Mrs. Mauvette WaiteSeptember 2013

At the end of the 1 hour session students will:

Define terms related to Hand washing Explain the purpose and importance of

hand washing Describe the 5 Moments for Hand

Hygiene Describe proper hand washing

techniques

Hand washing- Washing hands with plain or antimicrobial

soap and water

Visibly soiled hands- Hands on which dirt or body fluids are

readily visible.

Hand washing removes the transient (temporary, surface) micro-organisms present on the hands, which can be spread and have potential to cause harm.

Hand washing as part of hand hygiene is the single most important procedure for preventing health care associated infections and for preventing health care workers from becoming infected with disease.

Moment 1: Before touching a patient Moment 2: Before a procedure Moment 3: After a procedure or body

fluid exposure risk Moment 4: After touching a patient Moment 5: After touching a patient’s

surroundings

Wet hands thoroughly (including the wrists, palms and the back of the hands)

Dispense 3-5 mLs (1 tsp) of soap in the palm of the hand.

Lather the hands with the soap, using vigorous circular, rubbing motions. Rub the palms, back of hands, each finger, between the fingers, thumbs and wrists. For at least 15 seconds.

Rinse hands thoroughly Pat dry hands with paper towels. Discard used paper towel Turn off tap with paper towel

WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care: Retrieved from: http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2009/WHO_IER_PSP_2009.07_eng.pdf