How to Prevent the Spread of Germs and Viruses in the Workplace

How Germs and Viruses Spread in Professional Environments

The transmission of bacteria and viruses occurs primarily through direct contact. Person-to-person contact remains the most common source, but also the easiest to limit: instinctively, we avoid close contact with someone who is ill.

The real challenge lies elsewhere:
👉 High-traffic shared surfaces, touched dozens—or even hundreds—of times a day. Just think of door handles or the doors themselves.

Critical high-traffic touchpoints include:

• Drinking fountains
• Commercial water dispensers
• Ice machines
• Bottle filling stations

Hygiene-Focused Hydration Solutions for high-risk workplaces

These solutions are ideal for:

• Dental and medical clinics — environments requiring strict infection control and hygiene standards
• Hospitals and long-term care facilities — high-risk healthcare settings with vulnerable populations
• Schools, training centers, and educational institutions — high-density public environments with frequent contact surfaces
• High-traffic government and public buildings — offices and facilities with heavy daily foot traffic
• Food processing and food manufacturing plants — regulated environments requiring sanitation and contamination prevention
• Manufacturing facilities with a large workforce — industrial workplaces with shared equipment and common touchpoints

SIMPLE TIPS EASY TO IMPLEMENT!

1. Touchless activation: eliminating contact points

Touchless water fountains and dispensers are now among the most effective solutions for reducing the spread of germs.
Solutions such as:

• LULIA I16 water and ice dispenser
• Scotsman HID312 ice and water machine
• OASIS PG8EBFT drinking fountain with touchless bottle filler
• LULIA S4 sparkling water dispenser

Will allow users to drink or refill a reusable bottle without touching any buttons, significantly reducing the risk of cross-contamination in shared environments.

2. Laminar Flow technology: reducing splashing and stagnant water

Water is essential to life… but stagnant water quickly becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.
Laminar Flow technology:

• Reduces splashing
• Limits moisture buildup around the basin
• Minimizes areas where bacteria can survive

The result is a cleaner, more hygienic, and safer drinking fountain—especially during periods of high viral circulation.

3. Freshield® and antibacterial materials: acting directly on surfaces

Some manufacturers go even further by integrating silver-infused components (such as OASIS Freshield® technology), which:

• Inhibit mold growth
• Reduce the lifespan of bacteria on critical surfaces

Other solutions use copper alloys, known for their natural antibacterial properties, particularly on manual activation buttons and high-touch components.

4. UV-C technology: an additional barrier against bacteria

UV-C water sterilization is an advanced technology used to neutralize microorganisms directly in the water, just before it is dispensed.
Systems such as:

• OASIS QUASAR UV technology
• INNEST UV-C light sterilisation system
• LULIA solutions with ultrafiltration or reverse osmosis

Will integrate UV-C treatment to eliminate a large proportion of bacteria, delivering high-quality drinking water that is particularly valued in sensitive and regulated environments.

5. Regular maintenance: a critical but often underestimated factor

Even the most advanced technologies must be supported by regular maintenance.
After holidays or periods of low usage, it is essential to:

• Check for stagnant water
• Clean basins and contact points
• Ensure proper filtration system performance

Preventive maintenance of water fountains, dispensers, and water coolers plays a direct role in maintaining a healthy environment and preventing costly outbreaks.