Hand washing facilities are essential in clinical settings, food service areas, and public restrooms to prevent the spread of pathogens as per CDC guidelines, which recommend a five-step method for effective hand hygiene.
A hand washing facility should be conveniently located in any area where hygiene is paramount, particularly in clinical settings, food service establishments, and public restrooms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) underscores the importance of handwashing to prevent the spread of pathogens.
In their guidelines, they specify areas that require rigorous hand hygiene: before, during, and after handling food; before consuming food; before and after caring for someone who is sick; treating wounds, after restroom use, and more. Proper handwashing technique includes using a liberal amount of soap, scrubbing all surfaces of the hands, and ensuring proper rinsing and drying.
For the general public, the CDC advocates the five-step handwashing method as illustrated in Figure 13.27, which includes wetting hands, applying soap, scrubbing, rinsing, and drying, to effectively remove germs. It is especially important to have these facilities in areas where cross-contamination is likely, such as healthcare facilities, kitchens, and restrooms, to promote public health and safety.