7 Steps to Hand Washing

Good handwashing is essential, especially within schools, offices, and the home. Hands are the massive carriers of dirt, viruses, and bacteria, as they can come into contact with so many different surfaces throughout the day. Failing to use proper handwashing techniques can easily lead to something harmful entering the body or spreading between colleagues and students.

 

Let's imagine students at school. It is common for pupils to be in and out of the washroom all day and then find themselves in physical contact with peers and staff. If they don't follow the correct hand washing procedure, they could accidentally pass germs, viruses and bacteria to those in their immediate environment. 

 

Unfortunately, many people don't know how to properly wash their hands or don't make the necessary effort. In workplaces like catering, following proper handwashing procedures is a critical part of the business's food safety system, so there cannot be any room for error. However, in lower-risk environments such as an office, the hand washing process is rarely considered of significant importance! 

 

This is why all staff and students must be reminded of the correct hand washing techniques they should use. At CS4UK, we believe in providing access to key information, such as how to correctly wash your hands so you can share it with your staff and students. 

 

Here goes! 

 

 

These 7 handwashing steps, as advised by the NHS, are practical and straightforward for thorough hand cleaning. The recommended hand washing time is at least 20 seconds, so make sure you complete all the steps and don't rush through them.

 

Let's make it even easier to remember! 

 

When setting up and preparing to wash your hands, start singing the tune to 'Happy Birthday.' It's precisely the right amount of time to spend cleaning your hands, so they are spick and span! 

Wet your hands and apply enough liquid soap to create a good lather. The temperature of the water should be between 35ºC and 45ºC.

Rub your hands palm to palm in circular motions. Rotate clockwise and anticlockwise.

With your fingers linked through the other hand, use your right palm to rub the back of your left hand. Then swap.

Link your fingers together, facing each other, into clasped hands. Then rub your palms and fingers together.

Cup your fingers together, with your right hand over and your left hand under. With your fingers interlocked, rub the backs of them against your palms. Then swap.

Enclose your right hand around your left thumb and rub as you rotate it, then swap.

Rub your fingers over your left palm in a circular motion, then swap.

Once you've followed these handwashing steps, you should then thoroughly rinse with warm running water and dry with a clean, disposable paper towel. 

 

Paper towels are the most hygienic way to dry your hands, but automatic hand dryers may also be used in your workplace. If yours does, make sure you do not touch any part of the hand dryer with your clean hands, as you will risk transferring bacteria back onto them. Likewise, you should never use a reusable towel to dry your hands, as they can harbour dangerous bacteria levels that move back onto your hands.

 

At CS4UK, we are passionate about workplaces remaining clean safe; a vital part of that is ensuring hands are washed using our 7 step guide! We offer several handwashing solutions, including foam soap dispensers, and paper towels, to ensure your workplace remains free of dangerous germs