Operating Room Temperature And Humidity Policy

The design requirements for these parameters in healhtcare settings are defined by ashrae standard 170 and are generally straightforward however or operating room users often try to operate or hvac heating ventilating and air conditioning systems at temperatures and humidity levels.

Operating room temperature and humidity policy.

Guidelines and tools for the sterile processing team. What are the recommended temperature ranges for an operating room. Each operating room should have separate temperature control. C 307 failure of operating room suite air handling units number 18 through number 22.

What are the recommended humidity ranges for an operating room. For operating rooms in classes b and c the established range for temperatures is 68 to 75 degrees fahrenheit. Currently ashrae ashe standard 170 2017 ventilation of health care facilities defines the minimum relative humidity rh level for an operating room as 20 and the maximum level as 60. In addition ashe has created a flow chart on the following page to help facilities determine whether a lower relative humidity is appropriate.

Centralized sterile supply storage in procedural areas where large volumes of sterile supplies are kept require a program for management of proper temperature and relative humidity rh levels in accordance with the facilities guidelines institute fgi guidelines for design and construction of hospitals and outpatient facilities. Proper ventilation airflow temperature and humidity are needed for successful surgical operations. It is important for csts and other or personnel to know and understand the ifus for the. Proper ventilation humidity 68 and temperature control in the operating room is important for the comfort of surgical personnel and patients but also in preventing environmental conditions that encourage growth and transmission of microorganisms.

The guidance outlines eight questions for health care facilities to consider before using relative humidity levels below 30 percent in operating rooms. Acceptable standards such as from the association of operating room nurses aorn or the facilities guidelines institute. Percent or less as excessive humidity is conducive to microbial growth and compromises the integrity of wrapped sterile instruments and supplies. Do i need to close the or if the temperature or humidity are out of range.

Temperature and rh levels. While published guidelines are applicable to all. For established temperature range in operating rooms nfpa 99 2012 requires ashrae 170 2008 ventilation table 7 1 to be used. Table of contents.

Utilities management policy manual. That have come to the recent forefront and complete a risk assessment to establish policies for relative humidity level in the operating room. 355 operating rooms should be maintained at positive pressure with respect to corridors and.