Hand hygiene is the most important technique for preventing the spread of infection both personally and professionally. Proper handwashing involves vigorously rubbing all surfaces of the hands with soap and water to remove transient and resident bacteria. Transient bacteria are picked up through daily activities while resident bacteria reside on the skin. Hands should be washed before and after client contact, when visibly soiled, and whenever in doubt to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.

1. Hand Hygiene CHCIC301A

2. Hand cleansing Most important and basic technique, both personally, and as a carer or health care worker Major premise of standard precautions – most effective way of preventing spread of infection Often not well adhered to, or well carried out

3. Handwashing Vigorous, brief rubbing together of all surfaces of the hands, lathered in soap solution, followed by rinsing under a stream of water Purpose is to remove soil and transient micro-organisms from the hands, and to reduce total microbial counts over time

4. Transient bacteria Transient – bacteria picked up in usual ADL’s, which attach loosely to the skin, and are in increased numbers under the fingernails Removed with relative ease, with frequent, thorough washing Can become resident if in large enough numbers for long enough

5. Resident bacteria Bacteria which reside on the skin surfaces, and in skin creases, under tight jewellery etc Cling to the skin, requiring relative friction to remove or reduce them NOT POSSIBLE to clean skin of all bacteria

6. When to handwash? Basic hygiene in relation to self Before and after work shift Before and after client contact When hands are visibly soiled After contact with any possible source of micro-organisms, ie blood, body fluids, or inanimate contaminated objects, ie bedlinen

7. With clients who are particularly susceptible to infection, ie elderly, those with decreased immunity After the use of gloves or other protective barriers WHENEVER in DOUBT !!

8. Other hand cleansing Some agencies utilising alcohol-based hand rubs for bactericidal activity, in place of some handwashing episodes Not an absolute substitute for handwashing Will not work effectively on grossly soiled hands – still need to wash!

9. Handwashing Techniques Handwashing terms : routine simple Both refer to short, frequent washing episodes occurring throughout a contact period

10. General hand/skin care to prevent irritant dermatitis Need to cover any cuts, skin breaks with an occlusive dressing, and wear gloves if potential for contact exists Short fingernails Apply soap solution to wet hands, rinse very thoroughly, dry thoroughly Hand cream/lotion to moisturise

11. Latex sensitivity A sensitivity reaction r/t prolonged exposure to natural rubber latex (used in gloves) can leave skin red, dry, inflamed, and with chronic dermatitis Can get latex/powder free gloves Some people are acutely allergic to all latex products