Health Canada
www.hc-sc.gc.ca
Common menu bar links
Institutional links
Hand Sanitizing
This content was archived on June 24, 2013.
Archived Content
Information identified as archived on the Web is for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It has not been altered or updated after the date of archiving. Web pages that are archived on the Web are not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats on the "Contact Us" page.
Help on accessing alternative formats, such as Portable Document Format (PDF), Microsoft Word and PowerPoint (PPT) files, can be obtained in the alternate format help section.
Hand sanitizing does not replace a proper handwashing technique. It should be used sparingly and only when soap and water are unavailable. It will be ineffective if hands are visibly soiled.
1. Place a drop of alcohol-based hand sanitizer, the size of a dime in your palm.
2. Rub hands together, palm to palm.
3. Rub back of each hand with palm and interlaced fingers of the other hand.
4. Rub around each thumb clasped in the opposite hand.
5. Rub fingertips of each hand backward and forward in the opposite hand.
6. Keep rubbing until your hands are dry. Paper towels are not needed.
Adapted with permission from Ottawa Public Health, City of Ottawa.
