TheatrePracticeStandardsGeneric1

Semi-restricted areas – Traffic is limited to authorised, correctly attired personnel and
patients
Restricted areas – Traffic is very limited and personnel must be correctly attired. This
includes the operating theatre
• Only the number of personnel required to manage the proposed clinical procedure
safely should be present in the operating theatre.
• There should be a restriction on movement and talking within the operating theatre.
• All doors to the operating theatre must remain closed to ensure effective ventilation
of the area. As far as possible all potential equipment and supplies for the
proposed clinical procedure and/or list should be available in theatre prior to a
clinical procedure commencing. This will then reduce the traffic in and out of
theatre and therefore maximise the efficiency of the ventilation system.
2. Environment cleaning
• The environment and all working surfaces must be cleaned in accordance with the local
infection prevention and control policy and cleaning guidelines (NHS cleaning manual,
2007) prior to the commencement of the procedure.
• The Theatre Manager should maintain records of cleaning schedules, daily weekly
monthly and 6 monthly deep cleans, which detail the standards of cleanliness
required in each part of the theatre premises including items and equipment, and
that a schedule of cleaning frequency is available on request. Work schedules
must be displayed in particular work areas.
• Example of Environmental Theatre Cleaning schedule (further guidance from the
Revised Healthcare Cleaning Manual (2009) on setting up schedules etc.):
Theatre Practice Standards - Generic
Page 17 of 105