Extension ServiceHigiene de los trabajadores: la importancia de lavarse las manos
Transcript
Why is hand washing so important?
It is important because your hands could carry and spread pathogens, that are microscopic particles you cannot see.
If pathogens get on fruits, the people who eat them can become very sick.
So washing your hands to remove the pathogens is really important.
There is a correct way to wash your hands so that you have the best chance of killing the most pathogens.
Did you know that?
Many people wash their hands only for a few seconds but washing your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water is crucial to wash away any pathogens you may have on them!
Let’s take a look at how effective that is compared to washing your hands for a full 20 seconds.
We are using Glo Germ Gel.
It sticks to your hands like real microbes would.
We spread it on our hands.
Now, we shine a black light on our hands after application, and the glowing areas show where the dirt and microbes would be.
Do you see how your hands are dirty?
Let’s see what happens following a quick, 5-second hand washing.
Most of the glow is still there.
Let’s re-apply the gel and see what happens with a full 20-second hand washing.
To time 20 seconds, try singing “Happy Birthday” twice.
Dry your hands with a single use towel and then use it to turn off the faucet.
Remember, never turn off the faucet with your clean hands!
After 20 seconds, most of the dirt and microbes have now been washed away!
Out in the field, you may have only limited options for washing your hands.
Do your best to always follow correct hand washing procedures.
Notify your supervisor if the hand washing facilities need supplies like soap or paper towels.
What about hand sanitizer?
Can you substitute hand sanitizer for washing your hands with soap and water?
NO! To understand why, let’s first talk about the difference between cleaning and sanitizing.
Cleaning is physically removing dirt and debris from a surface and can involve the use of soap or a detergent.
Sanitizing is an additional step on clean surfaces to effectively eliminate potential pathogenic microbes.
Hand sanitizer is not effective if you have soil, water, food, or fecal material on your hands.
Also, hand sanitizers are less efficient at removing or reducing viruses such as Hepatitis or Norovirus that we mentioned in the previous video.
This is why you must wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water.
Never substitute hand sanitizer for hand soap and water.
When should you wash your hands?
Wash your hands before: ● Beginning work ● Before putting gloves on (if your farm uses them) ● Touching a different crop ● Entering a new field
You must also wash your hands after: ● Picking up fruit or plant debris on the ground ● Touching irrigation equipment ● Touching used containers ● Blowing your nose, especially if you are sick ● Using the restroom ● Eating, smoking, and drinking ● Taking a break in a personal vehicle
Keeping your hands clean and sanitized is important, but also don’t forget: ● Take off any jewelry, such as rings, before you begin harvesting ● Use assigned areas to eat, drink and smoke — they should not be close to the harvest areas.
These videos are only intended to promote good hygiene practices on a farm to reduce the risk of contamination of fresh agricultural products
Este video muestra los pasos y la técnica adecuados para lavarse las manos. Los espectadores podrán observar cómo y por qué lavarse las manos por solo un par de segundos no es eficiente. Se cubrirá una lista de cuándo se requiere el lavado de manos. Finalmente, se presentan algunos otros consejos de higiene para el trabajador.
