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JCAHO clarifies position on alcohol hand sanitizers

Infection Control Monitor, March 16, 2006

JCAHO has clarified its December 2005 interpretation that restricted foam dispensers to patient rooms. The new guidance treats gels and foams the same; JCAHO now permits foam dispensers in corridors, according to the March 2006 issue of Joint Commission Perspectives. This is significant because corridor location of alcohol-based hand rub dispensers has been seen as a way to improve hand hygiene.

The following are key points of the JCAHO clarification:

  • Foam dispensers are allowed in corridors if they meet the same conditions required for gel dispensers (Note: JCAHO states that this position may be modified if safety concerns arise in the future).

  • There must be at least six inches from the center of a dispenser to an ignition source (e.g., electrical outlets).

  • You may achieve an equivalent level of safety (if all specific requirements cannot be met) by performing a product-specific risk assessment and determining alternative methods for managing the risks.

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