(5) Place the parts that will be used by the patient in a see-through bag.
Seal, label, and attach the bag to the equipment as shown in figure 4-21.
(6) When equipment is functioning properly and ready for patient use, place
a protective cover on it and move it from the clean area to the storage area.
c. Sterilizing and Storing. Equipment which must be sterile (normally those
parts used directly on the patient) and that is small enough to be placed in either an
autoclave or gas sterilizer should be packaged and sterilized. After sterilizing or
disinfecting, the portable equipment and attachments are stored as follows:
(1) Store all equipment and replacement parts in an area or room
specifically designed for the purpose. This area must be kept from vermin and
spotlessly clean.
(2)
Place like items together.
(3)
Place items where they are easy to reach and to remove from storage.
(4) Ensure that equipment is ready for immediate delivery by keeping items
that come in direct contact with the patient packaged until used and by placing
protective covers on infrequently used equipment.
d. Maintaining. Preventive maintenance requires time, effort, consistent
attention, and records. Each piece of equipment should be routinely checked by
medical maintenance personnel on a definite schedule. Local policies determine the
frequency and schedule for preventive maintenance.
e. Control of Equipment. Some means of knowing the location of all portable
equipment that is not in CMS is required. An item of equipment may be in a using unit
or in medical maintenance for repairs. Two methods used for control of equipment
include:
(1) Locator board. A sample locator board is illustrated in figure 4-25. Each
piece of equipment may be color-coded. When the equipment is moved from CMS, its
identification is moved to the location on the board that identifies the name and location
holding the equipment. When the equipment is returned to CMS, the identification is
replaced on the item of the equipment.
MD0937
4-25