Clean Hands Save Lives
Hand Hygiene Is As Easy As 1-2-3
- Wash hands with soap and clean water
- Dry hands with clean paper hand towels
- Apply hand sanitizer
Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. It is best to wash your hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds.
Dry hands thoroughly, since wet hands can pick up and transfer more contamination than dry hands. Avoid contact with contaminated surfaces such as sink, faucet handles, towel dispenser cranks or levers that can result in cross-contamination.
Alcohol-based instant hand sanitizer should be viewed as an addition to hand washing and drying. Hands must be clean and free of grease and grime for instant hand sanitizer to work properly. Instant hand sanitizer can be used if there is no visible soil to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
When Should You Wash Your Hands?
- Before preparing or eating food
- After going to the restroom
- After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has gone to the restroom
- Before and after tending to someone who is sick
- After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
- After handling an animal or animal waste
- After handling garbage
- Before and after treating a cut or wound