Benefits of Handwashing from Just Manufacturing

The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water whenever possible because handwashing reduces the amounts of all types of germs and chemicals on hands.

Why is hand hygiene important?

Hand hygiene refers to removing or killing microorganisms (germs) on the hands. When performed correctly, hand hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and infections. In health care, hand hygiene is used to eliminate transient microorganisms that have been picked up via contact with patients, contaminated equipment or the environment. Hand hygiene may be performed either by using soap and running water, or with alcohol-based hand rubs.

When should soap and water be used?

The mechanical action of washing, rinsing and drying removes transient bacteria present on the hands. Hand washing with soap and running water must be performed whenever hands are visibly soiled.

Any type of plain soap may be used. However, bar soaps are not acceptable in health care settings except for single patient/resident personal use. If used, bar soap should be kept in a self draining holder that is cleaned thoroughly before new bars are put out. Liquid soap containers should be used until empty and then discarded. Soap containers must not be topped up, as there is a risk of contamination of residual soap. Antibacterial soaps may be used in critical care areas such as ICU, or in other areas where invasive procedures are performed.

Hand Washing vs Sanitizers

	Hand sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs.
	Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
	Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
	Swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause alcohol poisoning.
	Hand sanitizers without 60-95% alcohol 1) may not work equally well for many types of germs; and 2) merely reduce the growth of germs rather than kill them outright.

Proper Techniques for Hand Washing

Not all hand washing is created equal. For instance, when we’re in a hurry, we might just use a quick squirt of soap, a couple of seconds lather and rinse, then leave with our hands half-dry.

But that’s not good enough to kill germs. To do that, you need to wash your hands using these proper techniques:

Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.

Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.

Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Wash Hands Before and After Using Gloves

Washing hands is important even if you’re wearing gloves. Be sure to wash your hands before and after using gloves to prevent the spread of germs. You can contaminate gloves with germs from your hands when you put on gloves. Contaminated gloves can spread germs to your hands when you remove the gloves

Learn more about effective hand-washing with these tips and techniques from the Center for Disease Control (CDC).