SHEBA :: Water :: Surgical scrubbing: can we clean up our carbon footprints by washing our hands?

Surgical scrubbing: can we clean up our carbon footprints by washing our hands?

Primary Topic: Water
Secondary Topics: Clinical Transformation
Tags: surgical scrub, water
Format: Web page
Document Type: Report
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Description: This study aimed to investigate water use during surgical scrubbing. Two water delivery systems were assessed to see whether technological innovation can promote more ‘environmentally friendly’ scrubbing behaviour. A different tap design resulted in a net saving of 5.7 L of hot water, w600 kJ of energy and 80 g of carbon dioxide emitted per surgical scrub. Surgical scrubbing is a ubiquitous procedure performed daily in healthcare settings. A simple technological solution can reduce water and energy use by modifying hand-washing behaviour and thereby reduce the carbon footprint of surgical scrubbing. J.E.A. Somner. The Journal of Hospital Infection - Volume 70, Issue 3 (November 2008)
URL: http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.1016/j.jhin.2008.06.004

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