“Clean hands save lives” says CDC in handwashing reminder

Its one of the best ways to help prevent illness

It’s vital that everyone should ensure that they learn how and when to wash their hands properly in order to protect themselves and others from a raft of very unpleasant illnesses, advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The advice is just as relevant to every kind of community, whether it’s a school, workplace, medical facility, care home or family group.

Germs can spread by touching surfaces, or from person to person says the guidance. Hand washing can “prevent the spread of respiratory and diarrheal infections”, which occurs when touching your eyes, nose and mouth, or preparing food and / or eating it with unwashed hands.

Therefore, handwashing should also take place before eating, preparing food, treating a wound and so on. It should be undertaken after, for example, blowing your nose, using the toilet, handling pets or farm animals and changing nappies.

Five handwashing steps

“Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs” advises the CDC, which advocates carrying out diligently five key steps during a soap and water wash – not forgetting the 20 second rule. It’s important to wash thoroughly for at least 20 seconds.

Hand sanitisers (containing at least 60% alcohol) can be used when soap and water isn’t an option: they work reasonably well in certain circumstances, but not all the time. They are largely ineffective with norovirus for example.

“Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations.”

The CDC’s handwashing website »

Effective mobile hand washing for everyone – wherever it’s needed!

Teal produces a comprehensive range of mobile sinks and portable basins for every type of hand washing situation for use by anyone who needs to wash their hands effectively, whether they’re in an office environment, temporary accommodation or out in the field on a daily basis.

Visit the Teal mobile handwash unit shop »

There are vehicle mounted, wall mounted, mains powered and free standing hand wash stations as well as mobile sinks for use with pre-heated hot water.

The Teal range of mobile sinks includes the MediWash, Hygienius and Hygienius ProWash, BigSynk, Super Stallette, TEALwash, Handeman Xtra, Compact Classic, HandSpa, CliniWash – and now the new WashStand Xtra.