Guidelines & Recommendations

Association of Surgical Technologist (AST) Recommended Standards of Practice for Shoe Cover Rationale:

The use of shoe covers has never been proven to decrease the risk or incidences of surgical site infection, or to decrease the bacterial counts of the operating room floors. Shoe covers do protect the footwear and feet from exposure to blood and body fluids. Footwear protects the feet from injury by sharps or heavy equipment and instruments that may accidentally fall on the feet. Footwear also provides a barrier to exposure to blood and body fluids.

• Standard of Practice I - Healthcare workers should protect themselves from contact with blood and body fluids by wearing disposable shoe covers.
• Standard of Practice II - Healthcare workers should avoid tracking blood and body fluids, debris and other gross contaminants throughout the surgical suite.
• Standard of Practice III - Healthcare workers should be aware of the hazards associated with workplace foot and toe injuries, and should protect himself/herself from injury by wearing the correct footwear.
• Standard of Practice IV - Policies and procedures for surgical attire, including shoe covers, should be developed, written and reviewed on a periodical basis.

Association of Surgical Technologist (AST) Recommended Standards of Practice for Head Cover Rationale:

The human body is a major source of bacterial contamination in the surgical environment. Surgical site infections have been traced to bacteria from the hair and scalp of surgical personnel. The purpose of head covering use while in semi-restricted and restricted areas of the surgical suite is to protect both the patient and staff by maintaining a limited microbial spread. In order to maintain a clean environment and adhere to OSHA regulations, a head covering that completely covers head and facial hair must be worn as part of the surgical attire.

• Standard of Practice I - The surgical team members are responsible for preventing surgical site infections by properly donning and wearing the appropriate head cover or hood.
• Standard of Practice II - The surgical department should follow recommended OSHA and CDC standards for PPE.