84154SMART SANITISATION: DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF A SMART HAND SANITISER SYSTEM FOR USE IN THE OFFICE ENVIRONMENTClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKSA Vortex Ltd (Savortex), a UK SME specialising in smart hand hygiene technology used in the washroom, is working with the Universities of Leeds and Sheffield to apply its expertise to smart hand sanitisation given the threat from Covid-19 to make buildings safer. This project will develop and deploy an innovative smart IoT hand sanitiser device that connects into the buildings smart operating system to provide a range of functions. This new system will improve the standards of hand hygiene (HH) in workplaces by offering non-touch technology, increased visibility/messaging capabilities via a built-in video screen and an innovative monitoring system. It will be able to detect when it is used and by whom by sensing users work identity cards, and in extremis deny building entry to each worker unless their hands have been sanitised. The R&D phase will allow Savortex to produce and test fully-functioning IoT hand sanitiser units with a video display, personalised app and monitoring system for offices, and provide a building manager IoT portal showing building network sanitiser data. No other hand sanitisation system deploys such IoT capabilities. The UK Government advises that HH is a key measure against the spread of Covid-19\. The use of sanitisers is a critical preventative intervention. The bulk of R&D on monitoring of sanitiser usage has focused on the clinical setting (see Galleryzk & Handiyan, 2020) and this project will fill an urgent gap in terms of knowledge and impact, as well as providing a solution that will improve office workers health and mental wellbeing. By testing 200 units across at least 4 research settings, including the Department of Justice through the involvement of the Active Building Centre Ltd, a UK Govt RTO, the research component of the project aims to understand: a) where sanitisers should be placed for optimal usage and to enhance sanitisation protocols; b) best practice for monitoring and access control strategies to increase HH and employee wellbeing; c) how motion graphics/message strategies can influence sanitiser use. The Universities of Leeds and Sheffield will engage with buildings employees and managers to research their receptiveness to utilising the technology from both a personal and a corporate level. Savortex will additionally create a building manager IoT portal that can be used by buildings managers to rank their success in delivering the highest levels of hand sanitisation achievable.