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Operating Room Electrical Safety

Operating room electrical safety procedures must be strictly followed because risk of electrical fires and shocks can occur. Faulty equipment remains one of the main risks factors in surgical fires, as is improper grounding of electrical equipment.

  1. Prevention/Solution

    • Educating operating room staff on electrical equipment policy and procedure can dramatically reduce surgical suite fire and shocks. In addition, effective communication between nurses, technicians and physicians can reduce risk factors and promote early intervention in the event of a hazardous situation.

    Warning

    • The operating room is a potentially dangerous environment for fire because of the electrical equipment and use of anesthetic gases and oxygen. If gaseous material leaks out of a tube and comes in contact with an electrical spark, an electrical fire can erupt, having devastating effects on staff and the patient. Because the patient is so close to electrical sources and gases, such as cautery equipment and oxygen, they are especially at risk for injury

    Identification

    • Identifying and mitigating potential operating room electrical problems can greatly reduce risk factors. Thorough inspections need to be made of the equipment, electrical outlets and all equipment to ensure they are properly grounded in accordance with state and federal regulations.

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