General information
Discussions with affected men and women should form the basis of the selection of hygiene items and while it may not be possible to consult extensively in an acute emergency, there is always some space for dialogue with the affected population. Here below we give a few examples of set composition in ’List of content’, but note that they might need to be adapted to the local context.
It may be possible to organise a mass distribution of non-sensitive and priority (life saving) items, such as soap or water containers, in the very early stages of a large emergency but with other items, although a priority in term of enhancing dignity and self esteem (e.g. sanitary pads and underwear), a prior assessment of what people need and what is culturally appropriate need to be undertaken. Note that only disposable sanitary pads (napkins) are included in the examples below, other alternatives like washable menstrual cloths may be supplied but require prior research of local hygiene habits and means of waste disposal. Additional items, like shampoo and washing powder, might not be a priority, and also not culturally sensitive but it is recommended to research the local hygiene habits and local products to ensure target beneficiaries are familiar with the items and make the best use of them.
Encouraging women, men and children to make the best use of hygiene items is often the remit of hygiene promoters but items are often selected and distributed by relief teams headed by logisticians. It is recommended that Hygiene Promoters and Logisticians work together to ensure an effective and efficient system is put in place.
Washable nappies (nappies and covers) are included here and they are more recommendable than disposable nappies for medium/long term crisis although this will require as well prior research of local hygiene habits, access to laundry facilities. For those children who can control defecation, considerate distribution of potties. For disable/elderly people it may be necessary to supply bedpans and /or urinals.
Specifications vary also with national regulations. Importation of hygiene items are always subject to acceptance from the national authorities and target beneficiaries, based on their national specifications and cultural preferences. Check these specifications with the authorities, the NS (any local hygiene promoter would give you good indications) and if possible, directly with the target beneficiaries before purchasing.
- Refer to a specialist (hygiene promoter or WatSan staff in NS or local NGO) when offered specifications different from our standard specifications.
- In some places, health certificates will be required to import hygiene products.
Specifications
Check individual item sheets specification.
Packaging:
The primary and secondary packages must be sized in order to protect the goods, avoiding empty space inside the packages, and avoiding empty spaces between boxes on pallets, allowing palletization on pallets of 0.8m x 1.2m without exceeding the size of the pallet.
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Avoid any unnecessary sub packaging, especially the single use plastic foils or bags. When sub packaging is necessary, prefer 100% degradable materials such as paper or cardboard or starch-based plastics. |
Test of the box:
The sealed box with its content must withstand the equivalent weight of a pile of the same box at the foreseen height. The equivalent weight is placed for 12h on a wood board on the box. The wood board size exceeds the box size by at least 20mm on each side. The box is placed on a standard pallet, in a corner. When the specific pile height is unknown, the standard height is 4m.
Example: a box of gross weight 12kg, foreseen pile height is 4m, height of the box is 0.25m. The box must withstand the weight of 11 identical boxes (4m divided by 0.25m, minus one box). This box will be tested with 132kg (11 x 12kg).
Last update 2020-01-24