Hand hygiene is one of the simplest and most effective measures to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings. Proper handwashing removes germs, reduces the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), and protects both patients and healthcare workers.
Studies show that unclean hands are a primary vehicle for transmitting pathogens, making consistent hand hygiene crucial in controlling outbreaks and ensuring patient safety.
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1) General
The Guidelines refer to several categories of hand basins including Type A, B, C and troughs along with various configurations for types and placement of tapware. These are addressed in the section and tables that follow.
2) Handbasin Types
Type A handbasin refers to a clinical scrub basin. The handbasin type is a large Clinical Scrub type. The taps are wall mounted, hands-free operation (elbow, foot or electronic). This basin is used in areas requiring clinical hand-washing for sterile procedures, for example ICU Rooms, Treatment Rooms and Cardiac Catheterisation areas.
Type B basin refers to a general staff handbasin. The basin type is a medium wall mounted basin. The taps are either wall mounted or basin mounted with hands-free operation (elbow or wrist). This basin is used in areas requiring general staff hand-washing, for example ward corridors.
Type C basin refers to a small staff handbasin. The basin type is a small wall mounted basin. The taps are either wall mounted or basin mounted with hands-free operation (elbow or wrist). This basin is used in areas requiring general staff hand-washing, for example Staff Amenities and Toilet Areas.
Scrub sink refers to a long sink that can accommodate one or more staff scrubbing for a sterile procedure at the one time. Refer to Ergonomics for the heights, width of space per person and type of taps.
3) Handwash Basins – Placement
Handwash Bays should be provided in the following ratios:
- Intensive/ Critical Care Units – one per enclosed room, one per two open Bays
- Emergency Unit – one per four open bays
- Ambulatory Care Areas – one per four open bays
- Other patient treatment areas – generally staff should not be more than 10 -12 metres from a Handwash Bay.
4) Handwash Basin Types – Schedule
Schedule of basin and tap types:
The following indicates recommended basin and tap combinations for particular rooms. For rooms not listed refer to a similar area.
5) Work & Treatment Areas
Sinks should not be provided in Clean Utility areas to avoid the risk of contamination of sterile stock stored in this area. The clinical handbasin should be located external to the room. Basin Type B is recommended for this area.