HelpAlong e-Brochure 
In disability support, our hands are one of the main ways we provide care. From assisting with personal tasks to supporting daily routines, hand hygiene plays a direct role in keeping participants safe. One small change in how we dress at work can make a meaningful difference in reducing infection risk. This is where Bare Below the Elbows comes in.
Queensland Health requires this practice across healthcare settings and HelpAlong has adopted it within our services. It is a practical approach that supports safe care, reduces infection risk and helps prevent injury during hands-on support.
What Bare Below the Elbows means
Bare Below the Elbows focuses on keeping the hands, wrists and forearms free from items that interfere with effective hand washing. When skin is clear and accessible, hand hygiene is more effective and easier to maintain throughout the day.
This means:
- Wristwatches and bracelets are removed so wrists can be fully cleaned
- Rings with stones or ridges are removed as they trap bacteria
- A single plain flat band may be worn where it does not interfere with hand hygiene
- In high-risk tasks such as personal care, all rings are removed
- Sleeves are rolled or pushed above the elbow to prevent contamination
- Fingernails are kept short, clean and natural
- Artificial nails and nail polish are avoided
- Wrist and forearm jewellery or body modifications are removed during care tasks
These steps help keep hands clean and reduce the chance of germs spreading between people, surfaces and environments.
Why this matters
Research shows that jewellery and long sleeves increase the number of bacteria on the skin, including organisms that cause infection. When hands and forearms are clear, washing and sanitising becomes more effective and consistent. This reduces the risk of healthcare associated infections and protects both participants and staff.
Bare Below the Elbows also supports safer manual handling. Without jewellery or loose clothing, there is less risk of scratches, snagging or injury during support tasks.
Your WHS responsibilities
Following infection control procedures forms part of your duty of care under Workplace Health and Safety requirements. Skin integrity matters too. Any cuts, grazes or dermatitis must be covered with a waterproof dressing before providing support. If you experience ongoing skin issues that affect hand hygiene, report this so the right support can be provided.
A shared commitment to safe care
Bare Below the Elbows is a simple habit that strengthens the safety of every interaction. It shows respect for the people we support and reinforces our commitment to providing care that is clean, safe and consistent.
Each time you roll up your sleeves and remove jewellery before providing support, you are taking an active step in protecting health and wellbeing across our services.
