It’s important to wash your hands before and after handling foods to remove germs.
When should I wash my hands?
You should wash your hands after doing any of the following activities:
- handling raw meat
- using the toilet
- cleaning
- sneezing and coughing
- touching your face
- smoking
- handling payments
- washing dishes
- handling garbage
Good personal hygiene is the best way to prevent foodborne illness.
To wash your hands thoroughly, follow the steps below, or download a PDF version of this poster.
Step 1: Wet Hands
- Remove jewellery and watches.
- Wet hands with warm water.
![A person wetting their hands under the tap.](/sites/default/files/images/FoodSafety/Handwashing_1.jpg)
Step 2: Soap
- Be sure to use enough liquid or foam soap.
![A person getting soap from a soap dispenser.](/sites/default/files/images/FoodSafety/Handwashing_2.jpg)
Step 3: Lather well
- Lather for 15 to 20 seconds.
- Clean your wrists, palms, back of hands, fingertips, under fingernails, and between fingers.
![A person lathering their hands and wrists with soap.](/sites/default/files/images/FoodSafety/Handwashing_3.jpg)
Step 4: Rinse
- Rinse with warm water.
- Be sure not to touch the side of the sink.
![A person rinsing their hands under the tap.](/sites/default/files/images/FoodSafety/Handwashing_4.jpg)
Step 5: Dry
- Dry hands completely with paper towel or with an air dryer.
![A person grabbing paper towel sheets from a paper towel dispenser.](/sites/default/files/images/FoodSafety/Handwashing_5.jpg)
Step 6: Keep Clean
- Use a paper towel to turn off the water to protect hands from getting dirty again.
![A person using a paper towel to turn off the tap water.](/sites/default/files/images/FoodSafety/Handwashing_6.jpg)