Which action is considered a part of proper hand hygiene?

Using warm water is considered a part of proper hand hygiene because it effectively helps to remove dirt, bacteria, and viruses from the hands. Warm water is more effective than cold water in dissolving soap and enhancing lathering, which is crucial for thorough cleansing. This allows for better distribution of the soap across the skin, ensuring that all surfaces of the hands are cleaned properly.

In contrast, washing hands for only 5 seconds is insufficient as it does not allow enough time for soap to break down and remove contaminants effectively. Brushing hands on an apron does not contribute to cleaning the hands and could actually spread germs. Applying soap at the end of the washing process is ineffective, as the soap needs to be applied beforehand and worked into a lather to properly cleanse the hands during washing. Thus, using warm water is a vital step in maintaining effective hand hygiene.