Under the “Interim COVID-19 Guidance for Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers, Their Employers, and Housing Providers”, employers are required to provide hand sanitizers with at least 60-95% alcohol in various locations and employers are to schedule handwashing breaks every hour. If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based sanitizer that contains 60-95% alcohol may be used. Hand sanitizers may be difficult to find, but a grower can make their own. Visit the onfarmfoodsafety.rutgers.edu website for a factsheet entitled “Home-made Hand Sanitizer”. This walks you through how to make a cheap effective sanitizer.
The next question is, what is the proper method to apply and use the sanitizer? Research has shown that a two-step sanitizer method is the best method for alcohol-based sanitizers.
- Step 1: Apply three pumps of sanitizer from the dispenser.
- Step 2: Rub hands for 20 seconds making sure to cover the palms, backs of hands, and between fingers up to the wrists.
- Step 3: Wipe the hands on a disposable paper towel.
- Step 4: Apply one pump of the sanitizer from the dispenser.
- Step 5: Rub hands until dry.
Hand sanitizers do not take the place of handwashing before starting or returning to work; after using the toilet; before and after eating and smoking; before putting on gloves; after touching animals or animal waste or any other time hands may become contaminated under the Food Safety Modernization Act or for most audits.
