In a sterile environment such as a hospital or lab, it’s not enough just to post signs for workers to wash their hands. These proximity activated switches help to maintain a sanitary environment without hand contact. Optical infrared technology allows users to wave their hand within a 4-inch radius of the face plate in order to open the door without spreading germs. The panel can integrate with many preexisting card access systems to provide clean entry and exit from bathrooms, laboratories, air locks, hospitals, clean rooms or drive-up windows.