SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Clean and disinfect operating rooms 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
110452  Clean and disinfect operating rooms 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Hygiene & Cleaning Services 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Cleaning, Domestic, Hiring, Property and Rescue Services 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  12 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Learners working towards this standard will be learning towards the full qualification, or will be involved in or working within a cleaning services environment. Qualifying learners are able to clean and disinfect operating rooms in a healthcare environment. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
The learner has completed the following unit standards:

Clean wards and medium-risk, high-risk and isolation patient areas. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
1. The scope of this unit standard is for any person who cleans and disinfects operating rooms including Laminar Flow operating rooms. Cleaning and disinfecting operating rooms includes floors, walls and non-critical above the floor surfaces and equipment.
2. In the context of this unit standard, cleaning and disinfection refers to spot cleaning between surgical procedures and cleaning and disinfection after completion of the theatre list.
3. In the context of this unit standard a disinfectant is a Hospital Grade Disinfectant.
4. The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the process is moderate in range, established and familiar, offers clear choices of routine responses and the learner can guide the learning of others.

Range statements that refer to assessment criteria in this unit standard:

1. Above the floor surfaces refers to but is not limited to operating room fixtures, operating table lights, storage trolleys and operating room equipment that must be cleaned by the cleaning staff according to the worksite procedure.
2. Assessment criteria marked with are assessed according to worksite procedures.
3. Colour-coded wiping system refers to:
  • Red bucket and cloth - cleaning toilets and urinals.
  • Green bucket and cloth - cleaning showers, baths and basins.
  • Blue bucket and cloth - cleaning doors, working surfaces, operating room equipment and other above the floor surfaces.
    4. Colour-coded bags refers to but is not limited to red bio-bags for the disposal of biological waste.
    5. Correct cleaning sequence refers to the strict following of the sequence of assessment criteria specified in outcome 2.
    6. Dedicated cleaning equipment refers to but is not limited to wall washing equipment, scrubbing machines and wet vacuum cleaners, dust sweeping tools, double bucket mopping systems and cleaning trolleys. This equipment can only be used in the operating theatre area and not used by other hospital departments.
    7. Disposable dust sweeping cloth refers to a dust control cloth. It is important to dispose of the cloth after cleaning one operating room so that micro-organisms are not spread from one operating room to another.
    8. Folding and wiping technique refers to the "containing and not contaminating technique".
    9. Hand contact surfaces refers to but is not limited to handles and switches.
    10. HEPA Filter refers to an air filter that filters particles larger than 0.3 microns. This ensures that no microorganisms are able to pass through this filter.
    11. Infection control procedure refers to but is not limited to all procedures related to the control of hospital-acquired infections.
    12. Laminar Flow operating room refers to an operating room where the airflow entering the room first passes through HEPA Filters and is then directed over the operating table. This ensures that there are no microorganisms in the airflow in the vicinity of the operating table.
    13. Operating room equipment refers to but is not limited to equipment such as operating table lighting, ventilators, ECG monitoring equipment and Laminar Flow screens in a Laminar Flow operating room. The cleaning staff in terms of the worksite procedure can clean certain items. Other items are cleaned and de-contaminated by the nursing or CSSD staff.
    14. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) refers to but is not limited to overshoes, headwear, masks and gloves.
    15. Push-out procedure refers to the removal of items of equipment such as storage trolleys, buckets and other movable equipment from the operating room during the cleaning procedure. The list of the items to be removed must be specified in the worksite procedure.
    16. Theatre gowning refers to the clothing that must be worn by all staff in the operating theatre area as defined by the "red line".
    17. Theatre list refers to the schedule of surgical procedures to be performed for the day.
    18. Wet/sticky dirt refers to but is not limited to blood, human secretions and spillages of antiseptic solutions. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare to clean the operating room at the end of theatre list. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Explains why the operating room is classified as a high-risk area. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Wears theatre gowning and PPE. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Explains the reasons for wearing theatre gowning and PPE. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Follows the correct hand washing procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Explains why the correct hand washing procedure must be followed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Selects and dilutes the correct chemicals and disinfectants according to the infection control department`s disinfection policy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Explains why it is important to use the correct chemical and disinfectant dilutions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Explains the importance of following the disinfectant policy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. Selects dedicated cleaning equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    10. Explains why only cleaning equipment dedicated to the operating theatre section is selected. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    11. Selects the correct operating room according to the theatre facility`s schedule. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    12. Explains the importance of using the theatre facility`s schedule to decide which operating room to clean. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
    13. Explains the importance of communicating with theatre staff and assessing the activity in the area before starting to clean the operating room. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 14 
    14. Checks that nursing staff and central sterile supply department (CSSD) staff have completed their duties in the operating room. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 15 
    15. Explains why nursing and CSSD staff must complete their duties before the operating room is cleaned. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 16 
    16. Identifies the operating room equipment s/he is not allowed to handle or clean. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 17 
    17. Explains why certain operating room equipment must not be handled or cleaned. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 18 
    18. Identifies the operating room equipment that must be cleaned. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 19 
    19. Explains what could happen to the patient if operating room equipment specified in the worksite procedure is not cleaned. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 20 
    20. Follows the correct push-out procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 21 
    21. Explains the push-out procedure. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Clean and disinfect operating room walls and floors. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Removes waste according to infection control procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Explains the importance of safely removing waste. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Spot mops the floor to remove the wet/sticky dirt. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Explains why only a visibly clean floor surface can be disinfected. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Allows the floor to dry. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Explains why the floor must be dry before it is swept. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Sweeps the floor using a dust-sweeping tool fitted with a one-room, disposable dust sweeping cloth. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Explains the importance of dust sweeping. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. Disposes of the one-room cloth. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    10. Explains why a dust sweeping cloth should be disposed of after sweeping one operating room. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    11. Applies the disinfectant solution liberally to the walls. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    12. Explains why the disinfectant solution must be applied liberally to the walls. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
