on entering the premises. #Oakter pic.twitter.com/KQAqPAHEkJ
— Oakter Smart Appliances (@OyeOakter) July 7, 2020
Hospitals
Even before the coronavirus pandemic, sanitizers were used in hospitals. But today, our coronawarriors are the most at risk from the virus. Thus, touchless sanitizers are a necessity in hospitals. Considering this, hospitals started installing the contactless sanitizers by OakMist as they provide a no-touch experience.
OakMist Models: For Your Specific Needs
OakMist contactless sanitizers are available in two variations to suit your requirements.
OakMist Plus
The OakMist Plus – automatic touchless sanitizer dispenser comes with a 10L capacity. It is equipped with an ultrasonic sensor that reduces human contact and offers full sanitization of the hands. The dispenser has a nozzle that sprays the sanitizer in a mist-form to provide full coverage of hands and result in minimum wastage.
This machine dispenses about 1ml of sanitizer in each use. It gives out 10,000 cycles after every refill and requires a wall-mounted placement. It also has a premium design with an outer body made from ABS plastic.
The OakMist Plus can be installed in hospitals, large scale offices, airports, railway and metro stations, etc.
OakMist Mini
The OakMist Mini – compact automatic touchless sanitizer dispenser comes with a 1.2L capacity. It is designed with an ultrasonic sensor that reduces human contact and offers full sanitization of the hands. The dispenser is equipped with a nozzle that sprays the sanitizer in the mist-form to provide full coverage and minimum wastage.
This Mini dispenser releases 1ml of sanitizer for each use and gives out a total of 1000 cycles after every refill. It supports both table-top and wall-mounted placement.
The OakMist Mini can be installed in homes, showrooms, gyms, small shops, etc.
Both of these dispensers offer a 1-year replacement warranty. You can also contact us for support whenever required.
OakMist is a Made in India product and is one of the best contactless hand sanitizer dispensers available in the market.
To know more about OakMist, visit here.
