Washing your hands properly removes dirt, viruses and bacteria to stop them from spreading to other people and objects. Washing your hands is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others from illnesses such as food poisoning and viruses such as the flu and coronavirus (COVID-19). It can also help stop the spread of infections when you're visiting someone in a hospital or another healthcare setting.
To effectively practice hand hygiene, remember these key steps: wash your hands frequently with soap and water;
- After using the toilet or changing a nappy
- Before and after handling raw foods like meat and vegetables
- Before eating or handling food
- After blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing
- Before and after treating a cut or wound
- After touching animals, including pets, their food and after cleaning their cages
Use hand sanitiser when soap and water aren't available, and thoroughly dry your hands.
Detailed Steps for Hand Washing:
- Wet your hands: Use warm, not hot, water to wet your hands.
- Apply soap: Use a small amount of liquid soap.
- Lather: Rub your hands together palm to palm, ensuring all surfaces are covered with soap.
- Clean between fingers: Interlock your fingers and rub thoroughly.
- Rub thumbs: Rotate each thumb in the palm of the other hand.
- Clean fingertips: Rub the back of your fingers against your palms.
- Rinse: Rinse thoroughly under running water.
- Dry: Use a clean towel to dry your hands thoroughly, paying attention to the spaces between the fingers.
- Turn off the tap: Use the towel to turn off the tap, or use an elbow if available.
Hand Sanitiser:
- Hand sanitiser with 60-95% alcohol can be used when soap and water aren't available.
- It's most effective on hands that are not visibly dirty.
Other Hygiene Tips:
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Avoid touching your face: Germs can enter your body through your eyes, nose, and mouth.
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Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow: This prevents the spread of germs.
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Stay home if you're unwell: This helps prevent the spread of illness.
