Section 140. Cleaning procedure of hands and arms

A. Except as specified in subsection D of this section, food employees shall clean their hands and exposed portions of their arms or surrogate prosthetic devices for hands or arms for at least 20 seconds, using a cleaning compound in a lavatory that is equipped as specified under 12VAC5-421-2190.^P

B. Food employees shall use the following cleaning procedure in the order stated to clean their hands and exposed portions of their arms, including surrogate prosthetic devices for hands and arms:

1. Rinse under clean, running warm water;^P

2. Apply an amount of cleaning compound recommended by the cleaning compound manufacturer;^P

3. Rub together vigorously for at least 10 to 15 seconds while:

a. Paying particular attention to removing soil from underneath the fingernails during the cleaning procedure;^P and

b. Creating friction on the surfaces of the hands and arms or surrogate prosthetic devices for hands and arms, finger tips, and areas between the fingers;^P

4. Thoroughly rinsing under clean, running warm water;^P and

5. Immediately follow the cleaning procedure with thorough drying using a method as specified under 12VAC5-421-3030.^P

C. To avoid recontaminating their hands or surrogate prosthetic devices, food employees may use disposable paper towels or similar clean barriers when touching surfaces such as manually operated faucet handles on a handwashing sink or the handle of a restroom door.

D. If approved and capable of removing the types of soils encountered in the food operations involved, an automatic handwashing facility may be used by food employees to clean their hands or surrogate prosthetic devices.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 02, eff. October 16, 2007; Volume 26, Issue 07, eff. January 1, 2010; Volume 32, Issue 22, eff. July 12, 2016.

Statutory Authority

§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.