    13. Allows 10 minutes contact time for the disinfectant solution. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 14 
    14. Explains the importance of the contact time for the disinfectant solution. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 15 
    15. Removes the disinfectant solution from the wall by drying the wall with a squeegee. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 16 
    16. Explains the importance of the walls being clean and dry after cleaning. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 17 
    17. Moves the operating table to one side of the operating room. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 18 
    18. Cleans and disinfects the floor on the other side of the operating room. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 19 
    19. Allows contact time. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 20 
    20. Vacuums the wet floor surface. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 21 
    21. Moves the operating table to the side of the operating room that has been cleaned. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 22 
    22. Cleans and disinfects the remainder of the floor surface. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 23 
    23. Allows contact time. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 24 
    24. Vacuums the wet floor surface. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 25 
    25. Explains the method of moving the operating table to allow access for the floor to be cleaned. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 26 
    26. Inspects the quality of work continuously. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 27 
    27. Explains why s/he needs to inspect the quality of work. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 28 
    28. Explains the importance of following the correct cleaning sequence in cleaning operating room walls and floors. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Clean and disinfect above-the-floor surfaces. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Uses the accepted colour-coded wiping system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Explains why the colour-coded wiping system is used. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Follows the accepted folding and wiping technique. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Explains why the folding and wiping technique is used. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Cleans and disinfects above the floor surfaces. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Explains the meaning of contaminating and containing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Explains why special attention must be paid to cleaning and disinfecting hand contact surfaces. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Checks that above the floor surfaces are clean and dry after cleaning and disinfection. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. Replaces all equipment removed during the push-out procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    10. Explains the importance of the correct replacement of all equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    11. Reports that the cleaning of the operating room has been completed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    12. Explains why the completion of the end of theatre list cleaning operation needs to be reported. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Spot clean and disinfect operating rooms between surgical procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Assesses the urgency of task. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Explains the factors that affect the urgency and time available to complete the task. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Spot mops and disinfects the floor. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Explains the importance of removing wet/sticky dirt from the floor between surgical procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Cleans and disinfects above-the-floor surfaces. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Explains why special attention must be paid to cleaning and disinfecting hand contact surfaces between surgical procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Rinses mop heads and colour-coded cloths after completion the cleaning. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Explains the importance of using clean mop heads and colour-coded cloths. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. Disposes of the disinfectant solution in the buckets. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    10. Explains the importance of disposing of the dirty disinfectant solution. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    11. Refills the buckets with freshly prepared disinfectant solution. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    12. Explains why freshly prepared disinfectant solution must be immediately available for use in cleaning between surgical procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Perform end of shift procedures after cleaning and disinfecting operating rooms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Disposes of waste and used consumables according to infection control procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Explains the importance of following infection control and worksite procedures when disposing of waste and used consumables. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Explains why colour-coded bags are used when disposing of waste and used consumables. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Follows safety procedures during the disposal of waste and used consumables. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Explains why safety procedures must be followed when disposing of waste and used consumables. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Discards disposable PPE. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Explains why disposable PPE must be disposed of and not worn again. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Places theatre gowning in the laundry basket. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. Explains why theatre gowning needs to be laundered after use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    10. Cleans, disinfects, dries and stores cleaning equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    11. Explains why cleaning equipment needs to be cleaned, disinfected and dried before it is stored. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    12. Cleans and disinfects colour-coded cloths and mop heads, or places them in a bag for laundering. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
    13. Explains why colour-coded cloths and mop heads need to be cleaned and disinfected or laundered after use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 14 
    14. Washes his/her hands. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 15 
    15. Explains the importance of hand washing before leaving the operating theatre area. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 16 
    16. Performs end of shift reporting duties. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 17 
    17. Explains the reasons for the end of shift report. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. An assessor accredited by the Services SETA ETQA will assess the competency.
    2. Assessment procedures will be supplied to the ETQA in alignment with NSB requirements.
    3. All assessment activities must be fair so that all candidates can have equal opportunities.
    4. Assessment will be free of gender, ethnic or other bias.
    5. Questions and answers must determine the theoretical knowledge.
    6. Direct observation, preferably in the workplace, or as a second choice in simulated conditions are preferred.
    7. A practical demonstration of competencies is required in this unit standard.
    8. Reporting skills are demonstrated by effective communication that may be verbal or any other agreed upon method.
    9. Internal Moderation: could be determined by the provider. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    On completion the learner can understand and apply knowledge as described in the assessment criteria of all the outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which response displays that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.

