Page updated 30 September 2006
How to Wash Your Hands
- roll up sleeves and take off wristwatch and other jewellery
- if unable to remove wedding ring, wash and dry thoroughly around and under it
- use running hot water; wet your hands and dispense one squirt of the recommended liquid soap or antiseptic into the palm of the hand
- hold hands down below the elbow height to prevent water running onto forearms
- rub hands together vigorously to lather all surfaces of hands and wrists, paying particular attention to thumbs, finger tips and finger webs
- rinse hands thoroughly
- turn off water using elbows or wrists on elbow taps, then dry hands thoroughly on a paper towel; if elbow taps are not present, first dry hands thoroughly, then turn off the taps using a fresh paper towel
- dispose of towels into domestic waste (black) bag; do not contaminate your hands by touching the bin lid
Notes:
Handcream:
- it is advisable to carry one's own personal tube of hand cream; DO NOT use multi-dose pots of cream, as these may become contaminated
Skin lesions:
- if any member of the staff has a hand lesion, or experiences skin problems associated with handwashing, he or she should consult the Occupational Health Department
- if skin problems such as eczema are present, then staff should report to the Occupational Health Department or Infection Control Nurse or Manager for advice (staff with eczema are at high risk of acquiring resistant hospital-acquired staphylococci
- cuts and abrasions on the hands must be adequately covered with an impermeable dressing when starting duty
References
 |
 |