In a Nutshell - Simply no Soap for Kids YET!!!

I have contacted the Environmental Health Directorate regarding your query about the provision of hand cleaning supplies in schools.

They have kindly provided the information below:


Unfortunately, the Health Act 1911 is not binding on the Crown, so our legislation cannot be used to force government schools to provide soap, toilet paper and hand drying facilities in student toilets. We strongly recommend it.

The staff facilities are captured by Worksafe's legislation, which is binding on the Crown.

Hand washing is a primary defence against the spread of infectious disease and should be available in every toilet.

The Communicable Disease Control Directorate can provide further information on the efficacy of hand washing.


The Department of Education and Training may also be able to provide further information to you regarding this issue - www.det.wa.edu.au


Kind regards,

Judith
On behalf of DoH, PR Contact


AND


Mr Evans,

Thank you for your online query on 2nd October 2009. The subject of school hand hygiene has been a problem, not only in Western Australia, but in many first world countries, such as America and the U.K., and it has been discussed at many health forums of late, particularly in regard to reducing the spread of the H1N1 pandemic flu, as well as other contagious illnesses.

At present, hand hygiene in schools is managed by the Principal of the individual school, based on a Policy developed by the Department of Education & Training, or DET (attached). Unfortunately, as you have pointed out, paper towels and soap are often the first to go under budget cuts, and as toilets are often subject to vandalism, their loss can be justified. The antibacterial gels are also of concern, as they may kill bacteria and viruses, but do not remove dirt and oils, and they also work to improve resistance of pathogens to existing antibacterials.

The Department of Health (DOH) is currently involved in liaising with various agencies, governmental departments, universities involved in testing, as well as the hygiene industry (such as soap-makers, dispensers, and the like), in order to establish some solutions to this wide-spread problem.

I apologise for not being able to give you a more definite answer. The DOH has been aware of this problem for some time, however, a solution is yet to be found, not only in WA, but the whole of Australia, and it requires funds, resources, and backing of politicians. In fact the DOH and DET are currently researching a hand washing system which may solve many hygiene concerns in schools, and my colleagues are seeking support from senior politicians in the coming weeks. Unfortunately the system is seeking patenting, so I cannot elaborate.

If you have any further queries, don't hesitate to get in touch.

Regards,

Jaala Downes
Scientific Officer
Environmental Hazards Unit
Environmental Health Directorate
Grace Vaughan House
Ph: 9388 4950 Fax: 9388 4905


To all parents, do your kids attend a Public School, I know that they are on holiday at the moment, but you need to ask them something before they go back to school, when they use the toilet at school, can they wash their hands, do they have soap available, can they dry their hands, seems like a question you should not have to ask your kids, but you may be surprised by the answer you receive.