Step 1. Wash hands and apply gloves. When isolation precautions are in effect or risk of contamination from oral secretions is present, use additional personal protective equipment, such as a gown and face shield.Practice technique: Wash hands using gentle friction for approximately 20 seconds with warm water and antiseptic soap. (Alternatively, rub a palmful of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer over all surfaces of the hands until dry.)Rationale: Handwashing and gloving are proven methods of infection control; friction helps remove germs.