Engineering and Work Practice Controls

Work Practice Controls

Hand washing is one of the simplest and most effective practices used to prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens. Hand washing keeps you from transferring contamination from your hands to other areas of your body, or to other surfaces you may contact later.

Here are a few useful handwashing guidelines:

Thoroughly wash hands or other exposed skin with soap and water as soon as possible following an occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.
Wash your hands with soap and water every time you remove your gloves. If your gloves are intact and you have had no occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, antiseptic hand cleaners may be used as an appropriate hand washing practice. However, washing with soap and running water every time you remove your gloves is the recommended practice.
Use soft, antibacterial soap, if possible. Avoid harsh, abrasive soaps, as these may open fragile scabs or other sores.
If skin or mucous membranes come in direct contact with blood, wash or flush the area with water as soon as possible.
Where handwashing facilities are not available, use antiseptic hand cleansers or antiseptic towelettes. However, these should be used as a temporary measure only. You must still wash your hands with soap and running water as soon as you can.