BCC Calls for Reinforcement of New Handwashing Standards

Excerpt: BCC urges better awareness and enforcement of updated hand hygiene standards in cleaning and hospitality sectors.

BCC Calls Attention to Gaps in Hand Hygiene Awareness

The British Cleaning Council (BCC) has called for renewed efforts to promote and enforce the recently introduced PAS 808:2022, a Publicly Available Specification (PAS) outlining new hygiene standards for hand cleaning. The council warns that too few stakeholders in industries reliant on sanitation are currently aware of the new guidelines, potentially compromising hygiene practices in commercial and public settings.

According to the BCC, this lack of awareness could hamper progress in elevating hand hygiene standards — a concern particularly poignant in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tony Hughes, Chair of the BCC, noted, “We believe that good hand hygiene is a critical foundation of public health. With this PAS, standards can be improved — but only if people are made aware of it and apply it.”

About PAS 808:2022

Developed with input from the BCC and a range of cross-industry stakeholders, PAS 808:2022 was designed to help organisations implement effective handwashing practices. It outlines practical approaches across key areas including:

• Employee handwashing facilities
• Educational programs to improve awareness
• Protocols for hygiene compliance in shared spaces

The BCC has been actively engaging with government departments, cleaning businesses, facility managers, and procurement professionals to advocate broad adoption of the standard.

Impact on Cleaning, Hospitality, and Public Services

The new standard is particularly relevant to sectors such as hospitality, healthcare, education, and outsourced housekeeping. Proper implementation of PAS 808:2022 could significantly boost hygiene management for businesses providing commercial cleaning solutions and using contract cleaning supplies.

The demand for sustainable cleaning solutions and high-standard hand hygiene supports a broader trend toward more accountable, health-conscious facility maintenance. Companies working with bulk cleaning chemicals, janitorial supplies, and hospitality cleaning services are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the PAS to ensure compliance and reduce hygiene-related risks.

Understanding the Role of Suppliers and Service Providers

Market Competitiveness and Challenges

While various manufacturers and service suppliers support hygiene standards in different ways, the BCC emphasizes the importance of fully integrated approaches. Organisations now face the dual challenge of meeting higher hygiene expectations and managing complex supply chain logistics. Selecting suppliers who are aligned with national standards and capable of timely, consistent delivery is key.

How Duraclean Supports Evolving Hygiene Standards

In this fast-moving regulatory landscape, suppliers like Duraclean offer a comprehensive advantage. With a full-service supply offering, tech-driven ordering capabilities, and client-dedicated stock holding, Duraclean helps businesses mitigate supply challenges and maintain continuous hygiene compliance.

Whether you're managing outsourced housekeeping or overseeing hospitality cleaning services, dependable access to essential products like janitorial supplies and bulk cleaning chemicals is central to building resilience and trust.

Conclusion

The rollout of PAS 808:2022 reflects a growing understanding that hand hygiene is more than a personal practice — it’s a systemic standard requiring infrastructure, education, and reliable supply chain support. Industry stakeholders are encouraged to become familiar with the specification and actively implement its guidance in their operations.

Looking to streamline your cleaning supply procurement? Contact Duraclean today to learn how we support hospitality and contract cleaning businesses across the UK.