A001_hand_hygiene

Handwashing Procedure

Start by wetting your hands and wrists under running water that is comfortably warm. Avoid using very hot or very cold water, as extremes can cause skin irritation or discomfort.
Position your hands and forearms lower than your elbows to allow proper rinsing, ensuring that water flows from cleaner areas to dirtier areas.

Before applying soap, conduct a visual inspection of your hands, focusing on the skin for any breaks, cuts, or injuries, especially the areas around your cuticles. This is crucial as any open skin can harbor bacteria and reduce the effectiveness of the sanitization process.

Use a sufficient amount of antiseptic soap, approximately 3 to 5 milliliters, which is enough to produce an adequate lather. Antiseptic soap can help eliminate germs more effectively than regular soap.
Rub your hands together to create a rich lather, ensuring that the soap covers all surfaces of your hands thoroughly.

Wash your hands and wrists with the lather for a minimum of 15 to 20 seconds. This duration ensures that the soap has enough time to break down dirt and pathogens.
Interlace your fingers and rub both palms and the back of your hands in a circular motion at least 5 times each. Pay close attention to areas such as the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and around your wrists.

Finger Positioning: Keep your fingertips pointed downwards during washing to facilitate the removal of microorganisms, as this positioning allows dirt and debris to fall away from your hands rather than being trapped inside.
Cleaning Under Fingernails: Be aware that the area under your nails can harbor a high concentration of bacteria. It is essential to clean this area thoroughly. Use the fingernails of the opposite hand to scrape underneath the nails, applying extra soap as needed, or utilize a disposable nail cleaner to enhance the hygienic process.

Thorough Rinsing: Rinse your hands and wrists thoroughly under running water while keeping your hands down and elbows up. This technique is vital for achieving optimal cleanliness as it allows any remaining soap and pathogens to wash away effectively.
Drying Hands: After rinsing, dry your hands starting from your fingers and moving up to your wrists. Use:
- A disposable paper towel - ensure it is clean and dry.
- A single-use cloth - it should be properly laundered to prevent cross-contamination.
- A warm air dryer - make sure to follow the instructions provided.
Paper Towel Disposal: If you use a paper towel, discard it in the trash immediately after drying. This is important to prevent recontamination.
Use a clean, dry paper towel to turn off the faucet, ensuring that you do not touch the handles directly, which helps maintain hygiene and prevents bacterial transfer from surfaces back to your clean hands.