HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, staff interview and record review, the facility failed to provide and maintain a clean and sanitary environment in the operating rooms by not following standards of practice for terminal cleaning (a cleaning method used in healthcare environments to control the spread of infections). This deficient practice could result in the spread of germs from one patient to the next, thereby increasing the risk for patients to contract a hospital-acquired infection during surgery. The findings are:

A. On 04/13/16 at 5:00 pm during the terminal cleaning of the Operating Room (OR) #2 by Housekeeper #1, the following was observed: Housekeeper #1 started by cleaning the surfaces in the OR with Clean on the Go hdqC2 (a cleaning solution) and TEC-QUAT 128 (a one-step disinfectant, cleaner, sanitizer, fungicide, mildewstat, virucide and deodorizer), and then cleaned the ceiling and the walls with those same cleaning agents. Housekeeper #1 submerged the mop head once and wiped down the entire ceiling. The ceiling was dry within 5 minutes. Housekeeper #1 submerged the mop head once and wiped down all the walls. The walls were dry within 5 minutes.
B. On 04/13/16 at 5:30 pm during interview, Housekeeper #1 was asked to specify the wet time (the time required by the manufacturer to be effective) for the cleaning solutions he was using. He stated, "I spray my rags and wipe down the equipment, the equipment doesn't stay wet."
C. On 04/13/16 at 9:50 am during interview, the Infection Control Nurse (ICN) was asked when she last observed terminal cleaning in the OR. She stated, "It's been several years. When I go in the OR they know why I am there so I don't get a real picture." The ICN stated that the Director of Housekeeping reports any observations to her.
D. Record review of the Safety Data Sheets for Clean on the Go hdqC2 and TEC-QUAT 128 revealed the following statement: "Treated surfaces must remain wet for 10 minutes."



35054