GB2457930A

GB2457930A - Handwash monitoring system

Info

Publication number: GB2457930A
Application number: GB0803744A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Sage-Passant
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-02-29
Filing date: 2008-02-29
Publication date: 2009-09-02
Also published as: GB0803744D0

Abstract

A handwash monitoring system includes a first signalling device (36) that is constructed and arranged to transmit a first signal, a second signalling device (57) that is constructed and arranged to transmit a second signal, and an indicator device (2) having a sensor element (18) for sensing the first and second signals and an indicator element (6) for indicating when a wash is required. The indicator device (2) is constructed and arranged to indicate that a wash is required upon sensing said first signal, and to cancel said indication upon sensing said second signal.

Description

I

HAND WASH MONITORING SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a handwash monitoring system and in particular but not exclusively to a handwash monitoring system for use in commercial kitchens and similar establishments.

In order to maintain good standards of hygiene in commercial kitchens, it is important that staff responsible for preparing food should wash their hands regularly and in particular after visiting unhygienic or "dirty" areas, such as toilet facilities, raw meat preparation areas or waste disposal areas. It is also important that they should wash their hands in wash basins that are designed for that purpose, rather than sinks intended for food preparation or for washing up dishes and cutlery.

The need for good hygiene and regular hand washing practices also arises in other establishments such as hospitals, in order to prevent the spread of diseases and infections, and food production kitchens.

Ensuring that staff observe good hand washing and hygiene practices is a problem for management. Generally, management has to rely on education and self-discipline from the staff, as monitoring that the correct practices are being observed can be very difficult or burdensome. Nevertheless, it is the duty of management to ensure that the correct procedures are being followed, as failure to do so could have serious consequences, such as the risk of food poisoning or the transmission of diseases or infections.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a handwash monitoring system that mitigates at least some of the aforesaid disadvantages.

According to the present invention there is provided a handwash monitoring system including a first signalling device that is constructed and arranged to transmit a first signal, a second signalling device that is constructed and arranged to transmit a second signal, and an indicator device having a sensor element for sensing the first and second signals and an indicator element for indicating when a wash is required, wherein the indicator device is constructed and arranged to indicate that a wash is required upon sensing said first signal, and to cancel said indication upon sensing said second signal.

The system provides an indication to remind staff to wash their hands after visiting a dirty" area, for example toilet facilities or a waste disposal area. The indication is cancelled automatically upon sensing the second signal, indicating that the hand washing facilities have been used. The indicator device thus helps management to monitor staff behaviour and ensure that required hygiene standards are being maintained. The system also discourages incorrect practices, such as washing hands in food preparation of dish washing sinks, as these are not fitted with signalling devices and so will not affect the operational state of the indicator devices.

Preferably, the indicator device includes a second indicator element for indicating when a wash is not required. This provides confirmation that the system is operating correctly and the required hand washing regime is being observed.

The indicator device may also include a third indicator element for indicating when a wash is overdue. Advantageously, the indicator device is constructed and arranged to record the time of sensing the second signal and to activate the third indicator element after lapse of a predetermined period from the recorded time. This reminds staff to wash their hands at regular intervals, even if they have not visited a "dirty' area. It also allows management to monitor correct observation of this aspect of the required hygiene regime.

Preferably, the second signalling device is associated with a hand washing facility and is constructed and arranged to transmit said second signal upon sensing use of the hand washing facility. Preferably, the hand washing facility includes a water tap and the second signalling device is constructed and arranged to sense the flow of water through the tap.

Alternatively, the hand washing facility may consist of a device for dispensing a cleaning product, for example an anti-biotic gel.

Preferably, the second signalling device has a short range, such that the indicator device senses the second signal only when within that range. This ensures that other indicator devices further from the second signalling device do not respond to the second signal. The second signalling device may have a range of less than 100cm, preferably less than 50cm.

Advantageously, the first signalling device is constructed and arranged to emit said first signal substantially continuously (for example, either continuously or regularly pulsed).

