"Steps to Handwash: Food Handler's Guide"
Handwashing is a crucial step in food safety, especially for food handlers. It's not just about cleanliness; it's about preventing foodborne illnesses. Here are the steps for effective handwashing, following the guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
When to Wash Your Hands
Before handling food, after touching money, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, and after using the restroom are all times when handwashing is necessary. Regular handwashing is key to preventing the spread of germs.
What You'll Need
- Clean, running water
- Soap
- Paper towels or a clean cloth towel
- Hand sanitizer (when soap and water are not available)
The 6 Steps of Handwashing
Follow these six steps every time you wash your hands to ensure you're doing it effectively.
Wet
Wet your hands with clean, running water. The temperature doesn't matter, but remember to turn off the tap to prevent contamination.
Lather
Apply soap to your hands and lather up. Make sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. The CDC recommends using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available, but it's important to note that hand sanitizers are not as effective when your hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
Scrub
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song twice. This will help ensure you're scrubbing long enough.
Rinse
Rinse your hands well under clean, running water. Make sure to rinse off all the soap.
Dry
Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them. This step is important because germs can be more easily transferred to food when hands are wet.
Turn Off the Tap
Use a paper towel to turn off the tap and open the door. This helps prevent re-contamination.
Special Considerations
If you have visible dirt or grease on your hands, you'll need to wash them with soap and water. Hand sanitizers may not be effective in these cases. Also, remember that handwashing doesn't replace other important hygiene practices like not touching your face, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding contact with people who are sick.
Proper handwashing is a simple but powerful way to prevent the spread of germs and keep food safe. It's a habit that everyone, especially food handlers, should practice regularly. So, let's all do our part in maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
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