These days, creating and maintaining a healthy school or work setting is more important than ever. One way to ensure a safe environment is through the use of a high-quality sneeze guard to protect against harmful bacteria and viruses. In this guide, we’ll take you through the benefits of sneeze guards and why they are the ideal choice for schools and workplaces.
What Are Sneeze Guards?
Sneeze guards are a type of screen, typically transparent, that protect people from respiratory droplets that can be spread by eating, speaking, coughing, sneezing, etc. The first sneeze guards were invented by Johnny Garneau and came into use in the late 1950s.
They are usually made of a material like acrylic or glass for maximum protection and are commonly used in high-traffic areas where food is served, such as buffets, school cafeterias, and restaurants.
However, sneeze guards aren’t just for restaurants and cafeterias. They are also often found in hospitals, schools, or office settings for protection against illness. Sneeze guards can be freestanding (e.g., inserted between cubicles or booths) or hanging (e.g., installed above a buffet table or other food service area).
First-Rate Protection
No matter the climate or environment you live in, it’s essential to guard against the spread of dangerous viruses such as the flu and COVID-19. Sneeze guards offer significant protection by acting as a physical barrier between people (such as people sharing desk space) or between food and potential contamination. They are also relatively easy to disinfect and keep clean, typically just needing to be wiped down with disinfectant periodically throughout the day.
In schools and offices, sneeze guards can encourage students and employees to maintain a safe distance from each other to reduce the spread of illnesses. They also offer first-rate protection without compromising the ability to converse freely or provide instruction to students.
Sneeze guards are the ideal addition to any personal protection equipment (PPE) toolbox and are an efficient way to protect young children who might have difficulty understanding the concept of social distance.
A Wide Range of Affordable Materials
Although sneeze guards provide top-notch protection and help keep students and employees healthy, they are surprisingly affordable, with some freestanding options priced at less than $100. They also come in a wide range of materials, such as acrylic, glass, and Polycarbonate (a flexible and less flammable type of plastic). Sneeze guards can also enhance the look of a work or school environment, and since they are usually clear, they aren’t visually overwhelming.
Another benefit of sneeze guards is that they have a variety of uses in schools and offices. For example, they can be used for desks or tabletops, in shared workspaces, as partitions, in bathrooms, and in cafeterias. With so many different functions, sneeze guards are a cost-effective and practical safety option you can rely on for years to come.
Confidence-Building Safety
In order for schools and offices to run effectively, students and workers need to feel confident that they are in a clean and hygienic environment. The presence of high-quality sneeze guards allows people to feel safe and demonstrate a commitment to health. For example, many studies report that employees prefer an overall healthier working environment, including one survey by a real estate research center showing that over 70% of workers prefer to work somewhere where safety and well-being are prioritized.
When students and employees feel safe, they are better able to be productive, and improved health has the added benefit of reducing absenteeism due to illness. In summary, sneeze guards are a simple yet effective solution for reducing the spread of germs in schools and offices. Investing in tools like sneeze guards and practicing good hygiene fosters a safer, more collaborative learning and working environment.