Hand washing facilities must be readily accessible to all employees who incur exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. At PENN hand washing facilities are located in laboratories and clinical areas.
If hand washing facilities are not readily available, the PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/AREA SUPERVISOR is required to provide either an antiseptic cleanser (see the new CDC Guidelines for Hand Hygiene) in conjunction with clean cloth/paper towels or antiseptic towelettes. If these alternatives are used then the hands are to be washed with soap and running water as soon as feasible.
After removal of personal protective gloves, employees shall wash hands and any other potentially contaminated skin areas immediately or as soon as feasible with soap and water.
If employees incur exposure to their skin or mucous membranes, those areas shall be washed or flushed with water as appropriate as soon as feasible following contact.