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2. OSHA Guidelines for Infection Control

OSHA mandates workplace safety protocols to protect healthcare workers from infectious
diseases and hazardous materials. Key OSHA standards include:

• Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030): Requires healthcare facilities to
implement exposure control plans, provide PPE, and offer Hepatitis B vaccinations.
• Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200): Mandates proper labeling, handling,
and disposal of hazardous chemicals used in sterilization and cleaning.
• Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134): Establishes guidelines for N95
respirator usage when dealing with airborne infections such as tuberculosis (TB).

Compliance with these regulations ensures a safe working environment, reduces occupational
risks, and protects both staff and patients from preventable infections.

Sterile Technique and Infection Prevention

Maintaining a sterile field is critical in orthopaedic procedures to prevent surgical site
infections (SSIs), contamination, and post-operative complications. Infection prevention
begins with strict adherence to aseptic protocols, proper use of personal protective
equipment (PPE), and the effective sterilization of instruments and surgical environments.
Orthopaedic technologists must be proficient in sterile technique, surgical site preparation,
and environmental controls to minimize infection risks.

1. Principles of Sterile Technique

Sterile technique involves the elimination of all microbial life from surgical instruments, hands,
and procedural environments. The following principles are crucial:

• Proper Hand Hygiene and Surgical Scrubbing:
o Hands and forearms must be thoroughly scrubbed with antimicrobial soap for at least
2-5 minutes.
o Ensure nail beds and cuticles are cleaned properly to remove potential contaminants.
o Alcohol-based hand rubs can be used as an adjunct before donning gloves.
• Sterile Gowning and Gloving Techniques:
o Utilize closed-gloving methods to minimize contamination.
o If a glove is punctured, immediately reglove to maintain sterility.
o Ensure the gown is tied correctly, and avoid touching non-sterile surfaces once gloved.
• Sterile Field Maintenance:
o All sterile objects must remain above the waist and within the sterile field.
o Sterile drapes and barriers should be used to isolate non-sterile areas.
o Any sterile object that touches a non-sterile surface is immediately considered
contaminated and must be replaced.
o Minimize movement in and out of the sterile field to reduce contamination risks.
Maintaining a sterile field is critical in orthopaedic procedures to prevent surgical site
infections (SSIs) and contamination. Core principles include: