Handwashing is the single most important method of preventing and controlling infection.

It is very important that everyone maintains high standards of hand hygiene.

Handwashing with liquid soap and ideally warm running water should remove most germs from the hands before they can be transferred to another person or object.

It is important that handwashing is carried out correctly to reduce the spread of germs.

Hands should always be washed:

▪ after visiting the toilet

▪ before handling, preparing or serving food/drink

▪ when the hands are visibly dirty

▪ after contact with pets and animals

▪ after performing any cleaning (housework) and after handling refuse or waste

▪ after gardening

▪ after changing a baby’s nappy or helping to toilet a child or adult

▪ after coughing or sneezing into the hands

Equipment needed for effective handwashing:

▪ handwash basin

▪ warm running water

▪ soap, preferably liquid soap

▪ clean hand towel or disposable paper towel

▪ hand towels should be regularly changed and should be washed at the highest possible temperature indicated on the manufacturer’s label.

Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Hand washing with soap helps prevent infections because:

• People frequently touch their eyes, nose, or mouth without realising, allowing germs to get into the body and make us sick

• Unwashed hands can spread germs to foods and drinks where they might be able to multiply make us sick

• Unwashed hands can transfer germs to objects, like handrails, table tops or toys, where they can be picked up by another person

• Follow the NHS guide on how to wash your hands properly here

  https://germdefence.org is a useful website that can help you identify ways to protect yourself and others in your household. It provides scientifically proven advice on reducing the risks from viruses in your home.