Hand Washing and Sanitizing Protocols

CDC jpgHand washing is the most important measure for managing infection control. All individuals must receive education on hand-washing techniques and correct use of hand sanitizer.

Hand-washing must be performed:

  • Upon entering the building
  •  Before and after eating
  • Before and after removing masks
  • After touching any body fluids - or anything that is suspect of body fluids
  • After going to the bathroom
  • after removing gloves
  • When hands are visibly soiled
  • At dismissal

Whenever running water is available, hands must be washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before rinsing and drying off.

From the Centers for Disease ControlSanitizer

Use Hand Sanitizer When You Can’t Use Soap and Water


You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol by looking at the product label.

Sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in many situations. 

However:

  • Sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs.
  • Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
  • Hand sanitizers might not remove harmful chemicals from hands like pesticides and heavy metals.
Caution! Swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause alcohol poisoning if more than a couple of mouthfuls are swallowed. Keep it out of reach of young children and supervise their use.

How to use hand sanitizer

  • Apply the gel product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount).
  • Rub your hands together.
  • Rub the gel over all the surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry. This should take around 20 seconds.