3-1 GENERAL

a. Safety. Safety is freedom from danger, injury, or hazard. Safety in the surgical suite necessitates the maintenance of safeguards for both the patient and the OR team. The safety of the patient must always be considered when preparing an OR as well as giving patient care. Thus, safety measures should involve a hazard-free environment, safe work methods, and safe equipment. Accident prevention is a responsibility shared by all members of the OR team.

b. Factors in Accidents. The main reasons for accidents in the surgical suite are–negligence by the personnel, careless work habits, improper use of equipment, and use of faulty equipment. Most of these hazards can be avoided if all personnel in the surgical suite observe safety rules, practice safety measures, and recognize and eliminate (or report) hazards. Knowledge of safety measures required for the protection of patients and personnel is therefore of primary importance to the OR specialist.

3-2. ELIMINATION OF HAZARDS

Safety in the OR can be achieved by being constantly alert and vigilant to the inherent dangers and eliminating hazards as soon as they develop. Patients have lost their lives through careless and unsafe practices that have resulted in accidents, deadly explosions, and fires. Operating room specialists have many opportunities to become aware of existing hazards; they, therefore, play a major role in eliminating such hazards.