HANDWASHING

• Proper handwashing technique


  The single most important way to prevent the spread of infection
• Proper handwashing technique

  • Removes bacteria and viruses from the skin
  • Reduces the number of microorganisms but does not totally eliminate them
• Alcohol-based cleaners


  Acceptable in place of handwashing when hands are not visibly soiled
• When handwashing should be performed

  • Upon arrival at the work area
  • Before and after patient contact
  • Before touching the eyes, nose and mouth
  • Before leaving the work area
  • After using bathroom facilities
  • After touching garbage/waste
  • After touching public installations (e.g. door knobs)
  • At any time when they have been knowingly contaminated
• Proper handwashing procedure

  1. Remove all watches, rings and other jewelry

  2. Have disposable towels ready or use automatic towel dispenser

  3. Stand back from the sink so that you and your clothing do not touch the sink

  4. Turn on the water with the foot pedal or with a disposable towel if not foot-controlled

  5. Wet hands and wrists under running water, be careful not to touch the sides of the sink

  6. Apply soap and lather whole hands and wrists well

  7. Scrub for at least 15-20 seconds using a specific sequence

  8. Rinse hands with water flowing downward off the fingertips

  9. Dry hands and wrists with disposable towels

  10. Turn off water with disposable towels if sink is not foot controlled
• Handwashing with soap and running water is the single most important way to prevent the spread of infection
• It is the method of choice for the removal of any bacteria and viruses from the skin
• Alcohol-based cleaners are acceptable in place of handwashing when hands are not visibly soiled
• Both handwashing and the use of alcohol-based cleaners reduce the number of microorganisms but do not totally eliminate them