Handwashing

Question 1

How long should Hand washing procedure take?

Answer 1

40-60 seconds

The actual hand rubbing should take at least 15 seconds

Question 2

What are the steps in hand washing?

Answer 2

1. Wet hands with water
2. Apply enough soap to cover all hand surfaces
3. Rub hands palm to palm
4. Right palm over the back of the other hand with interlaced fingers and vice versa
5. Palm to palm with fingers interlaced
6. Backs of fingers to opposing palms with fingers interlocked
7. Rotational rubbing of left thumb clasped in right palm and vice versa
8. Rotational rubbing, backwards and forwards with clasped fingers of right hand in left palm and vice versa
9. Rinse hands with water
10. Dry thouroughly with towel
11. Use elbow to turn off towel

Question 3

How long should the alcohol hand rub procedure take?

Answer 3

20-30 seconds

Use alcohol-based hand rub for routine hand hygiene during care except:

• When hands are visibly spoiled
• When caring for a patient with vomiting or diarrhoea
• When caring for a patient with known or suspected GI infection