The main way COVID-19 spreads from person to person is through contact with respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The droplets may fall directly onto the person’s eyes, nose or mouth if they are in close contact with the infected person. Airborne transmission of COVID-19 can also occur, with the greatest risk in indoor, crowded and inadequately ventilated spaces. A person may also be infected if they touch a surface contaminated with the COVID-19 virus and then touch their mouth, nose or eyes before washing their hands. Research shows that the COVID-19 virus can survive on some surfaces for prolonged periods of time.

A key way you can protect workers and others from the risk of exposure to COVID-19 is by requiring workers and others to practice good hygiene. Below are measures to ensure good hygiene in your workplace.  

Remember, you must consult with workers and health and safety representatives on health and safety matters relating to COVID-19, including what control measures to put in place in your workplace.  

Worker and customer hygiene

You must direct your workers and visitors to the workplace to practice good hygiene while at the workplace. Good hygiene requires everyone to wash their hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and drying them completely, preferably with clean, single-use paper towels. If paper towels are unavailable, other methods such as electric hand dryers can be used, however, hands will still need to be dried completely.

Everyone must wash their hands: 

• before and after eating 
• after coughing or sneezing 
• after going to the toilet, and  
• when changing tasks and after touching potentially contaminated surfaces.  

An alcohol-based hand sanitiser with at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol as the active ingredient must be used as per the manufacturer’s instructions when it is not possible to wash hands. 

Good hygiene also requires everyone at the workplace to, at all times: 

• cover their coughs and sneezes with their elbow or a clean tissue (and no spitting) 
• avoid touching their face, eyes, nose and mouth 
• dispose of tissues and cigarette butts hygienically, e.g. in closed bins 
• wash and dry their hands completely before and after smoking a cigarette  
• wash and dry hands completely before and after interacting with guests
• clean and disinfect shared equipment and plant after use, including the basin area
• wash body, hair (including facial hair) and clothes thoroughly every day, and
• have no intentional physical contact, for example, shaking hands and patting backs. 

You should implement processes to ensure guests do not enter the workplace if they: 

• are experiencing symptoms linked to COVID-19 such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, or
• have been in close contact with someone who is confirmed as having COVID-19 or is experiencing symptoms linked to COVID-19.

Inform guests of these expectations when making reservations. If guests are making a reservation over the phone, have a template written out for workers to read to the customer. If booking online, add additional text to the booking confirmation setting out your expectations. 

You should also display signs in your front window (or other appropriate place) informing guests of your expectations and not to enter if they or a close contact is unwell.

To enhance good hygiene outcomes:  

