Explain when and Why hand washing should be carried out

While it is true that some pathogens are not destroyed by regular soap and water, those that survive are surrounded by the soap molecules and are washed away in the rinse water. Antibacterial soaps are typically considered to be unnecessary for most purposes. The exception may be in a hospital where situations are present (e.g., before invasive procedures, when caring for 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 antibacterial or antimicrobial activity on the hands is desired.

When there is no soap or water available, one alternative is to use hand sanitizers or waterless hand scrubs. Some of these products are made of ethyl alcohol mixed with emollients (skin softeners) and other agents. They are often available as a gel, or on wipes or towelettes. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers should contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective. Sanitizers do not eliminate all types of pathogens. Hand sanitizers may have odours which may be irritating to some users.

When using a hand sanitizer:

• Apply suggested amount to the palm of one hand based on the manufacturer's recommendation.
• Rub hands together.
• Spread and rub the product over your hands and fingers until your hands are dry.
• Use enough product to cover all of your hands and fingers.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are the preferred method for healthcare providers when the hands are not visibly soiled. The sanitizers can also be used by paramedics, home care attendants, or other mobile workers where hand washing facilities are not available. These alcohol-based hand sanitizers (with at least 60% alcohol) are also recommended for the general public during a pandemic. However, these agents are not effective when the hands are heavily contaminated with dirt, blood, or other organic materials. Hand washing with soap and water is recommended when hands are visibly soiled.

Contact Info

Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division

Contact Info

Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division

This fun poster shows some of the important times to wash your hands.

Download a print version of this document:
When Should I Wash My Hands Poster (PDF)

Wash your hands:

• After arriving.
• After coughing or blowing your nose.
• Before making or eating food.
• After playing with animals.
• After using the toilet.
• After playing outdoors.
• Before and after changing contact lenses.

Last Updated: 10/04/2022

Avoid infectious diseases with one simple trick — wash your hands with soap

Hand Washing Techniques

You can’t see them, but germs hang out on your hands 24/7. While most are harmless, others can cause serious infection like influenza. These germs can enter your body when your contaminated hands come into contact with your nose, mouth, eyes or open wounds. Thankfully, you can avoid an infection simply by washing your hands. Read on to find out how.

​

Yes, there is a right way to wash hands

Proper hand washing means washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. The constant rubbing action helps soap break down the grease and dirt that carry most germs. This way, your hands don’t just smell fresh, but you’ll also reduce the germ count on your hands by up to 99%.

Follow these 8 steps to clean hands:

• ​Palm to palm
  
• Between fingers
  
• Back of hands
  
• Base of thumbs
  
• Back of fingers
  
• Fingernails
  
• Wrists
  
• Rinse and wipe dry
  

When to wash your hands

Make sure you wash your hands whenever you do the following:

Before and after

• Handling or preparing food
  
• Meals
  
• Attending to a child or sick person
  
• Wearing contact lenses
  

After

• ​Using the toilet
  
• Wiping or blowing your nose
  
• Coughing and sneezing
  
• Changing diapers
  
• Touching common surfaces like lift buttons, handles and table tops
  

​Any type of Soap is fine

Bar soaps should be kept in a self-draining holder that is cleaned thoroughly before new bars are put in, while liquid soap containers should be used until empty and cleaned before refilling.

Or try your hands at sanitisers

When travelling overseas or going to places where clean water and soap are not available, try using hand sanitisers for an added hygiene boost after washing your hands with soap. The most common hand sanitisers are alcohol-based.

HOW TO USE ALCOHOL-BASED HAND SANITISERS

• Wash your hands with soap and water to make sure all dirt is removed. Alcohol-based sanitisers work best on clean skin.
  
• Dry your hands after washing, as water dilutes the alcohol in the sanitiser and lessens its effectiveness.
  
• Apply a coin-sized amount of sanitiser on your hands. Rub them together, ensuring that both hands are covered with sanitiser, including the area under your nails.
  
• Keep going for about 15 to 20 seconds, or until your hands feel dry.
  

Your hands may be clean after washing with soap and water, but also take these precautions when drying them:

• Avoid using sponges or non-disposable cleaning cloths to wipe your hands unless you clean them on a daily basis and dry them regularly. Remember, germs thrive on moist surfaces.
  
• Do not use a common hand towel. Always use disposable towels and hand dryers in public washrooms.
  
• Do not use a single damp cloth to wash a group of children’s hands.
  

