An operation theatre preventive maintenance schedule lists the checks and jobs done on the equipment at fixed intervals, how long each takes, and in what order of frequency, so problems are found before the operation theatre fails. This page gives the schedule used in the PlantOps360 task library for operation theatre (and icu hvac with hepa filters and laminar air flow), which follows common industry practice for general-purpose equipment. It is also searched for as OT HVAC, laminar air flow, OT AHU, HEPA filter OT.
The maker’s manual and your site safety procedures always come first where they differ. Intervals set by law differ by state.
Operation theatre preventive maintenance schedule and checklist
| How often | Task | Estimated time |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | Check room differential pressure, temperature and humidity against limits; escalate deviations | 10 min |
| Weekly | Check AHU filter pressure drop and damper positions; check door interlocks | 20 min |
| Monthly | Clean or replace pre-filters; check belts, bearings and drain trays | 45 min |
| Quarterly | Visual check of HEPA filters and air velocity at the laminar flow canopy | 90 min |
| Half-yearly | Air changes per hour, HEPA integrity (DOP or PAO) and particle count tests | 150 min |
| Annual | Annual validation and certification of OT and ICU air handling; replace HEPA filters that fail | 300 min |
Operation theatre maintenance frequency and yearly workload
At the estimated times, one operation theatre needs about 103 hours of preventive maintenance a year. The biggest single job is “Annual validation and certification of OT and ICU air handling; replace HEPA filters that fail” at 300 minutes, done annual. Multiply by the number of units you have to see the workload for your plant.
| Frequency | Tasks | Time per round | Hours per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | 1 | 10 min | 60.8 h |
| Weekly | 1 | 20 min | 17.3 h |
| Monthly | 1 | 45 min | 9.0 h |
| Quarterly | 1 | 90 min | 6.0 h |
| Half-yearly | 1 | 150 min | 5.0 h |
| Annual | 1 | 300 min | 5.0 h |
What goes wrong on an operation theatre without preventive maintenance
- HEPA filter leaks or loading
- Pressure cascade failure
- Temperature and humidity drift
- Fan and damper faults
What to watch between services
- Room differential pressure
- Filter pressure drop
- Temperature and humidity
Safety and statutory notes for operation theatre maintenance
Operation theatre air systems need validation and particle or airflow testing at the interval of the guideline, with records for infection control.
Where an operation theatre preventive maintenance schedule is used
This equipment is used in the industries below. Each link opens the preventive maintenance schedule guide for that industry, and the maintenance software page where we have one.
Related equipment maintenance schedules
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Browse the full list of equipment preventive maintenance schedules (317 types).
Run this operation theatre schedule in maintenance software
In preventive maintenance software, each row above becomes a recurring task on the asset with its checklist, time estimate and parts. Tasks can be triggered by calendar date, running hours, meter readings or production cycles, each completed task is recorded with the person and date, and a failed check can open a work order. For the method behind it, read the guide to the preventive maintenance schedule, or use the free generator to get a 12-month plan for your whole equipment list.
Build my preventive maintenance schedule (free Excel)
Frequently asked questions
How often should an operation theatre be serviced?
In our schedule an operation theatre has 6 tasks: 1 daily, 1 weekly, 1 monthly, 1 quarterly, 1 half-yearly, 1 annual. The biggest job is “Annual validation and certification of OT and ICU air handling; replace HEPA filters that fail”, which is done annual. Always follow the maker’s manual where it gives a different interval.
What is included in operation theatre preventive maintenance?
It covers routine checks and jobs such as “Check room differential pressure, temperature and humidity against limits; escalate…”, “Check AHU filter pressure drop and damper positions; check door interlocks”, “Clean or replace pre-filters; check belts, bearings and drain trays”, up to the annual overhaul or inspection. The full list with times is in the table above.
How many hours of maintenance does an operation theatre need per year?
About 103 hours per unit per year at the estimated times in our library, including the daily checks done every day. Use it to plan workload, not as a benchmark.
Is there a free operation theatre maintenance checklist?
Yes. The table on this page is a ready checklist. The free preventive maintenance schedule generator turns it into a 12-month Excel schedule for your list of equipment, with monthly workload hours.