Information for Teachers
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Letter from Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care--Update
The Use of Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers in Schools
This letter is to replace the one written on April 20, 2004, on matters related to hand hygiene in the Ontario school system, reflecting a thorough assessment of the evidence for the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers in the school setting.
Hand hygiene is the single most important means of preventing transmission of communicable diseases and consistent practice sould be reinforced at an early age. The usual method of hand hygiene is washing hands with soap and running water. The use of alcohol-based sanitizers is an accepted alternative or an added measure of protection, depending on the circumstances and the setting.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers were originally developed for use in the healthcare environment, to reduce disease transmission in a fast-paced environment where health care workers have limited time available to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water. Increasingly it is being promoted in other settings, such as in programs developed by the US Centres for Disease Conrol, for use at home, at work, and at school.
In the school system, hand-washing with soap and water should still be vigorously promoted after washroom use, or if there is visible dirt on the hands (which may occur, for example, after playing in the school yard.)
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers in schools should only be used under adult supervision, especially in situations when running water is not available, such as in the classroom, after a student coughs or sneezes, in the cafeteria prior to eating, or during school trips.
The use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers in schools should be implemented after careful planning that involves consultation with local public health units. Fire safety officers should be consulted regarding proper location of alcohol dispensers and storage of the hand gel to minimize the fire hazard.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to give an update on this matter.
Erika Bontovics MD CIC MFPH
Senior Infection Control Consultant
Public Health Branch
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