This article was last reviewed on Tuesday, November 15, 2022

E-Cigarettes

There’s a lot about e-cigarettes that many of us are unaware of – what are they exactly, and are they safe? Read on to uncover truths and myths clouding it!

STAY ONE STEP AHEAD WITH VACCINATIONS

Protect yourself and your loved ones from vaccine-preventable diseases like influenza and pneumococcal disease. There is no reason why anyone should suffer from the serious complications vaccine-preventable diseases can cause. Your best defence against such diseases is getting vaccinated.

Catalog-Item Reuse

Avoid infectious diseases with one simple trick — wash your hands with soap

<div class="ExternalClassEDC79D7100C042F2A049EA28035DDAE7"><h2>Hand Washing Techniques
</h2><div>

          </div><div>You can’t see them, but germs hang out on your hands 24/7. While most are harmless, others can cause serious infection like influenza. These germs can enter your body when your contaminated hands come into contact with your nose, mouth, eyes or open wounds. Thankfully, you can avoid an infection simply by washing your hands. Read on to find out how.</div><div>​
</div><h3>Yes, there is a right way to wash hands</h3><div>

          </div><div>Proper hand washing means washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. The constant rubbing action helps soap break down the grease and dirt that carry most germs. This way, your hands don’t just smell fresh, but you’ll also reduce the germ count on your hands by up to 99%.</div><div>

          </div><div>Follow these 8 steps to clean hands&#58;</div><div>

          </div><div>
      <img src="/sites/assets/Assets/Article%20Images/washing_hands_photos.jpg" alt="" style="margin&#58;5px;" />

          </div><div><ul><li>​Palm to palm
</li><li>Between fingers
</li><li>Back of hands
</li><li>Base of thumbs
</li><li>Back of fingers
</li><li>Fingernails
</li><li>Wrists
</li><li>Rinse and wipe dry
</li></ul></div><h3>When to wash your hands</h3><div>

          </div><div>Make sure you wash your hands whenever you do the following&#58;</div><div>

          </div><div>
      <strong>Before and after</strong></div><div><ul><li>Handling or preparing food
</li><li>Meals
</li><li>Attending to a child or sick person
</li><li>Wearing contact lenses
</li></ul></div><div>
      <strong>After</strong></div><div><ul><li>​Using the toilet
</li><li>Wiping or blowing your nose
</li><li>Coughing and sneezing
</li><li>Changing diapers
</li><li>Touching common surfaces like lift buttons, handles and table tops
</li></ul></div><h3>​Any type of Soap is fine</h3><div>

          </div><div>Bar soaps should be kept in a self-draining holder that is cleaned thoroughly before new bars are put in, while liquid soap containers should be used until empty and cleaned before refilling.</div><div>

          </div><h3>Or try your hands at sanitisers
</h3><div>

          </div><div>When travelling overseas or going to places where clean water and soap are not available, try using hand sanitisers for an added hygiene boost after washing your hands with soap. The most common hand sanitisers are alcohol-based.</div><div>

          </div><div>
      <strong>HOW TO USE ALCOHOL-BASED HAND SANITISERS</strong></div><div><ul><li>Wash your hands with soap and water to make sure all dirt is removed. Alcohol-based sanitisers work best on clean skin.
</li><li>Dry your hands after washing, as water dilutes the alcohol in the sanitiser and lessens its effectiveness.
</li><li>Apply a coin-sized amount of sanitiser on your hands. Rub them together, ensuring that both hands are covered with sanitiser, including the area under your nails.
</li><li>Keep going for about 15 to 20 seconds, or until your hands feel dry.
</li></ul></div><div>Your hands may be clean after washing with soap and water, but also take these precautions when drying them&#58;</div><div><ul><li>Avoid using sponges or non-disposable cleaning cloths to wipe your hands unless you clean them on a daily basis and dry them regularly. Remember, germs thrive on moist surfaces.
</li><li>Do not use a common hand towel. Always use disposable towels and hand dryers in public washrooms.
</li><li>Do not use a single damp cloth to wash a group of children’s hands.
</li></ul></div></div>

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

ICD-1-Infectious Parasitic,PGM_StudentHealth,AGE_Adult,CHILD_Children,INTEREST_Body Care,

No

471

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

<div class="ExternalClass87ABF60B7AD5416AB87FC5DFD77C04CF">Health Promotion Board </div>

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Health Promotion Board

https://www.hpb.gov.sg

Keep Your Hands Clean

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