Posted By Vera Shilling Thankfully there have been no further reported cases of e.coli linked to our open farm (Wimpole, Cambs) so we are now in a position to review our risk assessments so that visitors can once again have contact with the animals. We do intend to have greater supervision so that we can try to ensure visitors do wash their hands after contact. But questions are arising about effective handwashing. We have been advised to install more handwash basins. There is a huge cost to running water to other areas of the farm and visitors to Wimpole have made the comment that there were plenty of basins already. We have also installed numerous alcogel dispensers. However I am receiving conflicting advise about the effectiveness of soap and alcogel. I have been told that soap does not kill bacteria. Although it removes soiling it simply swills the bacteria around. Alcogel kills more bacteria and is therefore likely to be more effective. I spoke to an EHO about this but she was only able to say that there is a national campaign re handwashing and they advise soap and water. She couldn't say why, or if my information was correct. We have decided to go ahead and install the basins because it would seem that providing both methods is the best practice but I am now receiving enquiries from Countryside Wardens and those organising country shows as to whether alcogel is the most effective or whether they should aim to use water if possible. Any thoughts?

Posted By John D Crosby Hi Our Infection Control team say that handwashing is far better for cleaning the hands and that whilst alcogels can be used when the hands are socially clean if the hands are soiled in any way then handwashing is the preferred option. The alcogels are not of any use against things like Norovirus and Clostridiun difficile. Suggest you contact either your local hospital's Infection Control Team or the Infection Contol Nurses Association www.icna.co.uk. John C

Posted By John Webster Soap and water is the most effective, and cost effective way of cleaning hands - followed by drying with paper towels. BUT, unless hand washing is done properly and thoroughly (which few people outside of healthcare and food prep etc have been taught how to do) there will still be areas of the hands left unclean. Using alcohol rubs is an excellent substitute where running water is not available and soiling is not heavy, BUT the same proviso applies, only the parts of the hands rubbed with the gel are clean. The least washed parts are the fingertips - the bits that have been most in contact with the animals and which are then sucked, used to hold icecreams and then get poked up the nose!! So, soap & water or alcohol gel, it is the washing technique, not the medium, that really counts. Demonstration and supervision are the only answers.

Posted By Adrian Watson Dear all, Normal soap and water does not reduce bacterial loading, it removes organic material from the hands. Alcogels kill most gram- bacteria but don't work effectively with soiled hands. It is for this reason that hands need to be washed before being disinfected. Handwashing with an anti-septic soap is effective, but is not generally recommended for frequent handwashing due to the risk of irritant dermatitis. On a farm this shouldn't be a problem. Regards Adrian Watson.