Clinical Wash Hand Basins

NHS Borders clinical guidelines
NHS Borders

Objectives

To provide guidance on the safe use, maintenance, and cleaning of Clinical Wash Hand Basins to support effective hand hygiene, reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections, prevent environmental contamination, and promote compliance with infection prevention and control standards.

Scope

This protocol provides guidance on the safe use, maintenance, and cleaning of Clinical Wash Hand Basins in healthcare settings. It covers requirements for hand hygiene facilities, appropriate and inappropriate basin use, environmental cleanliness, reporting of defects, water quality considerations, and measures to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infection.

Audience

This protocol is intended for all NHS Borders staff working in clinical areas, including nursing, medical, allied health professional, healthcare support, domestic, facilities, estates, and infection prevention and control staff. It should also be used by managers responsible for ensuring compliance with infection prevention and control requirements relating to Clinical Wash Hand Basins.

Hand hygiene is a key measure in preventing the transmission of infectious agents and reducing healthcare-associated infections. Clinical Wash Hand Basins (CWHBs) are dedicated facilities designed solely for hand hygiene and must be available within clinical areas. Inappropriate use of CWHBs can lead to contamination of taps, pipework, drains, and sink surfaces, increasing the risk of infection transmission. This protocol outlines the requirements for the safe use, maintenance, and cleaning of Clinical Wash Hand Basins within NHS Borders.

Clinical Wash Hand Basin Requirements

Clinical Wash Hand Basins must be clearly identified and used exclusively for hand washing. Basins and surrounding areas must be clean, uncluttered, and easily accessible at all times. Staff should ensure that the basin remains free from equipment, personal items, and toiletry products that may impede effective hand hygiene.

Appropriate and Inappropriate Use

Clinical Wash Hand Basins must only be used for hand hygiene purposes. The following activities must not be carried out at a CWHB:

  • Filling patient wash bowls.
  • Washing patient equipment.
  • Cleaning dentures.
  • Disposing of body fluids.
  • Disposing of cleaning solutions.
  • Disposing of drinks, intravenous fluids, or medicines.
  • Storing equipment awaiting decontamination.
  • Obtaining drinking water.

Alternative designated areas such as patient washrooms, dirty utility rooms, ward kitchens, or sluice areas should be used as appropriate.

Environmental and Equipment Standards

To minimise contamination risks:

  • Basins must not contain plugs or be blocked with paper towels or other materials.
  • Water flow from taps should not discharge directly into the drain where splashing may occur.
  • Adequate space should be available to allow hand hygiene without touching the sink, taps, or fittings.
  • Hand hygiene product dispensers should be positioned to prevent leakage into water outlets.

Patient wash cloths, toiletries, and other items must not be stored on or around the basin

Water Quality Issues and Point-of-Use Filters

Where point-of-use filters are installed, sufficient space must be maintained to enable effective hand hygiene without contact with the basin or fittings. During periods of ongoing water quality concerns, alcohol-based hand rub should be used as the standard method of hand hygiene. Where hands are visibly soiled, contaminated with blood or body fluids, or where gastrointestinal infection is suspected or confirmed, staff should wash hands with soap and water, dry thoroughly, and then apply hand rub.

Reporting Defects and Maintenance Issues

Any issues affecting the safe operation of Clinical Wash Hand Basins should be reported promptly. Problems such as poor water flow, slow drainage, or plumbing faults should be reported to Estates. Concerns regarding cleanliness, limescale build-up, or the condition of the basin and surrounding surfaces should be reported to Facilities.

Cleaning of Clinical Wash Hand Basins

Clinical Wash Hand Basins must be cleaned in accordance with NHS Borders cleaning procedures and local infection prevention and control requirements. Regular cleaning helps maintain a safe environment for hand hygiene and reduces the risk of environmental contamination and infection transmission. The cleaning process detailed in Appendix 1 of this protocol should be followed.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 01/06/2026

Next review date: 01/06/2028

Author(s): Whiting, S.

Version: 1.10

Co-Author(s): Infection Prevention and Control Team , National Infection Prevention and Control Manual .

Approved By: Infection Control Committee

Reviewer name(s): Whiting, S.

Related resources
References
  • National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM) – Chapter 1: Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs).
  • National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM) – Chapter 4 guidance relating to water safety and clinical wash hand basins.
  • NHS Borders Zero Tolerance Hand Hygiene Policy
  • World Health Organization (WHO) – My 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene.
  • NHS Borders Dress Code, Uniform and Laundering Policy.
  • NHS Scotland National Cleaning Services Specification (NSS).
Evidence method

This protocol was developed, reviewed and approved by the NHS Borders Infection Prevention and Control Team using national guidance, evidence-based infection prevention and control principles, NHS Scotland standards, and relevant local policies. The document is informed by the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM), WHO hand hygiene guidance, and the NHS Scotland National Cleaning Services Specification.