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5.11:

Handwashing I: Introduction and Types of Equipment

JoVE Core
Nursing
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JoVE Core Nursing
Handwashing I: Introduction and Types of Equipment

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Condividere

Handwashing is a hand hygiene measure performed using plain or antimicrobial soap and water to physically remove dirt, organic material, and microorganisms. The equipment for the procedure includes a hand washbasin, liquid soap, paper towels, a waste bin, and an optional disposable nail cleaner. A separate washbasin for staff in the clinical area is essential, which must be non-touch or lever-operated. Basins must be unobstructed by any objects to ensure ease of access. The position of the tap should be away from the outflow to avoid splashes containing organisms from the drain. Taps should be of a mixer type to set the temperature before handwashing. Placement of the liquid soap dispensers close to hand washbasins prevents soap from dripping onto the floor and causing a slip hazard. A paper towel dispenser should be attached to the wall near the washbasin. These hand towels should be of good quality, and able to dry the hands with one or two uses. An appropriate bin with a pedal-operated lid should be placed near the basin to discard used towels.

5.11:

Handwashing I: Introduction and Types of Equipment

Handwashing is hand hygiene with plain or antimicrobial soap and water to physically remove dirt, organic material, and microorganisms. However, it may not kill all microorganisms. The handwashing procedure requires a hand wash basin, liquid soap, paper towels, a domestic waste bin, and disposable nail cleaner as optional equipment.

Hand wash basins in clinical areas should have faucets that can be turned on and off without using the hands; that is, they should be non-touch or lever-operated. Basins used exclusively by clinical staff for hand hygiene should not have drain plugs. Patients' basins may require drain plugs, which will require careful management to reduce the risk of water overflowing in the area. Access to basins must be unobstructed by any furniture or equipment to ensure they can easily be used whenever required.

The tap's placement must be away from the outflow so that water does not fall into it directly because this could cause splashes containing organisms from the drain. Taps should be of a mixer type that allows the temperature to be set beforehand washing starts. 

Dispensers for liquid soap should be placed close to sinks for hand washing, and special precautions should be taken to ensure the soap does not leak from the dispenser and cause a slip hazard.

A paper towel dispenser should be mounted to the wall close to the hand wash basin. Hand towels should be of adequate quality to ensure that hands are completely dried using one or two towels. To conveniently dispose of these towels, a suitable bin with a pedal-operated lid should be positioned close to the wash basin but not so close it obstructs access.