6 4 S U P P L E M E N T T O O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O C T O B E R 2 0 1 7
COLLECTION CONCERNS Make sure sharps dispos-
al containers are emptied regularly to eliminate over-
flow, which can cause inadvertent sticks and cuts.
SPACE SAVER Rolling shelving lets techs wheel the shelves so they have
ample room to get in the proper position — facing the instrument set with
knees bent and back straight — before lifting heavy instrument containers
on and off the racks.
EASY DOES IT Instruct techs to use both hands and proper
body mechanics when pulling instrument carts out of dumb-
waiters or elevators in order to avoid back and shoulder strains.
HOT CORNER Instruments carts are steaming hot when they're
removed from the autoclave and can cause burns if they're
accidentally bumped into. Designate a "cool down" zone in an
out-of-the-way area of the department, where the carts can
remain until they're safe to touch.
