Building a Handwashing Station

No place to wash your hands? Make your own.

Learn how to build a portable handwash station for temporary food service, outdoor events, and other activities where handwashing facilities may not otherwise be available.

Questions about handwashing?
Contact your local Environmental Health Officer.

Materials Checklist

Water jug/drink dispenser with a spigot that allows water to flow
Soap, in a pump bottle
Paper towels
Paper towel dispenser
Bucket or other container to act as a catch basin
Trash can

Setting Up the Handwashing Station

Step 1: Clean and sanitize the water jug or drink dispenser

Clean the water container

Scrub the inside of the container and rinse well
Remember to also clean and rinse the spigot and the lid or cap

Sanitize the water container

Use two tablespoons of unscented household bleach in one gallon of water
Slosh the water around to cover all surfaces
Let the bleach mixture stand for five minutes and drain it from the container; do not rinse the container

Step 2: Fill the container with water from an approved source

Only approved drinking water may be used for handwashing. Use water that is a comfortable temperature for washing hands.

Step 3: Set up the station

Consider the flow of handwashing and place materials in a manner that makes sense for the space.

Set the water container on a table with the spigot hanging over the edge of the table
Situate the catch basin below the spigot to catch water and soap as it rinses off hands
Place the soap and paper towels on the table within easy reach; keep the clean paper towels away from splash areas
Place the trash can nearby so that used paper towels can be thrown out easily

Regulatory References

18 AAC 31 Alaska Food Code
18 AAC 31.525 Handwash Facilities
18 AAC 31.600(f)(6) Temporary Food Service: Handwashing Facilities

Resources and Contacts

Resources

Temporary Food Service: Information about selling food at temporary events
Farmers Markets: Information about selling food products at farmers markets in Alaska

Contacts

Food Safety and Sanitation: Find your local Environmental Health Officer

Division of Environmental Health Food Safety and Sanitation Program