We had an IH here with a masters degree in public health who would use the hand sanitizer rather than washing her hands after using the restroom facilities. I still haven't gotten over that one. (For the record, the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard requires that, when antiseptic hand cleansers or towelettes are used instead of soap and water, t he employees must wash their hands with soap and water ASAP.)

- Diane Amell, MNOSHA

            Our school has put hand sanitizer dispensers all over campus.  It has occurred to me that we strongly encourage our students to wash their hands after labs and that some of them may mistakenly think that the application of hand sanitizer may accomplish this.  (Sometimes, students do not distinguish between similar different things well.)

            Not only does one not rinse hand sanitizer off, but it is largely alcohol, which may increase skin permeability.  Students are given at least as much safety information as they can assimilate already.  Is this something worth worrying about?

            Thank you.