Free checklist · Infection control
Operation Theatre (OT) Cleaning Checklist
Operation theatres need a tighter cleaning routine than any other area, because the margin for error is small. This checklist covers the three cleaning cycles in a theatre complex: start of day, between cases and end of day, plus the environmental checks that support them. Adapt it to your hospital's approved OT protocol and infection control committee guidance.
- Checks
- 34
- Sections
- 6
- Frequency
- Start of day, between every case and end of day
- Owner
- OT housekeeping in-charge, verified by OT nurse in-charge
01Start of day
02Between cases
03End of day
04Environment and engineering checks
05Waste and linen
06Records and verification
How to run this checklist well
- Give OT cleaning its own trained team and colour-coded equipment that never leaves the theatre complex.
- Log every between-case clean digitally with a timestamp, so you can see whether turnaround pressure is shortening cleaning time.
- Agree with engineering who checks temperature, humidity and pressure readings, and escalate out-of-range values immediately rather than at day end.
- Use photo proof for end-of-day cleans of hard-to-reach areas such as under the OT table and behind equipment.
- Review the checklist with the infection control committee whenever surgical site infection data shows a change.
Frequently asked questions
How long should OT cleaning between cases take?
There is no single correct time; it depends on the case, the theatre size and team practice. What matters is that every step is completed and the disinfectant gets its full contact time. Track the actual time per clean so you can plan theatre schedules realistically instead of cutting corners to save minutes.
Who should sign off OT cleaning?
The OT housekeeping in-charge records completion, and the OT nurse in-charge or a designated scrub nurse confirms the theatre is ready before the next patient comes in. The infection control team reviews the records periodically and carries out surface or air sampling where your policy requires it.
Does housekeeping maintain OT air-handling units?
No. Housekeeping cleans grilles and visible surfaces, while the engineering or facility maintenance team services the AHU, filters and controls under a preventive maintenance plan. Housekeeping should still record readings or faults they notice and report them so engineering can act quickly.
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