Global Hand washing Day 2009: Spread the word, not the germs



Thursday, 15 October, marks the second annual Global Hand washing Day, which millions of children and adults will celebrate with special activities in over 80 countries.
“Infection is caused by pathogens ('bugs') such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa or fungi getting into or onto the body. It can take some time before the microbes multiply enough to trigger symptoms of illness, which means an infected person may unwittingly be spreading the disease during this incubation period. Infection control in the workplace aims to prevent pathogens from coming into contact with a person in the first place. Employers are obliged to provide a safe workplace for their employees, including the provision of adequate infection control procedures and the right equipment and training.

Transmission of infection
Infectious agents can be spread in a variety of ways, including:

Airborne - coughs or sneezes release airborne pathogens, which are then inhaled by others.
Contaminated objects or food - the pathogens in a person's faeces may be spread to food or other objects, if their hands are dirty.

Skin-to-skin contact - the transfer of some pathogens can occur through touch, or by sharing personal items, clothing or objects.

Contact with body fluids - pathogens in saliva, urine, faeces or blood can be passed to another person's body via cuts or abrasions, or through the mucus membranes of the mouth and eyes.
Assumption of risk
The basis of good infection control in the workplace is to assume that everyone is potentially infectious. Proper procedures have to be followed at all times. Every workplace should have an appropriate first aid kit, with at least one staff member trained in first aid. Equipment such as gloves, gowns, eye goggles and face shields should be provided if necessary.

Personal hygiene practices
Infection control procedures relating to good personal hygiene include:

Hand washing - the spread of many pathogens can be prevented with regular hand washing. You should thoroughly wash your hands with water and soap for at least 15 seconds after visiting the toilet, before preparing food, and after touching clients or equipment. Dry your hands with disposable paper towels.
Unbroken skin - intact and healthy skin is a major barrier to pathogens. Any cuts or abrasions should be covered with a waterproof dressing.
Gloves - wear gloves if you are handling body fluids or equipment containing body fluids, if you are touching someone else's broken skin or mucus membrane, or performing any other invasive procedure. Wash your hands between each client and use fresh gloves for each client where necessary.
Personal items - don't share towels, clothing, razors, toothbrushes, shavers or other personal items.

Cleanliness in the workplace
Infection control procedures relating to cleanliness in the workplace include:

Wash - walls and ceilings periodically.
Mops, brushes and cloths should be thoroughly washed and dried after every use. Drying mops and cloths is particularly important, since many pathogens rely on moisture to thrive.
Use disinfectants to clean up blood and other spills of bodily fluids.
When using disinfectants - always wear gloves, clean the surfaces before using the disinfectant, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly. "

Copyight © 1999/2009 State of Victoria Source: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
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Amasht Paper Hygiene Products Pvt. Ltd., S.No.23, Thergaon, Pune 411033
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