Aged care laws in Australia have now changed. The new Aged Care Act 2024 and Aged Care Rules 2025 now apply. While we complete updating of our website, including draft guidance and other materials, to align with the new laws, providers are advised to refer to the new Act and Rules for any required clarification of their obligations and legal responsibilities. Thank you for your patience.

What is hand hygiene?

What is hand hygiene?

Guidance,
Publication date

This resource provides guidance on proper hand hygiene practices in healthcare settings. It covers key topics such as the correct use of alcohol-based hand rubs, when to wash hands with soap and water, and appropriate glove use. It also addresses common hand care issues and strategies for preventing dermatitis in healthcare workers. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
External Link
https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/infection-prevention-and-control/national-hand-hygiene-initiative/what-hand-hygiene
Key Theme
Infection prevention and control
Standard
4: The Environment
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
4.2: Infection prevention and control
5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
What is hand hygiene?

This is not a Commission publication. Any views are those of the author. You are responsible for considering this in context, based on your circumstances and the Aged Care Act 2024 (Cth) requirements. See Terms of Use .

 

Acknowledgement of Country

In the spirit of reconciliation, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, water and community. We pay our respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that content on this website may contain images of deceased persons.