Operating Room Terminal Cleaning Notes

Circulator's Role (OR Cleaning)

The circulator generally gives direction to enter the Operating Room once the case is over and the room is clear.

OR Cleaning Cart Placement

Stage the cart just outside the Operating Room door; do not roll it into the room. This equipment is for OR cleaning only.

PPE for OR Cleaning

Always wear scrubs, shoe covers, hair covering, and a mask with eye protection. Leave all jewelry and personal effects in your locker.

OR Entry Protocol

Thoroughly wash hands and arms or wear a long sleeve warm up jacket, then put on a fresh set of gloves. The Operating Room door should remain closed while cleaning.

Safe Linen Handling

Roll a linen hamper to the table, fold linen corners into a small bundle, lift without touching your body, and place into the hamper. Treat all linen as though it could contain sharps.

Medical Waste Disposal (Suction Container)

Place used suction containers into a double-lined kick bucket. Securely double tie the inner and outer liners before removing, and carry away from your body to the central pickup point.

Preferred Floor Debris Tool (OR)

The Rubbermaid Lobby Pro dustpan and cleaning wand (squeegee wand) is preferred over a broom because it does not create airborne particles, is easier to clean and disinfect, and can gather both wet and dry waste.

Waste Segregation Rule

Do not mix general polybag waste (see-through/translucent liner) with red bag medical waste, as they are handled differently and have different disposal costs.

High Dusting Technique

Using a flexible dusting wand and adjustable handle, start by cleaning the boom arm for the light and any other equipment suspended from the ceiling. Always start at the highest point and work your way down.

Microfiber Cloths for High Touch Areas

Use green Rubbermaid Hygiene microfiber cloths, pre-moistened in cleaning solution, for high touch surfaces like overhead arms, work tables, and Mayo stand surfaces.

Used Microfiber Cloth Protocol

Never place a used microfiber cloth back into a pail to avoid cross-contamination. Place used cloths in the linen bag for laundering.

Operating Table Cleaning

Use a red microfiber cloth. Disassemble and move attachments. Wash top, sides, and bottom of table pads (do not stack cleaned on unclean). Wipe top and bottom of each removable component, and wipe the bed area beneath platforms before reinstalling. Clean the base, legs, and casters.

Ceiling Cleaning Method

Use an 18-inch microfiber damp mop from a yellow charging bucket. Extend the handle to reach the ceiling, and clean by pulling the mop from one end of the room to the other with straight strokes. Each mop should cover approximately 250 ext{ ft}^2.

Wall Cleaning Method

Using a new damp mop, start at the ceiling and clean in a top-to-bottom pattern with smooth vertical strokes. Clean the lower half with long horizontal strokes. Mop across the baseboard last. Never let the mop contact the floor.

Terminal Floor Cleaning

Move all furnishings and equipment to one side of the room. Use a floor scrubber on the open half. Then move furnishings to the other side (rolling casters through cleaning solution) and scrub the remaining half. Return furnishings to their starting point when dry.

Post-Cleaning Hand Hygiene

After properly removing and disposing of PPE, wet your hands, lather with soap for at least 20 ext{ s}, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a clean paper towel before moving to the next operating room.