Chemicals – spray drift

Sprayed chemicals are extensively used in agriculture and horticulture for the control of pests and weeds. Under certain conditions, this spray can drift over neighbouring properties, waterways and water tanks – this is referred to as spray drift. 

Spray drift can affect human, animal and environmental health, including household and farm water supplies (e.g. dams and tank water).

The health impacts of exposure can depend on how and where a chemical is applied, the amount of drift, weather conditions and the toxicity of the chemical. If you have been exposed to chemical sprays through spray drift, and are concerned, there are several agencies you can contact for help.

It is important to consider a nozzle or sprayer setting that produces the largest possible droplet size (coarsest spray quality) without compromising the efficacy of the chemical. Larger droplets are less likely to drift.

Find out more about this topic on Better Health Channel.

Fast facts:

• Spray drift can affect the environment, your health and the health of your family and neighbours.
• Spray only if the weather is suitable (a steady 3-15km wind is ideal).
• If you use tank water and spray lands on your roof, disconnect the collection pipe until it has rained or until the roof has been cleaned.

Chemicals – safe handling

Agrichemicals such as insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, veterinary chemicals and fuels are used commonly on farms. Different chemicals can be dangerous to humans in varying degrees and need to be handled and stored with care.

Always store chemicals in a safe place, out of reach if children and don’t store or mix chemicals in an unlabelled container.

Because farms are often homes as well as workplaces, potential contact with chemicals by family members is increased. There is also the possibility that chemical matter/residue is taken back into the home, for example on clothing, protective clothing (eg. overalls) or footwear.

Chemicals can be absorbed through contact with the skin or eyes, inhalation (breathing in), or ingestion (swallowing).

Always wash your hands carefully after handling chemicals and remove soiled clothing before you enter your home. If possible, wash clothing in a separate washing machine. Remember not to eat or drink where chemicals are used or stored..

Unfortunately, sometimes the effects of exposure to chemicals are difficult to pick up until chronic (long-term) illness has occurred.

Farm safety – handling agrichemicals

There are many chemicals used on the farm and some of them can be dangerous. Common agricultural chemicals include fuels, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and veterinary chemicals. Exposure to chemicals can lead to health effects including headache, skin irritation, poisoning, nausea, respiratory illness, burns, cancers and birth defects. Always follow the manufacturers’ instructions for storage, transport, use and disposal of chemicals. Keep all chemicals locked away and out of reach of children and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and eye protection.

Find out more about this topic on Better Health Channel

Fast facts:

• Treat all chemicals with extreme caution and follow instructions carefully.
• Wear protective clothing, cover exposed skin, and wear gloves, goggles and a face mask if required.
• Check that your protective equipment (masks, gloves, googles) fit properly
• Store chemicals safely, out of children’s reach and away from seeds and fertilisers.
• Do training and learning about safe handling of pesticides.
• Report any adverse events to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA)

Bushfires and water tanks

Water tanks are common on farms; however, if there has been a bushfire in your area or if your property has been affected by a bushfire, there is a need to take care before drinking water from your tank.

Water can be contaminated by ash or the chemicals in a fire suppressant if it has been dumped, drifted or sprayed on your roof.

Water may be contaminated if it:

• Tastes or smells unusual
• Is cloudy
• Has an unusual colour
• Contains debris or ash.

You may need to drain and clean your tank and have it refilled with fresh water – there are water carting companies who supply this service. Divert rainwater from the first rainfall after the fires and only reconnect pipes to the tank after the roof has been flushed clean. Working inside a tank is very dangerous. Use a professional tank cleaner. Read more on confined spaces.

Consider disconnecting your tank from your roof beforehand if you know there is a fire risk.

Bushfires and water tanks

Private water sources in bushfire-affected areas could become contaminated from bushfire ash, fire retardant, debris or dead animals. If the water looks, smells or tastes unusual do not use it for drinking or food preparation and do not give it to animals.

Find out more about this topic on Better Health Channel

Fast facts:

• Bushfire smoke, debris and fires suppressants can contaminate your tank water.
• If the water from your tank looks, smells or tastes unusual, assume it’s contaminated.
• Don’t use your tank water for drinking, washing or preparing food or making ice until it’s been cleaned and refilled with clean water.
• You can use the contaminated water to flush toilets, or for cleaning.

Bushfire safety

Bushfires are a natural and unavoidable occurrence in most areas of Australia and can pose considerable danger to lives and property in farming districts. Most farmers are familiar with these dangers, and many are involved as volunteers in emergency service provision such as firefighting and fire preparedness/education roles in their rural communities.  

