The Importance of Washing Your Hands

In our daily lives we constantly use our hands to come into contact with other people, living beings and objects. Therefore, if we touch a contaminated surface our hands can carry viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites that cause many diseases. That is why hand hygiene is important, as it is the most effective and simplest action for preventing and controlling infections.      

Types of hand hygiene

 Therefore, for proper hygiene it is essential to use:

• Soap and water. If you have touched any surface that may be contaminated, you must wash your hands properly with soap and water. This removes the transient flora from the hands, which is not normally present on them.
• Applying an alcohol-based solution. It is a quick, effective method of disinfection that is well tolerated by the hands, and it has also become a very important preventive measure against SARS-CoV-2. At CH Química we have a wide range of industrial soaps that will help you maintain proper hand hygiene while you are working.

When we should wash our hands

To stop the spread of germs, hand washing must become a regular habit. In fact, there are different types of situations, both at work and in everyday life, in which it is especially important to do so:

• After going to the toilet
• After cleaning any type of surface
• After touching animals
• After visiting or caring for sick friends or relatives
• After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. It is important to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, which must be disposed of immediately. If we do not have a tissue to hand, we can use our arm, at forearm or elbow level. This reduces the chance of spreading any type of virus.
• After carrying out any kind of outdoor activity.
• Before and after handling any type of food, to avoid contamination.

6 steps to wash your hands correctly

Washing your hands properly is the first line of defence against the spread of many diseases. In addition to keeping your hands hygienic, it must be done correctly, for longer than 20 seconds and following six steps. Before you start, you must cover the palm of your hand with soap, preferably liquid, or an alcohol-based substance.

1. Palms of the hands. Rub palm against palm.
2. Backs of the hands. With the palm of your right hand, rub the back of your left hand, and repeat the same with the opposite hand.
3. Between the fingers. Palm against palm with the fingers interlaced, rub them together so that no gaps are left.
4. Fingers interlocked. Rub the backs of the fingers of one hand against the opposite palm as if you were gripping your fingers.
5. Thumbs. Rub by rotating the fingers of the left hand closed around the right thumb, and vice versa.
6. Use the fingertips. Rub the fingertips of your right hand in a rotating motion against your left palm and vice versa.

At CH Química we are specialists in chemical products for industrial, institutional and service maintenance. If you want to maintain proper hand hygiene in your office or industrial facility and thus prevent the spread of any virus or infectious disease, do not hesitate to contact us.