Standard Operating Procedure

School of Pharmacy, UCC

SOP No: SOP001 Prepared By Ken Devine Date 1 March 2017
Edition No 1 Reviewed By: Sonja Vucen Date 1 March 2017
Supersedes N/A Approved By Stephen Byrne Date 1 March 2017
Effective Date 13 March 2017 Review Date 13 March 2018
Title HAND WASHING PROCEDURE

1 Objective
To detail the correct hand washing procedures for all staff and visitors to the aseptic
dispensing unit.

2 Revsion History
New SOP

3 Scope
All staff and visitors entering the aseptic dispensing area must wash their hands
before putting on a pair of non powdered latex gloves.. A good hand-washing
technique is critical to the effective control of contamination in the aseptic dispensing
unit

4 Responsibilities
It is the responsibilities of all staff of School of Pharmacy that all visitors to aseptic
dispensing area comply with directions of this SOP

5 Health, Safety & Environment

N/A

6 Circulation List
Aseptic Dispensing unit
School of Pharmacy Office

7 Equipment, materials and other SOPS required

General hand washing soap/detergent
Disinfectant detergent (e.g. Hibiscrub or Betadine Surgical Scrub)

8 Procedures
Review the training video as an aid to correct hand washing guidelines
Remove all jewellery/watches before commencing.
If necessary wash hands with the general hand washing soap initially to
remove excess dirt
Wash hands thoroughly using Annex 1 as a guideline.
Hands should be washed/disinfected regularly.
A good hand washing technique is more important than the cleaning agent
(e.g. chlorhexidine, iodine) used or the length of time spent washing/

Page 1 of 5
 Standard Operating Procedure
School of Pharmacy, UCC
SOP No: SOP001 Prepared By Ken Devine Date 1 March 2017
Edition No 1 Reviewed By: Sonja Vucen Date 1 March 2017
Supersedes N/A Approved By Stephen Byrne Date 1 March 2017
Effective Date 13 March 2017 Review Date 13 March 2018
Title HAND WASHING PROCEDURE

Step 1: Turn on the tap. Wet hands and forearms thoroughly in running water.
Step 2: Apply one squirt (approx 5ml) of Hibiscrub or Betadine Surgical Scrub
to the hands
For steps 3-8 ensure each step consist of 5 strokes forward and 5
stroked backward
Step 3: Palms of hands
Rub into the hands, palm to palm, to make a good lather.
Step 4: Backs of hands
Rub right hand over the back of your left hand and vice versa.
Step 5: Between fingers:
Rub palm to palm with fingers interlaced
Step 6: Backs of fingers
Rub backs of fingers to opposing palms with fingers interlocked
Step 7: Thumbs
Rotational rubbing of right thumb clasped in left palm and vice cversa.
Step 8 – Finger tips
Rotational rubbing backwards and forwards with clasped fingers of
right hand in left palm and vice versa
Step 9: Rinse the hands thoroughly with water
Step 10: Turn off the tap with the elbow.
Step 11: Dry hands with the non-particle shedding paper towels provided.

It should be noted that the hands are clean, but not sterile. Therefore, all procedures
should be performed in a manner to minimize the risk of touch contamination (i.e
wear non powdered latex gloves.

9 Training
All staff must read and understand this SOP and signed SOP training record as per
Annex 2

Page 2 of 5
 Standard Operating Procedure
School of Pharmacy, UCC
SOP No: SOP001 Prepared By Ken Devine Date 1 March 2017
Edition No 1 Reviewed By: Sonja Vucen Date 1 March 2017
Supersedes N/A Approved By Stephen Byrne Date 1 March 2017
Effective Date 13 March 2017 Review Date 13 March 2018
Title HAND WASHING PROCEDURE

Appendix 1

Page 3 of 5
 Standard Operating Procedure
School of Pharmacy, UCC
SOP No: SOP001 Prepared By Ken Devine Date 1 March 2017
Edition No 1 Reviewed By: Sonja Vucen Date 1 March 2017
Supersedes N/A Approved By Stephen Byrne Date 1 March 2017
Effective Date 13 March 2017 Review Date 13 March 2018
Title HAND WASHING PROCEDURE

Page 4 of 5
 Standard Operating Procedure
School of Pharmacy, UCC
SOP No: SOP001 Prepared By Ken Devine Date 1 March 2017
Edition No 1 Reviewed By: Sonja Vucen Date 1 March 2017
Supersedes N/A Approved By Stephen Byrne Date 1 March 2017
Effective Date 13 March 2017 Review Date 13 March 2018
Title HAND WASHING PROCEDURE

Appendix 2
SOP Training Record
The following personnel have read and fully understood this SOP

Name Date of Signature of Conclusion Signature of

Training Trainee Trainer

Page 5 of 5