GUIDELINES

Handwashing is the single most important procedure for the prevention of nosocomial infections. Handwashing is indicated:

1. Before and after any patient contact for example performing invasive procedures or touching wounds or drainage, and/or contact with mucous membranes, blood ,body fluids, secretions or excretions..
   
2. After touching inanimate sources that are likely to be contaminated with body substances e.g. urine measuring devices, bedpans, soiled linen or waste.
   
3. After removing gloves.
   
4. Before and after using the toilet.
   
5. Before and after eating.
   
6. Before and after smoking.
   

1. Remove jewellery.
   
2. Wet hands under running water(cool to luke warm).
   
3. Keep hands lower than elbows; apply soap or antiseptic(one squirt of soap is enough).
   
4. Use friction to vigorously clean between fingers, palms, nailbeds, back of hands and wrists. Do this for a minimum of ten seconds.
   
5. Rinse hands under running water(continue to use friction).
   
6. Dry hands well with paper towels(pat rather than rub with paper towel).
   
7. Use paper towels to turn off faucet if faucet is not foot or elbow operated.