Simply put, yes. Hand washing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infections. "Good" hand washing techniques include using an adequate amount of soap, rubbing the hands together to create friction, and rinsing under running water. The use of gloves is not a substitute for hand washing.

Usually you can catch "germs" (a general term for microbes like viruses and bacteria) - or get infections from contact with other people - casually by hand to hand contact or by being nearby when people cough or sneeze. You can also spread microbes by being in contact with or sharing items like food utensils, straws, etc. Once your hands have these microbes on them, you may touch your face (mouth, eyes, or in the nose) where the microbes may take hold and start an infection. There is additional information in OSH Answers about how the common cold is transmitted.

Please note: In some workplaces, universal precautions should be followed when workers are exposed to blood and certain other body fluids. Please see the OSH Answers document Universal Precautions for more complete information.

Different situations where people can pick up "germs" include:

• after using the washroom (includes changing diapers),
• before and after eating or handling food,
• after touching raw meat, poultry, or fish,
• after handling garbage,
• visiting sick people,
• handling infected animals.

Ensuring that employees wash their hands properly after using the washroom is very important in reducing disease transmission of stomach "flus" (which really is not a "flu" or influenza) and other gastrointestinal infections. Using soap and lathering up is very important (rinsing hands in hot water only is not as effective). Hands should be washed for a minimum of 10 seconds. The idea of surgeons scrubbing for an operation (as on TV) is very similar.

For effective hand washing, follow these steps:

• remove any rings or other jewelry,
• use hot water and wet your hands thoroughly,
• use soap (1-3 mL) and lather very well,
• scrub your hands, between your fingers, wrists, and forearms with soap for 10 seconds,
• scrub under your nails,
• rinse thoroughly,
• turn off the taps/faucets with a paper towel,
• dry your hands with a single use towel or hot air dryer,
• protect your hands from touching dirty surfaces as you leave the bathroom.

Other tips include:

• Cover cuts with bandages and wear gloves for added protection (cuts are very vulnerable to infections).
• Artificial nails and chipped nail polish have been associated with an increase in the number of bacteria on the fingernails. Be sure to clean the nails properly.
• Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Assume that contact with any human body fluids is infectious.
• Liquid soap in disposable containers is best. If using reusable containers, they should be washed and dried before refilling. If using a bar of soap, be sure to set it on a rack that allows water to drain or use small bars that can be changed frequently.

While it is true that regular soap and water does not actually kill microorganisms (they create a slippery surface that allows the organisms to "slide off"), antibacterial soaps are typically considered to be "overkill" for most purposes. The exception may be in a hospital where special situations are present (e.g., before invasive procedures, when caring for severely immuno-compromised patients, critical care areas, intensive care nurseries, etc.). Antibacterial agents should be chosen carefully based on their active ingredients and characteristics, and when persistent antimicrobial activity on the hands is desired.