Environmental Health

Health Education & Courses

Hand Washing

Handwashing Resource Sites:

Resources:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are waterless hand sanitizers effective?
Is antibacterial soap better than regular soap?
Is shared bar soap safe to use?
Can nail brushes spread germs?
When should hands be washed?
Do you supply hand washing posters?
What resources and links are available for teaching hand washing?
Do you give hand washing programs?
Do you participate in workplace or school health fairs?

Are waterless hand sanitizers effective?

Waterless hand sanitizers such as gels, foams or liquids containing at least 60% alcohol can be effective. These products only work on visibly clean hands, and if the directions are followed. Apply enough sanitizer to cover all areas of your hands, including under your nails. Use a rubbing motion to evenly distribute the product until your hands feel dry. Hand sanitizers do not replace hand washing and should only be used when soap and running water is not available. These products can be used as an additional step after hand washing.

Is antibacterial soap better than regular soap?

Antibacterial soap is recommended for use in very specific settings. It is not recommended for the general public. There is concern that the use of antibacterial products will lead to bacterial resistance. Regular soap is preferred. For more information, visit “do bugs need drugs”.

Is shared bar soap safe to use?

Studies have found that there is no health risk associated with using shared bar soap. However, it is recommended that public facilities provide soap in a dispenser. If bar soap is provided, it should be kept on a self draining holder. In food facilities, soap in dispensers is a requirement.

Can nail brushes spread germs?

There is no proof that nail brushes, when used properly, spread germs. The area underneath and around your nails has lots of germs and is the most contaminated part of your hands. Using a nail brush removes dirt and germs, making your hands cleaner.

When should hands be washed?

Hands should be washed before:

preparing food
eating
feeding children, including breastfeeding

Hands should be washed after:

handling raw meats, poultry and fish
changing diapers
using the bathroom or helping small children in the bathroom
coughing or sneezing, blowing your nose or helping a child blow her nose
caring for a sick family member
touching animals, or cleaning their litter box , cage or removing their waste from the yard and handling pet treats. For more information, view Apple Magazine's Dangerous Dog Treats, article (July/August 2006, p.23)

Do you supply hand washing posters?

Our department has hand washing posters and stickers in various sizes which are suitable for both adults and children. The posters are free. Please contact us for more information or click on the links for pictures of the posters.

Poster Page

What resources and links are available for teaching hand washing?

Our team has developed a hand washing resource list. For additional resources, please contact us at 403-943-2290.

Printer friendly version of resource list

Most frequently requested free resource materials

Do you give hand washing programs?

Our team is happy to come to your school or facility to talk about the importance of hand washing, and to demonstrate how to wash your hands. We use puppets and other props, and activities such as Glo-germ and bacteria plates, to reinforce our message.

Do you participate in workplace or school health fairs?

We are eager to be involved with your workplace or school health fair. We have displays, handout materials and a fun spin wheel that we bring with us.

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	Environmental Health Health Education & Courses Hand Washing Health Education Home \| Courses \| Information \| Frequently Asked Questions \| Training Requirements \| Hand Washing \| Links & Resources Handwashing Resource Sites: Link to our videos page CDC germ stoppers Clean Hands Coalition Did you Wash'em Do Bugs Need Drugs? Fight Bac GOJO lesson plans Henry the Hand It's a snap - health schools, healthy people NFSMI: Wash your hands - educating the school community NSF Scrub Club Public Health Seattle and Kings County streaming video library Tacoma / Pierce County Health Department (health habits / handwashing) Texas Department of State Health Services (kid's corner / lesson plans) Resources: Resource list for child hand washing and personal hygiene education Order free resources (posters, stickers, and activity books) Frequently Asked Questions: Are waterless hand sanitizers effective? Is antibacterial soap better than regular soap? Is shared bar soap safe to use? Can nail brushes spread germs? When should hands be washed? Do you supply hand washing posters? What resources and links are available for teaching hand washing? Do you give hand washing programs? Do you participate in workplace or school health fairs? Are waterless hand sanitizers effective? Waterless hand sanitizers such as gels, foams or liquids containing at least 60% alcohol can be effective. These products only work on visibly clean hands, and if the directions are followed. Apply enough sanitizer to cover all areas of your hands, including under your nails. Use a rubbing motion to evenly distribute the product until your hands feel dry. Hand sanitizers do not replace hand washing and should only be used when soap and running water is not available. These products can be used as an additional step after hand washing. Back to Top Is antibacterial soap better than regular soap? Antibacterial soap is recommended for use in very specific settings. It is not recommended for the general public. There is concern that the use of antibacterial products will lead to bacterial resistance. Regular soap is preferred. For more information, visit “do bugs need drugs”. Back to Top Is shared bar soap safe to use? Studies have found that there is no health risk associated with using shared bar soap. However, it is recommended that public facilities provide soap in a dispenser. If bar soap is provided, it should be kept on a self draining holder. In food facilities, soap in dispensers is a requirement. Back to Top Can nail brushes spread germs? There is no proof that nail brushes, when used properly, spread germs. The area underneath and around your nails has lots of germs and is the most contaminated part of your hands. Using a nail brush removes dirt and germs, making your hands cleaner. Back to Top When should hands be washed? Hands should be washed before: preparing food eating feeding children, including breastfeeding Hands should be washed after: handling raw meats, poultry and fish changing diapers using the bathroom or helping small children in the bathroom coughing or sneezing, blowing your nose or helping a child blow her nose caring for a sick family member touching animals, or cleaning their litter box , cage or removing their waste from the yard and handling pet treats. For more information, view Apple Magazine's Dangerous Dog Treats, article (July/August 2006, p.23) Back to Top Do you supply hand washing posters? Our department has hand washing posters and stickers in various sizes which are suitable for both adults and children. The posters are free. Please contact us for more information or click on the links for pictures of the posters. Poster Page Back to Top What resources and links are available for teaching hand washing? Our team has developed a hand washing resource list. For additional resources, please contact us at 403-943-2290. Printer friendly version of resource list Most frequently requested free resource materials Most frequently requested free resource materials Do you give hand washing programs? Our team is happy to come to your school or facility to talk about the importance of hand washing, and to demonstrate how to wash your hands. We use puppets and other props, and activities such as Glo-germ and bacteria plates, to reinforce our message. Back to Top Do you participate in workplace or school health fairs? We are eager to be involved with your workplace or school health fair. We have displays, handout materials and a fun spin wheel that we bring with us. Back to Top Disclaimer Statement	Quick Links Closure Orders Restaurant Inspections Courses Hand Washing Videos Complaints
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