Workplace hand hygiene depends on simple habits repeated throughout the day. Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water can help reduce the spread of germs, but staff also need clean, accessible facilities and supplies that are ready to use.
Whether you manage a restaurant, office, school or industrial premises, it is worth checking both how people wash their hands and whether your facilities make it easy to do so.
Five Simple Steps for Workplace Hand Hygiene
A quick rinse is not a thorough handwash. Follow these five steps:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water. Warm or cold water can be used.
- Apply soap and work it into a lather that covers all surfaces of your hands.
- Rub thoroughly for at least 20 seconds, including your palms, the backs of your hands, between your fingers, thumbs and fingertips.
- Rinse well under clean, running water to remove the soap.
- Dry your hands thoroughly using a disposable paper towel or another suitable hand-drying method provided at your workplace.
Give each stage enough attention. Rushing the wash or leaving hands wet means the routine is incomplete.
Give Commonly Missed Areas Attention
When washing, take care to clean your thumbs, fingertips, around and under your nails, between your fingers and the backs of your hands. Include your wrists where appropriate to your workplace procedure.
A clear poster beside the sink can remind staff of the technique, especially during a busy shift.
Wash Your Hands at the Right Times
Important times include:
- Before preparing food or eating.
- After handling raw meat.
- After using the toilet.
- After coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
- After handling rubbish.
- Whenever hands are visibly dirty.
Staff should also follow the handwashing requirements of their role and your workplace hygiene procedures. Hand sanitiser does not replace washing with soap and water when hands are visibly dirty.
Support Workplace Hand Hygiene with Stocked Facilities
Good habits are easier to maintain when facilities are ready for use. Include these checks in your regular cleaning routine:
- Is clean running water available?
- Are soap dispensers filled and working?
- Are paper towels available or hand dryers working?
- Are sinks, taps and surrounding surfaces clean?
- Are waste bins managed and faults reported promptly?
Assign responsibility for checks and keep compatible refills available. Busy washrooms and handwashing stations may need more frequent attention during the day.
Today, walk around your premises and check every handwashing point. An empty soap dispenser or missing paper towels is a practical problem you can put right straight away.
Hand Hygiene Supplies from Wilton Technology
At Wilton Technology, we supply cleaning and hygiene products to businesses in Cork and across Munster. Contact us to discuss your hand soap, dispensers, paper towels and hand sanitiser requirements.
Keeping workplace hand hygiene consistent starts with clear routines and facilities people can rely on.
Email: sales@wiltontech.ie
Phone: 021 4810688
Website: www.wiltontech.ie
For further practical guidance, see the HSE guide to cleaning your hands.
