Standard public health guidance dictates that hand washing with ordinary soap and water is the most effective way to remove germs. Hand washing is a daily routine for all of us, but only a handful of people are properly scrubbing. Listed below are the most commonly cited hand washing habits you need to break.
Forgoing the soap. Water only is not enough. Soap is needed if hand washing is to prevent the spread of disease. Soap works by loosening the bits of dirt, bacteria and oil stuck to your hands. Water alone cannot do this.
Skipping hand washing all together. Washing your hands after going to the bathroom, changing diapers or touching animals reduces your risk of catching or spreading infectious diseases such as salmonella or hepatitis A.
Not scrubbing for long enough. After applying soap and warm running water, rub your hands together vigorously for 15 seconds or longer. This is about how long it takes to sing “Happy Birthday’” twice.
Missing key areas. Pay special attention to your wrists, the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your fingernails. These are common areas where germs reside.
At Clean Hands Company, we supply devices, software and methods to allow employers to monitor employee hand washing compliance and ensure that employees wash their hands in keeping with local and state codes and recommendations. It’s time to break those bad habits, give us a call today at (314) 890-9910.