Hand Washing

Hand washing is the single most effective way to reduce the number of microorganisms on the surface of the skin.

Hand washing should be performed:

• before and after contact with a client,
• before and after eating,
• after using the toilet,
• before and after using gloves,
• after contact with used equipment, and
• immediately following contact with bodily fluids.

The best protection against bacteria is intact skin (ie no cuts or abrasions), so each time you wash your hands you should apply barrier cream. Take care when cutting your finger nails and pay attention to maintaining intact cuticles.

Any wound or abrasion should be covered using a waterproof dressing.

There are waterless alcohol based hand wash solutions that are as effective as soap and water hand washing. These preparations contain an emollient and aid in reducing damage to the hands, but should only be used when there is no visible soiling of the hands. If there is visible soiling, then soap and water hand washing should be used as per the hand washing procedure.

Note that using gloves does not replace hand washing, they are simply an additional protective measure that you can take. Hands should always be washed before and after wearing gloves.