Other Steps
You Can Take
Tell Your
Supervisor
Here are other steps you can take
to keep germs from spreading. Be
sure to follow your employer’s rules.
If you are sick, be sure to let your
supervisor know right away.
Depending on the problem and
your job, some changes in your
duties may be needed.
•Wear disposable plastic
gloves when touching
food —for example,
when making sandwiches.
Maintaining
Personal
Hygiene
•Keep cooking, prep,
and assembly areas
clean. This prevents
germs from finding
new places to live.
•Keep food stored at
temperatures that limit
germ growth: below
40°F or above 140°F.
•Don’t store food in
the can it came in. If
the food reacts with
the metal can, the
food could be ruined.
Quiz Answers
Content in this publication has been customized
for State Fund. It is not intended as a substitute
for professional medical advice or your employer’s
specific health and safety instruction or policies.
With contributions by:
Lorrie Garrity,
Risk Manager
For all correct answers: Congratulations!
If you missed any, read the brochure
one more time.
1.True
2.True
4.True
5.True
3.False
© 2013 Krames StayWell, LLC. www.kramesstaywell.com
800-333-3032 All rights reserved. Made in the USA.
This publication
is recyclable
Clean hands, clean clothing, and
neatly groomed hair are all signs
of taking pride in your work. Good
personal hygiene shows you care
about giving the best service possible.
Name__________________________________
Employee Number______________________
Date___________________________________
Location_______________________________
6513
17236
1306
Personal Hygiene Protects Everyone
You’d be amazed at the number of germs that can be on one dirty
hand. Personal hygiene prevents these germs from spreading to
coworkers and customers. It’s easy, too. All it takes are good handwashing and grooming habits.
Germs and How
They Spread
Handwashing Kills
Germs
A germ is so small you can’t see it, but
it can still make you sick. Germs often
like living in warm, moist places where
they grow quickly.
Most germs are killed with warm water
and soap. That’s why you need to wash
your hands and forearms often. Always
wash at the start of your shift and after
breaks or trips to the bathroom.
A World Filled with Germs
Steps for Clean Hands
Use plenty of soap
and warm water. Use
an “antibacterial” or
“antimicrobial” soap, if
available. These kinds
of soap are known to
kill germs.
•Germs are everywhere—in the air, on surfaces,
and even on you.
•Germs can be passed from person to person.
In food service, this usually happens when
part of the body (such as a hand or hair)
touches food.
Some Germs Carry Disease
Most germs are harmless or even helpful.
However, some germs cause serious illness.
Foodborne illness can be caused when
germs go from your hands to the food that
a customer eats. Illness can range from
mild sickness to death.
Be sure to scrub between
your fingers, under your
fingernails, and above
your wrists. Rinse well,
making sure that all the
soap is removed from
your hands.
Good Grooming
Helps, Too
Loose hair and dirty clothes not only
carry germs, but they also are seen by
customers as signs of sloppy service. If
your clothes are clean and your hair is
neatly in place, customers know you’re
concerned about their well-being.
•Wear hats, caps,
nets, or other
hair covering as
requested by
your employer.
•Keep hair short,
or keep it pinned
or tied back.
•Make sure your
uniform or other
clothes you wear on
the job are clean.
Quiz
Find out what you know about personal
hygiene. Circle “True” or “False.” The correct answers are on the back of this panel.
1.Germs can be dangerous.
True
False
2.Foodborne illness can lead to death.
True
False
Dry your hands with an
air dryer or disposable
towels. Don't use your
apron or a towel that has
already been used by
someone else. These may
be filled with germs,
making your handwashing a waste of time.
3.Handwashing needs to be done only when
you start your shift.
True
False
4.Keeping your hair back helps prevent the
spread of germs.
True
False
5.Food should never be stored in the can it
came in.
True
False