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Lavage des mains II: Étapes pré-procédure et Étapes de la procédure initiale
Les étapes pré-procédure du lavage des mains comprennent le retrait des bijoux et le remontage des manches. Cependant, de nombreuses organisations per…
L’ensemble de la procédure de lavage des mains prend environ quarante à soixante secondes, selon l’étendue de la contamination. Un minimum de 20 secondes est nécessaire pour le nettoyage.
Avant de commencer le lavage, toutes les bagues, bracelets ou montres-bracelets doivent être retirés et les manches retroussées.
Les manches longues entravent le lavage des poignets et peuvent provoquer une recontamination rapide, tandis que le port de bijoux ou d’une montre-bracelet permet aux micro-organismes de rester sur et en dessous de l’accessoire après le lavage des mains, il est donc préférable de les éviter si possible.
Toute coupure sur les mains doit être recouverte d’un pansement imperméable, car les lésions de la peau peuvent permettre à des agents pathogènes potentiels de pénétrer.
Les ongles doivent être courts et propres, sans vernis à ongles ni faux ongles, car ils peuvent transporter de la saleté et des bactéries.
Pour commencer à vous laver les mains, ouvrez l’eau du robinet à un débit qui empêche les éclaboussures et laissez-la couler jusqu’à ce qu’elle soit confortablement chaude.
L’eau chaude est confortable et élimine les huiles de la peau.
Ensuite, mouillez les mains et les poignets avec de l’eau et appliquez suffisamment de savon pour couvrir toutes les surfaces.
Le savon mousse avec de l’eau pour accélérer le lavage des mains et élimine la saleté, les matières organiques et les micro-organismes.
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Q1: Why should jewelry and watches be removed before handwashing?
Jewelry and wristwatches allow microorganisms to remain on and beneath the accessories even after handwashing, preventing effective decontamination. Removing these items ensures all hand surfaces are properly cleaned and reduces infection risk. Many organizations allow wedding rings as an exception to this requirement.
Q2: How long does a proper handwashing procedure take?
The entire handwashing procedure takes approximately 40 to 60 seconds, depending on the extent of contamination. A minimum of 20 seconds is required for scrubbing to effectively remove dirt, organic material, and microorganisms from all hand surfaces. Adequate time ensures thorough decontamination.
Q3: What should be done about cuts or abrasions on the hands before washing?
Any cuts on the hands should be covered with a waterproof dressing before handwashing. Breaks in the skin may allow potential pathogens to gain entry, and repeated handwashing can worsen an injury. Waterproof dressings protect the wound while allowing proper hand hygiene.
Q4: Why is nail hygiene important in handwashing procedures?
Fingernails should be kept short and clean, without nail polish or artificial nails, as these can harbor dirt and bacteria. Long nails, fake nails, and nail polish imperfections are not entirely removed by handwashing, making proper nail maintenance essential for infection prevention.
Q5: What is the correct way to turn on the tap water for handwashing?
Turn on the tap water at a flow rate that prevents splashing and direct the water flow away from the drain. Drain openings are often contaminated with microorganisms that could be transferred to the environment or user if splashing occurs. Allow water to run until it feels comfortably warm.
Q6: Why should sleeves be rolled up before handwashing?
Long sleeves hinder the washing of wrists and can cause quick re-contamination after handwashing. Rolling up sleeves ensures wrists are fully accessible for cleaning and prevents contaminated fabric from recontaminating clean hands. This step is essential for maintaining hand cleanliness throughout the procedure.
Q7: How should soap be applied during the handwashing procedure?
Apply enough soap to cover all hand surfaces after wetting hands with water. Soap lathers with water to speed up handwashing and removes dirt, organic material, and microorganisms. Applying soap directly onto dry hands may damage the skin, so hands should be wet first.