Controlling the spread of germs is the single most effective way to reduce the spread of many infections such as norovirus, swine flu, salmonella and e-coli. Making sure you always wash your hands regularly is one of the simplest, effective and practical ways of achieving this not only to protect your own health but for people around you. It is vital that you teach your children how to wash their hands properly too. When people don't wash their hands, they can contaminate everything they touch with germs that result in diarrhoea, vomiting, upset stomachs, flu and more!
The prevention and control of infection is considered a general priority whether in the home, school, hospital or workplace. Poor control is now recognised as the main cause of preventable illness and death.
The Food Control team has developed a practical guide to why, when and how to wash your hands to keep you, your family and people around you safe from infection (many people don't actually wash their hands properly, often missing out the thumbs and the centre of the palms). See the link to the ‘wash your hands leaflet’ at the bottom of the page.
Please read the guide and apply it every time!
Why not print our poster 'How to wash your hands in six simple steps' for your home or business? See the PDF document on the right of this page.
You should always wash your hands BEFORE you:
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eat or handle food
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put in contact lenses
You should always wash your hands AFTER you:
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handle raw foods particularly meat, poultry, eggs or fish
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go to the toilet
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blow your nose, cough or sneeze
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touch animals or animal waste
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handle rubbish
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change nappies
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smoke
You should also wash your hands BEFORE and AFTER visiting hospital wards or when caring for a sick or injured person.