Hand Washing

Intro- Why?

Handwashing: Clean Hands Saves Lives

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water: (CDC.gov).

How to properly wash hands

Covid-19 Hand washing video using the WHO technique


Students proper hand washing technique

Always wash hands immediately for at least 20 seconds with soap and water (see Fig. 1)

  • after removing gloves and after contact with a person who is sick.

Minnesota Department Of Health Website

Germbuster poster from Minnesota Department of Health

Don't Forget to Wash

  1. Wet your hands

  2. Apply soap

  3. Wash your hands for 20 seconds

  4. Rinse well

  5. Dry your hands

  6. Turn off water with a paper towel

High touch areas

Clean high touch surfaces:

● Door handles and light switches

● Counters, desks and chairs, railings

● Soap dispensers and paper towel holders

● Water fountains

● Bathroom handles in toilets, sinks and showers

● Toilet seats and splash walls.

● Privacy stall doors, door push plates (if present) and entrance/exit doors, including 1 foot above and below the push plate or handle.