Staying Healthy in Child Care - National Health and Medical ...

Effective hand drying is just as important as thorough hand washing because wet
surfaces transfer germs more effectively than dry ones 12 . Disposable paper towel is the
preferred option. Cloth towels should not be used as they allow re-contamination of the
hands. Warm air dryers are also not recommended as they take longer to dry hands than
with paper towel, can only serve one person at a time and often people do not spend long
enough using the dryer.
Children with eczema have a type of skin that is dry, itchy and sensitive. Their skin is
easily inflamed, gets itchy and is made worse by rubbing and scratching. Reducing the
dryness and irritation of the skin is very important. These children may find that frequent
use of soap and water may irritate their skin. They can use sorbolene cream instead of
soap. They can put the cream on and then gently rub off under running water. They
should pat their hands dry rather than rub and apply more sorbolene cream if needed.
Hand washing takes time
In the steps for good hand washing you need to slowly count to ten while soaping and
rubbing your hands and then slowly count to ten while rinsing your hands. This may
seem like a long time. It is a challenge to allow enough time in your daily program for
children to wash their hands well. But it can be done.
When to wash your own hands
• When you arrive at the centre. This reduces the introduction of germs.
• Before handling food
• Before eating
• After changing a nappy
• After going to the toilet
• After cleaning up faeces or vomit
• After wiping a nose, either a child’s or your own
• Before giving medication
• After handling garbage
• After coming in from outside play
• Before going home. This prevents taking germs home.
When to wash the children’s hands
• When they arrive at the centre. This reduces the introduction of germs. Parents
can help with this.
• Before and after eating and handling food
• After having their nappy changed. Their hands will become contaminated while
they are on the change mat.
• After going to the toilet
• After coming in from outside play
• After touching nose secretions
• Before joining the mixed age group (if applicable)
• Before going home. This prevents taking germs home. Parents can help with this.
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Draft for Public Consultation