b. After the mask has become damp, droplets from the nose and mouth can
easily pass through it--the mask no longer serves as a barrier to germs. Therefore, the
mask should be changed after each procedure and more often if it has become damp.
c. The specialist should never allow the mask to dangle around his neck. He
should never place the mask in his pocket or on a clean surface and he should not
handle it except by the ties and/or elastic headband after it is removed. Careful
handling of a soiled mask prevents the spread of microorganisms throughout the
surgical suite.
d. When removing the mask, the specialist should handle it by the ties and/or
elastic headband and should immediately place it in the designated receptacle. As
soon as he removes a soiled mask, the specialist should wash his hands.
1-10.
SCRUB ROOMS
a. A scrub area should be situated between each two operating rooms and
should open directly into an operating room. The sinks should be deep enough, at least
one foot, so that water will not be splashed onto the scrub clothes, the floor, or the
hands and arms during the procedure (see Figure 1-3). The sinks should be provided
with hot and cold water faucets which should be controlled by knee levers or by foot
levers. If arm or hand levers must be used, these controls must be adjusted for water
temperature flow before starting to scrub. If the specialist's hands or arms accidentally
touch the faucets or the sink during any phase after the scrub has begun, he has
become contaminated and must begin the scrubbing cycle again. Running water is
preferred because it completely and easily rinses away suds containing bacteria.
Figure 1-3. Scrub unit sinks with dispensers.
MD0933
1-6