By law, washbasins must be provided with which of the following?

• A. Hot and cold water, soap and drying facilities
• B. Only hot water
• C. Soap only
• D. Cold water and towels

Answer: (A)

Having a properly equipped washbasin is about enabling effective hand hygiene to prevent contamination. Hands should always be washed with a reliable supply of hot and cold running water, with soap or another cleansing agent to break down oils and remove dirt and microbes. After washing, there must be a way to dry hands because damp hands spread germs more easily; drying facilities can be towels (preferably disposable) or a hand dryer.

So the best option is the one that provides hot and cold water, soap, and a means to dry hands. Water alone or soap alone won’t achieve thorough cleaning or prevent contamination, and drying without soap and clean water isn’t sufficient either.