For those farmers who are less familiar with managing, mitigating and responding to fire risks, the information below provides a snapshot of current information. 

Be prepared for fire 

Fire management planning on farms involves protecting both assets and people. Farmers and landowners in bushfire risk areas have a particular responsibility to prepare thoroughly for bushfire.

Having a written plan is the best way to do this. All family and farm staff should be involved in the development of your fire preparedness plan and be familiar with its contents through regular review and discussion prior to each fire season. It should be easy to find and include property maps and an action plan (or bushfire survival plan) for high risk days.

Resources and checklists to help prepare your plan are available through state government emergency service and agriculture department websites. 

Know the seasonal restrictions and fire danger ratings  

The Fire Danger Period is declared for each municipality during periods of increased fire risk. 

Total Fire Bans are declared on days when fires are likely to spread rapidly and be difficult to control. Many farm activities should be avoided because the risk of starting fires is extremely high and the impact of fire on these days is likely to be greater. Find out what farm activities are restricted during the declared Fire Danger Period, and on days of Total Fire Ban. 

Fire Danger Ratings are shown in the same way across all of Australia. They indicate how dangerous a fire could be if one started. This helps you to decide what actions to take to protect yourself and your family. 

There are four levels of fire danger:  

• Moderate – Plan and prepare. 
• High – Be ready to act. 
• Extreme – Take action now to protect your life and property. 
• Catastrophic – For your survival, leave bushfire risk areas. 

Make sure you understand the fire danger and warnings and stay informed.  

On a catastrophic fire danger day in a bushfire risk area, you should stay safe by going to a safer location early in the morning or the night before. Homes cannot withstand fires in these conditions. Later in the day you may not be able to leave, and help may not be available. 

On an extreme fire danger day in a bushfire risk area, fires will spread quickly and be extremely dangerous. You should take action to protect life and property. If a fire starts, take immediate action. Unless you and your property are prepared to the highest level, go to a safer location well before the fire impacts. Avoid travel through bushfire risk areas. 

On a high fire danger day in a bushfire risk area, fires can be dangerous, so you should be informed and ready to act due to the heightened risk. Decide what you will do if a fire starts. 

On a moderate fire danger day, most fires can be controlled. You should plan and prepare and stay up to date. Be ready to act if there is a fire. 

If there is no fire rating, this does not mean that fires could not happen, but that they would be unlikely to behave in ways that threatens the safety of the community. 

Stay informed to make good decisions 

Listen to emergency broadcasters, like local ABC radio, and monitor your state/territory emergency website and/or associated apps on your smartphone.

The Australian Warning System has three levels of warning that will be given if there is a fire in your area. Each warning level has a set of action statements to give the community clear advice about what to do. 

• Advice (yellow) – There is a hazard in your area. There is no immediate danger. Stay informed, the situation could change. 
• Watch and Act (orange) – There is a threat to lives and properties. Conditions are changing. Take action to protect yourself and your family. 
• Emergency warning (red) – This is the highest warning level. You are in danger. Take action immediately. Any delay will put your life at risk. 

Wear appropriate clothes if you are likely to be exposed to fire 

Cover all exposed skin and wear:

• Natural fibres and materials.
• Long-sleeved, collared, cotton or wool shirts, long cotton or wool trousers, jeans or overalls.
• Sturdy leather shoes or boots, cotton or wool socks.
• A wide-brimmed cotton hat.
• Thick leather or cotton gloves.
• Safety goggles or safety glasses. 

Send children to safety early if you plan to stay

If you plan to stay, it’s better to send your children to stay with family or friends in an area away from bushfire risk. Reassure them that you will stay in touch. Children, while they may appear to cope with stress, often have traumatic reactions, like nightmares and behaviour problems for a long time after the crisis.

Listen to emergency broadcasters, like local ABC radio, but be aware that on high fire danger days you may not receive a warning about an encroaching bushfire.

Contact local fire authorities

Always refer to your state fire authority for further information about bushfire safety:

• New South Wales – nsw.gov.au
• Northern Territory – nt.gov.au
• Queensland – qld.gov.au
• South Australia – cfs.sa.gov.au
• Tasmania – tas.gov.au
• Victoria – vic.gov.au
• Western Australia – wa.gov.au

For information about safe return to your farm property after fire impact and farmer wellbeing during the following weeks and months please refer to NCFH fact sheets on these topics.