    Evident in Specific Outcomes 1 and 4.
  • Prepare to clean the operating room at the end of theatre list.
  • Spot clean and disinfect operating rooms between surgical procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.

    Evident in Specific Outcomes 1, 2, 4 and 5.
  • Prepare to clean the operating room at the end of theatre list.
  • Clean and disinfect operating room walls and floors.
  • Spot clean and disinfect operating rooms between surgical procedures.
  • Perform end of shift procedures after cleaning and disinfecting operating rooms. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively.

    Evident in Specific Outcomes 1,2,3,4, and 5.
  • Prepare to clean the operating room at the end of theatre list.
  • Clean and disinfect operating room walls and floors.
  • Clean and disinfect above the floor surfaces.
  • Spot clean and disinfect operating rooms between surgical procedures.
  • Perform end of shift procedures after cleaning and disinfecting operating rooms. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.

    Evident in Specific Outcomes 1, 4 and 5.
  • Prepare to clean the operating room at the end of theatre list.
  • Spot clean and disinfect operating rooms between surgical procedures.
  • Perform end of shift procedures after cleaning and disinfecting operating rooms. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by.

    Evident in Specific Outcomes 2, 3, 4, and 5.
  • Clean and disinfect operating room walls and floors.
  • Clean and disinfect above the floor surfaces.
  • Spot clean and disinfect operating rooms between surgical procedures.
  • Perform end of shift procedures after cleaning and disinfecting operating rooms. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

    Evident in Specific Outcomes 1 and 5.
  • Prepare to clean the operating room at the end of theatre list.
  • Perform end of shift procedures after cleaning and disinfecting operating rooms. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large by:
    Participating as a responsible citizen in the life of local, national and global communities.

    Evident in Specific Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
  • Prepare to clean the operating room at the end of theatre list.
  • Clean and disinfect operating room walls and floors.
  • Clean and disinfect above the floor surfaces.
  • Spot clean and disinfect operating rooms between surgical procedures.
  • Perform end of shift procedures after cleaning and disinfecting operating rooms. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Definition of terms within this unit standard:

    1. Cleaning: Mechanical removal of dirt and micro-organisms from the environment.
    2. Disinfection: Destruction of undesirable micro-organisms through interference in their structure or metabolism. The objective of disinfection is to reduce the number of pathogenic micro-organisms to such a level that they are not able to initiate an infection.
    3. Hospital grade disinfectant: A chemical that will remove bacteria and viruses and that can kill bacteria and viruses. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  36233   National Certificate: Specialist Hygiene and Cleaning Services  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SERVICES 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.