Each healthcare facility should address the following:

o        Any new piece of medical equipment that is brought into a surgical setting must be thoroughly investigated and evaluated before being used. This would be especially true of any device that falls into the heat source category. (See Appendix A for examples.)  Any piece of electrically powered equipment or equipment used to supply power must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended operating guidelines. Where possible, a pre-purchase agreement with the medical equipment manufacturer should mandate that a factory-trained representative will be sent to the facility to educate and train all staff members (e.g. per diem staff, surgical residents, physicians and biomedical engineering) on all shifts on the proper use and maintenance of the medical device. Note: new medical equipment also refers to any vendor supplied equipment that is being trialed or leased.

o        Staff must look for a current preventative maintenance sticker on the piece of medical equipment prior to use. An additional biomedical engineering calibration sticker may also be placed on the device, which will indicate the most recent measured output levels.  Remember, any piece of medical equipment that has outdated sticker information, appears to be damaged, doesn’t appear to work properly, or is otherwise questionable in the mind of the operator should be immediately removed from service and tagged appropriately. If the operating indicator light or audible indicator isn’t working properly, follow the same procedure as above.  Don’t change or alter any medical device to improve the performance of that device.

o        Every cable and electrical supply cord being used in the surgical area should be inspected before use. If the cable or cord is too short, frayed, cut or pulled tight, it could pose a potential electrical safety concern for staff. Medical devices should not be turned on prior to being plugged into a receptacle or be pulled out of a receptacle when left on.  Either situation can generate an arcing condition. If the device is placed on a cart, the cart should be a stable platform not prone to tipping over.

o        If a piece of medical equipment begins to emit a burning odor or shows signs of sparking or smoke, immediately unplug the device. Remove it from the operating room and call biomedical engineering immediately.

o        If the healthcare facility uses a boom system to deliver medical gases and lighting, it should be given regular preventative maintenance inspections to detect leaks and/or electrical hazards.

o        If a flammable liquid (e.g., Betadine) is being used as an antiseptic in the surgical setting and a heat source is to be used during the procedure, a sufficient “drying period” needs to be established. Flammable liquids can generate fumes that are ignited long after the visible liquid appears to be dried.  Watch for fluid pooling under the patient, which can pose a special fire hazard.