Fast facts:

• Decide on your bushfire plan before the start of the fire season and complete a Bushfire Survival Planning Template.
• Make sure everyone on the farm, including farm workers and contractors, understands the Bushfire Survival plan.
• Understand what the warning codes mean and what actions your state/territory fire authority recommends for you to do for each code.
• Listen to emergency broadcasters for updates, but be aware that on high fire danger days you may not receive a warning about an encroaching bushfire.
• Ensure you have downloaded the emergency management app for your state/territory on your smartphone.

Bushfire aftermath – hazards

Bushfires are a powerful and potentially devastating occurrence. If you evacuated before the fire, check with your local emergency services that it is safe to return home before doing so. 

Clean-up and recovery after a bushfire can be heart-wrenching, traumatic and also dangerous. Dealing with dead and surviving livestock, trying to retrieve belongings from fire-damaged buildings, dealing with hazardous materials, and repairing burnt fences, are all physically and emotionally difficult work. It is important to be cautious and take time to protect your health, wellbeing, and safety. 

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), local veterinarians and your local council can coordinate and provide recovery assistance and advice to primary producers impacted by a natural disaster event.  

Key considerations

Livestock welfare: Assistance can be provided to assess and evaluate your stock damage and help with the disposal of animals that need to be destroyed. 

Hazardous materials that may be present after a bushfire include: 

• Ash, especially from burnt treated timber (fenceposts and yards). 
• Dust, especially if it contains asbestos.
• Farm, garden and household chemicals. 
• Spoiled milk after power cuts. 
• Metal and plastic residues from burnt appliances or tools. 
• Live electricity cables.  
• Damaged gas and fuel storages and distribution equipment. 

Wear protective clothing to check your property after a bushfire. This should include: 

• Heavy duty work gloves and sturdy shoes. 
• Long sleeve shirt and trousers or disposable overalls. 
• P2/N95 face mask. 
• Hat for sun protection. 

Clean or dispose of personal protective equipment (PPE) when leaving the property. Wash hands after carefully removing PPE.

Drinking water storages may be contaminated by ash, debris or fire-retardant chemicals. Do not drink water that tastes, looks or smells unusual. Do not give it to livestock or use in evaporative coolers. Disconnect rainwater tanks from roof gutter and downpipes prior to first rain (if possible) to avoid further contamination. Clean or drain sludge from tanks, but do not enter the tank due to the danger of working in a confined space – use professional tank cleaning services. For more information on making tanks and drinking water safe refer to our fact sheet: Water – make it safe to drink. 

For more information on bushfire support and information visit the DEECA Bushfire Recovery webpage or for more safety tips on bushfire aftermath visit Better Health Channel.

For important information on returning home after a bushfire, visit your relevant local, regional or state emergency websites.

Personal social and emotional wellbeing

In the immediate aftermath of a bushfire, it is normal for people to experience intense stress reactions. Most people recover without professional intervention within several months and maintain a healthy level of functioning over time.  

Typical responses to trauma experienced during and following disasters like bushfire include:  

• Emotional responses such as shock, fear, anger, helplessness, irritability, depression, sadness, shame, guilt, lower life satisfaction.
• Biological responses such as fatigue, exhaustion, headaches, general aches and pains.
• Psychological responses such as tension, inability to make decisions, emotional distress, states of high arousal, reliving the events in flashbacks or nightmares, irritability.
• Behavioural responses such as avoidance of reminders or triggers, increased time spent at work, use of alcohol and drugs. 
• Social responses such as intolerance of others, social withdrawal, breakdown of relationships, social networks and sense of community. 

For more suggestions check out the information sheet on Recovering from Bushfires which outlines some useful skills that will help you recover. Strategies include restoring helpful thinking patterns and problem-solving capacity, maintaining social connection, taking time for pleasurable activities and learning to manage emotional distress. All of these skills will assist you to navigate your family, community and farm business through a tough period following the bushfire. 

Some people who are impacted by bushfires may experience mental health disorders in the months or even years after the initial event. The impact of multiple disasters in close succession can be cumulative in its effect on an individual. 

