When should you wash your hands after handling hazardous materials?

Washing your hands before eating, drinking, or smoking is essential because these activities can introduce hazardous substances into your body, leading to health issues. Even if you believe your hands are clean, there may still be residual contaminants that are not visible, putting you at risk. This practice serves as a primary line of defense in preventing any chemical exposure from hand-to-mouth contact.

In addition to this, while washing hands after every work shift, when taking breaks, or in the event of visible contamination are also important practices, they are not as critical as washing hands before consuming food or beverages. These actions help maintain general hygiene and limit exposure risks throughout the workday, but they do not specifically address the immediate risk associated with those activities following hand contact with hazardous materials. Prioritizing hand hygiene before eating, drinking, or smoking minimizes the potential for serious health risks.