Standard Precautions: Handwashing

When first arriving at work and before leaving

Before and after caring for a patient

After touching blood or any other body fluid or substance, broken skin, or mucous membranes

After touching an object or surface that is or may be contaminated

Before and after eating, drinking, smoking, and after using the restroom

After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose

Use clean, running water and plenty of soap. Work up a good lather by rubbing your hands together.

Clean your whole hand, under your nails, between your fingers, and up your wrists. Rub vigorously. Wash for at least 20 seconds (or the time it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song from start to finish twice. (CDC).

Rinse your hands well. Let the water run off your fingertips, not up your wrists.

Dry your hands well with clean paper towels. Or use an air dryer machine. Use paper towels to turn off the faucet and open the door so you don’t recontaminate your hands.

If no sink is available or your hands are not visibly soiled, use the alcohol-based hand sanitizer approved by your facility. Be sure it contains no less than 60% alcohol. To use a sanitizer, apply the gel onto 1 palm, following the recommended dosage from the label, and spread it across all hand surfaces. Rub hands and fingers together until dry, typically about 20 seconds. These products are fast-acting and significantly reduce the number of germs on the skin. Unfortunately, they don't work on all types of germs in the hospital. They may also not be effective when your hands have visible dirt or grease. Wash with soap and water as soon as you can.