Handwashing Procedures

Washing hands with soap and water

The most effective method of hand hygiene is using soap and water.  Washing your hands with soap and running water loosens, dilutes and flushes off dirt and germs.  Soap alone cannot remove dirt or kill germs- it is the combination of running water, rubbing your hands and the detergent in the soap that helps loosen the dirt, remove the germs and rinse them off your skin.

The process of thoroughly washing, rinsing and drying your hands should take around 30 seconds. 

There are five steps to washing hands:

(1)       Wet hands with running water (preferably warm water, for comfort).

(2)       Apply soap to hands.

(3)       Lather soap and rub hands thoroughly, including the wrists, the palms, between the fingers, around the thumbs and under the nails.  (Rub hands together for at least 15 seconds).

(4)       Rinse your hands thoroughly under running water to remove all soap.

(5)       Pat your hands dry with a disposable paper towel or dry under hand drier until completely.

Children are encouraged to wash, rinse and dry their hands in this way.  Children need to be closely supervised and observed so they develop hand washing as a good habit and are encouraged to do it properly.

Source: -  ‘Staying Healthy’ – 5^th Edition- National Health & Medical Research Council

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