US Patent 7443305 Hand wash monitoring system and method

An identification badge worn by an individual is sensed when that individual enters a lavatory. The individual is also provided with an indication device which is worn on or about the hands. Inside the lavatory, there is also provided a hand cleaning station which includes a sensor that determines whether the indicating device is in close proximity and dispenses soap on the individual's hands, then provides an appropriate indication to a computer system. Should the badge sensor sense the individual's departure from the lavatory without an appropriate indication being generated by the indicator sensor, a warning signal is generated, which is sent to the computer system and to an appropriate officer, who can then address the individual.