Microorganisms are everywhere and can easily spread between surfaces and people. Washing hands kills microorganisms and prevents sickness, especially before preparing food, after using the bathroom, touching animals or garbage, coughing/sneezing, and caring for sick people. The proper handwashing technique involves lathering soap for 20 seconds and rubbing all hand surfaces together and under fingernails before rinsing and air drying hands to avoid spreading microorganisms with towels. Hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol content can also kill microorganisms when handwashing is not available but cannot remove all types of microorganisms like handwashing can.

1. Lesson 1
HAND WASHING

2. Microorganisms Exist Everywhere
Microorganisms such as bacteria and
viruses are microscopic organisms
that exist everywhere.
They cannot be seen with the naked
eye but can easily transfer from
objects and surfaces to people,
or from one person to another.

3. Microorganisms Can Cause Sickness

5. When to Wash Your Hands
before, during
and after
preparing food
before eating after sneezing
or coughing
before and after
caring for a sick
person

6. When to Wash Your Hands
after using toilet after touching
money
after touching
garbage or dirty
dishes
after touching
animals or
animal waste

7. Proper Handwashing Procedure
Apply soap and create a thick lather
for about 20 seconds.

8. Proper Handwashing Procedure
Rub your palms together while
intertwining your fingers.

9. Proper Handwashing Procedure
Rub the backs of your fingers and
fingertips against the opposite palm.
Do the same with the other hand.

10. Proper Handwashing Procedure
Grasp one thumb and rub with a
rotating motion.
Do the same with the other thumb.

11. Proper Handwashing Procedure
Rub one palm against the back of the
other palm, and vice versa.

12. Proper Handwashing Procedure
Rinse your hands well
with running water.

13. Air Dry Your Hands
Microorganisms can also exist on cloth
towels, so after washing your hands it is
better to air dry them.

14. Hand Sanitizers
If you are not able to immediately wash
your hands with soap and water, you can
use hand sanitizer that contains at least
60% alcohol, which also helps to kill
microorganisms.
But remember, sanitizers cannot remove all
types of microorganisms. Handwashing is
still best if your hands are visibly dirty or
soiled.

15. How to Apply Hand Sanitizer
• Apply the product to the palm
of one hand.
• Rub your hands together.
• Rub the product all over the
surface of your hands and
fingers until your skin feels dry.
This should take about 20 seconds.

16. Hand Washing
Keep Good
Hygiene