Hand Hygiene

Hand Washing is Important

• Hand washing, when done correctly, is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of illness. 

When to Wash Your Hands 

• When they are visibly dirty.
• Before preparing and immediately after handling food.
• After using the toilet or changing a diaper.
• After contact with contaminated surfaces (e.g., garbage bins).
• After handling pets, animals, animal waste, pet food, or treats.
• After wiping or blowing your nose.
• After coughing or sneezing into your hands.
• After contact with blood, bodily fluids, or wounds.
• Before and after giving care or visiting someone who is ill or less able to fight infections.

Five Simple Steps to Hand Washing 

• Wet your hands with warm running water and apply soap.
• Rub your hands vigorously for a least 15-20 seconds. Remember to wash the front and back of your hands, as well as in between fingers, around thumbs, and under fingernails and jewelry.
• Rinse hands well under warm running water.
• Pat hands dry with paper towel.
• Turn off water using a paper towel and discard. 

When to Use Alcohol-Based Hand Rub 

• Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce the number of germs on them in most situations.  If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub that contains at least 70% alcohol. 

How to Use Alcohol-Based Hand Rub 

• Ensure hands are visibly clean and dry.
• Apply enough hand rub into a cupped palm to completely wet both your hands.
• Rub your hands together to cover all areas of your hands, including under your nails.
• Use a rubbing motion to evenly distribute the product over ALL surfaces of your hands until your hands feel dry.  This should take at least 15 seconds. 

Children Using Alcohol-Based Hand Rub 

• It is safe for children over the age of 24 months to use alcohol-based hand rub; however, young children should be closely supervised when using it.
• After application of the hand rub to hands, the alcohol content evaporates. 

Take Care of Your Hands 

• Use a protective hand cream or lotion frequently to reduce irritation.
• Keep nails clean and short.

All Healthcare Settings Resources

• IPAC Canada:  Information about Hand Hygiene
• Public Health Ontario: Hand Hygiene
• Public Health Ontario: Four Moments of Hand Hygiene FAQ
• Public Health Ontario: Best Practices for Hand Hygiene in All Healthcare Settings 

Long-Term Care and Retirement Home Resources 

• 4 Moments for Hand Hygiene for Long-Term Care Homes
• Public Health Ontario: Just Clean Your Hands - Long-Term Care 

Hospital Resources

• Public Health Ontario: Just Clean Yours Hands - Hospitals 

School Resources

• Hand Hygiene - Classroom and Educator Supports
• Hand Hygiene - Schools and Administration 

Childcare Centre Resources 

• Healthy Hands: Hand Hygiene Resource Manual for Childcare Centres (2020)
• Hand Hygiene Resource Kit