IG-11 Hand Hygiene & PPE by Task

Wash / sanitize — without exception (§5.1)

Before and after every patient contact (phlebotomy or capillary collection)
Immediately before donning gloves and immediately after removing them
Promptly after accidental contact with blood, body fluids, or contaminated labware
After completing analytical batch testing or operating equipment
Before leaving the laboratory work area, and before eating or drinking

Soap & water

40–60 sec

Mandatory when hands are visibly soiled, contaminated with blood, or after restroom use. Rub all surfaces, rinse under running water, dry with single-use paper towels.

Alcohol rub

3–5 mL
20–30 sec

Only when hands are not visibly soiled. 70% ethyl/isopropyl alcohol over all hand surfaces, rubbed until completely dry.

Wear the PPE for the task (§5.2)

Task	Required PPE
Routine bench testing	Buttoned laboratory gown/coat · disposable nitrile or latex gloves
Specimen processing & splash hazards	Laboratory gown · gloves · surgical mask · protective goggles or full-face shield — mandatory during uncapping, vortexing, and pouring
Waste handling & floor cleaning	Heavy-duty utility gloves · rubber apron · closed non-slip protective shoes

Never: contaminated gowns and gloves are never worn outside the laboratory work area — not in offices, pantries, or public corridors (§5.2).

Chemical work (LAB-QM-SAF-001 §5.7): add the PPE the SDS requires (e.g. chemical-resistant gloves, goggles/face shield for splash). PPE is provided in appropriate sizes, kept available at points of use, and staff are trained with observed competency assessment (LAB-QM-HR-002).