A sink is not mandated in each patient room if not feasible. In lieu of handwashing facilities, the employer must provide an appropriate hand cleanser in conjunction with paper towels or other appropriate towelettes. Following that, employees must wash their hands or any other skin immediately or as soon as feasible after removing gloves, other personal protective equipment (PPE) or after exposure to blood or potentially infectious materials. Additionally, even though a sink is not required in each room, an employee should not have to travel far to wash their hands as surface contamination in a broad area becomes a risk (see this letter of interpretationfrom OSHA for more information).

Related Standards:

1. 1910.1030(d)(2)(iii) - Employers shall provide handwashing facilities which are readily accessible to employees.
2. 1910.1030(d)(2)(iv) - When provision of handwashing facilities is not feasible, the employer shall provide either an appropriate antiseptic hand cleanser in conjunction with clean cloth/paper towels or antiseptic towelettes. When antiseptic hand cleansers or towelettes are used, hands shall be washed with soap and running water as soon as feasible.
3. 1910.1030(d)(2)(v) - Employers shall ensure that employees wash their hands immediately or as soon as feasible after removal of gloves or other personal protective equipment.
4. 1910.1030(d)(2)(vi) - Employers shall ensure that employees wash hands and any other skin with soap and water, or flush mucous membranes with water immediately or as soon as feasible following contact of such body areas with blood or other potentially infectious materials.

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