Hand Hand Washing:Washing:

Prevents Prevents diseasesdiseases

Hand WashingHand Washing

““Hand washing is the single most Hand washing is the single most important means of preventing theimportant means of preventing the

spread of infection“spread of infection“

-- -- US Centers for Disease ControlUS Centers for Disease Control

Why people don’t wash their Why people don’t wash their handshands

Skin irritationSkin irritation Inaccessible hand washing Inaccessible hand washing

facilitiesfacilities Too busyToo busy Working in high-risk areas Working in high-risk areas Lack of hand hygiene promotionLack of hand hygiene promotion Lack of role modelLack of role model

Successful PromotionSuccessful Promotion

Employee EducationEmployee Education

Routine observation & Routine observation &

feedbackfeedback

Engineering controlsEngineering controls Location of hand basinsLocation of hand basins

Possible, easy & Possible, easy &

convenientconvenient

Reminders in the workplaceReminders in the workplace

Promote and facilitate skin Promote and facilitate skin

carecare

Administrative sanctions ??Administrative sanctions ??

After blowing/wiping the nose

After being around a sick person

After any cleaning session

After going to the toilet

Prior to eating meals or snacks

Whenever hands are soiled

When to Wash Your HandsWhen to Wash Your Hands

Correct Hand Washing Correct Hand Washing ProcedureProcedure

1.1. Adjust water to a comfortable level and wet Adjust water to a comfortable level and wet hands. Dispense a small amount of soap into hands. Dispense a small amount of soap into the palms of the hands creating a lather.the palms of the hands creating a lather.

2.2. Using as much friction as needed, thoroughly Using as much friction as needed, thoroughly clean all surfaces of hands including between clean all surfaces of hands including between the fingers.the fingers.

Correct Hand Washing Correct Hand Washing ProcedureProcedure

3. Pay attention to the nails and nail beds by rubbing the nails of one hand across the palm of the other, creating enough friction  to clean underneath the nails.

Correct Hand Washing Correct Hand Washing ProcedureProcedure

4. Rinse the hands under running water, being sure to hold the hands in a downward

position.

Correct Hand Washing Correct Hand Washing ProcedureProcedure

5. Use paper towels or warm air blower to thoroughly dry the hands.

Correct Hand Washing Correct Hand Washing ProcedureProcedure

6. Using the same paper towel, turn off the water supply.

Correct Hand Washing Correct Hand Washing ProcedureProcedure

Parts of the hand frequently Parts of the hand frequently

missed during washingmissed during washing

Hand washing is the simplest and the most important measure in preventing the spread of infections.

It is important that you understand it and play your part in maintaining a healthy environment at home and at work.