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.
On This Page
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
- Cottage Food
- Information about selling non-potentially hazardous foods in Alaska under the cottage food exemption
- Farmers Markets
- Information about selling food products at farmers markets in Alaska
Contacts
- Food Safety and Sanitation
- Find your local Environmental Health Officer
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