The operating room is supposed to be a safe, clean place where patients undergo surgery. However, the operating room has safety hazards that doctors must avoid to ensure the health of hospital staff and the patient. Operating room issues can be controlled by keeping the area sterile and removing any safety hazards like biohazard fluids and slippery floors.
Cutting
Cutting and blood pathogens are a major operating room issue. If the doctor or surgeon accidentally cuts herself on the scalpel, the fluid may enter the patient or contact other staff in the room. Another means of exposure is the improper removal of IV needles. If the needle is removed improperly, the patient or administrator can be affected, which leaves the person susceptible to pathogens in the blood including HIV. Care should be taken when implementing any procedure that cuts the skin and exposes bodily fluid.
Particulates
Particulates are tiny products that are released into the air after tears to the skin like laser treatments. These air molecules hold viable organisms that are dangerous to the health of the operating system staff. The first way to avoid rogue particulates is to use a suction device at the location of the incision or laser device. The staff in the operating room who are exposed to the particulates should wear an N95 mask that provides oxygen. Finally, goggles that surround the eyes and create a seal between the administrator's skin keep these particulates from entering the body.
Anesthetic Gas
Leaking anesthetic gas can affect the surgeon and the staff in the room. Devices that administer gas should be free from leaks. When administrating the gas to the patient, ensure that the mask has a close seal with the patient's skin. This eliminates the possibility of gas entering the operating room air.
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