What response is needed to curb misuse of hand sanitisers on public machines?

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Signs and public awareness campaigns are needed to curb the misuse of hand sanitisers on public machines.

A recent incident at Avenue K shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur, where an ATM was sprayed with hand sanitiser, highlights the need for clearer public guidance. The ATM keypad was covered in droplets, and its screen displayed an error message with water stains, prompting concerns about potential short-circuiting. Avenue K clarified that the machine did not short-circuit, attributing the incident to a misinterpretation of a prompt to sanitise hands. The mall plans to install signs near its ATMs to prevent future misuse.
Public Misinterpretation of Sanitisation Prompts

The incident at Avenue K stemmed from a misunderstanding of on-screen prompts. Customers were advised to sanitise their hands after transactions, but one individual applied the alcohol-based solution directly onto the ATM's screen and keypad. This led to visible droplets on the keypad and water stains on the screen, accompanied by an error message.
Potential for Electronic Damage

Hand sanitisers, typically containing a high percentage of alcohol, can cause damage to electronic components if sprayed directly onto them. While the ATM at Avenue K did not reportedly short-circuit, the droplets and subsequent error message indicate a potential for malfunction. In general, electronic devices are not designed to withstand direct exposure to liquids, especially those containing solvents like alcohol.
Installation of Informational Signage

To address this issue, Avenue K intends to implement a preventative measure by installing signs near its ATMs. These signs will aim to educate the public on the correct usage of hand sanitisers in relation to public machines, clarifying that the sanitiser should be applied to hands, not the equipment itself. This proactive step seeks to avoid similar incidents in the future and protect the functionality of public amenities.
Broader Awareness Campaigns

Beyond specific signage, there is a general need for broader public awareness campaigns on the appropriate use of hand sanitisers in public spaces. Such campaigns could explain that while sanitising hands is crucial for hygiene, direct application on sensitive surfaces like touchscreens, keypads, or internal mechanisms of public machines can lead to damage. This educational push would reinforce the message that sanitiser is for personal hygiene, not for cleaning or disinfecting public equipment directly.

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What response is needed to curb misuse of hand sanitisers on public machines?

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