Hand hygiene - protect yourself and others

Why should I wash my hands?

Cleaning your hands with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand rub is the most simple and effective way to stop the spread of germs that cause infections such as influenza and gastroenteritis.

Many germs can survive for hours on surfaces and be picked upon your hands without you knowing. If you touch your nose, eyes, mouth or anything that goes into your mouth, these germs can get inside your body and make you or others sick.

How should I clean my hands?

There are two recommended methods for cleaning your hands:

• soap and water
• alcohol-based hand rub

Both methods can effectively remove or kill germs on your hands but alcohol-based hand rub does not remove dirt which is why you should wash your hands if they are visibly dirty. 

When should I wash my hands?

Wash your hands with soap and water:

• before handling or preparing food or drinks or handling kitchen utensils
• before eating or drinking
• after going to the toilet or changing nappies
• after coming into contact with anyone who is sick 
• after handling rubbish or working in the garden
• after handling or touching animals
• when your hands are visibly dirty.

When your hands are not visibly soiled, or where soap and water facilities are not available, you could consider using alcohol-based hand rub.

When should I use alcohol-based hand rub?

Clean your hands with alcohol-based hospital when:

• visiting a hospital, community health centre or GP clinic
• after visiting a hospital, community health centre or GP clinic
• after using a tissue

How can I take care of my hands?

If the skin on your hands becomes dry and cracked, it is harder to keep them clean and can be uncomfortable.

To keep your skin healthy, use a moisturiser regularly.

Using soap and water

1. If possible, remove rings and watches and ensure clothing is above your wrists.
2. Wet your hands with warm water.
3. Apply one pump of liquid soap or rub bar soap over your wet hands, and lather well for around 15 seconds.
4. Rub the lather over the front and back of your hands, over and between your fingers and fingernails, and around your wrists.
5. Rinse well under running water and make sure all soap is removed.
6. Dry your hands thoroughly patting dry with paper towels, or at home using a towel. Air driers can also be used to dry your hands.

Using alcohol-based hand rub

1. If possible, remove rings and watches and ensure clothing is above your wrists. 
2. Squirt enough hand rub into your cupped hand to cover the surfaces of both of your hands.
3. Rub the hand rub over the front and back of your hands, over and between your fingers and fingernails, and around your wrists.
4. Rub your hands together until they are dry.