Proper Use of an Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizers work by stripping away the outer layer of oil on the skin. This usually prevents bacteria present in the body from coming to the surface of the hand. However, these bacteria that are normally present in the body are generally not the kinds of bacteria that will make us sick. The manufacturers of the hand sanitizer products test the products on inanimate surfaces hence they are able to derive the claims of 99.9 percent of bacteria killed. If the products were fully tested on hands, there would no doubt be different results. Since there is inherent complexity in the human hand, testing hands would definitely be more difficult. Using surfaces with controlled variables is an easier way to obtain some type of consistency in the results. But as we are all aware, everyday life is not as consistent.

Interestingly enough, the Food and Drug Administration, in regards to regulations concerning proper procedures for food services, recommends that hand sanitizers not be used in place of soap and water, but only as an adjunct.

Likewise, Barbara Almanza, an associate professor at Purdue University who teaches safe sanitation practices to workers, recommends that to properly sanitize the hands, soap and water should be used. A hand sanitizer can not and should not take the place of proper cleansing procedures with soap and water.

However, sometimes soap and water aren’t always available. Keep in mind that when using hand sanitizers, not all hand sanitizers are created equal, though. Some “waterless” hand sanitizers don’t contain alcohol. Use only the alcohol-based products. The CDC recommends choosing products that contain at least 60 percent alcohol. Conney supplies only alcohol-based products that contain at least 60% alcohol. Commercially prepared hand sanitizers also contain ingredients that help prevent skin dryness. Using these products can result in less skin dryness and irritation than hand washing.

 If you use hand sanitizer, use it correctly. To correctly use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer:

• Apply about 1/2 teaspoon of the product to the palm of your hand.  
• Rub your hands together, covering all surfaces of your hands, until they’re dry.

If your hands are visibly dirty, however, wash with soap and water, if available, rather than a sanitizer.

This entry was posted on Friday, July 31st, 2009 at 7:45 am and is filed under Safety Articles. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.