Different settings and locations may have different types of hygiene standards. Medical establishments generally have set standards in place that employees must follow before working with patients. Most places of employment also require certain standards from their workers in terms of sanitation. Food workers, industrial workers, and those who work with children and the elderly also have stringent hygiene standards set in place to ensure the health of consumers and other workers.
The health care industry is one with the very strict hygiene standards. Doctors, nurses, assistants, and other professionals who work with patients must thoroughly wash hands and use sanitizers several times per day and after dealing with any patient before moving on to treat another patient. This helps to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses. Doing so is highly important when working around patients with compromised immune systems, such as the elderly or very young children.
Childcare workers often have to follow strict guidelines in terms of hygiene and sanity. Infant bottles and other dishes have to be washed in a sink designated for dishes, and hands must be washed after handling diapers, food, and children who have a runny nose or are sick in any way. Additional guidelines are also in place, but they vary based on the location. These guidelines are often mandated by government agencies.
Other industries also have strict hygiene standards. Those who work with food and in certain factories may be required to wash hands more often than average. Any job which involves working around large numbers of people should require cleanliness and other sanitation standards to prevent the spread of illness.
General hygiene standards should be followed by everyone for good health. It is important to wash hands before and after preparing food, after changing diapers and after using the restroom. Teeth should be brushed after each meal, and should be flossed at least once every day to remove food particles. Hair and skin should be washed daily or every other day to remove accumulated oils.
More strict guidelines should be followed during times of illness. Sneezing and coughing should be done into one’s sleeve or into a tissue to prevent spreading the illness. Hands should be washed for 60 seconds in hot water to kill any pathogens, especially after using the restroom, coughing, or blowing one’s nose. Dirty tissues, clothes worn while ill, and eating and drinking utensils should be washed thoroughly or discarded to avoid reinfection and infecting others.