Accreditation

Learn why isolation cabinets may be better than isolation carts

Accreditation Connection, October 29, 2004

Some hospitals are solving a fire safety dilemma by using isolation cabinets instead of bulky isolation carts.

 

"It's a great way to stay compliant with fire safety standards," says Norcie Blackburn, RN, MSN, CIC, C-FNP, infection control coordinator of Highlands Regional Medical Center in Prestonsburg, KY. Blackburn switched from isolation carts to isolation cabinets in her hospital three years ago to meet fire safety codes and reduce clutter. She says her hospital's isolation carts were always a mess.

 

According to the 2000 Life Safety Code® (LSC), hospitals need to maintain an unobstructed width of corridor space. The National Fire Protection Association takes this one step further and mandates that corridors be free and clear at least 8 ft across. Although an annex of the LSC allows wheeled items "in use" (isolation carts) to be stored "temporarily" in hallways, the definition is vague. Inspectors don't have to enforce it because the annex is not officially part of the LSC.

 

Hospitals need quick access to medical supplies, so they often store carts in the hallways. Unfortunately, problems arise with this type of storage, because the carts typically extend into a hallway about 22 inches. Isolation cabinets are a better option because they protrude only 5.5 inches. Furthermore, if staff hang the cabinets from a recessed door, an obstruction could be eliminated altogether.

 

Although the isolation cabinets are smaller than the carts, Blackburn's staff doesn't lack storage space. Highlands Regional doesn't store gloves in the cabinets, but the rest of its supplies fit just fine. She notes one downside: Some staff members have a difficult time lifting the cabinets off the doors to restock them. "Other than that, we love them-our hallways are cleaner and safer," she says.

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