Handwashing ordinance passed in New Jersey.

The Franklin Township Council has passed a handwashing ordinance by unanimous vote, demonstrating its commitment to helping ensure the health of the public.

Franklin Township's Handwashing Ordinance provides that all restrooms made available to the public must be kept in a clean and sanitary condition at all times, have conveniently located hot and cold running water, and have a supply of hand soap and paper towels or other sanitary drying devices.

This ordinance will allow enforcement and education in establishments that are not covered under the Retail Food Code.

During a regular meeting in June 2005, the Franklin Township Advisory Board of Health discussed barriers to handwashing in community settings. Identifying inadequate handwashing supplies to be a hindrance in public restrooms, the advisory board subsequently recommended this ordinance to the Township Council.

Councilwoman Shirley Eberle, who is a member of the Advisory Board of Health, was enthusiastic about the passage of the Handwashing Ordinance. She said, "This ordinance will help keep the township healthy. Making sure public restrooms have soap will encourage people to wash their hands, and it gives everyone the ability to keep germs from spreading."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), handwashing is the single most important action one can take to prevent the onset of illness. Handwashing is cheap, it's easy, and it works to prevent disease. And disease prevention is what the ordinance is all about.

The full text of the ordinance can be found at www.franklintwpnj.org/comag012406/3593%20-%20Hand%20Washing.pdf.

For more background information, contact Michele Samarya-Timm, health educator with the Franklin Township Health Department, at Michele. [e-mail].