When to Wash Hands
Some germs can stay alive on our hands for up to three hours and in that time they can be spread to all the things we touch – including food and other people. So wash your hands regularly throughout the day and especially at these times:

Before:
• Preparing food
• Eating
• Caring for the sick; changing dressings, giving medicines
• Looking after babies or the elderly
• Starting work; especially if you are a food handler or health professional
• Putting in contact lenses

Between:
• Handling raw foods (meat, fish, poultry and eggs) and touching any other food or kitchen utensils

After:
• Handling raw foods, particularly meat, fish and poultry
• Going to the toilet
• Touching rubbish/waste bins
• Caring for the sick, especially those with gastro-intestinal disorders
• Coughing or sneezing, especially if you are sick
• Handling and stroking pets or farm animals
• Gardening - even if you wear gloves
• Cleaning cat litter boxes.

Did You Know?
The number of germs on fingertips doubles after using the toilet. Yet up to half of all men and a quarter of women fail to wash their hands after they've been to the toilet!How to Wash Hands
We all think we know how to wash out hands but many of us don't do it properly.

Simply rinsing the tips of fingertips under cold water does NOT count. Here are some reminders:
• Always use warm water. It's better to wet hands before applying soap as this prevents irritation.
• Rub hands together vigorously for about 15 seconds, making sure both sides of the hands are washed thoroughly, around the thumbs, between each finger and around and under the nails.
• Then, rinse with clean water.
• Germs spread more easily if hands are wet so dry them thoroughly. Use a clean dry towel, paper towel or air dryer; it doesn't matter which.

Other Personal Hygiene Tips
If you are ill, especially with any gastrointestinal problems, avoid handling foods for others. Don't sneeze or cough near foods.
Cover all cuts, burns and sores and change dressings regularly – pay extra attention to any open wounds on hands and arms.

Avoid working in the kitchen in soiled clothing – when cooking, use a clean apron but don't use it to wipe your hands on.

If you are preparing lots of food – for a family meal perhaps – take off your watch, rings and bracelets as well as washing your hands and wrists before you start.
If you wear a ring there could be as many germs under it as there are people in Europe. Millions of germs can also hide under watches and bracelets.
Don't brush or comb your hair when you are in the kitchen or near food.
A 1mm hair follicle can harbour 50,000 germs.
Do not cough, sneeze, spit or smoke near food and avoid touching your nose, teeth, ears and hair, or scratching when handling food.

Extra Care Needed
If you work as a food handler you should take extra precautions – and these might be required by your employer. It's best to keep nails short and not to use artificial nails or nail varnish. Always use waterproof dressings to cover any cuts or sores.

Healthcare professionals and others who look after the sick also need to take extra care. Antiseptic or alcohol-based hand washing solutions provide extra safety.

Extra Care for Babies
Keep the kitchen extra clean – especially the floor where babies love to crawl. Wipe high chairs, bibs and eating areas before and after every meal.

Keep dirty nappies away from food and food preparation areas and always wash hands after handling dirty nappies. Teach young children about hand washing and good hygiene habits from an early age.

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