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Hand washing doesn't take much time or effort, but is very effective at preventing illnesses and infections. It’s important to know when and how to wash your hands.
You should always wash your hands before:
- Preparing or eating food
- Inserting and taking out contact lenses
- Coming into contact with an injured or an ill person
You should always wash your hands after:
- Preparing raw meat
- Using the toilet
- Coughing or sneezing into your hands
- Treating wounds
- Handling rubbish and other contaminated materials.
7 simple steps to hand washing:
- Wet your hands with running water.
- Apply soap.
- Lather well.
- Rub your hands vigorously for 20 seconds. Remember to clean all surfaces, including: the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and under your fingernails.
- Rinse well.
- Dry your hands with a clean towel or hand dryer.
- If possible, use your towel to turn off the tap
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