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Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are disinfectants that contain at least 60 percent alcohol, either ethanol, isopropanol or a mixture of both. These sanitizers can be used by the general public when soap and water are not available for washing hands. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers destroy harmful bacteria. Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer on the hands will not increase the level of alcohol in the blood.
When using hand sanitizers follow the directions on the label. To maintain the effectiveness of the sanitizer, use it on dry hands. Rub hands together with the amount specified on the label until the hands are dry. Cover all surfaces of the hands. The alcohol content of the sanitizer completely evaporates as it dries. This will take a minimum of fifteen seconds. The alcohol content has a drying effect; therefore, many of these products contain ingredients to make them gentler on the skin.
Sanitizers are not effective when hands are heavily soiled with dirt or grease. If water is not available, remove visible soil using a moistened towelette, for example, before using a hand sanitizer.
Soap or Sanitizer
Numerous studies have compared the effectiveness of sanitizers versus washing hands with soap and water. Recommendations include:
General Public: Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available for washing hands.
Health Care Workers: According to the Provincial Infectious Disease Advisory Committee (PIDAC) of Ontario and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), using a 70 to 90 percent alcohol-based hand sanitizer is the preferred method to clean hands for health-care employees in health-care settings. Water and soap should be used when hands are visibly dirty.
Food Service Employees: Dirty hands can neutralize the effectiveness of alcohol. The hands of food service workers are often wet and are covered with dirt, grease or food particles. Alcohols are not as effective against bacterial spores, protozoan oocysts and certain viruses. For these reasons, the use of alcohol-based sanitizers in place of washing hands in retail and food service is not recommended.
Types of Alcohol-based Sanitizers
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are available as gels, rinses or foams. The effectiveness of the sanitizer depends on the amount and type of alcohol. A range of 60 to 70 per cent alcohol is effective in reducing bacteria on the hands. In general, ethanol is better at destroying viruses than isopropanol; both alcohols are effective at eliminating bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Precautions
Due to the concentration of alcohol, hand sanitizers are flammable and are classified as hazardous materials. They should be stored away from high temperatures or flames. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing high amounts of ethanol are more flammable than those containing isopropanol or mixtures of ethanol and isopropanol. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers should not be swallowed and should be kept out of reach of children. Children should be supervised while using alcohol hand sanitizers.
Information Sources
Michaels, B., Gangar, V., Lin, C-M, Doyle, M. (2003). Use limitations of alcoholic instant hand sanitizer as part of a food service hand hygiene program. Food Service Technology, 3 ,71–80.
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