3.1. Hand hygiene
One of the most important routes for transmission of infection is via the hands. It is vital to raise and maintain awareness of the fact that ANY item, surface or object (including human skin) touched by the hands after contact with a contaminated source will be contaminated with microorganisms from that source.

The major contamination sources may include raw food, pets, soiled nappies, contaminated surfaces and reservoir sites such as toilets, sneezing, coughing and transfer of nasal secretions to the hands. Transient microbial contamination picked up onto the hands by contact with a contaminated source can be effectively removed by thorough handwashing with soap and running water. In some circumstances, for example when nursing a family member with an infectious disease, it may be necessary to disinfect hands with an alcohol disinfectant solution.

Hands should be washed:

• Before handling food.
• Before eating.
• After using the toilet.
• After handling pets, pet cages, pet feeding utensils or other pet objects.
• After coming into contact with body fluids, such as nasal secretions, saliva, vomit etc., or after changing nappies.
• After hands have come into contact with a potentially contaminated reservoir site (e.g. a drain) or reservoir/disseminator (e.g. a wet-cleaning cloth).
• Whenever hands are visibly dirty.
• Before giving or applying medication to another person.
• Before applying contact lenses

Guidelines on an effective handwashing procedure are given in Appendix II.

3.2. General personal hygiene
All areas of the skin and mucous membranes such as the mouth and nose are colonised with microorganisms, which although not harmful under "normal" conditions to the carrier, can produce infection if transferred to other areas of the body e.g. the urinary tract, or if transferred to another person who is susceptible to infection (see Section 4). It is impossible and undesirable to eradicate the normal resident microbial flora from the body. Regular bathing/showering and good general personal hygiene can reduce the risks of self as well as cross infection.

3.3. Personal hygiene materials
Materials such as bath sponges, nail brushes, toothbrushes and towels which are used for personal hygiene can become contaminated and can act as reservoir/disseminators if not correctly maintained (see Section 1.2). Therefore, the following procedures are advised:

• Face cloths, bath sponges, nail brushes and toothbrushes should be thoroughly rinsed under running water after use and then dried as rapidly as possible. If face cloths or other items are left in a damp condition residual contamination will rapidly multiply at ambient temperatures.
• Face cloths and sponges should be regularly laundered (see Section 1.5)