What is the first step in the proper hand washing sequence?

What is the first step in the proper hand washing sequence?

• A. Apply soap.
• B. Scrub hands and arms vigorously.
• C. Wet hands and arms.
• D. Rinse hands and arms thoroughly.

Answer: (C)

Wetting hands and arms with clean, running water comes first in the hand washing sequence. This initial dampening prepares the skin for soap, helps loosen dirt and microbes, and allows the soap to lather effectively once applied. After wetting, you apply soap and begin scrubbing all surfaces (hands, wrists, and forearms) for at least about 20 seconds to mechanically remove germs. Rinsing thoroughly comes after scrubbing to wash away the loosened dirt and microbes, and drying follows. The other steps are important, but they occur after the initial wetting: soap is applied after wetting, vigorous scrubbing is the cleaning action, and rinsing removes the loosened debris.

Wetting hands and arms with clean, running water comes first in the hand washing sequence. This initial dampening prepares the skin for soap, helps loosen dirt and microbes, and allows the soap to lather effectively once applied. After wetting, you apply soap and begin scrubbing all surfaces (hands, wrists, and forearms) for at least about 20 seconds to mechanically remove germs. Rinsing thoroughly comes after scrubbing to wash away the loosened dirt and microbes, and drying follows. The other steps are important, but they occur after the initial wetting: soap is applied after wetting, vigorous scrubbing is the cleaning action, and rinsing removes the loosened debris.