The first signalling device preferably has a short range such that the indicator device only detects said first signal when within said range. This avoids activating indicator devices that are outside the range of the first signalling device. The first signalling device may have a range of less than 3 metres, preferably less than 2 metres.

Advantageously, the first signalling device is associated with a boundary of designated "clean" area. For example, it may be located at a doorway or entrance to a "dirty" area.

The handwash monitoring system may include a base unit having means for recharging a rechargeable battery within the indicator device. The base unit may include a data transfer terminal for transmitting data and/or commands to/or from the indicator device. This allows data stored by the indicator device to be downloaded for analysis. It also allows commands controlling operation of the indicator device to be uploaded to the device.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an indicator device for use in a handwash monitoring system according to any one of the preceding statements of invention, the indicator device having a sensor element for sensing a first signal and a second signal and an indicator element for indicating when a wash is required, wherein the indicator device is constructed and arranged to indicate that a wash is required upon sensing said first signal, and to cancel said indication upon sensing said second signal.

The indicator device may include a control unit for controlling activation of the indicator element according to signals received by the sensor.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a handwash monitoring system including a hand washing facility, a signalling device associated with a hand washing facility that is constructed and arranged to transmit a signal upon use of the hand washing facility, and an indicator device having a sensor element for sensing the transmitted signal and an indicator element for indicating when a wash is required, wherein the indicator device is constructed and arranged to record the time of sensing the transmitted signal and to activate the indicator element after lapse of a predetermined period from the recorded time.

According to this aspect of the invention, the system provides an indication to remind staff to wash their hands at regular intervals. The indication is cancelled automatically upon sensing the transmitted signal, indicating that the hand washing facilities have been used.

The indicator device thus helps management to monitor staff behaviour and ensure that required hygiene standards are being maintained.

Advantageously, the hand washing facility includes a water tap and the signalling device is constructed and arranged to transmit a signal upon to sensing the flow of water through the tap.

The signalling device preferably has a short range, such that the indicator device senses the second signal only when within that range. The signalling device may have a range of less than 100cm, preferably less than 50cm.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an indicator device for use in a handwash monitoring system according to the previous statements of invention, the indicator device having a sensor element for sensing a transmitted signal and an indicator element for indicating when a wash is required, wherein the indicator device is constructed and arranged to record the time of sensing a transmitted signal and to activate the indicator element after lapse of a predetermined period from the recorded time.

Certain embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure! is a perspective view of a hand basin having a tap and an integrated signalling device; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a conventional hand basin fitted with an external signalling device; Figure 3 is a perspective view of another signalling device; Figure 4 shows three indicator devices; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a base unit holding a number of indicator devices, and Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of an indicator device.

Referring first to Figure 4, this shows three similar indicator devices 2, each of which is in the form of a lapel badge having a base plate 4, an indicator element 6 and a clip 8 for attaching the device to the clothing of a staff member. The base plate 4 encloses various electronic components as illustrated in Figure 6. These include an electronic control unit 10, a battery 12, a recharging terminal 14, an input/output data terminal 16, a sensor 18, a data store 20 and a clock 22.

The control unit 10 is also connected to the indicator element 6, which may for example consist of a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) of different colours (for example green, yellow, red). The sensor 18 is adapted to receive signals from various signalling devices, as described below. The sensor may for example be able to detect infrared, ultrasound or radio frequency signals.

The battery 12 is capable of storing sufficient energy to power the indicator device 2 for a few hours, for example twelve hours. Preferably, the battery 12 is a rechargeable cell such as a lithium ion cell, that can be recharged through the recharging terminal 14, for example as described below.

The data store 20 is preferably a solid state memory device that is constructed and arranged to store data relating to use of the system and/or commands controlling operation of the indicator device 2. Data and commands can be transferred to and from the data store 20 through the input/output terminal 16.