• develop infection control policies in consultation with your workers. These policies should outline measures in place to prevent the spread of infectious diseases at the workplace. Communicate these policies to workers 
• provide adequate handwashing facilities and ensure these are kept clean and adequately restocked. Our cleaning webpage provides further information on cleaning that may assist
• train workers on the importance of washing their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and drying them correctly, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, before entering and exiting a common area 
• place posters near handwashing facilities showing how to correctly wash and dry hands (for example, if hand dryers are used, place posters advising that hands should be dried completely before finishing) and clean hands with sanitiser 
• inform workers of workplace hygiene standards that are expected when utilising common areas (cleaning up after yourself, placing rubbish in bins provided, avoiding putting items such as phones on meal surfaces, etc.)
• provide alcohol-based hand sanitiser in appropriate locations for workers and guests to use, such as at entry and exit points, service desks, shared facilities, in the foyer and at lift waiting areas. Where practical and available, consider providing travel sized hand sanitiser to guests for their use during their stay (e.g. include with other usual hygiene products such as shampoo, conditioner, soap etc.)
• inform guests of workplace hygiene standards that are expected when they staying at your premises. This includes: 
  • washing and drying their hands or using alcohol-based hand sanitiser when entering and exiting public areas
  • minimising the number of surfaces (such as reception counters) and items they touch
  • not staying at your premises if they feel unwell, and
  • notifying you if they start to feel unwell during their stay.
• remove public access to flyers, maps and guides. Provide these to guests on request
• remove books and magazines from foyers and common areas
• provide alcohol-based sanitiser or two in one detergent/disinfectant wipes for guests to sanitise their luggage handles before being handled by workers or consider requesting that guests handle their own luggage
• ensure room keys are cleaned and disinfected before re-using
• where possible do not provide items such as guest information books, magazines, pens and note pads in rooms for the duration of the pandemic. If this is not possible, replace these items between guests, or ensure they are cleaned appropriately. Our cleaning webpage has some information that may assist you. 
  • Where they are unused, you should also ensure shampoo bottles, shower caps and other toiletries provided by the hotel have their packaging cleaned appropriately or are replaced.
  • Make any guest information available in an alternative form (for example via an app or laminated sheets on room door).
• provide disposable plates, cutlery and serviettes for any room service and in-room facilities, where appropriate
• when shared amenities are provided to guests, such as kitchens and bathrooms, implement processes to increase good hygiene and communicate these to guests. For example, provide guests with their own items to use during their stay, such as tea towels, bath mats and dish cloths to avoid sharing with other guests 
• if possible, eliminate buffets and self-service areas where guest and staff would normally touch the same items/surfaces (e.g. large serving spoons, lid handles) repeatedly. If this is not possible, ensure all frequently touched lids, serving spoons and other items are frequently cleaned
• You may wish to provide two in one detergent/disinfectant wipes for guests to clean the items they use. You should also ask guests to: 
  • wash their hands with soap and water and dry them completely or sanitise their hands when entering and exiting the kitchen and practice good hand hygiene when using the bathroom
  • take all belongings with them when leaving the bathroom, such as towels
  • only touch items (such as cutlery) that they will use
  • place their dirty dishes in the dishwasher immediately after use
  • instruct guests to wash their hands with soap and water and dry them completely or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser before unloading the dishwasher, and only unload their own dishes, cutlery and glasses
  • wipe down any benchtops, tables and chairs that they use with water and detergent, and
  • place all their food on one shelf in the refrigerator or pantry and use that shelf for the duration of their stay. 
• when shared recreational facilities are provided to guests, such as games rooms, pools and BBQs, implement processes to increase good hygiene and communicate these to guests. For example: 
  • provide alcohol-based hand sanitiser at the entrance to recreational facilities and ask guests to use the sanitiser when they enter and exit the area
  • if practicable, implement a booking system for guests to use recreational facilities and allocate a worker to clean the facilities after every booking. If that is not practicable, provide two in one detergent/disinfectant wipes so guests can wipe down facilities before and after use, and
  • store items such as video games, table tennis bats and balls, DVDs and pool cues and balls behind the information desk to minimise handling. Clean any items when they are returned.

You should put processes in place to consult with staff and provide training about COVID-19 safe work practices and regularly monitor and review the implementation of hygiene measures to ensure they are being followed and remain effective.  

What do I need to consider when providing hygiene facilities?

You must ensure there are adequate and accessible facilities to achieve good hygiene and that they are in good working order, are clean and are otherwise safe.  

You may need to provide additional washing facilities, change rooms and dining facilities. You must also consider whether there are an adequate number of hand washing and drying stations, in convenient locations, to sustain the increase in workers practicing good hygiene. You may need to provide alcohol-based hand sanitiser in appropriate locations, such as entry and exits, if there are limited hand washing facilities available. 

Washroom facilities must be properly stocked and have adequate supplies of toilet paper, soap, water, and drying facilities (preferably single-use paper towels). They must also be kept clean and in good working order. 

When determining what facilities you need, consider the number of workers and guests on site, the shift arrangements and when access to these facilities is required. If you have temporarily down-sized worker numbers in response to COVID-19 and these will now be increased, you must take this into account to determine the facilities you need with increased numbers. 

I need to create a new eating or common area. What should I consider when making these new areas?

If creating a new eating or common area to enable physical distancing, you must ensure these areas are accessible from the workplace and adequately equipped (e.g. drinking water, rubbish bins), and protected from the elements, contaminants and hazards.  

You should also consider opening windows or adjusting air-conditioning for more ventilation in common areas, and limiting or reducing recirculated air-conditioning where possible.  

For further information on providing adequate and accessible facilities, including providing facilities for a temporary, mobile or remote workplace see the Model Code of Practice: Managing the work environment and facilities.

Why are paper towels preferred over hand dryers?

