Hand Hygiene in Hurricane-Affected Areas

U.S. Department of Labor
Occupational Safety & Health Administration
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Hand Hygiene
in Hurricane-Affected Areas

Floodwater can be contaminated with microorganisms, sewage, industrial waste, chemicals, and other substances that can cause illness or death.

Wear Protective Gloves

Wear protective gloves when: working in contaminated floodwaters, handling contaminated objects, or handling human or animal remains.
Gloves should be heavy, cut-resistant, made of waterproof material (nitrile or similar washable material).

Wash Hands with Soap and Clean (or disinfected) Water

After cleanup or decontamination work; before preparing or eating food; and after toilet use.

Wound Care

Wash wounds with soap and clean (or disinfected) water or a hand sanitizer immediately.
Seek immediate medical attention if wound becomes red, swollen, or oozes pus.

Disinfecting Water for Hand Washing

Contaminated water can be bleach-disinfected by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of household bleach per 1 gallon of water.
Let bleach-water mixture stand for 30 minutes.
Label containers (e.g., “bleach disinfected water – DO NOT DRINK”).

Disinfecting Water for Tool/Surface Decontamination

It is preferrable to use soap and clean water when available.
If only contaminated water is available, prepare solution of 1/4 cup household bleach per 1 gallon of water.
Prepare fresh solutions daily, preferably just before use.
Immerse objects in the solution for 10 minutes.
Label containers (e.g., “bleach disinfected water – DO NOT DRINK”).
Warning: Bleach can damage firefighters’ turnout gear; consult manufacturer.

For more complete information:

Occupational
Safety and Health
Administration

U.S. Department of Labor
www.osha.gov (800) 321-OSHA

OSHA 3267-09N-05

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