Why is frequent hand washing important? In health Care and everyday life Dr.T.V.Rao MD

Why is frequent hand washing important? In health Care and everyday life

Dr.T.V.Rao MD

Hand washing is the most important procedure in the prevention and minimization of the spread of infection within health care settings.

Always wash your hands thoroughly using soap and running water:

• At the start and finish of your work shift

• Before and after physical contact with a patient

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

• After removing gloves

• Before and after eating, drinking and smoking

• Before and after toileting

• After blowing your nose or covering a sneeze

• Whenever hands become obviously soiled

When should I wear gloves?

Gloves are worn as a barrier to protect the wearer’s hands from contamination or to prevent the transfer of organisms already on the hands.

Gloves ideally must be worn in situations where the worker can be potentially exposed to blood or body substances:

• When handling blood and body substances

• When handling non-intact skin

• When handling mucous membranes

• While suctioning a patient

• While handling items or surfaces that have come into contact with blood or body substances

• While performing invasive procedures, such as venepuncture or a finger or heel stick

• When handling contaminated sharps

What other precautions should I take?

Cover cuts with a waterproof occlusive dressing. If you have any concerns about old cuts, sores, rashes or other lesions seek the advice of your supervisor, Staff Health Coordinator or Infection Control Officer.

Get yourself vaccinated against hepatitis B and tetanus. Vaccination is the most effective protection against these diseases. Always make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date.

What is the best way to remove a needle and syringe that has been disposed of incorrectly?

• Put on a pair of glove

• Ideally take a sharps container to the needle and syringe

How to wash your hands

It's generally best to wash your hands with soap and water. Over-the-counter antibacterial soaps are no more effective at killing germs than is regular soap.

Follow these steps:

Wet your hands with clean, running water — either warm or cold.

Apply soap and lather well.

Rub your hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds. Remember to scrub all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and under your fingernails.

Rinse well.

Dry your hands with a clean towel or air-dry them.

How to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers, which don't require water, are an acceptable alternative when soap and water aren't available. If you use a hand sanitizer, make sure the product contains at least 60% alcohol. Follow these steps:

Apply the gel product to the palm of one hand. Check the label to find out the appropriate amount.

Rub your hands together.

Rub the gel over all the surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry.

Formulated Dr.T.V.Rao MD

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