Module 2 — Hand Washing

### **Module 2: Hand Washing**

Proper hand washing is one of the most critical steps in ensuring food safety. It helps eliminate harmful microorganisms and prevents cross-contamination during food preparation and handling.

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### **1. Importance of Hand Washing**
- **Prevents foodborne illnesses**: Removes bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants from hands.
- **Reduces cross-contamination**: Keeps harmful germs from spreading to food, surfaces, and utensils.
- **Protects health**: Safeguards food handlers and consumers from infections.

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### **2. When to Wash Hands**
#### **Before:**
- Preparing food
- Eating or serving food
- Handling clean dishes or utensils

#### **After:**
- Handling raw meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs
- Using the restroom
- Sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose
- Touching garbage or cleaning chemicals
- Handling pets or their waste
- Smoking or using tobacco products

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### **3. Proper Hand Washing Steps**
1. **Wet hands**: Use clean, running water (warm or cold) and wet your hands thoroughly.
2. **Apply soap**: Use enough soap to cover all hand surfaces.
3. **Scrub hands**: Scrub all parts of your hands, including:
- Palms
- Backs of hands
- Between fingers
- Under fingernails
- Wrists
Scrub for at least **20 seconds**.
4. **Rinse thoroughly**: Use clean running water to remove all soap and dirt.
5. **Dry hands**: Use a clean towel, paper towel, or air dryer. Avoid using shared cloth towels to minimize contamination.

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### **4. Hand Sanitizers**
- **When to use**: Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers (at least 60% alcohol) if soap and water are not available.
- **Limitations**: Hand sanitizers are not effective on visibly dirty or greasy hands. They also don’t remove all types of germs.

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### **5. Common Mistakes to Avoid**
- Skipping soap: Water alone isn’t enough to remove germs.
- Not scrubbing long enough: Ensure at least 20 seconds of scrubbing.
- Touching dirty surfaces after washing: Avoid touching faucets or doorknobs with clean hands.

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### **6. Role in Food Safety**
- Hand washing is the first line of defense in preventing contamination during food preparation.
- Consistent hand hygiene fosters a safe and clean environment in homes, workplaces, and foodservice establishments.

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### **Conclusion**
Proper hand washing is simple but crucial for food safety. By following the recommended steps and understanding its importance, food handlers and consumers can significantly reduce the risk of contamination and foodborne illness.