Hand hygiene is considered one of the most important ways to reduce the transmission of infectious agents that cause healthcare associated infections (HCAIs).
Wash hands with liquid soap and water if:
- hands are visibly soiled or dirty
- caring for patients with vomiting or diarrhoeal illnesses
- caring for a patient with a suspected or known gastrointestinal infection, e.g., norovirus or a spore-forming organism such as Clostridioides difficile
Before performing hand hygiene:
- expose forearms
- remove all hand and wrist jewellery (a single, plain metal finger ring is permitted but should be removed (or moved up) during hand hygiene
- ensure fingernails are clean and short, and do not wear artificial nails or nail products
- cover all cuts or abrasions with a waterproof dressing.
Your 5 moments for hand hygiene – WHO
Use the following resources to help you perform hand hygiene correctly:
Skin care
- Ensure hands are wet before applying soap
- Dry hands thoroughly after hand washing, using disposable paper towels
- Use an emollient hand cream during work and when off duty
- Do not use or provide communal tubs of hand cream in the care setting
- Staff with skin problems should seek advice from occupational health
All children should understand how to wash hands, prevent infections and use antimicrobials appropriately; the following video may be used to help educate younger, primary school aged children:
For further information:
NHS England » Chapter 1: Standard infection control precautions (SICPs)
Page last reviewed: 31/03/2023