Practical: Handwashing

Question 1

How long should the entire procedure last?

Answer 1

40 - 60 seconds

Question 2

What should you ensure about your appearance?

Answer 2

Hair tied back, off collar; hands free from jewellery; short nails; no nail varnish; bare below the elbow

Question 3

What is the first step?

Answer 3

Wet hands, apply soup and lather for a minimum of 10-15 seconds.

Question 4

What is the second step?

Answer 4

1. Rub hands palm to palm
2. Rub right palm over back of left hand with fingers overlaced
3. Rub left palm over back of right hand with fingers overlaced
4. Fingers interlocked in opposing palms to decontaminate the backs of the fingers
5. Rub each thumb in each palm, rotating.
6. Rub fingertips of one hand in the opposite palm, rotating
7. Rub each wrist, rotating.

Question 5

What is the third step?

Answer 5

Rinse soap off hands and wrists under running water

Question 6

What is the fourth step?

Answer 6

Turn off taps using elbow/wrist (or if not an elbow operated tap, by using paper towels to prevent cross-contamination)

Question 7

What is the fifth step?

Answer 7

Drying of hands thoroughly with paper towels using a patting motion (each hand and wrist should be dried separately with a paper towel), and disposing of these used towels in foot operated bin (ensuring no recontamination of hands)