Ensure hair and sleeper earrings
completely covered by hat
Ensure eye protection in place
Ensure footwear clean, washable and for
theatre use only
3
Select water, antiseptic and brush
Select
comfortable water temperature
Select
correct flow – AVOID SPLASHING
Select
ONE antiseptic. Use only this throughout procedure
Remove
brush from packet, discard nail scraper as per local policy
NB Antiseptic soap may be used in the event of allergy and retained in hand until after step 7
First wash
Approximately 1 minute
4
Wet brush and, pressing lever with elbow, apply
antiseptic onto sponge
Using sponge, lather and wash hands and arms –
TO ELBOW
5
Without rinsing off the solution, clean fingernails of both hands NB Do not rub vigorously
6
Discard brush
RINSE
Second wash
NB Solution must remain on skin for 2 minutes
7
Collect solution, lather hands and two-thirds of
forearms thoroughly, working from wrist to forearms, keeping hands above
elbows
8
Wash hands thoroughly ensuring each action is
repeated 5 times
9
Rinse hands and arms, allowing water to run from
fingertips to elbows
10
Using elbows, turn off taps
To dry - throughout procedure keep hands above elbow
Pick
up towel (without touching sterile gown or dripping over package)
Dry
fingers, hands and wrists (do not rub)
Fold
towel. Dry arm from wrist to elbow in circular motion
Discard
towel
Repeat steps 1-4 for other hand and arm
These guidelines are based on the National Association of
Theatre Nurses Book: Principles of Safe Practice in the Peri-operative
Environment, Revised 1998