The 9 steps of proper hand washing

If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it's taught us that hand hygiene is an  incredibly important measure to reduce the risk of transmitting harmful viruses and bacterias from person to person. Handwashing with soap removes germs from hands. This helps prevent infections because people frequently touch their eyes, nose, and mouth without even realising it. Germs can get into the body through the eyes, nose and mouth and this is what causes sickness. Studies have shown that regular handwashing using soap can reduce the risk of catching Covid-19 by up to 36%

Hand sanitisers offer an extra layer of hygiene but handwashing with soap is often considered the easiest, most effective and affordable. However, for some people, this simply isn’t true. During the pandemic, 2.3 billion people worldwide did not have access to a hand hygiene facility in their homes, leaving them at risk of COVID-19 and other infections because they could not wash their hands. 

By 2030, it’s predicted that 78% of people will have access, leaving approximately 1.9 billion people unable to do something most of us take for granted. Furthermore, many households that do have access to soap often use it for laundry, dishwashing or bathing rather than handwashing. In the current climate, without better education and greater access, that could be disastrous.

To reduce the spread of germs and risk of illness transmission,  regular handwashing, especially before and after the below activities, is crucial:- 

• before eating and cooking
• after using the bathroom
• after cleaning around the house
• after touching animals, including family pets
• before and after visiting or taking care of any sick friends or relatives
• after blowing one's nose, coughing, or sneezing
• after being outside (playing, gardening, walking the dog, etc.)

Initial Hygiene has prepared a handy guide share with you the nine effective steps you should take to ensure perfect hand hygiene

Workplace hand washing facilities: what Australian businesses need to provide

Under Safe Work Australia's Code of Practice for managing the work environment and facilities, Australian employers are required to provide adequate hand washing facilities for workers. This includes access to a basin with running water, soap, and a means of drying hands. The number and placement of facilities must be sufficient for the number of workers and the nature of the work being performed.

For businesses in food service, healthcare, or aged care, hand washing station requirements are more specific. In these settings, dedicated hand washing sinks must be provided separately from food preparation or equipment washing sinks, and must be stocked with soap and single-use paper towels or a hand dryer at all times.

Initial provides managed hand hygiene solutions for Australian businesses, covering soap and sanitiser dispensing systems, hand drying units, and managed restocking and servicing. All units are serviced on a scheduled basis, with restocking and maintenance handled by Initial's locally based technicians. Proof-of-service documentation is accessible through the myInitial portal, supporting businesses with their WHS record keeping and facility management documentation.

Contact us today

Initial supplies and services a wide range of soaps, sanitisers and sanitiser stand equipment. Get in touch today on 1300 187 162 or contact us here for free, no obligation assessment of your current clinical & medical waste processes.