The clock 22 supplies a real time signal to the control unit 10 allowing the control unit 10 to control operation of the indicator device 2 according to the time value, or to record the time of events in the data store 20.

As shown in Figure 5, the base unit 30 comprises a block having a number of slots 32 in its upper surface, each for receiving one of the indicator devices 2. The base unit is powered from a mains electricity supply through a lead 34 and includes in each slot 32 a set of contacts (not shown) that are arranged to engage the recharging terminal 14 of the indicator devices 2. The indicator devices 2 can thus be recharged by placing them in the slots 32, as shown in Figure 5.

The base unit 30 may also include within each slot a data terminal (not shown) that engages the input/output terminal 16 of an indicator device 2 that it is placed within one of the slots 32. This allows data or control signals to be transferred to or from the indicator device from an external control device, for example a computer. In this case, the base unit 30 will also include a device for establishing communications with the external control device, for example a wired connection or wireless connection, such as an infrared or radio transmitter/receiver (not shown).

Figure 3 illustrates a first signalling device 36 that may be mounted at specific locations within or around the boundaries of a food preparation area, for example above doorways leading to toilets or waste disposal areas. The signalling device 36 includes a signalling element 38 that emits a first signal that can be detected by the indicator devices 2. The signal may for example be an infrared, ultrasound or radio frequency signal. The signal has a short range of typically 2000-3000mm and is only detected by indicator devices within that range.

The first signalling device 36 is constructed and arranged to transmit a signal substantially continuously, so that the signal is detected whenever one of the indicator devices comes within range of the transmitter 36. This may be achieved by transmitting the signal continuously or by pulsing the signal at a frequency that is high enough to ensure that it is detected by the indicator if it comes within range for a certain minimum period. For example, the signal may be pulsed at a frequency of about 1Hz, so that it is detected providing that the indicator is within range for at least one second. The signalling device 36 is preferably mains powered, although it may alternatively be powered by long-life batteries.

Figure 1 shows a hand basin 40 that is designed for use with the indicator devices 2. The hand basin 40 includes a bowl 42 and a tap (or faucet) 44. The tap 44 may be arranged to operate automatically, for example by sensing the presence of the user's hands, for example using a conventional infrared sensor. Alternatively, it may be operated manually by a lever or a foot pedal (not shown).

Within the head of the tap 44 there is provided a second signalling device 46 that is constructed and arranged to send a second signal to the indicator device 2 whenever the tap 44 is actuated. The signalling device 46 may for example be an inftared, ultrasound or radio frequency transmitter. It may be actuated by sensing either operation of the tap valve or the flow of water through the tap 44. Upon sensing actuation of the tap, the signalling device 46 transmits a signal to the sensor 18 of the indicator device 2 indicating that the tap has been actuated. The second signalling device 46 has a very short transmitting range, for example of approximately 500cm, and the second signal is only detected by indicator devices within that range.

Figure 2 shows an alternative hand basin, which may be used instead of the hand basin shown in Figure 1. This consists of a conventional hand basin 50 having a bowl 52 and a pair of hand lever taps (or faucets) 54. Water is supplied to the taps 54 through hot and cold water pipes 56. All the parts described above are entirely conventional.

The hand basin 50 is fitted with an external second signalling device 57 that may for example be attached to the wall above the sink. The second signalling device 57 is connected through a lead 58 to two flow sensors 60 that are attached to the water pipes 56.

The flow sensors 60 sense the flow of water through the water pipes 56 either directly (for example by means of a vane that is displaced by the flow of water) or indirectly (for example by means of ultrasonic detection). If indirect flow sensors are used, this allows the sensors 60 to be attached to the water pipes 56 without any modification to the pipework.

The second signalling device 57 operates in a similar manner to the second signalling device 46 of the hand basin shown in Figure 1. Whenever either of the taps is turned on, the flow of water through the pipes 56 is detected by the flow detectors 60 and the signalling device 57 reacts by emitting a signal that is detected by the indicator device 2.

