Handwashing
4.7 HANDWASHING
All team members ensure they wash hands:
- when arriving at the Centre - this reduces the introduction of germs into the Centre
- before eating or handling food
- before preparing or serving food or infant formula
- before giving medication
- before applying sunscreen or other lotions to children
- after changing a nappy
- after cleaning the nappy change area
- after going to the toilet
- after helping children use the toilet
- after coming in from outside play
- after cleaning up faeces, vomit or blood
- after eating or handling food
- after handling garbage
- after wiping a nose, either a child’s or their own
- after applying sunscreen or other lotions to children
- after touching animals
- before going home - this prevents taking germs home
Children are encouraged to wash their hands:
- when arriving at the Centre (parents can help with this)
- before and after eating and handling food
- after having their nappy changed. Their hands will become contaminated while they are on the change table
- after using the toilet
- after having their nappy changed
- after touching nose secretions or wiping their own nose
- after coming in from outside play
- after coughing or sneezing into their hands
- after coming in to contact with blood, faeces or vomit
- after touching animals
When outdoors and a tap for hand washing is not available, antibacterial hand gel is used in place of hand washing. This is proven to be as effective as hand washing and is approved by relevant Food Safety Authorities.
Sources:
- ‘Staying Healthy in Child Care’ Issue No. 97/11
- ‘Staying Healthy’ - 5th Edition 2012 - National Health and Medical Council
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