Use of antiseptic hand rubs in the health and community services industry: An Australian population-based survey

Abstract

Summary Background The use of antiseptic hand rubs (AHRs), rather than washing with soap and water, is considered to be the gold standard for reducing the frequency of nosocomial infections, as well as being less damaging to the hands than washing with soap and water, but little is known at a population level about usage patterns for AHRs. Objectives To describe AHR use patterns among workers in the health and community services industry in Australia. Methods Using data from a population-based survey of Australian workers, we focused on health and community services workers' exposure to chemicals at work, including the use of AHRs. Data regarding the frequency of hand-washing were also colle..