Hand washing

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Some germs can stay alive on our hands for up to three hours. During that time they can spread to the things we touch:

• door handles
• pens
• telephones
• money
• books
• newspapers
• food

In fact almost anything. So wash your hands regularly throughout the day and especially at these times:

Before

• preparing food
• eating

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
• emptying the bin
• changing nappies
• coughing or sneezing
• handling and stroking pets or farm animals

We all think we know how to wash our hands, but many of us don't do it properly. Here are some reminders to keep you right:

• Always use warm water. It's better to wet hands before applying soap as this prevents irritation.
• Rub hands together making sure both sides of the hands are washed thoroughly, around the thumbs, between the fingers and around and under the nails.
• Rinse with clean water.
• Germs spread more easily if hands are wet, so dry them thoroughly.

Did you know?

• Damp hands spread 1000 times more bacteria than dry hands!
• Bacteria can live on your hands for up to three hours!
• One bacterium can multiply to more than four million in eight hours!

For general healthy eating and food safety advice, visit the Eat Well website.

Contacts

• email: b-serv.es@renfrewshire.gov.uk
• phone: 0141 840 3106
• call in or write to us at:
  Renfrewshire Council
  Business Regulations
  Environmental Services
  Renfrewshire House
  Cotton Street
  Paisley
  PA1 1BR

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