Common mental health disorders following a natural disaster such as bushfire may include:  

• Depression – sad or depressed mood, loss of interest in normal activities, poor motivation and lack of energy, disturbed sleep, poor appetite and in more severe cases, suicidal thoughts. 
• Anxiety – fear that something bad will happen, and worry about safety, health and money; physical symptoms can include being tense, on edge, a racing heart, and social withdrawal. 
• Substance use disorders – excessive use of alcohol or other drugs, which interferes with the person’s social relationships and ability to carry out normal roles. 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder – memories haunt the person (high arousal, being on edge, disturbed sleep, irritability) and efforts to avoid triggers, and numbing of emotional responsiveness. 

Individuals experiencing any of these mental health conditions in the months and years following the natural disaster will benefit from effective treatments which are readily accessible through mental health professionals. Farmers are especially encouraged to seek help if they find themselves struggling in any of these ways.  

If you feel you or someone else needs help, go to our Support Hub to access support contacts. 

Fast facts:

• Cleaning up after a bushfire can be traumatic, difficult and dangerous.
• Stay clear of fallen power lines, they could be live.
• Be aware of potential hazards like farm chemicals or asbestos.
• Seek professional help to assess livestock.
• Consider seeking support for yourself or others.

Scabby mouth (Orf)

Scabby mouth is a disease caused by a virus that is common in sheep and goats and some other ruminants. This disease is referred to as contagious ecthyma, or orf in humans. Scabby mouth is very contagious among sheep and is most commonly detected by a scab appearing on the mouth, muzzle, teats, legs or feet (see photo).

Farmers and farm workers can catch scabby mouth when they have an abrasion that comes into contact with infected animals. They can also be infected accidentally when handling the Scabby mouth vaccine.  Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare.

Once infected, people usually have lifetime immunity.  No medical treatment is required for this virus. Normal wound management – keep the wound clean and covered – will see the orf heal in 4-6 weeks.

Symptoms in humans

• Red papules or lesions, usually on hands or arms (under the armpit for shearers from holding feet under their arms)
• Low fever (sometimes)

Lesions usually heal without treatment, but sometimes they can become infected. This is a particular concern for people with compromised immune systems.

People who have dermatitis, which is common among farmers, may get large lesions that are slow to heal.

Treatment

• For healthy people, keeping the wound clean and covered is usually enough.
• Antibiotics are not necessary unless a secondary bacterial infection occurs.

Prevention

• Avoid handling sheep with scabby mouth
• Wear latex gloves if you must handle infected animals
• Cover your scratches and cuts when you vaccinate sheep or goats
• Consider wearing rubber gloves when you vaccinate animals for scabby mouth
• Wash the area immediately if you accidentally come in contact with the vaccine
• Wash all exposed skin with soap and water – do not use a scrubbing brush as it can cause a break in the skin and introduce the virus

Fast facts:

• Scabby mouth, also called orf, is a disease that farmers can catch from infected sheep.
• Scabby mouth causes pustules and lesions on the areas where skin contact has occurred with infected sheep.
• Take care when vaccinating animals, and wear gloves.

Q Fever

About Q Fever

Q Fever is an infection that produces flu-like symptoms in humans but can progress to more serious symptoms and chronic illness in some cases. It is spread to humans from infected livestock and wildlife, although animals rarely show symptoms. It is most commonly transmitted by inhaling infected dust and contaminated droplets containing the bacterium – Coxiella burnetii. The bacterium is highly contagious within herds of domestic cattle, sheep, goats, and wild pigs. 

The bacterium is found in infected animals’ urine, faeces, birth fluids, the placenta of a foetus or newborn as well as in uterine discharges following birth. These materials will contain high concentrations of the bacterium. 

The organism is highly contagious within domestic herds and will spread quickly through stock. Once a herd is infected it will almost invariably spread to neighbouring stock, native and feral animals, and sometimes domestic cats and dogs. Once a herd is infected, it normally remains infected. 

Direct or indirect inhalation of the bacterium is the most common mechanism of human infection. However, the human infection can also occur via skin abrasions and splashes of infected material into the eye. The consumption of unpasteurised milk from infected cows and goats has accounted for small numbers of Q Fever cases. 

The Coxiella burnetii bacterium is resistant to heat, drying and many common disinfectants, allowing it to survive for lengthy periods in the environment. Infection can also be transmitted by direct contact with objects (boots, clothing) and ingestion (for example eating after you’ve handled animals and not washing your hands). 

Usually, Q Fever is an occupational disease of meat workers, farmers, and veterinarians. People who hunt and slaughter wild goats and pigs are also at risk. However, living in a regional or remote area puts you at high risk even if you don’t work with animals. 

