Job Purpose:  

The post holder is expected to ensures that all items are processed according to strict infection control protocols and standards to guarantee patient safety and support clinical operations in the theatre and other relevant departments.

Duties and Responsibilities

Decontamination

• Receive, sort, and disassemble used surgical instruments and medical devices from operating theaters, wards, and clinics.
• Receive, sort and sluice dirty linen from operating theatres
• Operate and maintain automated washers, ultrasonic cleaners, and other decontamination equipment.
• Manually clean delicate or complex instruments following manufacturer guidelines.
• Adhere to safety protocols for handling biohazardous materials and chemical solutions.

Inspection, Assembly, and Packaging

• Inspect instruments for functionality, damage, and cleanliness using magnifying lights and test equipment.
• Assemble instrument sets and trays according to predefined count sheets and surgical requirements.
• Wrap, peel-pack, or containerize items appropriately for sterilization, ensuring proper labeling (contents, date, sterilizer cycle, expiry, staff initials).
• Prepare and load sterilization containers (e.g., rigid sterilization containers).

Sterilization

• Operate and monitor various sterilization equipment (e.g., steam autoclaves, ethylene oxide gas sterilizers, hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilizers).
• Perform and document biological, chemical, and mechanical sterilization checks to ensure efficacy.
• Understand and follow parameters for different sterilization methods based on item composition.

Storage and Distribution

• Store sterile items in controlled environments to maintain integrity.
• Issue sterile supplies to departments using FIFO (First-In, First-Out) inventory systems.
• Maintain accurate records of inventory, sterilization cycles, and equipment maintenance.

Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Participate in infection control audits and sterility assurance programs.
• Report equipment failures or breaches in sterilization processes immediately.
• Monitor integrity and expiry of sterile sets.

 Collaboration and Communication

• Coordinate with operating room staff, nurses, and clinicians to prioritize urgent requests.
• Participate in departmental training and serve as a resource on instrument care and sterilization.
• Any other duties appropriate to the grade as may be delegated by the Supervisor.

Qualifications

Education 

• KCSE means score of C-
• Certificate in Anesthetic Theatre Technician

Professional Qualification

Up to date Basic Life Support (BLS)

Job Experience

• At least 5 years of theatre experience as a technician working in CSSD.
• Previous experience in a CSSD, operating theater, or clinical environment. Familiarity with surgical instrument names and sets.

Key Competencies – Skills/ Knowledge/ Aptitude

• Attention to Detail: Critical for ensuring instrument integrity and sterilization efficacy.
• Technical Aptitude: Ability to operate and troubleshoot complex machinery.
• Organizational Skills: Efficient in managing high volumes of instruments and sets.
• Knowledge: Understanding of microbiology, infection control principles, and sterilization technologies.
• Safety-Conscious: Adherence to protocols for personal and patient safety.