PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTS AND
HAZARDS IN OPERATION THEATRE
BLOOD/BODY FLUID EXPOSURES
• 50% of our sharps injuries occurs during use
• Procedures with the most sharp injuries
• suturing
• Blood sampling
• Inserting IV lines
• Intramural injuries
• Withdrawing needle from patient
• During disposal
• Needles left in dustbin,laundry,OT table on the floor
PREVENTION
• Dispose off sharp in sharp container immediately after use
• When emptying suction canisters ,always pour carefully and
wear eye /face protection
• Account for all sharp used
• Use personnel protective equipment
• Utilize safe zone during each surgical procedure
PARTICULATE RELEASES
• Some procedures in the operating room generate
particulates into the air
• (in from cantering bloodvessels,using lasers)
• These particulates can have viable organisms present that
can cause infection
Prevention
• Use suction close to point of generation
• Wear tight fitting safety goggles
• Wear N95 respirator
WASTE ANAESTHETIC GASES
• Release of anesthetic games into an OT can result in loss of
small motor skill ,slowing of reflexes ,mental
confusion,tiredness
• Action by the anesthesiologists can minimize these exposures
• Check all connection before use for leaks
• Pack endotracheal tube to prevent leaks
• Have equipment serviced /checked periodically
SLIPS/TRIPS/FALLS
• The walking surface of OT locations can be slippery,causing an
injury
• Take the appropriate precautions
• Wear slip resistant foot wear
• Report water/fluids on floor for clean up
• Have personnel place a'caution WET FLOOR’ sign on floor until
cleaned
X-RAYS, LASERS
• We must prepare the OT for use of xrays/lasers
• Place lead aprons/ lead thyroid shield at the entry of
OT to be used by everyone inside the OT
• Place the eye protection equipment at the entry of OT
if laser is to be used
• Keep the use of c- arm to the minimum
HEAD INJURIES
• OT lights are adjustable sometimes they may be in a
position that can cause a head injury
• Use these simple rules
• Keep light up ,out of the way until needed
• Once done using , move the light up out of the way
ELECTRICAL SHOCK
• Shocks are usually the result of faulty equipment
• Take the following actions
• Unplug power cords by holding the plug, never pull the cord
• Never operate equipment if the ground plug is missing .Take
the unit out of service for repairs
• Prevent exposure of electrical,equipment from body fluid/other
electrolyte inside the OT
FIRE
• Inorder to understand how fire extinguisher work
• Essentially, fire extinguishers put out fire by taking away
one or more elements of the fire triangle
