How to wash your hands

An effective technique is important to ensure micro-organisms (germs) are removed and the risk of further spread to other people or surfaces is minimized., It is important to wet hands before applying soap, and make sure all parts of the hands and fingers are cleaned, especially the fingertips, which often get missed. Hands should be rinsed well and then dried thoroughly.

Remember to

• Wet your hands thoroughly.
• Apply soap product
• Follow the 6 step technique (see below).
• Rinse hands thoroughly.
• Dry hands thoroughly using disposable paper towels.
• Alcohol hand rubs may be used on physically clean hands. Always remember to follow the same 6 step technique (below)

Make sure all parts of the hands are cleaned including your thumbs, fingertips and in-between your fingers these are the areas that often get missed.

Six step technique

Step 1 Palm to palm	Step 2 Right palm over back of left, fingers interlaced, and then vice versa	Step 3 Palm to palm, fingers interlaced
Step 4 Back of fingers opposing palms with fingers interlaced	Step 5 Rotational rubbing of thumbs enclosed by palm	Step 6 Rotational rubbing backwards and forwards with fingertips of right hand in palm of left, and vice versa

This page was last modified on Fri May 07 2010