12 Steps to Successful Everyday Handwashing

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Hand washing is the single most effective measure to prevent the spread of infection, and to protect clients and staff against infection.

How you wash your hands and how often you wash them will depend upon the work environment and the type of task that you are doing.

You will need to refer to your facilities procedures for more detailed information on hand-washing protocols. In most circumstances, soap and water is appropriate.

You should wash your hands:

  • At the beginning and end of each work shift

  • Before and after physical contact with a client

  • After handling contaminated items, such as bedpans, urine bottles and soiled dressings

  • At the beginning and end of each meal break

  • Before and after going to the toilet

  • Before and after cleaning a bathroom

  • Before and after handling food

  • After blowing your nose or covering a sneeze

  • Whenever hands become obviously soiled.

Always consult your organisation’s policy and procedure manual to ensure that you understand your key responsibilities in regard to hand washing and infection control.