Hygiene
What you should know about hand hygiene
When you work, it often takes a toll on the skin of the hands.
The primary function of the skin is to protect the rest of the body from water loss and the many external influences it is exposed to daily. For the skin to protect you optimally, it is important that it is healthy and in good condition, but if the skin has been heavily stressed, it is clearly noticeable.
Skin problems are one of the most common causes of work-related sick leave. Good hand hygiene with the right products is the best prevention.
4 steps for optimal hand hygiene
Step 1 - before work
By using a skin care cream before and during work, you prevent skin from drying out and thereby reduce the risk of harmful substances penetrating deeply into the skin.
At the same time, cleaning the skin after work becomes easier. The cream should be suited to the task.
Step 2 - Disinfection
Hands are our biggest source of infection, and in industries with an increased risk of transmission and foodborne infections, high demands are placed on hand hygiene.
When the risk of transferring bacteria and viruses needs to be reduced, alcohol-based hand disinfection has proven to be effective.
Step 3 - skin cleaning
It is important that the skin is completely clean - every day. It should therefore be cleaned with mild but effective agents.
Use soaps for regular skin washing and a suitable hand cleaner for more stubborn dirt.
Step 4 - after work
Skin cleaning and frequent hand washing are in themselves stressful for the skin. Therefore, you can advantageously use restorative skin care cream every day after work. At that time, your skin has peace and quiet to restore its natural moisture and oil balance and become ready for new influences.
A skin care cream can also be used during the workday if the skin is heavily stressed by daily work.
Skin-damaging substances
Water-based substances:
- Water
- Cutting oils
- Acids, alkali
- Cement
- Cleaning agents
- Paint
- Salts
Non-water-based substances:
- Oil
- Fat
- Varnish
- Glue
- Organic solvents
- Tar and resin
- Epoxy
Other significant influences:
Wind and weather
This guide is prepared by
Nordic Safety Alliance
Specialists in safety equipment for industry and construction for 80 years.