This signal may for example be transmitted to the indicator device 2 as an infrared signal, an ultrasound signal or a radio frequency signal. The signalling device 57 has a very short transmitting range for example of approximately one metre, and its signals are therefore only detected by indicator devices within that specified range.

In use, the indicator devices 2 are worn by staff members on their clothing where they can be seen by a supervisor, for example as lapel badges. Each indicator device 2 can adopt one of three operational states, which may be indicated by the colour of light emitted by the illuminated indicator element (or LED) 6. These are "clean" indicated by a green light when the staff member has recently washed their hands, "dirty" indicated by a red light after the staff member has entered a "dirty area", for example a toilet or waste disposal area, and "overdue" when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the staff member last washed their hands.

When the indicator device 2 is first attached to the staff member's clothing it will normally be in the "overdue" state as indicated by a yellow light, indicating that a wash is required.

As the staff member washes his or her hands at the hand basin 40 or 50, the signalling device 46 or 57 transmits a second signal to the indicator device 2, which is detected by the sensor 18. The control unit 10 recognises from this received signal that a wash has taken place and changes to the "clean" state, which is indicated by a green light.

The time of at which the second signal is received is noted in the data store 20. After a predetermined time (for example 30 minutes) has elapsed, the control unit changes back to the "overdue" state, indicated by a yellow light, indicating that the staff member should wash again.

Whenever the staff member enters a "dirty" area marked by the location of a first signalling device 36, the indicator device 2 detects the secondary signal from the signalling device 36 and changes to a "dirty" state indicated by a red light. Upon washing his or her hands, the primary signal from the signalling device 46 or 57 is detected, which restores the indicator device 2 to the "clean" state, indicated by a green light.

The indicator device 2 thus serves as a reminder to the staff member when to wash their hands, and also provides a means whereby a supervisor can easily monitor that the necessary hygiene precautions are being taken.

The indicator device 2 is preferably constructed such that after the staff member has washed his or her hands, the indicator clement is not immediately reactivated by the first signalling device 36 as the staff member re-enters the "clean" area. This may be achieved in a number of different ways. For example, the control unit 10 may include a delay timer that prevents reactivation of the indicator element for a short period after sensing the second signal, where the delay period is sufficient to allow the staff member to re-enter the "clean" area.

Or it may be programmed to ignore the first signal the next time it is detected, possibly with the proviso that it will only ignore the first signal if it is sensed within a fixed "time-out" period.

The predetermined time period for which the indicator device remains in the "clean" state before changing to the"overdue" state can be adjusted and programmed into the indicator device though the base unit 30. In addition, data stored within the data store 20 relating for example to the time of each handwash and each change of state can be downloaded through the base unit 30 for analysis.

After use, at the end of each working shift, the indicator devices 2 are returned to the base unit 30 for recharging. At the same time, data and/or commands may be transferred to or from the indicator devices through the base unit 30.

Various modifications of the invention are of course possible. For example, the second signalling device 46,57 may be associated with any hand washing facility that is suitable for the situation in which it is used. For example, within a hospital, it may be associated with an apparatus for dispensing an antibiotic cleaning gel.

The indicator device may be simplified by providing only one or two indications instead of three. For example, it could have only one indication (that is, one colour) to show when a wash is required (no indicator colour being provided at other times). Or it could have a one indication to show when an immediate wash is required (for example after visiting a "dirty" area) and a second indication to show when a wash is overdue.

In certain situations, it may only be important to provide a reminder to wash or clean one's hands at regular intervals. In that case, the first signalling device my not be required. The handwash monitoring system may then consist of a hand washing facility, a short-range signalling device associated with a hand washing facility that transmits a signal upon use of the hand washing facility, and an indicator device having a sensor element for sensing the transmitted signal and an indicator element for indicating when a wash is required. The indicator device is constructed and arranged to record the time of sensing the transmitted signal and to activate the indicator element after lapse of a predetermined period from the recorded time.

