A hygiene station is an indispensable device for businesses operating under strict hygiene standards. Such a station serves as a barrier between two spaces. People who want to enter from one room to another must first undergo thorough cleaning and disinfection. This process protects the production process and, consequently, crops from pathogens that individuals may carry on their hands and footwear. 

A hygiene station is a machine that ensures the personal hygiene of employees and visitors. It is often located at the entrance of a facility or at the transition between two areas. Hygiene stations come in various types and sizes, from compact, simple hand cleaners to complete units for controlled and automated handwashing protocols, including access authorization. 

Below is an overview of different types of hygiene stations, including surface-mounted and built-in models, stations for hand disinfection only, and those for both hand and footwear disinfection. 

The built-up hygiene station is the most common type. This model is installed on the floor and is relatively easy to relocate, which is convenient when adjusting the design in greenhouses. It is supported by legs and has a step-up platform, allowing dirt to accumulate underneath. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor hygiene around the station closely.

The built-in hygiene station is an alternative to the built-up. This hygiene station is recessed into the floor. In existing construction, it is often practically impossible to install a recessed model. This is because it is pricey to install the hygiene station in an existing floor because of cutting and breaking work for the hole and piping to it. In case of new construction, you can easily integrate the hole in the floor with the necessary piping and additional costs are limited. So in the case of existing construction, it is often easier to install the hygiene station on the existing floor. However, the built-in hygiene station can't be moved as easily as the built-up hygiene station. Bottom line: When planning for new construction, think about installing hygiene equipment right away. 

See in the video below what you need to pay attention to if you want to enter the greenhouse hygienically. 

A hygiene station with brushes cleans shoe soles, which often carry residues of dirt containing pathogens that you do not want to spread within your greenhouse. The shoe soles are cleaned and disinfected using brushes activated by sensors, moistened with water containing a small concentration of disinfectant, such as Menno Florades. Hygiene stations with brushes are often the most suitable option because effective disinfection requires surfaces to be thoroughly cleaned before disinfection can occur. The brushes clean and simultaneously disinfect footwear. 

In sterile areas where shoe soles are clean, a disinfection bath may also suffice, if necessary. 

The CleanGate Total is a multifunctional surface-mounted hygiene station with brushes that disinfect both hands and shoe soles. A significant advantage compared to many similar hygiene stations is its ability to be installed on both left and right sides for disinfecting hands both entering and exiting. It is also very compact. This makes it usable in several places. Additionally, the CleanGate Total ensures compliance as it requires personnel to pass through. Curious to learn more? Specialist Rob explains in the video below.

Similar to the CleanStation Total, the URK is a complete hygiene station for disinfecting hands and shoes. Four major differences from the CleanStation are: 
1. The URK is only suitable for incoming hand disinfection; 
2. The disinfection agent is integrated within the machine rather than besides or next to the machine; 
3. Alarms such as light and sound can be added to the URK; 
4. Tag/registration systems can be connected to the URK; 
5. The URK requires a higher investment.

A hygiene station with a disinfection bath ensures that the entire shoe sole is immersed in a layer of disinfectant. This type of station is commonly used for access to sterile environments, such as packaging areas or laboratories. The entry station opens only after disinfection. It is crucial to regularly refresh the liquid in the disinfection bath as its concentration and effectiveness decrease over time. Unlike brushes, which continuously create a fresh solution using a venturi system in the unit, disinfection baths require periodic replenishment of the liquid. 

Hygiene stations with disinfection baths are primarily used as an additional hygiene measure following cleaning with brushes. 

In addition to hygiene station for hand and footwear disinfection, models are also available for hands only. Commonly used when footwear is a lesser risk, but where hands are a threat. Or when previous disinfection of hands and feet has already taken place. There are two types of units available for hand disinfection: the HDK DF and HDK XL. 

Besides hand disinfection, you can also choose to have the units executed as a soap unit. The hands are not disinfected but sprayed with soap. In this way, people are obliged to wash their hands with soap. 

The CleanGate Hands is a hand disinfection model that also functions as a soap station. It is a compact hygiene station that can be mounted on both the floor and the wall. The CleanGate Hands is particularly suitable for use at locations between production areas/greenhouses and toilets or canteens. This ensures that employees are required to clean and disinfect their hands after using the toilet before entering the greenhouse again. 

Hand hygiene is a crucial part of company hygiene because hands frequently come into contact with crops, making them susceptible to gathering pathogens. Therefore, hand disinfection upon entering the greenhouse is important. Before disinfecting hands, it is essential to clean them thoroughly. 

There are various options for cleaning and disinfecting hands: 
1. A single sink with sensor operation; 
2. A wash trough with a faucet or knee sensor operation, suitable for simultaneous use by multiple individuals; 
3. A hygiene station for hand disinfection, such as the CleanStation Hands; 
4. A hygiene station where you must complete a full hand washing protocol before being allowed to pass through.  

When washing hands in a sink or wash trough, it is important to follow the hand washing protocol. 

There are different options for hand disinfection. There are disinfectants for wet hands (Menno H) and for dry hands (Enno Rapid). Unlike other hand disinfectants, Enno Rapid contains benzalkonium chloride in addition to alcohol (effective against bacteria), which also acts against fungi and viruses. Learn more about hand disinfection options in horticulture.

Our hygiene specialists have consolidated their knowledge and expertise into one concept: HortiHygienz. This enables them to assist you even better with hygiene issues. Discover which hygiene solutions match your preferences and cultivation through the HortiHygienz scan. Fill out the questionnaire and recive a specialist response within 24 hours. 

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