Paper towels are preferable as they can reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 by drying the hands more thoroughly than hand dryers.  

Hand dryers can still be used, however, there is an increased risk of transmission if hands are not dried properly. 

I am providing paper towels in my hygiene facilities. What else should I do?

Providing paper towels to dry your hands after washing them is better than using hand dryers because they can dry your hands more thoroughly. 

If you provide single used paper towels at your workplace, remember:
the paper towels should be replenished as required, and
used paper towels should be disposed of in a waste bin that is regularly emptied to keep the area clean, tidy and safe.

Wastes (including used paper towels) should be double bagged and set aside in a safe place for at least 72 hours before disposal into general waste facilities. For further information regarding cleaning, please refer to our cleaning guide. 

What if I can’t provide paper towels?

If paper towels cannot be provided, then hand dryers may be used to dry hands. You must train workers on how to dry their hands. Placing posters near hand dryers may assist with communicating the need for hands to be dried completely. If hands are not dried completely, good hygiene will not be achieved, and the hand washing will be ineffective. 

Frequently touched areas of the hand dryers (i.e. buttons to activate the drying mechanism of the hand dryer) and the entire body of the dryer should be cleaned regularly. Nearby surfaces (such as the sink and taps) should also be cleaned regularly to remove any germs that may have been spread when drying hands. 
 
 

The main way COVID-19 spreads from person to person is through contact with respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The droplets may fall directly onto the person’s eyes, nose or mouth if they are in close contact with the infected person. Airborne transmission of COVID-19 can also occur, with the greatest risk in indoor, crowded and inadequately ventilated spaces. A person may also be infected if they touch a surface contaminated with the COVID-19 virus and then touch their mouth, nose or eyes before washing their hands. Research shows that the COVID-19 virus can survive on some surfaces for prolonged periods of time.

A key way you can protect workers and others from the risk of exposure to COVID-19 is by requiring workers and others to practice good hygiene. Below are measures to ensure good hygiene in your workplace.  

Remember, you must consult with workers and health and safety representatives on health and safety matters relating to COVID-19, including what control measures to put in place in your workplace. 

Worker and customer hygiene

You must direct your workers and visitors to the workplace to practice good hygiene while at the workplace. Good hygiene requires everyone to wash their hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and drying them completely, preferably with clean, single-use paper towels. If paper towels are unavailable, other methods such as electric hand dryers can be used, however, hands will still need to be dried completely.

Everyone must wash their hands: 

• before and after eating 
• after coughing or sneezing 
• after going to the toilet, and  
• when changing tasks and after touching potentially contaminated surfaces.  

An alcohol-based hand sanitiser with at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol as the active ingredient must be used as per the manufacturer’s instructions when it is not possible to wash hands. 

Good hygiene also requires everyone at the workplace to, at all times: 

• cover their coughs and sneezes with their elbow or a clean tissue (and no spitting) 
• avoid touching their face, eyes, nose and mouth 
• dispose of tissues and cigarette butts hygienically, e.g. in closed bins 
• wash and dry their hands completely before and after smoking a cigarette  
• wash and dry hands completely before and after interacting with guests
• clean and disinfect shared equipment and plant after use, including the basin area
• wash body, hair (including facial hair) and clothes thoroughly every day 
• have no intentional physical contact, for example, shaking hands and patting backs. 

You should implement processes to ensure guests do not enter the workplace if they: 

• are experiencing symptoms linked to COVID-19 such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, or
• have been in close contact with someone who is confirmed as having COVID-19 or is experiencing symptoms linked to COVID-19.

Inform guests of these expectations when making reservations. If guests are making a reservation over the phone, have a template written out for workers to read to the customer. If booking online, add additional text to the booking confirmation setting out your expectations. 

You should also display signs in your front window (or other appropriate place) informing guests of your expectations and not to enter if they or a close contact is unwell.

