Hand Washing

Hand washing is the most important method to prevent the transmission of infection agents. Hand washing is the rubbing all surfaces of the hands using a soap, or chemical and water, following rinsing in flowing stream of water.

Soap and water emulsify the fat, clean the hands and reduce the number of microorganisms.

Purpose

Prevention of cross infection is the main purpose of hand washing.

Situations in which hand washing is essential

1. At the beginning of the days work
2. Before meals
3. After toilet
4. After blowing nose
5. Between giving care to different patients
6. After handling body substances
7. Before and after contact with wounds
8. Before and after each procedure
9. At the end of the day activity.

Running water, soap, brush and towel should be ready before hand washing.


Procedure

1. Nails should be made short. Long nails will harbor microorganisms.
2. Remove ring from the finger
3. Wet the hands up to the elbow with running water
4. Lather hands with soap, paying attention to the thumbs, knuckles, nails,
lateralaspects of the fifth finger and the sides of hands.
5. Rub hands and fingers with brush for 10 minutes
6. Wash and rinse hands under warm running water
7. Rinse hands by keeping them well below the elbow level
8. Repeat this procedure once more
9. Holds hands upwards after washing
10. Dry hands with a dry towel, starting at the elbows towards the hands
11. Discard the towel
12. Turn the tape by using a paper towel because the handle may be contaminated.