Handwashing Hand Hygiene A Critical Infection Control Issue

At the end of this lesson the student will: 1. Able to wash hands with 100% accuracy following procedure sheet. 2. Understand the basic principles of aseptic handwashing. OBJECTIVES

Aseptic Handwashing Handwashing is a basic task required in any health occupation. Handwashing is a basic task required in any health occupation. Handwashing is generally considered to be the most important method in preventing the spread of infection. Handwashing is generally considered to be the most important method in preventing the spread of infection. Regular handwashing is recommended for routine cleansing of the hands when visibly soiled. Regular handwashing is recommended for routine cleansing of the hands when visibly soiled.

Aseptic Handwashing Soap is used as a cleaning agent because it aids in removal of germs. Soap is used as a cleaning agent because it aids in removal of germs. Liquid soap should be used, as bar soap can contain microorganisms Liquid soap should be used, as bar soap can contain microorganisms Warm water should be used, hot water will burn hands and cold water lessens the lather. Warm water should be used, hot water will burn hands and cold water lessens the lather. Friction helps to rub off pathogens Friction helps to rub off pathogens

Aseptic Handwashing Fingertips must point downward to prevent water from getting of forearms and running down to contaminate hands. Fingertips must point downward to prevent water from getting of forearms and running down to contaminate hands. Dry towels must be used to turn the faucet on and off, wet towels allow passage of pathogens to the hands. Dry towels must be used to turn the faucet on and off, wet towels allow passage of pathogens to the hands. Nails harbor dirt and must be cleaned with the blunt end of an orange stick to prevent injury. Nails harbor dirt and must be cleaned with the blunt end of an orange stick to prevent injury.

Handwashing should be performed: 1.When arriving and leaving work facility 2. Before and after every patient contact 3. Before moving from contaminated body site to a clean body site 4. Any time hands are contaminated 5. Before applying and after removing gloves 6. Any time gloves are torn or punctured

Handwashing should be performed: 7. Before and after handling specimens 7. Before and after handling specimens 8. After contact with any soiled item 8. After contact with any soiled item 9. After picking up item from floor 9. After picking up item from floor 10. After personal use of the bathroom 10. After personal use of the bathroom 11. After you cough, sneeze, or use a tissue 11. After you cough, sneeze, or use a tissue 12. Before and after any contact with your mouth or mucous membrane, such as eating, drinking, smoking, applying lip balm, or inserting or removing contact lens. 12. Before and after any contact with your mouth or mucous membrane, such as eating, drinking, smoking, applying lip balm, or inserting or removing contact lens.

Hand Hygiene Techniques 1. Alcohol hand rub 2. Routine hand wash seconds 3. Aseptic procedures 1 minute 4. Surgical wash 3-5 minutes

Repeat procedures until hands are clean Routine Hand Wash

Areas Most Frequently Missed HAHS © 1999

Hand Care Nails Nails Rings Rings Hand creams Hand creams Cuts & abrasions Cuts & abrasions “Chapping” “Chapping” Skin Problems Skin Problems

In Review: Handwashing is the simplest, most effective measure for preventing the spread of infection.

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