Where should a hand-washing sink be located to avoid contamination?

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clean and contamination-free environment in areas where hazardous drugs (HDs) are handled. Positioning a hand-washing sink at least 1 meter away from the Compounding Primary Engineering Control (C-PEC) helps prevent the potential contamination that could occur from splashes or aerosols that may arise during hand-washing.

By situating the sink at this distance, any contaminants from hand-washing are less likely to be drawn into the C-PEC, which is critical for maintaining aseptic conditions when compounding hazardous medications. This distance acts as a buffer zone, significantly reducing the risk of contamination in the sterile compounding area.

This approach aligns with general practices outlined in USP <800>, which stresses the importance of designing facilities to minimize risks associated with the handling of hazardous substances, ensuring that cleanliness and safety protocols are adhered to.