Hi BAkermanjr,
Since the SQF Food Safety Code refers to Paper Towels, that is what I would go with.
Although there hasn’t been enough conclusive evidence either way, see the link below.
Comparison of electric hand dryers and paper towels for hand hygiene: a critical review of the literature
Inconclusive and conflicting results represent data gaps preventing the advancement of hand‐drying policy or practice recommendations.
Other standards state: ‘Single-use towels or suitably designed and located air driers.’ There has been some discussion on this previously in Automatic "hands in" hand dryers in food manufacturing
I certainly wouldn’t be removing 25 dryers as per Glenn’s post as he changes his mind with the weather (Yes, I have my polite head on today). In the above topic he wrote:
‘I have two clients that have been able to justify their use in both high and low risk environments.
Both clients do twice a year air testing with initial risk analysis completed.
Auditors have accepted them without issue.
I agree with GMO on aerosols - years back I would not have, however air testing and innovation on the units themselves have changed my mind.’
I feel that most people are of the view that the safer option is to use paper towels. Some people also claim the use of paper towels is quicker and/or more effective for drying hands, so reducing the probability of someone finishing off drying their hands on their clothing/workwear.
Another good point made by GMO in the above topic is regarding the number of hand dryers required:
‘My main concern is about handwashing compliance and the risk of people drying their hands inadequately. Try using one of the dryers and timing it and compare it with drying hands with a paper towel. To get to an acceptable level of dryness I'd wager the hand dryer is slower. If it's slower, people will not dry their hands fully in it. if you're still dead set on going for it, then ensure you install enough so that when your entire shift enter the factory, they're not waiting.’
Kind regards,
Tony