Hand hygiene policy

There are standard policies on hand hygiene, cleaning provision and signs to ensure that every effort is taken to ensure cleanliness at all times. Some examples of these policies are:

• Nails must be short, clean and free of nail varnish and false nails should be removed.
• Separate clinical wash-hand basins for handwashing are provided in each surgery and decontamination room.
• Basins do not have plugs or overflows as these are areas where bacteria can collect.
• Basins are fitted with either sensor-operated or lever-operated mixer taps, which do not discharge directly into the drain opening to avoid generating an aerosol of water vapour.
• Wall-mounted liquid hand-wash dispensers with disposable soap cartridges are located near to the sinks. The nozzles should be kept clean. Refillable hand-wash containers are not used in the practice as bacteria can multiply within the container and act as a potential source of contamination. Bar soap should not be used.
• Posters depicting appropriate hand washing techniques are displayed above or near the clinical wash-hand basins in the practice. An example is available in our student download area
• Hands should be dried carefully, using the disposable towels provided, to avoid damaging the skin. Dispose of towels in the foot-operated or sensor-operated waste bin.
• At the end of a session, use the hand cream provided to counteract dryness. Hand cream should not be used under gloves as it encourages the growth of microorganisms.

Alcohol-based skin-disinfectant hand-rubs/gels can be used on visibly clean hands in conjunction with a good hand-rub technique. A poster depicting an appropriate hand rub technique should be displayed in each surgery and decontamination room.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the maximum number of applications for hand-rubs/gels before hand-washing is required. Repeated applications lead to a build-up of the product on the hands; if hands become sticky, wash as normal using a proper hand-hygiene technique.

Alcohol-impregnated wipes used for cleaning surfaces should not be used in place of hand-rubs/gels; they are not effective in hand decontamination.

By keeping your hands clean and reducing the risk of damaging your skin you will reduce the risk of infection or cross-contamination.

See our store for our range of Alcohol Hand Gels.