A BURNLEY tech firm is distributing an automatic hand sanitiser assistant and is in talks to roll the device out to new markets.

The inventor of the device, known as the i4-Sanitiser Sentinel, is currently working with Burnley based i4-tech, who are the product's master distributer, while the device works by being it is placed above hand sanitising stations and upon recognising that an individual is approaching, reminds them to sanitise their hands, also whilst shining a spotlight on the sanitiser.

Company founder Stephen Etherington hopes that, with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic heightening the importance of keeping people's hands sanitised, Blackburn-based EG Group, who are trialling the product, could amongst his new customers, having already supplied the NHS with the devices.

He said: “One hospital alone has noticed a 200 per cent increase in the use of hand sanitiser.

"I’m also in talks with the EG Group and they’re definitely interested in rolling this out across the group.

"They kindly let me do an experiment with them.

He added: "Just like you sometimes leave your mask in the car and realise once you spot other shoppers wearing them, this is a similar trigger."

Meanwhile, the equipment has already been installed at Sugden Ltd in Burnley who, Mr Etherington says, passed their HSE spot check with flying colours thanks to the postivie impact the Sentinel has had. 

Mr Etherington's ambition is that the Sentinel could eventually be exported across the world from his Burnley base, which could be a huge boost for the local economy.

He said: “Currently there are only 5,000 Sentinels in the world and they are all in the UK.

"Interest has really blown up in the last few days, I’ve had people reach out to me from Ireland, Australia, South Africa, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, India and Malaysia, to name just a few.

He added: "I can’t think of any sector that wouldn’t require people to sanitise their hands upon entry.

"If this was to take off into the mass market, i4-Tech Ltd would need to rapidly grow and there would therefore be plenty of opportunities for us to hire local people.”

To find out more, go to: https://nextdoor.co.uk/pages/i4-tech-ltd-worsthorneburnley-england/.