other. If there is no linen chute in the suite, a room for soiled linen is necessary (see
figures 1-3 (14)). This room is classified as semirestricted. If the suite has observation
galleries, these are provided with outside entries to eliminate unnecessary traffic of
persons in street clothing.
1-7.
CONSTRUCTION
a. Discussion. Construction of the individual ORs is important because each
room should provide an ideal area for the performance of surgery. In addition, proper
construction makes provision for the maximum efficiency of personnel and for the safety
of both patients and OR personnel. Proper construction and size are also related
directly to ease of cleaning and the maintenance of aseptic technique.
b. Floors. Floors should be smooth, wear-resistant, and nonporous. Suitable
materials include ceramic tile, terrazzo, or vinyl plastic approved for installation in the
OR by the National Fire Protection Association. Edges and corners at the juncture
of floor and walls are rounded to prevent the accumulation of dust and facilitate
cleaning. The ceramic tile or other material used for construction of floors is
impregnated with a conductive material and is rounded. The purpose of this type of
flooring is to provide a path, which will conduct electricity away from all persons and
equipment making contact with the floor, thus preventing the accumulation of dangerous
electrostatic charges. Conductive flooring for special application rooms is not required
where inflammable anesthetic gases are prohibited and where a high degree of
monitoring is required.
c. Walls. Walls no longer have to be tiled. The plaster between the tiles is
porous and can harbor bacteria. New paneling materials and flexible wall coverings,
along with new adhesives, permit completely sealed wall, ceiling, and floor joints so that
these surfaces may be washed with all types of bactericidal chemical solutions.
However, the walls may be covered completely with nonglare tile. If tiled, the tile should
reach at least six feet up from the floor for easy wet-cleaning and scrubbing. The upper
portions of the walls are painted with a washable pastel paint the color of the tile.
d. Ceilings. Ceilings are often smooth, washable, and soundproofed. They are
often painted the same or similar color as the walls. White is no longer used since
colors lessen the glaring reflection of light in the eyes.
e. Cabinets. Cabinet can be provided for the storage of sutures, medications,
infusion sets, and other supplies. If recessed into the walls and provided with sliding
doors, these cabinets conserve working space and interfere less with the maintenance
of aseptic technique. Cabinets should be in a well-lighted area of the room and should
be easily accessible to the circulator who will be required to furnish supplies from them
during the operative procedure (see figure 1-4).
.
MD0923
1-10