Best Practice: How to hand wash step by step images

Patient Experience

  • Reference Number: HEY1180/2020
  • Departments: Acute Medicine Unit, Trustwide - Adult
  • Last Updated: 18 November 2020

Steps 3-8 should take at least 15 seconds.

Wet hands with water.

Apply enough soap to cover all hand surfaces

Rub hands palm to palm

Right palm over the back of the other  hand with interlaced fingers and vice versa

Palm to palm with fingers interlaced.

Backs of fingers to opposing palms with fingers interlaced

Rotational rubbing of left thumb clasped in right palm and vice versa.

Rotational rubbing, backwards and forwards with clasped fingers of right hand in left palm and vice versa.

Rinse hands with water.

Dry thoroughly with towel.

Use elbow to turn off tap.

and your hands are safe*

*Any skin complaints should be referred to local occupational health or GP.

Adapted from the World Health Organisation / Health Protection Scotland