Tips and Tidbits

Inadequate hand hygiene contributes to food-related illness, the spread of the common cold, flu and several gastrointestinal disorders, such as infectious diarrhea.

"Hand washing is the single most important means of preventing the spread of infection." - CDC

Good hand washing requires three elements; soap, water, and friction. This easy and often-overlooked hand washing helps to protect your health.

Remember gloves are not a substitute for routine hand washing.

Proper Hand Washing

• Wet your hands with warm, running water and apply liquid soap or use clean bar soap. Lather well.


• Rub your hands vigorously together for at least 15 to 20 seconds. A good way to know if you have washed long enough is to sing “Happy Birthday”


• Scrub all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and under your fingernails.


• Rinse well.


• Dry your hands with a clean or disposable towel.


• Use a towel to turn off the faucet.

How good are hand sanitizers?

Waterless, antibacterial hand sanitizers are marketed as a way to wash your hands when soap and water are not available.

Research shows that they do not significantly reduce the overall amount of bacteria and in some cases may even increase it.