Tuesday 30th November 2021
Hands are one of the most common routes for spreading infections. During the COVID-19 pandemic, hand hygiene was the most important advice given by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and health experts worldwide.
We frequently touch our face, mouth, nose, and eyes, transferring infectious microorganisms like mucus and saliva from our body to our hands. These germs can then contaminate everyday surfaces such as light switches, door handles, keypads, kettles, and taps. And, as we touch contaminated surfaces, hands can also transfer infections to us.
We frequently touch our face, mouth, nose, and eyes, transferring infectious microorganisms like mucus and saliva from our body to our hands. These germs can then contaminate everyday surfaces such as light switches, door handles, keypads, kettles, and taps. And, as we touch contaminated surfaces, hands can also transfer infections to us.
The Solution... Proper Hand Hygiene
To help stop the spread of germs, the best practice is to wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Once your hands are clean, dry them thoroughly and use hand sanitiser for added protection.
NHS Hand Hygiene Advice
The NHS have some great advice you could try when washing your hands so that you help create a safer and cleaner workspace.
Wash your hands for the amount of time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice (around 20 seconds). Team Summit Hygiene have found this works best when sung very loudly.
Steps for Proper Handwashing
1. Wet your hands with clean water.
2. Apply enough soap to cover the entire surface of your hands.
3. Rub your hands together to lather the soap.
4. Clean the back of your hands and between your fingers by rubbing one hand with the other. Repeat with the other hand.
5. Rub your hands together again to clean between your fingers.
6. Rub the backs of your fingers against your palms.
7. Use one hand to clean your thumb with the other hand. Repeat with the other thumb.
8. Clean the tips of your fingers on the palm of your opposite hand. Repeat with the other hand.
9. Rinse your hands thoroughly with water.
10. Dry your hands completely using a disposable towel.
11. Use the disposable towel to turn off the tap to avoid re-contaminating your hands.
Note: If soap and water aren’t available, use alcohol-based hand rub (with at least 60% alcohol content).
Why Hand Hygiene is Critical
Maintaining proper hand hygiene, especially in high footfall areas, is crucial for public health. By following these handwashing steps, we can significantly reduce the spread of infections.
The key is not just washing our hands—but washing them the right way. So, remember to wash and sing “Happy Birthday” twice!
