The Hows of Hand Hygiene

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How are Germs Transmitted

**In this lesson, you will learn about germ transmission. ** Specifically, you are expected to: understand how germs may get in your hands, and identify objects where germs may thrive and hide.

While on duty, you should look out for high-touch surfaces. High-touch surfaces are those areas that people touch frequently which increases the risk of contamination. Look out for others – by giving extra time in cleaning and disinfecting these surfaces. Look out for yourself – by protecting yourself and taking extra precautions while cleaning these surfaces. Some examples of high-touch surfaces include...

Which of these are considered a high-touch surface? Select all that apply

Did you know that the device you are using right now probably has ten times the amount of germs present on most toilet seats?

These germs can get on you as you navigate through your phone while going through this lesson.

At the same time, you may also transfer germs to your device if your hands are contaminated.

Keeping this in mind, make sure your hands are squeaky clean before doing any tasks.

** How to Properly Wash your Hands**

**In this lesson, you will learn the steps for proper handwashing. ** How Can We Control Infection?, you are expected to: explain the importance of handwashing, identify key times when handwashing is a must, demonstrate effective handwashing techniques, identify handwashing songs, and evaluate your own handwashing habits.

When should you wash your hands? Are your hands visibly dirty or soiled after cleaning? Did you touch any contaminated surfaces such as garbage bags or dirty clothes? Did you touch a high touch-point surface, such as door handles, door keys, and taps and flush? Are you going to eat or prepare meals? Have you just gotten out of the restroom? Have you gone out in public? These are some key times in your day-to-day job when you are likely to pick up and spread germs. **If you answered yes to any of the questions above, then it is time for you to wash your hands. **

Step 1: WASH

Step 2: LATHER

Step 3: SCRUB

Step 4: RINSE

Step 5: DRY

How long should you scrub your hands during handwashing?

How to Use an Alcohol-Based Hand Rub

In this lesson, you will learn the method of hand hygiene using alcohol-based sanitizers. Specifically, you are expected to: explain the importance of hand hygiene using sanitizers, identify key times when hand rubbing is a better option, determine which types of hand sanitizers are most effective to fight germs, and correctly perform hand hygiene using alcohol-based hand rub.

After learning about the handwashing technique from the previous lesson, you have realized that handwashing is an easy, inexpensive, and effective method to prevent the transmission of disease-causing germs. But how can you clean your hands if soap and water are out of reach? Watch the video on the next slide to find out!

How to Take Care of Your Hands

Keeping everything clean - including yourself - is obviously a crucial part of your work as a professional cleaner.

You are at a high risk of developing skin conditions due to your exposure to a range of chemicals, including those chemicals used in handwashing and handrubbing. Repetitive immersion in water also adds to this risk.

In this lesson, you will learn how to take care of your hands at work. Specifically, you are expected to: understand safety data sheets, learn the proper donning and doffing of gloves, identify common skin conditions experienced in the cleaning industry, and perform an after-care routine for your hands.

Common Skin Problems among Professional Cleaners

Which of the following would require you to put on a new pair of gloves? Select all that apply