Hand Hygiene and Effective Handwashing
Personal hygiene is extremely important. Daily washing, showering or bathing will remove most of the organisms picked up during the day. Hand hygiene in particular is an important part of preventing infection. Hands can be cleaned, or decontaminated by:
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washing them with soap
and water -
using alcohol hand rubs
and gels
Watch the videos below to learn the correct methods for effective handwashing and hand sanitisation.
The 9 Steps to Effective Handwashing
Effective handwashing is vital to prevent the spread of pathogens. The steps below will show the process for routine handwashing throughout the day.
Once your hands are clean, you must take care not to contaminate them again.
Remember: the surfaces of taps, reusable hand towels and bins can all harbour pathogens.
Do you know the facts?
When is it important to wash hands?
Microorganisms are all around us therefore it is important to wash your hands regularly throughout the day. Hands should also be washed in the following moments, to protect yourself and to prevent microorganisms being transferred to others and also to the environment.
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Before, during and after preparing food
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Before eating food
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Before you start work
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Before and after caring for someone who is ill
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After using the toilet
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After handling an animal or animal waste or feed
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After touching your hair or your face
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After handling a baby or cleaning up a child
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After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
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After handling waste
