Surgical Smoke Evacuation Compliance Audit

Perioperative inspection to verify surgical smoke evacuators are used correctly during electrosurgery and laser cases, maintained per facility policy, and supported by OSHA/NIOSH guidance.

Inspection Details

• Procedure area and case type documented
  Record the operating room, procedure location, and whether the case involved electrosurgery, laser use, or both.
• Inspection date and time
• Inspector name and role

Smoke Evacuator Availability and Setup

• Smoke evacuator present at point of use
  A smoke evacuator is available in the room and staged for the active case.
• Evacuation nozzle positioned within 2 inches of the surgical site
  Verify the suction inlet is positioned as close as feasible to the plume source, typically within 2 inches of the surgical site.
• Smoke evacuator activated during plume-generating activity
  Device is turned on and actively evacuating smoke during electrosurgery or laser activation.
• Appropriate suction tubing and filter setup in place
  Tubing, filter, and collection components are installed per manufacturer instructions and facility policy.
• Evacuator does not obstruct sterile field or workflow
  Placement supports safe use without compromising the sterile field or creating a trip or handling hazard.

Operational Performance During Case

• Smoke plume captured at source
  Visible plume is effectively captured with minimal escape into the room.
• Staff use smoke evacuation consistently during electrosurgery and laser activation
  Observed use is consistent for each plume-generating event in the case.
• Device noise and airflow do not indicate malfunction
  No abnormal noise, loss of suction, alarms, or other signs of reduced performance are observed.
• Staff can identify when smoke evacuation is required
  Team members demonstrate awareness that smoke evacuation is required for plume-generating procedures per policy.

Training, Policy, and Compliance

• Current facility policy available and aligned to practice
  Policy addresses smoke evacuation expectations for electrosurgery and laser cases and matches observed practice.
• Staff training on surgical smoke hazards documented
  Relevant perioperative staff have documented training or competency on smoke hazards and evacuation procedures.
• Non-compliance or workarounds identified and escalated
  Any observed deviation from policy is documented and escalated for corrective action.

Maintenance and Inspection Records

• Routine inspection or preventive maintenance is current
  Device inspection and maintenance records are current per manufacturer and facility requirements.
• Filters and consumables replaced per schedule
  Filter life, tubing, and other consumables are within service limits and replaced as required.
• Device is clean, labeled, and ready for use
  Equipment is visibly clean, properly labeled, and stored or staged in a ready state.