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May 13, 2008
Home » Food Safety & Nutrition » Food Safety Resources » Handwashing
Handwashing: Ready, Set, Wash

When should employees wash their hands?
Employees should wash their hands after any potential contamination, such as handling food; using the washroom; touching their hair or clothing; sneezing or coughing; eating, drinking or smoking; taking out the trash; or busing tables.

How long should it take to effectively wash your hands?
Effective hand-washing takes 20 seconds, or about the time it takes to sing two choruses of "Happy Birthday."


What is the proper hand-washing technique?
Use warm water to moisten hands. Apply soap. Rub hands briskly using the following process: Palm to palm
• Left palm on right backhand
• Right palm on left backhand
• Left claw in right palm
• Right claw in left palm
• Interlock fingers — agitate while interlocked
• Scrub forearms near wrists.
• Rinse.
• Towel dry thoroughly.


What are some resources to remind employees to wash their hands?
The National Restaurant Association offers labels that remind employees to "Wash Hands Before Handling Food."


Last updated February 2002