Infection Control 101: Why Handwashing Is Still the Most Effective Tool
In a world of advanced medical technology and sophisticated cleaning systems, the most effective tool against infection is still an incredibly simple act.
Handwashing.
Every day, our hands come into contact with a multitude of germs that can easily spread from person to person, from surfaces to foods. Without meticulous hygiene practices, these germs can cause a range of health issues, from stomachaches to life-threatening medical conditions. From kitchens to schools and from shops to offices, effective handwashing is the most powerful defence against the spread of germs, keeping employees, customers and your business free from harm.
In this blog, we explore the science behind handwashing, why it remains the most effective way to prevent infection, and how to do it correctly.
The Science: Why Handwashing Works Better Than Anything Else
Handwashing physically removes dirt from the skin, but it’s not just about looking spick and span. It’s a practice that is actually scientifically proven to prevent infection.
When carried out correctly, and with the right products, the act of handwashing breaks down the outer layer of many bacterial and viral cells, allowing them to be lifted along with any dirt and grease and washed away with water.
This makes handwashing far more effective than just sanitising, as sanitisation only kills certain germs on the surface and can be less reliable if your hands are visibly dirty.
The Right Way to Wash: A Simple, Step-by-Step Guide
Many people think a quick rinse under hot water is enough, but handwashing only works to keep us safe from infection if it’s done correctly. Without proper technique, harmful germs can remain on the skin and easily spread to foods, surfaces and other people.
Follow these handwashing steps for best results:
- Wet your hands with clean, warm running water.
- Apply a soap product and create a rich lather.
- Rub your palms together, then interlace your fingers and scrub the backs of your hands.
- Pay attention to your thumbs, fingertips and wrists – these spots are commonly missed.
- Continue working up a lather for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice).
- Rinse your hands thoroughly under clean running water to get rid of the lather.
- Dry your hands with a clean towel or air dryer.
Hand Sanitiser vs. Handwashing: Knowing the Difference
Hand sanitisers should not replace proper handwashing practices, but they are a helpful tool when soap and water aren’t available.
Alcohol-based sanitisers work to kill many harmful germs quickly, removing them from the skin so that they cannot be spread accidentally. However, sanitiser doesn’t physically remove dirt and grime and is less effective on visibly dirty or greasy hands.
The golden rule?
Wash your hands when possible, and sanitise only when necessary.
The Risks Of Lazy Handwashing
Cutting corners with handwashing not only puts you at risk, but it also puts everyone you come into contact with in danger from infection.
The Spread of Illness
Bacterial strains such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli can easily transfer from your hands to food and surfaces, quickly causing an outbreak, which can be particularly problematic for children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. These illnesses can be life-threatening.
Put simply, handwashing is a form of contamination control, and that means it is a skill that needs to be taught correctly.
Reputational and Financial Damage
The impact of lazy handwashing isn’t just limited to health. A single incident linked to poor hygiene can devastate a business’s reputation, resulting in closures by Environmental Health, substantial fines, and the financial costs of lost business and legal fees.
Customers may forgive a mistake, but losing their trust (and trying to gain it from new markets) carries the most damaging long-term consequences.
The Role of Training: Making Handwashing Second Nature
Effective food safety training reinforces the ‘why’ behind the ‘how’ of handwashing by covering topics like contamination and personal hygiene. Envesca’s Food Safety courses provide vital training for individuals from every sector, focusing on when handwashing is most critical and how to perform it effectively. Providing your employees with Food Safety training means you can turn this simple habit into an effective safety tool, protecting the reputation of your business as well as the health of your customers.
Highfield Level 1 Food Safety in Catering
This half-day course introduces the basics of food safety for staff who handle pre-packaged and low-risk foods. Participants will learn about cross-contamination, cleaning, personal hygiene and when to raise concerns.
The course is best suited to waiting staff, porters and kitchen support staff.
Highfield Level 2 Food Safety in Catering
The Level 2 Food Safety course, which takes place over a full day, is essential for anyone handling or preparing food of all kinds. Suitable for chefs, kitchen assistants, and catering staff, this course covers topics such as safety hazards, storage, temperature control, pest control, cleaning, and an overview of food safety law and HACCP.
Handwashing: The Vital Step
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the most powerful. And handwashing is the cornerstone of effective infection control.
When done correctly, it is a quick practice that protects employees and customers from potentially life-threatening illnesses. Not just that, but it safeguards your business’s reputation (and your bottom line) at the same time.
At Envesca, we provide professional training to ensure your team is food safe with clarity, confidence, and competence. Get in touch today to find out about our accredited food safety courses and keep your workplace protected.
The Ultimate Guide to Passing the Level 4 Food Safety Examination
If you’ve got a question or query, please contact our super friendly team, they will be delighted to help you!
Simply get in touch via phone or email.
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Here at Envesca we believe that we are good at giving proactive, sensible and useful advice. Below you will find some free resources that you can download on a host of subjects that will help you and your business.
Training Available
Envesca offer a number of different training courses, which offer advice and guidance on these topics.
Highfield Level 1 Award in Food Safety in Catering
This half-day Level 1 Food Safety course is perfect for you if you handle low-risk food and is ideal as an introduction to food safety.Highfield Level 1 Award in Food Safety in Manufacturing
This half-day Level 1 Food Safety course introduces employees to good food hygiene practices within a food manufacturing setting.Highfield Level 3 Award in Food Allergen Management in Catering
This one-day course will ensure that you are aware of common allergens and intolerances and teach you how to manage allergens effectively.Highfield Level 3 Award in HACCP Training for Food Manufacturing
This course is for anyone with responsibility for the development of a food safety management system based on the Codex principles of HACCP.Share this article with your social Community.
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