Final answer:
Employees should adhere to proper handwashing techniques including washing for at least 20 seconds with soap, wearing gloves when using sanitizers is advisable, and avoiding contact with surfaces post-sanitization to ensure minimal exposure to sanitizers and maintain effective hand hygiene.
Step-by-step explanation:
To achieve minimum exposure time to sanitizers and ensure effective hand hygiene, employees need to practice several key measures. First and foremost, proper handwashing techniques are essential. This involves washing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water, ensuring that all parts of the hands are properly cleaned. It is also advised to wear gloves while using sanitizers, particularly in a healthcare setting or when handling contaminated materials, to protect the skin and prevent the spread of pathogens. Furthermore, after using sanitizers, one should avoid contact with surfaces as much as possible to allow the hands to air dry completely and to prevent recontamination.
It is important to note that while the use of hand sanitizers can complement handwashing, it should not replace it entirely. If hands are visibly dirty or greasy, handwashing with soap and water is the most effective method for removing germs. Lastly, maintaining hand hygiene is a critical component in controlling the spread of infections, particularly for healthcare workers who may encounter a higher number of pathogens due to their work environment.