The indicator devices 2 may include name plates, allowing them to be personalised for individual staff members. They may include a HACPP/Clean Hands message or logo.

Claims

CLAIMSI. A handwash monitoring system including a first signalling device that is constructed and arranged to transmit a first signal, a second signalling device that is constructed and arranged to transmit a second signal, and an indicator device having a sensor element for scnsing the first and second signals and an indicator element for indicating when a wash is required, wherein the indicator device is constructed and arranged to indicate that a wash is required upon sensing said first signal, and to cancel said indication upon sensing said second signal.
2. A handwash monitoring system according to claim 1, in which the indicator device includes a second indicator element for indicating when a wash is not required.
3. A handwash monitoring system according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the indicator device includes a third indicator element for indicating when a wash is overdue.
4. A handwash monitoring system according to claim 3, in which the indicator device is constructed and arranged to record the time of sensing the second signal and to activate the third indicator element after lapse of a predetermined period from the recorded time.
5. A handwash monitoring system according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the second signalling device is associated with a hand washing facility and is constructed and arranged to transmit said second signal upon sensing use of the hand washing facility.
6. A handwash monitoring system according to claim 5 in which the hand washing facility includes a water tap and the second signalling device is constructed and arranged to sense the flow of water through the tap.
7. A handwash monitoring system according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the second signalling device has a short range, such that the indicator device senses the second signal only when within that range.
8. A handwash monitoring system according to claim 7, in which the second signalling device has a range of less than 100cm, preferably less than 50cm.
9. A handwash monitoring system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first signalling device is constructed and arranged to emit said first signal substantially continuously.
10. A handwash monitoring system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first signalling device has a short rangc such that the indicator device only detects said first signal when within said range.
11. A handwash monitoring system according to claim 10, wherein the first signalling device has a range of less than 3 metres, preferably less than 2 metres.
12. A handwash monitoring system according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first signalling device is associated with a boundary of designated "clean" area.
13. A handwash monitoring system according to any one of the preceding claims, including a base unit having means for recharging a rechargeable battery within the indicator device.
14. A handwash monitoring system according to claim 13, in which the base unit includes a data transfer terminal for transmitting data and/or commands to/or from the indicator device.
15. An indicator device for use in a handwash monitoring system according to any one of the preceding claims, the indicator device having a sensor element for sensing a first signal and a second signal and an indicator element for indicating when a wash is required, wherein the indicator device is constructed and arranged to indicate that a wash is required upon sensing said first signal, and to cancel said indication upon sensing said second signal.
16. An indicator device according to claim 15, including a control unit for controlling activation of the indicator element according to signals received by the sensor.
17. A handwash monitoring system including a hand washing facility, a signalling device associated with a hand washing facility that is constructed and arranged to transmit a signal upon use of the hand washing facility, and an indicator device having a sensor element for sensing the transmitted signal and an indicator element for indicating when a wash is required, wherein the indicator device is constructed and arranged to record the time of sensing the transmitted signal and to activate the indicator element after lapse of a predetermined period from the recorded time.
18. A handwash monitoring system according to claim 17 in which the hand washing facility includes a water tap and the signalling device is constructed and arranged to transmit a signal upon to sensing the flow of water through the tap.
19. A handwash monitoring system according to claim 17 or claim 18, in which the signalling device has a short range, such that the indicator device senses the second signal only when within that range.
20. A handwash monitoring system according to claim 19, in which the signalling device has a range of less than 100cm, preferably less than 5 0cm.21. An indicator device for use in a handwash monitoring system according to any one of claims 17 to 20, the indicator device having a sensor element for sensing a transmitted signal and an indicator element for indicating when a wash is required, wherein the indicator device is constructed and arranged to record the time of sensing a transmitted signal and to activate the indicator element after lapse of a predetermined period from the recorded time.
21. A handwash monitoring system substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated by one or more of the accompanying drawings.
22. An indicator device substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated by one or more of the accompanying drawings.