Hands should be washed in the following situations:

  • When coming on duty
  • Whenever hands become soiled
  • Before and after examining patients
  • Before performing invasive procedures
  • Before preparing or handling medications
  • Before handling clean dressings, gauze pads, etc.
  • After handling dressings or equipment potentially contaminated with blood or OPIM
  • After contact with blood or OPIM
  • After removing personal protective equipment such as gloves, etc.
  • After personal care activities such as using the bathroom, blowing the nose, combing the hair, etc.
  • Before and after eating
  • Before going on breaks
  • When going off duty


Hand washing procedure

  • Rub soap onto all surfaces of hands for 10 seconds.
  • Rinse hands thoroughly under running water. Hold hands lower than wrists to allow water to run off.
  • Dry hands thoroughly with paper towels, then turn off the faucets with those towels.
  • Discard towels into trash.
  • Antiseptic hand cleansers may be used as an alternative to soap and water.
  • Moisturizing lotion may be applied after hand washing.
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Wash your hands with soap and water:
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