Tips on Medical Equipment Safety

Medical equipment, whether used in a home or private care setting or in a medical facility, should always be used in a manner that ensures the safety of technicians, assistants, patients and the environment. In most cases, instructions regarding use of medical equipment are provided either verbally or in written form, but quick tips for medical equipment safety may also be offered by peers or medical professionals.

Careful Examination

• Any type of medical equipment should be examined prior to use. Check to make sure connections, cords, wires or screws are tight. Make sure electrical cords or connectors don't have tears or obvious damage. Make sure equipment is not dented or punctured in any way. Regardless of size, whether the medical equipment is syringes or an oxygen tank, visually inspect before opening packages for tears, discoloration or cracks.

Electrical Safety

• For any type of medical device or piece of equipment that needs to be plugged in, check to make sure cords and plugs are in good condition. Plug equipment into grounded sockets and make sure all appliances and cords are not exposed to excessive heat or moisture. Keep cords tucked away to prevent falls.

Operating Proficiency

• Learn how to correctly operate the device. Read instructions that come with the device or ask for the guidance or instruction of an expert. Know the function of the medical device and be able to recognize whether or not it's operating correctly, and know what to do if the device fails. Any type of medical device, from an infusion pump to a mechanical Hoyer Lift, must never be operated by someone who has not been adequately trained in its use.

Determine Risks and Hazards for Use

• Remember the Boy Scout motto: Be Prepared. This motto can be applied to any medical scenario where medical equipment of any type is used. Before use, examine the device and the surroundings for potential hazards. Is the patient who needs oxygen therapy a smoker? Has she or he been advised against smoking while using such the device and told what might happen if the advice is ignored? Has the nurse's aid been properly trained in the use of the mechanical Hoyer Lift, or any number of mechanical lift devices used in hospitals and long term care centers?

Sterilization

• All medical equipment, from needles and syringes to the tools found in the operating room, the emergency room or the home care environment should be properly sterilized. Proper Universal Precautions should be followed in patient care, which involves the use of sterile gloves, gowns, and masks when warranted. All biological materials such as urine, blood and used needles, syringes and tubing should be disposed of properly, utilizing proper biohazard and disposal containers. Extra precautions should be in place when dealing with patients with communicable illnesses, such as protective eyewear and shoe covers, or booties. In such cases, proper disposal of protective clothing in specially marked biohazard containers or laundry bins is required. Reusable equipment and tools should be sterilized to destroy bacteria. Pre-cleansing solutions should be used on the surfaces of equipment or tools prior to immersing in a solution of chlorine dioxide or placing in chlorine dioxide gas atmosphere chambers or autoclaves.