It’s important to wash your hands before and after handling foods to remove germs.
When should I wash my hands?
You should wash your hands after doing any of the following activities:
- handling raw meat
- using the toilet
- cleaning
- sneezing and coughing
- touching your face
- smoking
- handling payments
- washing dishes
- handling garbage
Good personal hygiene is the best way to prevent foodborne illness.
To wash your hands thoroughly, follow the steps below, or download a PDF version of this poster.
Step 1: Wet Hands
- Remove jewellery and watches.
- Wet hands with warm water.
Step 2: Soap
- Be sure to use enough liquid or foam soap.
Step 3: Lather well
- Lather for 15 to 20 seconds.
- Clean your wrists, palms, back of hands, fingertips, under fingernails, and between fingers.
Step 4: Rinse
- Rinse with warm water.
- Be sure not to touch the side of the sink.
Step 5: Dry
- Dry hands completely with paper towel or with an air dryer.
Step 6: Keep Clean
- Use a paper towel to turn off the water to protect hands from getting dirty again.
