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Is it important to wash your
hands?
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.
How can I prevent
the spread of common "germs"?
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.
When should I wash
my hands?
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.
How do I properly
wash my hands?
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.
What about
antibacterial soaps and waterless hand scrubs?
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.
When there is no soap or water
available, one alternative is to use waterless hand scrubs. These
products are made of ethyl alcohol mixed with emollients (skin
softeners) and other agents. They are often available as a rinse, or
on wipes or towelettes. They can be used by paramedics, home care
attendants, or other mobile workers where hand washing facilities
are not available. However, these agents are not effective when the
hands are heavily contaminated with dirt, blood, or other organic
materials. In addition, waterless hand scrubs may have a drying
effect on the skin and may have odours which may be irritating to
some users.
Document last
updated on January 5, 2001
Copyright
©1997-2004 Canadian Centre for
Occupational Health & Safety
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