Introduction to the Operating Room
LESSON 1: ORIENTATION
1-34
1-34. ROUTINE CLEANING OF AN OPERATING ROOM
a. Before Surgery is Begun. Before surgery begins in the morning, all furniture and the OR light are dusted with a germicide-dampened cloth and the floor wet-vacuumed or is wet-vacuumed or damp-mopped with germicidal solution. Dry dusting is never done in the surgical suite because of the hazard of increased airborne bacteria. Damp dusting is done to remove any dust that may have accumulated
overnight. This dusting should be done by the circulator 30 to 60 minutes prior to the operative procedure to allow the time for the dust particles to settle before sterile packs and supplies are opened.
(1) The dusting is accomplished by starting with the highest equipment and working down. The OR overhead light is dusted first, then the table, working from the center of the room outward and from top to bottom.
(2) As the circulator dusts and sets up the equipment, he conserves steps and energy by checking each piece of equipment at this time.
(a) The overhead light is turned on to check the bulb.
(b) The OR table is checked for proper operation.
(c) The suction machine, electro surgery machine, and other pieces of equipment in the OR are checked, whether or not they are to be used.
(3) As the supply cupboards are dusted, they are checked to be sure they are completely stocked. If there is an evening or night shift working in the OR,one of these persons may be assigned to do the dusting rather than the day personnel.
(4) When the dusting of the furniture and equipment is finished, the floor is wet-vacuumed using the germicide prescribed by local policy.
b. Between Cases. Following each operation, the soiled areas of the floor are wet-vacuumed or damp-mopped and any furniture, which may have become soiled or damp is cleaned. The kick bucket liner, containing soiled sponges and waste material, is removed and placed in a waste receptacle for incineration. If the suction machine was used, the container and tubing are discarded. Also, the apparatus is checked to make certain that it is functional.
c. At the End of the Day's Schedule. The floors are cleaned as described in paragraphs 1-31 and 1-32. As the furniture is wheeled back into the room, the furniture is cleaned with a damp cloth containing a germicidal solution being sure to remove any stains. Casters on the furniture must be cleaned and any accumulation of suture materials or dust removed. If the casters require lubrication, only dry graphite or graphite oil is used. All equipment, such as operating lights, portable lights, and suction machine, is cleaned. All electrical and mechanical equipment is checked, and any defected or nonoperational equipment is reported at once for repair. Cabinet, doors, and windows are damp dusted using a germicidal solution.
