Hand Hygiene

General Hand Hygiene

Regular hand washing using the proper technique is the best way to prevent transmission of illnesses.

Link to Government of Canada website with more information about hand hygiene.

How to wash your hands properly

1. Remove jewelry from your hand.
2. Turn on water tap, using warm water if possible.
3. Wet hands with water.
4. Use soap and lather hands for at least 30 seconds, covering all surfaces on your hands.
5. Rinse soap off with warm running water.
6. Pat hands dry with paper towels.
7. Using paper towels, turn water tap off to prevent recontamination.

Hand Sanitizer

While hand washing is the best way to prevent infections, hand sanitizers can be used in a pinch. Using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can help you avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.

1. Remove jewelry.
2. Apply enough product to keep hands moist for at least 20 seconds.
3. Rub product in palms and thoroughly cover all surfaces of the hands and the fingers, including the backs and thumbs.
4. Rub fingertips of each hand in opposite palm.
5. Keep rubbing until hands are dry.

Skin Irritation

Frequent hand washing can cause skin dryness, eczema or dermatitis. Keep hands moisturized by applying hand cream or ointment to hands while they are slightly damp after patting dry. The CCC offers unscented hand moisturizers.

You can also use hand soaps that contain not-so-harsh detergents.

Hand Hygiene in the Laboratory

There are many sources of of contamination in the lab such as biological hazards, radiation, chemical toxins, and carcinogens. Hand washing, in addition to wearing PPE, can protect the user from contamination when working in the lab.PPE may include, but is not limited to, lab coats, gowns, full-body suits, gloves, protective footwear, safety glasses, safety goggles, masks, and respirators.

Each lab is responsible for ensuring that soap and paper towels are stocked next to hand washing sinks. Please contact the custodial staff if there are no paper towels available.