Handwashing I: Introduction and Types of Equipment

Handwashing is a hand hygiene measure performed using plain or antimicrobial soap and water to physically remove dirt, organic material, and microorganisms from the skin. However, handwashing may not kill all microorganisms, only remove them through mechanical action. This makes it an essential infection prevention practice in clinical settings.

Essential handwashing equipment includes a hand wash basin, liquid soap, paper towels, and a waste bin with a pedal-operated lid. Optional equipment includes a disposable nail cleaner. All items should be positioned conveniently near the basin to support efficient hand hygiene practice and prevent contamination or slip hazards.

Non-touch or lever-operated faucets prevent cross-contamination by eliminating the need to touch the tap with clean hands after washing. This design reduces the risk of recontaminating hands and supports infection prevention protocols essential in healthcare settings where healthcare associated infections must be minimized.

The tap should be positioned away from the basin's outflow to prevent water from falling directly into the drain, which could cause splashes containing organisms to contaminate the sink area. Mixer taps should allow temperature adjustment before handwashing begins. Basin access must remain unobstructed by furniture or equipment for easy use.

Liquid soap dispensers should be positioned close to hand wash basins to prevent soap from dripping onto floors and creating slip hazards. Paper towel dispensers must be wall-mounted near the basin and dispense high-quality towels capable of drying hands completely with one or two uses, ensuring efficient hand drying.

A suitable waste bin with a pedal-operated lid should be positioned close to the wash basin but not so close it obstructs access. The pedal-operated design allows staff to dispose of used paper towels without touching the bin, maintaining hand hygiene and preventing cross-contamination in clinical environments.

Clinical staff basins should not have drain plugs, which prevents water from backing up and overflowing. Patient basins may require drain plugs but need careful management to reduce overflow risk. Unobstructed basin access and proper tap positioning away from outflows further prevent water accumulation and contamination.