Am I being weird and paranoid or rightly cautious

[romanrainsalot]

Vote now!

DD (aged 5) has been given a letter re a school trip to local farm - one of those family day out types with petting zoo things as well as part of it being a real working farm.

Its an all day trip, needs to take a lunch.

Thing is, DD and I went a few months ago and whilst it was worthwhile and I don't mind her going again, when we went to wash our hands the water was cold more like freezing in all of the taps we tried, in all of the hand washing blocks.

I hate washing hands in cold water, it feels like they are not washed. I hate the thought of DD not being able to wash hands properly, especially at a farm and then they will be having lunch there. I can just imagine her ending up ill.

Would I be a) weird and paranoid to mention it to teacher or b)rightly cautious?

Thanks in advance

[0hCrepe]

hmmm. Yes maybe in a very friendly way. The teacher could take some gel and you could put some wipes in your dd's lunch.

[FeckinCrutches]

All farm taps are freezing in my experience, why don't you think her hands won't be washed properly?

[Eolian]

a) . This wouldn't even occur to me. There are hand washing facilities, so they can wash their hands. If everyone were getting ill from poor hygiene there, they would presumably be shut down!

[TheAntiBoop]

I always feel my hands are more refreshed with cold water!

Agree with pp's - odd issue to have! Pack some wipes for her

[romanrainsalot]

FeckinCrutches first time we took her to a farm in Devon and the water from the taps was lovely and warm. I just feel that washing hands in cold water is akin to not washing them at all really - just doesn't feel right. Bit like when you see people in toilets in restaurants etc come out of cubicle, rinse hands in splash of water (no soap) and then go.

[ridinghighinapril]

I presume there is soap?
Temp of water is irrelevant. Soap is a must.
www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-handwashing.html

[Bluntness100]

Pack some wipes. You're not behaving totally rationally and have moved into over cautious territory,

[MrsNuckyThompson]

I think you're being ridiculous. Water temp doesn't have any effect on how well the hands are washed. As someone else said maybe send her with some sanitising gel if you are very worried.

TBH, I think you're at risk of making your daughter paranoid and obsessive if you're seriously thinking of holding her back from a trip because of this.

[romanrainsalot]

From Visit my Farm industry code of practice:

All washing facilities should be/have:

Running hot and cold, or warm water (e.g. mixer taps). It is easier to create soap lather with warm water, and it may encourage visitors, especially children, to wash more thoroughly particularly in cold weather.

[ridinghighinapril]

Alcohol hand gel and wipes are not fully effective against the type of bacteria prevalent on farms. Ordinary baby wipes are not antibacterial at all, they just superficially clean and cab be used to remove visible dirt.

[ridinghighinapril]

*can

[ridinghighinapril]

www.gov.uk/government/news/infection-risk-at-petting-farms-phe-urges-good-hand-hygiene

[romanrainsalot]

I just always thought it more hygienic to wash hands in warm water? Is this not the case?

ridinghighinapril yes there is soap

[ridinghighinapril]

I knew this information already but only took a few seconds to find the evidence to support my response.
Presumably you also did a quick search, too (as it'd be easier to do this then ask on here and read the varying replies)?
Obviously, it's up to you what you decide to do but since you asked, it'd be a shame for your daughter to miss out on a trip with her peers based on unfounded concerns.

[EssentialHummus]

A bit OTT in my opinion. Soap and (cold) water plus anti-bac gel or wipes should be enough.

[ridinghighinapril]

Warm water will cut through grease and soften dirt making it easier to remove but that is more relevant to dishes than hands! Even, then it'll have to be pretty hot and probably intolerable to a young child.

P.s sorry, if I seemed too harsh earlier - too much wine

[marmiteloversunite]

They are probably more open to
Infections at school every day. By the time they have sat on the floor for assembly, carpet for register, been to the toilets etc etc. Also they probably have less supervised washing of hands at school than they would on a trip. Teach her how to use hand gel and put it in her pocket for the trip.

[romanrainsalot]

I never said she'd miss out, just I was concerned re handwashing and wondered if I should mention it. I was thinking maybe teachers could re-inforce handwashing technique before the kids go in the toilet block etc.

Come on, usual coughs, colds, sniffles we can deal with but I don't fancy a bit of E-coli or something.

Thanks for the replies, especially riding

[ridinghighinapril]

I was about to mention e-coli 0157.
Not to be belittled by comparing it to everyday germs picked up at school.

No harm in reinforcing hand-washing technique (either from yourself or as a gentle mention to teachers if they are receptive to this kind of thing) or in adding a spritz of hand gel in addition to washing with soap and water.

Sorry to keep going on - I hate mixed messages especially when it comes to simple and effective measures that can make a big difference.

Hope your daughter enjoys her trip!

[ridinghighinapril]

(And yes, it was red wine )

[demisphere]

I'm with you OP, petting farms are filthy places and E. coli is a genuine risk. When DD was in preschool I didn't let her go on a trip to one as I didn't think she was old enough to reliably wash her hands properly. In reception I let her go but she took her own gel with her.

I probably wouldn't bother saying anything to the teacher as I doubt they'll care and I wouldn't want to be pegged as neurotic but I would send her with gel.

[Mamabear12]

I would definitely let her go. Mention to the teacher your concern. Give ur daughter hand gel and tell her to use before washing hands so she is extra clean. Just explain sometimes farms have bugs that can make you sick so it's best to wash hands carefully before eating.

[spanieleyes]

Do you not think the teacher would have thought about it too? Handwashing will be included on the risk assessment the teacher will need to complete before the trip. This will include the need to ensure/remind children of the need for thorough washing including the use of soap. Our risk assessments make battle plans look under-researched!!

[BaconMaker]

Yes I think you're being massively irrational (sorry I am an anxious person too so not judging at all). As someone else said it's more pleasant to wash in warm water but not more hygienic (the temperature is not going to be hot enough to kill anything). If it would make you feel less anxious you could have her bring her own hand sanitiser and mention it to the teacher.

[AgentProvocateur]

OTT. Please don't speak to the teacher about this. The school will have done a risk assessment and will remind the children to wash their hands. You'll be known as a neurotic parent if you bring it up with the school.