personnel and equipment.
(5) All plugs, sockets, and switches must be explosion-proofed for use in
anesthetizing locations.
(6) Only electrical equipment that has been designed for use in hazardous
locations may be used. This includes extension cords used with portable equipment.
All electrical equipment for use in an individual OR is checked daily by the OR
specialists assigned to that room. Any faulty equipment is to be reported to the NCOIC
immediately and is not to be used until it has been repaired. The equipment is checked
routinely once a month by the maintenance department.
(7) The electric cautery is to be used with extreme care. Flammable agents
such as tincture disinfectants should not be used in the final skin preparation. The
switch and control of the cautery must be at least three feet from the anesthesia
machine and mask. The patient must be draped in such a manner that a barrier is
between the area where anesthetic mixtures are being given and the area where the
cautery is being used. Only moist sponges, usually saline, are permitted in the
operative field when the cautery is in use.
(8) Extreme care must be exercised when high voltage equipment (such as
the X-ray, fluoroscope, electric bone saw, or dermatome) is being used.
(9)
The use of photoflash and photoflood bulbs should be prohibited.
(10) Any departure from the safety rules in the use of equipment such as
cautery, X-ray, fluoroscope, and so forth, must be approved by the anesthetist.
(11) Anesthesia machines or oxygen cylinders are never to be completely
covered. The cover will confine any gas or oxygen, which may have leaked from the
cylinder when the cover is removed; an electrostatic spark may be created which will
ignite the gas that has been confined under the cover.
(12) Anesthesia equipment must be kept in good repair and must be leak
proof. The care of this equipment is the responsibility of the anesthesia department.
The equipment is usually checked at least once a month by the medical maintenance
department.
(13) Anesthesia machines, compressed gas cylinders, and containers of
flammable liquid are to be kept away from radiators, steam pipes, or other sources of
heat. These should not be stored in the same room or area with oxygen or nitrous
oxide cylinders.
(14) Oil or grease is never to be used on any part of the anesthesia machine
or oxygen valve.
MD0923
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