15a ncac 18a 2803

							15A NCAC 18A .2803 HANDWASHING
(a) Child Care operators shall instruct employees that handwashing is the single most important line of defense in
preventing the transmission of disease-causing organisms. Employees shall wash hands upon reporting for work; before
and after handling food; before bottle feeding or serving to other children; before handling clean utensils or equipment;
after toileting or handling of body fluids (e.g., saliva, nasal secretions, vomitus, feces, urine, blood, secretions from sores,
pustulant discharge); after diaper changing; after handling soiled items such as garbage, mops, cloths and clothing; after
being outdoors; after handling animals or animal cages; and after removing disposable gloves. The use of hand sanitizing
products does not replace the requirement for handwashing. However, except for diapering, food preparation, and food
service, hand sanitizing products may be used in lieu of handwashing while an employee is supervising children outdoors
if hands are washed upon returning indoors.
(b) Children shall wash hands upon arrival at the child care center; after each diaper change or visit to the toilet; before
eating meals or snacks; before and after water play; after outdoor activity; and after handling animals or animal cages.
Except for diapering and before eating meals or snacks, hand sanitizing products may be used in lieu of handwashing
while children are outdoors if hands are washed upon returning indoors.
(c) Handwashing procedures shall include:
           (1)      using liquid soap and tempered water;
           (2)      rubbing hands vigorously with soap and tempered water for 15 seconds;
           (3)      washing all surfaces of the hands, to include the backs of hands, palms, wrists, under fingernails and
                    between fingers;
           (4)      rinsing well for ten seconds;
           (5)      drying hands with a paper towel or other hand-drying device; and
           (6)      turning off faucet with a paper towel or other method without recontaminating hands.

Note:    Refer to Rule .2828 of this Section for history.

History Note:      Authority G.S. 110-91;
                   Eff. July 1, 1991;
                   Amended Eff. February 1, 1995;
                   Temporary Amendment Eff. April 15, 1998;
                   Amended Eff. July 1, 2006; January 1, 2006; April 1, 1999.