Cross-contamination occurs when workers spread contaminants around the worksite and into their homes through a means of soiled clothing, shoes, and skin contact. Contaminants can be transferred to items workers touch, sit on, or walk on. Using good personal hygiene can help prevent cross-contamination.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Using PPE can act as a barrier against contaminants and protect workers. Workers should wear appropriate safety equipment for their specific job position. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) can also be used to determine what PPE is necessary based on what chemicals or contaminants are used. Generally, the following PPE can be utilized to prevent cross-contamination:
- Gloves
- Gowns
- Masks
- Eye protection
- And, head and shoe covers
Exposure to Contaminates
The spread of contaminants is hazardous when unprotected workers, coworkers, or family members encounter contaminated surfaces. Skin exposure can occur when there is contact with soiled surfaces or contaminated PPE. Additionally, ingestion can also lead to exposure if workers eat or drink something that is contaminated, or if they eat, drink, smoke, or apply cosmetics in contaminated areas.
There are a few contaminants of concern, including:
- Chemicals: Solvents, herbicides, and pesticides
- Industrial Materials: Lead, asbestos, and fiberglass
- Bloodborne Pathogens and other bodily fluids
- And, poisonous oil from poison ivy or oak
Preventing Cross-Contamination
Preventing cross-contamination can be done through various methods, such as:
- Washing hands and removing contaminated PPE prior to entering breakrooms, lunchrooms, office areas, restrooms, or vehicles
- Washing hands and removing contaminated PPE prior to eating, drinking, or smoking
- Removing decontaminated PPE and washing hands prior to exiting the work zone
- Washing hands and face, and changing into street clothes prior to going home
- Using shower facilities at the job site to clean the skin, hair, and hands
- And, washing contaminated clothing using hot water or professional cleaners
Hand Washing
Workers should periodically wash their hands to prevent cross-contamination. In some jobs, regular hand washing is required by law. There are a few general tips for hand washing, including:
- Wash hands before, during, and after preparing food and prior to taking breaks
- Wash hands after sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose
- Wet hands then put them under the faucet and use soap
- And, wash hands for a minimum of 20 seconds
Cross-Contaminating Food
Food is highly susceptible to contamination, making proper hygiene essential. Workers must wash their hands thoroughly before and after handling food. All surfaces where food is prepared or consumed should be cleaned both before and after use. Regularly disinfect common touchpoints, such as countertops, utensils, refrigerator and microwave handles, and lunch containers. During cold and flu season, it is especially important to follow strict hand hygiene practices and maintain clean surfaces to help prevent the spread of illness.
Housekeeping Practices
Whether employees are working in the office or out in the field, practicing good housekeeping is an effective way to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. This includes regularly cleaning and disinfecting shared tools, office supplies, and frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles, which are common hotspots for germs. Keyboards, often overlooked, can harbor bacteria and should be wiped down regularly using Q-tips dipped in isopropyl alcohol, making sure to power down the computer first. Shared items like phones and two-way radios are also high-risk surfaces and must be disinfected frequently to ensure a healthier work environment for everyone.
Conclusion
Cross-contamination poses a serious risk in any environment where people, tools, and surfaces are shared. Whether in laboratories, cleanrooms, offices, or field settings, even small lapses in hygiene can lead to the spread of harmful contaminants.