I'm Abdel, a McDonald's crew member. Handwashing is one of the simplest parts of the job, and also one of the most important habits you can build. I have learned that small habits like this protect everyone.
This article gives general awareness only. Your restaurant's training and procedures come first, and requirements may vary by market, franchise organization, and restaurant. Follow what you have been taught, including how and when to wash your hands.
Why it matters so much
Your hands touch everything: door handles, phones, money, trash bags, your face. Germs cannot usually be seen, and they can easily pass from your hands to food and packaging. Some of those germs can make people ill, and that can be particularly dangerous for young children, older adults, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
Handwashing is one of the most basic ways of breaking that chain. It takes only a little time, and it protects your guests, your teammates, and you.
When you may need to wash
Your training will tell you exactly when to wash. Typical moments may include:
| Situation | Examples |
|---|---|
| Before work | Starting your shift or entering food areas |
| After breaks | Eating, smoking, or using your phone |
| After the restroom | Every time, without exception |
| After touching your body | Face, hair, nose, or a cut |
| After dirty tasks | Trash, cleaning, or handling chemicals |
| Between certain tasks | As your procedures require, such as after handling raw items |
| After touching money or shared items | If your procedure requires it |
If in doubt, wash your hands. Some restaurants also use timers or reminders. Treat these as requirements, not suggestions.
Doing it properly
Make sure you follow the steps you were shown during training. A proper handwash generally includes:
- Using the correct handwashing sink.
- Using soap and water as directed.
- Washing all parts of your hands, including between fingers and under nails.
- Rinsing well.
- Drying with the approved method.
- Avoiding recontaminating your hands on a dirty surface or your uniform.
A quick rinse is not the same thing. Going through the motions may feel faster, but it does not do the job.
Gloves do not replace handwashing
Gloves are useful, but they do not make your hands clean. Germs can get on gloves in the same way they get on skin. They can also pass from your hands to the outside of a glove as you put it on. Follow your procedures, which may include:
- Washing your hands before putting on gloves, if required.
- Changing gloves between tasks as you were trained.
- Changing them if they tear or become dirty.
- Not touching your face or phone while wearing them.
If you are using gloves properly, they are a helpful tool. If you are wearing the same pair for everything, they may be doing more harm than good.
Other hygiene habits
Handwashing is the main one, but other habits matter as well:
- Uniform. Keep it clean, and follow your restaurant's rules.
- Hair. Keep it tied back or covered, as required.
- Nails and jewelry. Follow your restaurant's rules. Long nails, false nails, and rings can trap germs and may fall into food.
- Cuts and wounds. Tell your manager, and cover them properly, according to your procedures.
- Coughing and sneezing. Turn away from food and people, and wash your hands afterward.
- Eating and drinking. Do this only in approved places.
- Phones. Keep them away from food areas, according to your restaurant's rules, and wash your hands after you use them.
What to do if you are sick
This can be a hard one. You may not want to let your team down or lose your hours. But a person who is sick can spread illness through food, even with careful handwashing. Tell your manager before your shift if you have symptoms such as:
- Vomiting or diarrhea.
- A fever, particularly with a sore throat.
- Yellowing skin or eyes.
- An infected cut or wound.
Your manager can tell you what the rules say and what to do next. Be honest, and do not wait until you get to work. Rules about returning to work may also apply, so check what your restaurant requires.
When the rush makes it hard
The busiest moments are often when people are tempted to skip handwashing. A few things can help:
- Think ahead. Plan to wash as a normal part of moving from one task to the next.
- Tell your team where you are going: "Washing my hands. One moment."
- Keep the handwashing sink clear and stocked. Tell your manager if soap or towels run out.
- Remember that nobody on a good team should be annoyed that you stopped to wash your hands.
If someone tells you to skip this step, speak to your manager. If your manager is the one telling you, remember that your organization may have other approved ways to raise concerns. This is a requirement, not a preference.
Speaking up when you see a problem
It can feel awkward to say something when a teammate skips handwashing. If you feel comfortable, a friendly reminder might be enough: "Don't forget to wash up after the trash." Otherwise, quietly tell a manager. You are not getting anyone into trouble. You are protecting the people who will eat that food.
If you hope to help teach these habits one day, read about the Crew Trainer role. People who train others well tend to explain why a rule exists, as well as what the rule is. These tips for Crew Trainers go into more detail.
Making it automatic
The goal is for good hygiene to become something you do without having to think about it. Try linking it with other actions. For instance, each time you come back from a break, the first thing you do is wash your hands. Each time you finish taking out the trash, you go straight to the sink.
It may feel like a lot at first. After a few weeks, it will probably feel strange not to do it.
These habits are one part of a bigger picture, and this guide to food safety basics explains the rest.
Final thoughts
Handwashing is not exciting, and nobody will ever thank you for it. But it is one of the most useful and caring things you do during a shift. Wash when you are supposed to, wash the right way, and be honest when you are sick.
The guests you serve may never know about it. But they are trusting you, and this is one simple way to deserve that trust.
