Hand Hygiene

Washing your hands or using a hand sanitiser helps to prevent germs from spreading.

Your hands touch many things, some of which can be contaminated with disease causing germs. Your hands
can make you sick if you transfer the infectious particles to your food / eyes / nose / mouth.
Many common diseases spread this way, including respiratory illnesses (colds, flu) and vomiting and diarrhoea
(gastroenteritis).

Handwashing steps
Scrub your hands with soap for at least 15-20 seconds. Using water alone does not remove soil and grease
which can trap unseen germs and viruses.
Total duration of the entire procedure is 40-60 seconds using the following steps:

1 Remove all jewellery. 2 Apply soap, covering 3 Rub palms together 4 Cover all surfaces of 5 Clean knuckles, back
Wet hands with water all hand surfaces the hands and rub of hands and fingers
between the fingers

6 Rub thumbs in a rotating 7 Clean the fingernails by 8 Rinse well with water 9 Dry your hands with a
manner and clean between working the fingertips disposable towel and then use
index finger and thumb into the palms the towel to turn off the tap

When to wash your hands:

• Before you eat or drink
• Before, during and after preparing food
• After toilet use
• Before and after attending to sick people
• After participating in clean-up activities
• After touching animals, animal toys, or
animal waste
• After touching your nose or mouth
• After changing diapers
• Before treating wounds or giving medication
• Before inserting or removing contact lenses
• After handling garbage
• After touching something that could be contaminated
such as shoes or cleaning cloths

Hand sanitisers
An alcohol-based sanitiser is an effective and convenient alternative if soap and water are not available.
However any visible dirt on skin must be removed by washing with clean water and soap.

Disclaimer: This leaflet has been developed for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for
professional medical advice. Should you have questions or concerns about any topic described here,
please consult your medical professional.

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