Signs and symptoms of Q Fever

• Fever, which may last for up to four weeks.
• Severe headache, blurred vision or light sensitivity. 
• Sweats and chills.
• Tiredness – prolonged fatigue may follow infection (post Q Fever fatigue syndrome). 
• Muscle aches.
• Confusion.
• Sore throat.
• Dry cough.
• Chest pain on breathing.
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
• Weight loss.
• Abdominal pain

Diagnosis of Q Fever is made via a series of blood tests. Effective treatment includes antibiotic therapy. With early diagnosis, treatment is simple, and a good outcome can be expected. 

The use of personal protective equipment (gloves, P2 dust mask and waterproof overalls) will minimise your risk of exposure to infected body materials or inhalation of infected particles in the air. The most effective prevention strategy is immunisation against the disease and is achieved through vaccination with the Q Fever vaccine (Q –Vax). This can be given to at-risk people who are aged 15 years and over. 

Steps towards identifying, developing and registering Q Fever immunity

Initial – blood and a skin test

This is recommended to ascertain if the individual has previously been exposed to Q Fever – either naturally or by previous vaccination. In many cases, people have been unknowingly infected previously with a mild strain of the disease, which was not confirmed by a doctor as Q Fever. 

Interpretations – blood test and skin test

If interpretation confirms as – previously being infected with the disease, vaccination is unnecessary.

Implementation – Q-vax vaccination (if no immunity identified)

Once vaccinated, the vaccine will be recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). People with an existing record with the Q Fever Register can access their information until 30/6/2025 at qfever.org. You may download your existing eStatement and have the details reported to the Australian Immunisation Register by a recognised vaccination provider. 

Contact your local GP or state health listed Q Fever provider for testing and vaccination services.

Find out more information on Q Fever visit Better Health Channel.

Fast facts:

• Q Fever is spread to humans from cattle, sheep, goats and wild pigs. 
• People can become infected when splashed with infected body fluids or by breathing infected dust. 
• Q Fever causes flu like symptoms and can be dangerous for people with heart problems. 
• Wear protective clothing and consider vaccination if you are at risk of infection. 

Psittacosis – Ornithosis

Psittacosis (sometimes called ornithosis) is an infection of the lung (pneumonia) caused by the bacterium Chlamydophila (Chlamydia). The bacterium is carried by both wild and domestic birds, which often show no sign of disease.

People who have close contact with birds, such as bird breeders pet shop employees, pet owners, poultry farm workers, abattoir workers, veterinarians (vets) and individuals who live near high-density native bird populations are at increased risk. This can include farmers with chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, guinea fowl, or aviaries with pet birds. Exposure to psittacosis in pregnancy has been associated with maternal and foetal death.

Infection is caused by inhaling dust containing dried bird faeces or dry eye and nasal secretions from infected birds.

Symptoms of psittacosis may be often associated with the flu (flu-like) and include:

• fever and chills
• nausea and vomiting
• muscle and joint pain
• diarrhoea
• weakness
• fatigue
• cough, typically dry
• abrupt onset of headache

There have been reported cases in cattle, sheep, horses, cats and dogs. If the infection is contracted, treatment involves antibiotic therapy.

Find out more about this topic on Better Health Channel

Fast facts:

• Psittacosis is a lung infection caused by bacteria carried by birds.
• Poultry and parrot-like birds may carry this disease.
• People become infected with psittacosis by inhaling dust containing dried droppings or secretions from infected birds.
• Avoid beak bites and beak-to-mouth contact with birds.
• Use a grass catcher when mowing.
• Always wash hands thoroughly after tending to birds.
• Wear masks and gloves while cleaning bird cages and poultry sheds to reduce the risk of infection.

Australian bat lyssavirus

Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) is related to the rabies virus. Thankfully, lyssavirus is a rare disease in Australia and only three human deaths have been recorded since it was discovered in 1996.

People can be infected by bites or scratches from infected flying foxes or bats. There are vaccines to prevent infection and treatment after direct exposure can also be effective. It is important to seek treatment promptly if you have had contact with bats. 

If you are bitten or scratched by a bat, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water, apply an antiseptic and get immediate medical help.

Fast facts:

• Australian bat lyssavirus is closely related to the rabies virus.
• Infections are rare in Australia.
• Exposure to blood urine or faeces is not known to transmit infection.  
• The virus can be transmitted to humans by bites or scratches from infected bats.
• If bitten by a bat or flying fox, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Apply antiseptic to the area and seek medical help.

