Advice on handwashing
This page provides information and advice about washing your hands properly.
We all think we know how to wash our hands but many of us don't do it properly. Simply rinsing the tips of fingertips under cold water does not count. Here are some reminders:
- always use warm water. It is better to wet hands before applying soap as this prevents irritation
- rub hands together vigorously for about 15 seconds, making sure both sides of the hands are washed thoroughly, around the thumbs, between each finger and around and under the nails
- then, rinse with clean water
- germs spread more easily if hands are wet so dry them thoroughly. Use a clean dry towel, paper towel or air dryer, it doesn't matter which.
The number of germs on fingertips doubles after using the toilet. Yet up to half of all men and a quarter of women fail to wash their hands after a visit to the loo!
Before:
- preparing food
- eating
- caring for the sick; changing dressings, giving medicines
- looking after babies or the elderly
- starting work; especially if you are a food handler or health professional
- putting in contact lenses.
Between:
- handling raw foods (meat, fish, poultry and eggs) and touching any other food or kitchen utensils
After:
- handling raw foods, particularly meat, fish and poultry
- going to the toilet
- touching rubbish/waste bins
- changing nappies
- caring for the sick, especially those with gastro-intestinal disorders
- coughing or sneezing, especially if you are sick
- handling and stroking pets or farm animals
- gardening - even if you wear gloves
- cleaning cat litter boxes.
Download a handwashing leaflet
Last updated : 15/05/2009
