In the world of healthcare BPO, we often talk about digital security and data encryption. However, the most fundamental “security protocol” we follow doesn’t happen on a keyboard—it happens at the sink.
Hand hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infections. While the common “20-second” rule is a baseline, at Access-Salud, we strive for the 60-second standard. Why? Because in a high-performance environment, “clean enough” isn’t an option.
The Science: Why 60 Seconds?
While 20 seconds of scrubbing can remove most surface-level dirt, clinical studies show that 60 seconds is the “magic window” for true microbial elimination.
Viruses and bacteria often hide in the microscopic ridges of our skin. It takes time for soap to emulsify these persistent pathogens and for friction to physically dislodge them. A full minute ensures that even the most stubborn germs are neutralized and rinsed away, protecting not just your health, but the health of our entire operational team.
The 7-Step Advanced Technique
To achieve a clinical-grade clean, follow these seven steps every time you reach for the soap:
- Wet and Apply: Wet hands with water and apply enough soap to cover all surfaces.
- Palm to Palm: Rub hands together vigorously.
- The Backside: Rub the back of each hand with the palm of the other, interlacing your fingers.
- The Interlace: Rub palm to palm with fingers interlaced to clean the spaces between.
- The Grip: Interlock your fingers and rub the back of them against your opposing palms.
- The Thumb Rotation (Crucial): Rotational rubbing of the left thumb clasped in the right palm and vice versa. The thumb is the most frequently forgotten area.
- Tips and Nails: Rub the tips of your fingers and under your nails in a circular motion against your palms.
Rinse thoroughly and dry with a single-use towel. Use that towel to turn off the faucet to avoid re-contaminating your clean hands.
Sanitizer vs. Soap: Knowing the Difference
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a powerful tool for our administrative and back-office teams, but it is not a universal replacement for soap and water.
- Use Gel/Sanitizer: For quick disinfection when hands are not visibly soiled (e.g., after touching a doorknob or a shared printer).
- Use Soap and Water (Mandatory): * Before eating or handling food.
- After using the restroom.
- Whenever hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
- After coughing or sneezing.
By mastering the 60-second secret, you aren’t just washing your hands; you are upholding the Access-Salud commitment to excellence and collective well-being. Let’s lead by example. Share this guide with your team today to ensure we start 2026 with the highest standards of workplace health.
