Hand Cleansing Techniques number one: how to wash your hands with soap and water (2014)

Globe Gallery, Newcastle upon Tyne

A demonstration of the latest Department of Health guidelines on washing hands in clinical settings.

Photo of nine people standing in a gallery, with arms out in front of them in the same position- holding their left hand over their right hand. Some people are smiling. — Photo: Colin Davison

Close up of about ten people standing holding their hands up with their fingers splayed. — Photo: Colin Davison

Close up photo of fourteen people standing with their left hand outstretched and right hand rubbing the palm of their left hand. — Photo: Colin Davison

It included a brief talk about the risks of spread of illness via unclean hands and evidence of the extent of the problem in the UK ( 25 % of hands have faecal bacteria on them and 14% of mobile phones). People were then taught how to wash their hands with soap and water according to the latest advice from the Department of Heath. I demonstrated the hand movements required for thorough washing and the audience copied these techniques. Finally, we enacted two cycles of hand washing whilst listening to the Macarena played through the lap-top.

Eight people sitting down watching something that is out of shot. They are all rubbing the palms of their hands together in same motion. — Photo: Colin Davison

View of the back of one person who is showing a group of about twenty people how to move their hands - it is a demonstration of the latest NHS guidance on how to wash your hands with soap and water. — Photo: Colin Davison