IUBio

Handwashing soap

martin macman++ at rocknet.net.au
Wed Jan 13 19:28:32 EST 1999


In article <19990109175418.18665.00009561 at ng107.aol.com>,
saureus105 at aol.com (Saureus105) wrote:

> I have a problem that I need help with.  The handwashing soap at my facility
> contains dimethyl benzyl ammonium chlorides and Ethyl benzyl ammonium chloride
> at 5% each.  Its my understanding that these are irritants.  If so, are they
> safe to apply to the hands over an extended period of time.  If anyone has any
> knowledge about this, please share with me.
> 
> Thanks in advance
> Bob Fisher

1. Find the MSDS for each component. It will have all of the info u
require about exposure to these chemicals.

2. Why not use a chlorhexidine-based detergent. Fairly standard
stuff.Has good residual effect.
2a Wear gloves. Less handwashing will be needed.

3. Some people substitute heavy-duty chemicals for good handwashing
technique. Find your local Infection Control guru and ask her to give a
handwashing demo. Also ask about a product called "Glitterbug": demo
participants put it on their hands like a moisturiser, wash their hands
and then you hold their hands under UV. Where they missed washing,
their hand glows like, well, a glitterbug. Very effective tool for
teching handwashing.

--
Martin 
remove plusses for emailing me.



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