Method and apparatus for helping to assure the washing of hands

A detachable marking mechanism for use in an apparatus for helping to assure washing of a person's hands, comprising:

• an easily identifiable substance, which is removable by washing to help assure sanitation of the person's hands;
• at least a portion of the easily identifiable substance contained with the detachable marking mechanism;
• and
• the detachable marking mechanism operable to be releasably secured to an actuating member to mark at least one hand of the person with the easily identifiable substance when the actuating member is triggered by an event where washing of the hands is desired.

A system for helping to assure washing of a person's hands after an event whereby washing of the hands is desirable, comprising:

• an easily identifiable substance which is removable by washing the hands;
• a marking mechanism with at least a portion of the easily identifiable substance contained therein;
• the marking mechanism releasably secured to an actuating member associated with the event that requires washing of the hands;
• and
• the marking mechanism operable to mark at least one hand of the person with the easily identifiable substance when the marking mechanism is triggered by the hand operating the actuating member.