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Hand Washing

Why Clean Hands Are Important?

Respiratory viruses, such as those that cause COVID-19, flu or cold, can spread between people who are in close contact for a prolonged period. This occurs when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and droplets from their mouth or nose are released into the air and smaller particles can potentially be inhaled into the lungs of people nearby


These droplets can also contaminate the surfaces, which if touched can potentially help the virus infect another person. Staying physically distant from one another slows the spread of respiratory viruses. The longer the distance, the lower the risk of virus transmission.

Examples Of Handwashing Measures

Below gives examples of what can be done to keep hands clean. These measures can be used anywhere in KAUST. In addition to the examples below, any facility-specific or workplace specific protocols must be followed. In most situations, washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs. When soap and water is not available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol (read the product label). However, hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

When To Wash Hands ?

Wash hands throughout the day, or sooner when visibly dirty or soiled

Before Using A Face Mask Or Face Cloth Covering.
Before Using A Face Mask Or Face Cloth Covering.
Before Eating Food Or Drinking Fluids.
Before Eating Food Or Drinking Fluids.
Before And After Caring For Someone Who Is Sick.
Before And After Caring For Someone Who Is Sick.
Before And After Treating A Wound Or Cut.
Before And After Treating A Wound Or Cut.
Before, During, And After Preparing Food.
Before, During, And After Preparing Food.
Before Touching Your Eyes, Nose, Or Mouth
Before Touching Your Eyes, Nose, Or Mouth
After Blowing Your Nose, Sneezing, Or Coughing.
After Blowing Your Nose, Sneezing, Or Coughing.
After You Have Been In A Public Place.
After You Have Been In A Public Place.
After Using The Toilet.
After Using The Toilet.
After Touching Trash.
After Touching Trash.
After Touching An Animal, Animal Food, Or Animal Waste.
After Touching An Animal, Animal Food, Or Animal Waste.
After Changing Diapers, Or Cleaning A Child Who Has Used The Toilet.
After Changing Diapers, Or Cleaning A Child Who Has Used The Toilet.
After Removing Gloves
After Removing Gloves
After Exposure Risk To Body Fluids, For Example, Vomit, Blood, Etc.
After Exposure Risk To Body Fluids, For Example, Vomit, Blood, Etc.
After Touching A Surface That Gets Frequently Touched By Other People, Such As Door Handles, Tables, Gas Pumps, Shopping Carts Etc.
After Touching A Surface That Gets Frequently Touched By Other People, Such As Door Handles, Tables, Gas Pumps, Shopping Carts Etc.

How To Wash Hands?

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

Wet Your Hands With Clean, Warm Or Cold Running Water.
Wet Your Hands With Clean, Warm Or Cold Running Water.
Turn Off The Tap, And Apply Soap.
Turn Off The Tap, And Apply Soap.
Lather Your Hands By Rubbing Them Together With The Soap.
Lather Your Hands By Rubbing Them Together With The Soap.
Lather The Backs Of Your Hands, Between Your Fingers, And Under Your Nails.
Lather The Backs Of Your Hands, Between Your Fingers, And Under Your Nails.
Wash Your Hands For At Least 20 Seconds
Wash Your Hands For At Least 20 Seconds
Rinse Your Hands Well Under Clean, Running Water.
Rinse Your Hands Well Under Clean, Running Water.
Turn Off The Tap With A Disposable Tissue.
Turn Off The Tap With A Disposable Tissue.
Dry Your Hands Using A Clean Towel Or Air Dry Hands.
Dry Your Hands Using A Clean Towel Or Air Dry Hands.

How To Use Hand Sanitizer?

If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Check the product label to see if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol.

Apply The Hand Sanitizer To The Palm Of One Hand (Read The Label To Learn The Correct Amount).
Apply The Hand Sanitizer To The Palm Of One Hand (Read The Label To Learn The Correct Amount).
Rub Your Hands Together To Cover All Surfaces.
Rub Your Hands Together To Cover All Surfaces.
Rub The Gel Over All The Surfaces Of Your Hands And Fingers Until Your Hands Are Dry. This Should Take Around 20 Seconds.
Rub The Gel Over All The Surfaces Of Your Hands And Fingers Until Your Hands Are Dry. This Should Take Around 20 Seconds.
Once The Hand Sanitizer Is Dry, Your Hands Are Clean.
Once The Hand Sanitizer Is Dry, Your Hands Are Clean.

Appendix

Appendix A
Appendix A
When to Wash Hands
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Appendix B
Appendix B
How to Wash Hands
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Appendix C
Appendix C
How to Use Hand Sanitizer
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