Prevention will depend on the ability to avoid exposure to bats, particularly if they are behaving unusually or unwell. If avoidance of the animal is not possible, then prior vaccination is recommended. If an exposure occurs (bite, scratch or exposure to saliva) then post exposure treatment with the rabies vaccine is advised.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a disease caused by the Leptospira bacteria. People can catch Leptospirosis when they come in contact with the urine or birth products from infected animals. This disease is a particular risk for dairy and pig farmers.

Leptospirosis is also spread by rats and known as Weils disease. It usually enters the body through cuts or scratches in the skin. Banana farmers and sugar cane growers are at particular risk.

Leptospirosis causes a flu-like illness with symptoms including coughing, fever, chills, sore joints and general weakness. In 2022 (up to September) there were 135 reported cases in Australia. To prevent leptospirosis, vaccinate cattle, control rodents and wear protective clothing (gloves, boots, overalls, P2 dust mask, protective eyewear).

Fast facts:

• Leptospirosis is a disease that can spread from infected animals to humans when people come in contact with the infected animal’s urine or birth products.
• Leptospirosis causes a flu-like illness which can be treated with antibiotics.
• Vaccinate livestock against leptospirosis.
• Wear protective clothing and always wash your hands thoroughly after handling livestock and before handling food.
• Use alcohol hand wipes before eating if you are away from home and can’t wash your hands.

Hendra virus

Hendra virus (HeV) is a rare, emerging zoonotic virus (a virus transmitted to humans from animals). It is spread by its natural host – fruit bats, and can then be passed from sick/infected horses to humans. Horses may be infectious for 72 hours prior to symptoms and until after disposal of the carcass.

It can cause severe disease which affects the lungs and brain of horses and humans. Symptoms of HeV in humans may range from a flu-like illness to fatal respiratory and neurological disease (WHO, 2020). There is no human vaccine for the Hendra virus and without prompt treatment, the virus is often fatal.

Take care when handling all horses. Wash and dry hands thoroughly after handling horses. Avoid contact with secretions (blood, urine, faeces, saliva, nasal secretions). Cover cuts/abrasions with occlusive dressings.

Always wear gloves, masks and protective glasses when handling sick horses Vets should take particular care during post-mortems.

Reduce the risk of transmission from bats to horses by moving feed and water troughs away from areas where fruit bats feed or roost.

Fast facts:

• Hendra virus can be fatal
• Hendra virus can be transmitted from horses to people
• Hendra virus is spread by fruit bats

Hand washing

Washing your hands is one of the simplest, yet most effective, things you can do to protect your health and the health of others. It removes dirt, bacteria and viruses before they make you or others sick. 

Farmers routinely encounter potential sources of disease and illness including dirt, farm animals, domestic pets, farm chemicals, fertilisers, pesticides, medications, solvents and soil. Farmers and farm workers can also pass on contaminants to others through produce contaminated by bacteria or viruses due to poor hand washing. 

Five simple steps to clean your hands effectively

1. WET
   • Wet your hands.
   • Turn off the tap and apply soap.
2. LATHER
   • Rub your hands together with the soap.
   • Make sure you soap up to the wrists, get the back of your hands, in between your fingers and underneath your fingernails.
3. SCRUB
   • Continue for at least 20 seconds.
   • Don’t have a timer? Sing ‘Happy Birthday’ in your head twice!
4. RINSE
   • Rinse your hands in clean, running water.
   • If you’re out on the farm and clean, running water is not available, use what water is available, or keep some alcohol wash handy (containing at least 60% alcohol).
5. DRY
   • Thoroughly dry your hands with a clean towel or let them air dry.

When should you wash your hands?

• Before touching anything that needs to stay clean.
• After touching anything that might contaminate your hands.
  • Examples include: After being in contact with an animal/s, animal feed or animal waste, before preparing food, before and after treating a cut or wound, and after using the toilet.
  • Even if you have been wearing gloves while working with chemicals or livestock, wash your hands after you remove them.

The few minutes spent washing your hands throughout the day can prevent an illness that could keep you (or others) out of action for days, weeks or even longer.

Fast facts:

• Hand washing is an easy and important way to protect yourself and others from the risk of illness – and it only takes 20 seconds.
• Contact with dirt, farm animals, pets, medications, chemicals and fertilisers can all present potential risks.
• Keep an alcohol-based hand sanitiser (at least 60% alcohol) for when soap and running water aren’t available.  
• Trying to choose what soap to get? Liquid soap is better than a bar of soap.