Hand hygiene, gloves, cleaning products and standard precautions

Hand hygiene is one of the simplest, most effective ways to prevent infection. Staff should clean hands at the right times and use gloves only for appropriate tasks, particularly when contact with body fluids or contaminated items is likely. Gloves are an added barrier and do not replace hand hygiene.

Use cleaning products according to the home's instructions and the manufacturer's guidance. Incorrect dilution, insufficient contact time or mixing incompatible products can create hazards instead of solving them.

Everyday standard precautions

• Wash or sanitise hands at the right moments.
• Use gloves for the task, not for whole-shift convenience.
• Change gloves and clean hands between tasks.
• Use approved products as instructed.
• Clean contaminated surfaces promptly and thoroughly.

Gloves are effective only when staff remain deliberate about hand hygiene, surface cleaning, timing and the correct cleaning procedure.