Welcome and thank you for checking out our blog! This post is our ninth in a series of posts that will explore the dirtiest places found in different environments. Environments such as your office, your home, the airport, etc. Click here to follow us on Facebook or click here to connect with us on LinkedIn to be alerted when those posts become available.
Every day, millions of people use public transportation. Have you ever stopped to think about how clean it is? Yes, common areas such as bathrooms are cleaned, but what about other surfaces? Public transportation’s main goal is to help riders arrive safely and timely. Cleaning is a secondary priority. Below you will find areas that may carry a higher number of germs and some tips for keepings yourself safe and healthy.
Germs:
When we think of germs, we typically think of bathrooms. However, here are some other places and surfaces that are known to harbor lots of germs. Most of the germs on these surfaces are due to improper hand washing techniques but can also occur from coughing or sneezing:
- Handrails and escalators
- Subway or bus poles/rails
- Seats
- Arm rests
- Counters
- Turnstiles
- Common areas: buttons, such as vending machine buttons or elevator and water fountain
What can you do to help?
First and foremost, the biggest thing you can do is wash your hands! Make sure you are washing your hands before and after handling food, after using the restroom, after sneezing or coughing, and after handling anything that you think may be dirty. Using soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds helps cut down on germs.
If possible, avoid touching common surfaces like handrails and poles. Keep your hands away/off your face to help prevent the spread of germs. Carry hand sanitizer with you! Make sure after leaving an area, eating, sneezing or coughing, that you use the hand sanitizer to prevent spreading germs and getting sick!
Disinfecting wipes are also helpful in wiping off surfaces or personal belongings as you commute to avoid spreading any germs.
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