To enhance good hygiene outcomes:  

• develop infection control policies in consultation with your workers. These policies should outline measures in place to prevent the spread of infectious diseases at the workplace. Communicate these policies to workers 
• provide adequate handwashing facilities and ensure these are kept clean and adequately restocked. Our cleaning webpage provides further information on cleaning that may assist.
• train workers on the importance of washing their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and drying them correctly, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, before entering and exiting a common area 
• place posters near handwashing facilities showing how to correctly wash and dry hands (for example, if hand dryers are used, place posters advising that hands should be dried completely before finishing) and clean hands with sanitiser 
• inform workers of workplace hygiene standards that are expected when utilising common areas (cleaning up after yourself, placing rubbish in bins provided, avoiding putting items such as phones on meal surfaces, etc.)
• provide alcohol-based hand sanitiser in appropriate locations for workers and guests to use, such as at entry and exit points, service desks, shared facilities, in the foyer and at lift waiting areas. Where practical and available, consider providing travel sized hand sanitiser to guests for their use during their stay (e.g. include with other usual hygiene products such as shampoo, conditioner, soap etc.)
• inform guests of workplace hygiene standards that are expected when they staying at your premises. This includes:
  • washing and drying their hands or using alcohol-based hand sanitiser when entering and exiting public areas
  • minimising the number of surfaces (such as reception counters) and items they touch
  • not staying at your premises if they feel unwell, 
  • notifying you if they start to feel unwell during their stay.
• remove public access to flyers, maps and guides. Provide these to guests on request
• remove books and magazines from foyers and common areas
• provide alcohol-based sanitiser or disinfectant wipes for guests to sanitise their luggage handles before being handled by workers or consider requesting that guests handle their own luggage
• ensure room keys are cleaned and disinfected before re-using.
• where possible do not provide items such as guest information books, magazines, pens and note pads in rooms for the duration of the pandemic. If this is not possible, replace these items between guests, or ensure they are cleaned appropriately. Our cleaning webpage has some information that may assist you.
  • Where they are unused, you should also ensure shampoo bottles, shower caps and other toiletries provided by the hotel have their packaging cleaned appropriately or are replaced.
  • Make any guest information available in an alternative form (for example via an app or laminated sheets on room door).
• provide disposable plates, cutlery and serviettes for any room service and in-room facilities, where appropriate. 
• when shared amenities are provided to guests, such as kitchens and bathrooms, implement processes to increase good hygiene and communicate these to guests. For example, provide guests with their own items to use during their stay, such as tea towels, bath mats and dish cloths to avoid sharing with other guests. 
• if possible, eliminate buffets and self-service areas where guest and staff would normally touch the same items/surfaces (e.g. large serving spoons, lid handles) repeatedly. If this is not possible, ensure all frequently touched lids, serving spoons and other items are frequently cleaned.
• You may wish to provide disinfectant wipes for guests to clean the items they use. You should also ask guests to:
  • wash their hands with soap and water and dry them completely or sanitise their hands when entering and exiting the kitchen and practice good hand hygiene when using the bathroom
  • take all belongings with them when leaving the bathroom, such as towels
  • only touch items (such as cutlery) that they will use
  • place their dirty dishes in the dishwasher immediately after use
  • instruct guests to wash their hands with soap and water and dry them completely or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser before unloading the dishwasher, and only unload their own dishes, cutlery and glasses
  • wipe down any benchtops, tables and chairs that they use with water and detergent, and
  • place all their food on one shelf in the refrigerator or pantry and use that shelf for the duration of their stay. 
• when shared recreational facilities are provided to guests, such as games rooms, pools and BBQs, implement processes to increase good hygiene and communicate these to guests. For example:
  • provide alcohol-based hand sanitiser at the entrance to recreational facilities and ask guests to use the sanitiser when they enter and exit the area
  • if practicable, implement a booking system for guests to use recreational facilities and allocate a worker to clean the facilities after every booking. If that is not practicable, provide cleaning wipes so guests can wipe down facilities before and after use, and
  • store items such as video games, table tennis bats and balls, DVDs and pool cues and balls behind the information desk to minimise handling. Clean any items when they are returned.

You should put processes in place to consult with staff and provide training about COVID-19 safe work practices and regularly monitor and review the implementation of hygiene measures to ensure they are being followed and remain effective.  

What do I need to consider when providing hygiene facilities?

You must ensure there are adequate and accessible facilities to achieve good hygiene and that they are in good working order, are clean and are otherwise safe.  

