"7 Steps of Hand Hygiene: SingHealth's Comprehensive Guide"

Hand hygiene is a crucial aspect of preventing the spread of infections and illnesses. The Singapore Health Services (SingHealth) has outlined a simple yet effective 7-step process for hand hygiene. Let's dive into these steps and understand how we can maintain clean hands and protect ourselves and others from germs.

Why is Hand Hygiene Important?

Our hands are a common entry point for germs and viruses. We touch our face, eyes, and mouth frequently, which can lead to infections. Hand hygiene helps to remove or kill germs on our hands, reducing the risk of spreading infections. It's especially important in healthcare settings, but it's equally vital in our daily lives, especially in the current COVID-19 pandemic.

SingHealth's 7-Step Hand Hygiene Process

SingHealth's 7-step process is based on the World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines. It's simple, yet comprehensive, ensuring that you cover all areas of your hands effectively.

Step 1: Wet Your Hands

Wet your hands with clean, running water - it could be warm or cold. The temperature of the water doesn't affect its germ-killing ability.

Step 2: Apply Soap

Turn off the tap and apply soap. Any soap will do, whether it's bar soap or liquid soap. The type of soap doesn't matter, as long as it's clean and in good condition.

Step 3: Lather Your Hands

Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Make sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. This step is crucial as lathering helps to physically remove germs from your hands.

Step 4: Scrub Your Hands

Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song twice. This ensures that you're scrubbing your hands for the recommended duration. If you're washing your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer, apply the product to the palm of one hand and rub your hands together. Make sure to rub the sanitizer over all surfaces of your hands and fingers until they're dry.

Step 5: Rinse Your Hands

Rinse your hands well under clean, running water. Again, the temperature of the water doesn't matter. Ensure that you rinse off all soap residue, as it can cause skin irritation.

Step 6: Dry Your Hands

Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them. If you're using a shared towel, make sure it's clean and not contaminated. Air drying is also an effective method, as it can help to kill any remaining germs.

Step 7: Turn Off the Tap

Turn off the tap using a clean towel or your elbow to avoid touching the tap with your clean hands. This step might seem minor, but it's crucial to maintain the cleanliness of your hands.

When Should You Wash Your Hands?

You should wash your hands frequently, especially:

• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After touching animals, animal feed, or animal waste
• After handling garbage
• After using the toilet
• Before eating or preparing food
• Whenever they look or feel dirty

What if Soap and Water Aren't Available?

If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. However, hand sanitizers aren't as effective when your hands are visibly dirty or greasy. Always opt for soap and water if possible.

Remember, hand hygiene is a simple yet powerful tool against infections. By following these 7 steps, you're contributing to a healthier and safer environment for everyone. Let's make hand hygiene a part of our daily routine and help prevent the spread of infections.