World Hand Hygiene Day
A Global Commitment to Health and Safety
Every year on 5th May, people around the world come together to observe World Hand Hygiene Day. This occasion reminds us of the importance of hand hygiene in preventing infections and promoting health in schools.
In light of recent global events, the significance of hand hygiene is more pressing than ever before. Hand hygiene plays a critical role in controlling the spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19. By washing our hands thoroughly and frequently, we can help protect vulnerable people and even save lives.
World Hand Hygiene Day serves as a call to action for individuals, communities, and governments to prioritise hand hygiene as a cornerstone of public health. By raising awareness, promoting education, and advocating for policies that support hand hygiene, we can create a safer and healthier world for everyone.
Keep reading to find out how handwashing makes a difference, when exactly you should wash your hands and some useful resources you can use at your school to promote hand hygiene!
How should you wash your hands?
It's a good idea to remove jewellery (if possible) before washing your hands.
You should wash your hands for the amount of time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice (around 40 seconds in total):
- Wet your hands with water.
- Apply enough soap to cover your hands.
- Rub your hands together.
- Use one hand to rub the back of the other hand and clean in between the fingers. Do the same with the other hand.
- Rub your hands together and clean in between your fingers.
- Grip the fingers of each hand together with the backs of your fingers against the palms of your other hand. Rub your fingertips together and rub the back of your fingers against your palms.
- Rub one thumb using your other hand. Do the same with the other thumb.
- Rub the tips of your fingers on the palm of your other hand. Do the same with other hand.
- Rinse your hands with water.
- Dry your hands completely with a disposable towel.
- Use the disposable towel to turn off the tap.
If you do not have immediate access to soap and water then use alcohol-based hand sanitiser if available.
How can hand hygiene be promoted in your school or academy?
Promoting hand hygiene in a school is essential for maintaining the health and well-being of students and staff. Here are some strategies to effectively promote this in a school setting:
Education and Awareness Campaigns:
- Conduct educational sessions to teach students about the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of germs and illnesses.
- Use posters, flyers, and other visual aids to display proper handwashing techniques and the benefits of hand hygiene.
Lead by Example:
- Teachers and staff should serve as role models by practising good hand hygiene habits themselves.
- Encourage teachers to integrate handwashing breaks into the daily schedule, such as before meals or after using the toilet.
Provide Access to Handwashing Facilities:
- Ensure handwashing facilities are readily available throughout the school, including in toilets, cafeterias and classrooms.
- Equip toilets with soap, water, and paper towels or hand dryers for proper handwashing.
Make Hand Sanitiser Available:
- Install hand sanitiser dispensers in busy areas such as entrances, hallways, and cafeterias.
- Encourage students to use hand sanitiser when soap and water are not readily available, but emphasise that handwashing is still the preferred method.
Engage Parents and Guardians:
- Communicate with parents and guardians about the importance of hand hygiene and encourage them to reinforce these habits at home.
- Provide resources and tips for parents to promote hand hygiene outside of school.
Does handwashing really make a difference?
Yes! Washing your hands is a simple yet powerful practice that can save lives. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), proper hand hygiene can reduce the spread of infections by up to 50%. By washing our hands regularly with soap and water or using hand sanitiser when soap and water are not available, we can protect ourselves and others from harmful germs, bacteria, and viruses.
Did you know?
Between 2020 and 2022, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) produced a survey about consumer handwashing. But what were the key findings from this survey?
Participants used a handwashing tracker to report details of when they washed their hands. The survey suggested that participants were most likely to report washing their hands with soap and warm water. However, the proportion who reported handwashing with soap and warm water ‘always’ or ‘most of the time’ declined over time (79% in April 2020 and 68% in January 2022).
Schools and workplaces
Hand hygiene is vital in schools and workplaces. Teaching children proper handwashing techniques from a young age instils lifelong habits that can protect them from illnesses and contribute to healthier communities!
In workplaces, promoting hand hygiene practices like providing hand sanitiser stations and encouraging regular handwashing breaks can help prevent the spread of infections among employees.
When should you wash your hands?
- Before, during, and after cooking and preparing food
- Before and after eating food
- Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhoea
- Before and after treating a cut or wound
- After handling rubbish
- After exercising
- When arriving home after a trip outside
- After using the toilet or changing a nappy
- After blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing
- After touching animals or pets, their food and after cleaning cages