You may need to provide additional washing facilities, change rooms and dining facilities. You must also consider whether there are an adequate number of hand washing and drying stations, in convenient locations, to sustain the increase in workers practicing good hygiene. You may need to provide alcohol-based hand sanitiser in appropriate locations, such as entry and exits, if there are limited hand washing facilities available. 

Washroom facilities must be properly stocked and have adequate supplies of toilet paper, soap, water, and drying facilities (preferably single-use paper towels). They must also be kept clean and in good working order. 

When determining what facilities you need, consider the number of workers and guests on site, the shift arrangements and when access to these facilities is required. If you have temporarily down-sized worker numbers in response to COVID-19 and these will now be increased, you must take this into account to determine the facilities you need with increased numbers. 

I need to create a new eating or common area. What should I consider when making these new areas?

If creating a new eating or common area to enable physical distancing, you must ensure these areas are accessible from the workplace and adequately equipped (e.g. drinking water, rubbish bins), and protected from the elements, contaminants and hazards.  

You should also consider opening windows or adjusting air-conditioning for more ventilation in common areas, and limiting or reducing recirculated air-conditioning where possible.  

For further information on providing adequate and accessible facilities, including providing facilities for a temporary, mobile or remote workplace see the Model Code of Practice: Managing the work environment and facilities.

Why are paper towels preferred over hand dryers?

Paper towels are preferable as they can reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 by drying the hands more thoroughly than hand dryers.  

Hand dryers can still be used, however, there is an increased risk of transmission if hands are not dried properly. 

I am providing paper towels in my hygiene facilities. What else should I do?

Providing paper towels to dry your hands after washing them is better than using hand dryers because they can dry your hands more thoroughly. 

If you provide single used paper towels at your workplace, remember:

• the paper towels should be replenished as required, and
• used paper towels should be disposed of in a waste bin that is regularly emptied to keep the area clean, tidy and safe.

Wastes (including used paper towels) should be double bagged and set aside in a safe place for at least 72 hours before disposal into general waste facilities. For further information regarding cleaning, please refer to our cleaning guide. 

What if I can’t provide paper towels?

If paper towels cannot be provided, then hand dryers may be used to dry hands. You must train workers on how to dry their hands. Placing posters near hand dryers may assist with communicating the need for hands to be dried completely. If hands are not dried completely, good hygiene will not be achieved, and the hand washing will be ineffective. 

Frequently touched areas of the hand dryers (i.e. buttons to activate the drying mechanism of the hand dryer) and the entire body of the dryer should be cleaned regularly. Nearby surfaces (such as the sink and taps) should also be cleaned regularly to remove any germs that may have been spread when drying hands. 

The main way COVID-19 spreads from person to person is through contact with respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The droplets may fall directly onto the person’s eyes, nose or mouth if they are in close contact with the infected person. Airborne transmission of COVID-19 can also occur, with the greatest risk in indoor, crowded and inadequately ventilated spaces. A person may also be infected if they touch a surface contaminated with the COVID-19 virus and then touch their mouth, nose or eyes before washing their hands. Research shows that the COVID-19 virus can survive on some surfaces for prolonged periods of time.

A key way you can protect workers yourself and others from the risk of exposure to COVID-19 is by practicing good hygiene. Below are measures to ensure good hygiene in your workplace.  

Worker hygiene 

A key way you can protect yourself, your colleagues and others from the risk of exposure to COVID-19 is by practising good hygiene.  

Good hygiene requires washing your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and drying them with clean paper towel. You must wash and dry your hands: 

• before and after eating 
• after coughing or sneezing 
• after going to the toilet, and  
• when changing tasks and after touching potentially contaminated surfaces.  

When it is not possible to wash hands, an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol as the active ingredient must be used as per the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Good hygiene also requires you to, at all times: 

• cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a clean tissue (and no spitting) 
• avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth 
• dispose of tissues and cigarette butts hygienically, e.g. in closed bins 
• wash and dry hands completely before and after smoking a cigarette  
• wash and dry hands completely before and after interacting with guests
• clean and disinfect shared equipment after use
• wash body, hair (including facial hair) and clothes thoroughly every day 
• have no intentional physical contact, for example, shaking hands and patting backs and
• not attend work if you are feeling unwell.

For information on the measures your employer should be implementing, see our employer information for Accommodation services.