Hand washing is one of the simplest and most effective practices to prevent the spread of disease in the workplace. However, for this measure to be truly effective, it is crucial that all employees are aware of and follow best practices. In this article, we offer you a practical guide to ensure that hand washing in your workplace is thorough and effective.
Why is handwashing so important?
Regular hand washing is essential to eliminate germs and prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses, especially in environments where spaces and tools are shared. By washing hands properly, you can significantly reduce the risk of infection and maintain a safer and healthier work environment for everyone.
Use soap and water properly
The first step to effective hand washing is to use soap and water. OXA GEL BLUE, for example, is a neutral hand gel that cleans without drying the skin and is ideal for frequent use in the workplace. To wash your hands properly, follow these steps:
- Wet your hands with clean, cold or warm running water.
- Apply an adequate amount of soap and rub your hands together to create lather.
- Scrub all surfaces of your hands, including the back of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails. This process should take at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse your hands thoroughly under running water to remove all soap and germs.
- Dry your hands with a single-use hand towel to avoid cross-contamination.
Don't underestimate washing time
It is common for people to wash their hands quickly, but to be effective, you should spend at least 20 seconds scrubbing your hands with soap. A good trick is to sing the song ‘Happy Birthday’ twice while washing to make sure you are taking the time you need.
Consider the use of hand sanitisers.
Although hydroalcoholic gel is an excellent alternative when hand washing with soap and water is not possible, it should not be considered a complete substitute. The two methods complement each other: washing with soap and water removes visible dirt and certain types of contaminants, while hydroalcoholic gel is effective in immediate disinfection thanks to its 70% alcohol content, which effectively kills most germs. For optimal protection, it is recommended to use both options depending on the situation.
Encourages frequent hand washing
To maintain a safe working environment, it is important that all employees wash their hands frequently, especially at key times such as:
- Before and after food preparation
- After using the toilet
- After coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
- After touching shared surfaces such as doorknobs, keyboards and telephones
Provides easy access to cleaning supplies
Ensure that sinks, soap and paper towels are always easily accessible in the workplace. In addition, place hand sanitiser dispensers in strategic areas, such as the entrance, break areas and meeting rooms, so employees can keep their hands clean even when they are not near a sink.
Educate and remind your employees
Conducting regular training and posting visible reminders about the importance of handwashing can help keep everyone in the workplace aware of this crucial practice. This is especially important during times of high disease spread, such as the flu season.
Conclusion
Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of disease in the workplace, but only if it's done correctly. By following these tips and using high-quality products like those from OXA, you can help maintain a safer and healthier working environment for everyone.