HandwashingHand Hygiene

A Critical Infection Control Issue

At the end of this lesson the student At the end of this lesson the student will:will:

1.1. Able to wash hands with 100% Able to wash hands with 100% accuracy following procedure accuracy following procedure sheet.sheet.

2.2. Understand the basic principles of Understand the basic principles of aseptic handwashing.aseptic handwashing.

OBJECTIVES

Aseptic HandwashingAseptic Handwashing

Handwashing is a basic task required in any Handwashing is a basic task required in any health occupation.health occupation.

Handwashing is generally considered to be Handwashing is generally considered to be the most important method in preventing the most important method in preventing the spread of infection.the spread of infection.

Regular handwashing is recommended for Regular handwashing is recommended for routine cleansing of the hands when visibly routine cleansing of the hands when visibly soiled.soiled.

Aseptic HandwashingAseptic Handwashing

Soap is used as a cleaning agent because it Soap is used as a cleaning agent because it aids in removal of germs. aids in removal of germs.

Liquid soap should be used, as bar soap can Liquid soap should be used, as bar soap can contain microorganismscontain microorganisms

Warm water should be used, hot water will Warm water should be used, hot water will burn hands and cold water lessens the burn hands and cold water lessens the lather.lather.

Friction helps to rub off pathogensFriction helps to rub off pathogens

Aseptic HandwashingAseptic Handwashing Fingertips must point downward to prevent Fingertips must point downward to prevent

water from getting of forearms and running water from getting of forearms and running down to contaminate hands.down to contaminate hands.

Dry towels must be used to turn the faucet Dry towels must be used to turn the faucet on and off, wet towels allow passage of on and off, wet towels allow passage of pathogens to the hands.pathogens to the hands.

Nails harbor dirt and must be cleaned with Nails harbor dirt and must be cleaned with the blunt end of an orange stick to prevent the blunt end of an orange stick to prevent injury.injury.

Handwashing should be Handwashing should be performed:performed:

1.When arriving and leaving work facility1.When arriving and leaving work facility

2. Before and after every patient contact2. Before and after every patient contact

3. Before moving from contaminated body 3. Before moving from contaminated body site to a clean body sitesite to a clean body site

4. Any time hands are contaminated4. Any time hands are contaminated

5. Before applying and after removing gloves5. Before applying and after removing gloves

6. Any time gloves are torn or punctured6. Any time gloves are torn or punctured

Handwashing should be performed:Handwashing should be performed: 7. Before and after handling specimens7. Before and after handling specimens 8. After contact with any soiled item8. After contact with any soiled item 9. After picking up item from floor9. After picking up item from floor 10. After personal use of the bathroom10. After personal use of the bathroom 11. After you cough, sneeze, or use a tissue11. After you cough, sneeze, or use a tissue 12. Before and after any contact with your 12. Before and after any contact with your

mouth or mucous membrane, such as mouth or mucous membrane, such as eating, drinking, smoking, applying lip eating, drinking, smoking, applying lip balm, or inserting or removing contact lens.balm, or inserting or removing contact lens.

Hand Hygiene TechniquesHand Hygiene Techniques

1.1. Alcohol hand rubAlcohol hand rub

2.2. Routine hand wash 10-15 secondsRoutine hand wash 10-15 seconds

3.3. Aseptic procedures 1 minuteAseptic procedures 1 minute

4.4. Surgical wash 3-5 minutesSurgical wash 3-5 minutes

Repeat procedures until hands are clean

Routine Hand WashRoutine Hand Wash

Areas Most Frequently MissedAreas Most Frequently Missed

HAHS © 1999

Hand CareHand CareNailsNailsRingsRingsHand creamsHand creamsCuts & abrasionsCuts & abrasions““Chapping”Chapping”Skin ProblemsSkin Problems

In Review:In Review:Handwashing is the Handwashing is the

simplest, most simplest, most effective measure for effective measure for

preventing preventing the spread of infection.the spread of infection.

QUESTIONS

? ? ? ? ?