In food processing, pharmaceutical and other hygiene-critical environments, the proper storage and accessibility of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) plays a vital role in preventing contamination and maintaining regulatory compliance. PPE dispensers are more than just storage units - they are an essential part of an organisation’s hygiene control strategy. They ensure that gloves, masks, hairnets, overshoes and aprons are readily available and protected from contamination.
Selecting the right PPE dispenser can significantly improve traffic flow, reduce waste, and enhance hygiene by ensuring that PPE is always accessible at critical points in the production process. Investing in a well-designed dispenser ensures that staff adhere to best hygiene practices while keeping PPE protected, properly managed and contamination-free.
With a wide range of 304L and 316L stainless steel dispensers available, this guide will help you navigate the options and find the best solution for your environment.
Method of access
When choosing a dispenser, a key consideration is the method in which the PPE is accessed. Lift lid dispensers provide an enclosed storage solution, protecting the contents from external contaminants, this makes them ideal for high-care environments where maintaining PPE integrity is critical. However, the lifting of the lid introduces another touch surface where potential cross-contamination can occur. This makes them better suited for low-touch PPE like mob caps, aprons or overshoes.
Front access dispensers allow for a much quicker retrieval process which can reduce unnecessary handling of PPE and improve traffic flow in high-traffic areas, reducing bottlenecks. These are particularly useful for gloves, masks, beard snoods and earplugs, where frequent access is needed without touching multiple items. The best choice depends on hygiene priorities with lift lid dispensers excelling in keeping PPE protected, while front access dispensers enhance speed and convenience.
Enclosed vs open front
While the enclosed dispensers help maintain PPE integrity in environments with high humidity or airborne particulates, transparent vision slots or open front designs enable quick and easy visual stock checks to prevent shortages. This is particularly useful for larger facilities who need to frequently restock PPE throughout the day, but the practicality would largely depend on the intended location and positioning of the dispenser itself.
Location
Arguably, the most important consideration to make when choosing a PPE dispenser is the location. Dispensers play a vital role in the gowning process and should be positioned near all hygiene entry points. If it is positioned directly after the hand washing process in the changing room flow, then less care needs to be taken about reducing touch surfaces (i.e. lift lid dispensers). However, if the dispenser is located in working production areas or potentially wet environments, then enclosed dispensers can help to maintain product integrity and protect PPE from moisture, debris and airborne contaminants.
Freestanding or wall-mounted
The majority of our multi-station PPE dispensers are available as either wall-mounted or freestanding via pedestal. Which one you choose will largely depend on the strength of the infrastructure behind it. Our pedestal or freestanding dispensers provide additional structural support, sharing the weight distribution to prevent damage to walls comprised of less durable materials (such as stud walls). This is particularly important for larger stations with the possibility of up to four dispensers within one lift lid or front access PPE unit, ranging from 250mm to 1000mm in width.
Waste disposal
Don’t forget to provide waste bag holders near exit points for PPE disposal. This promotes hygienic waste management across your facility with hands-free options also available. Alternatively, Teknomek’s freestanding five station PPE dispenser enables flexible placement and features two built-in waste disposal units for an all-in-one solution.
Choosing the correct PPE dispenser for your facility is not just about storage - it’s a crucial step in maintaining hygiene, efficiency and compliance in high-risk environments. By considering factors such as traffic flow, contamination risks and infrastructure suitability, you can select a PPE dispenser that supports best hygiene practices while enhancing operational efficiency. Providing proper waste disposal solutions across your facility will further reinforce compliance and hygiene standards. Investing in a well-designed PPE dispensing system is a simple yet effective way to protect products, staff and customers - ensuring your facility maintains the highest levels of cleanliness and safety.
If you would like to discuss your options in more detail, or even place an order, don’t hesitate to contact our sales team on +44 (0)1603 788 833 or email mail@teknomek.co.uk
We’ve also created a PPE dispenser buying guide to help inform your next purchase.
