Healthcare associated infections (HCAI) represent a major risk to patient safety. As 20-30% of these infections are preventable, the international "SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands" campaign is announced by the WHO annually on 5 May. Hand hygiene and particularly hand disinfection is dependent on the time and the execution of the disinfection procedure as well as the efficacy of the substance used. Alcohols represent valid and safe substances; however, adequate skin care must also be addressed. Appropriate actions include preparing a skin and hand protection plan and if necessary performing an occupational health check (G24).