2. When to Wash
o All associates wash their hands thoroughly before and
after patient contact to ensure minimal exposure and
transmission of infections to patients, visitors, and
associates.
3. How to Wash Hands
o When hands are visibly dirty, contaminated, or soiled,
wash with soap and water.
o If hands are not visibly soiled, was with soap and water or
use an alcohol-based handrub for routinely
decontaminating hands.
o When caring for an isolation patient, wash hands using
Chlorahexidine Gluconate.
4. Hand Washing Procedure
1. Thoroughly wet hands and 6. Keep fingertips down to facilitate
forearms under running water. removal of microorganisms.
2. Keep hands and forearms lower 7. Rinse hands and forearms
than elbows during washing. thoroughly holding fingers
downward to permit the water to
3. Apply amount of soap
run away from your hands into
recommended by the the sink.
manufacturer to hands and
forearms and lather well. 8. Dry hands thoroughly from
fingers to wrists and forearms
4. Using continual friction, wash
with paper towels.
hands and forearms for 15
seconds. 9. Discard paper towels into proper
receptacle.
5. Clean under fingernails.
10. Turn off faucet handle with clean,
dry paper towels.
5. Handrub Procedure
1. Apply recommended amount of product into palm of one
hand.
2. Rub hands together, covering all surfaces of hands and
fingers with antiseptic.
3. Rub hands together until the alcohol is dry.
4. Allow hands to completely dry before applying gloves.
