Handwashing
Hand facts
Millions of germs live under watches, bracelets and rings. As many bacteria as there are people living in Europe may be under your ring.
Germs can stay alive on your hands for up to three hours.
The numbers of germs on your fingertips doubles after you have used the toilet.
Up to half of all men do not wash their hands after using the toilet.
Up to a quarter of all women do not wash their hands after using the toilet.
Millions of germs live under watches, bracelets and rings. As many bacteria as there are people living in Europe may be under your ring.
Germs can stay alive on your hands for up to three hours.
The numbers of germs on your fingertips doubles after you have used the toilet.
Up to half of all men do not wash their hands after using the toilet.
Up to a quarter of all women do not wash their hands after using the toilet.
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
- Changing nappies
- Caring for the sick
- 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
See our resources page for posters, leaflets and activity sheets.