Safety

Hospitals cautioned about gasket fire dangers

Hospital Safety Connection, April 26, 2006

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Two federal agencies issued a joint warning this week about fire hazards associated with oxygen regulators.

The big recommendation is that hospitals should not reuse plastic crush gaskets, which create a seal at a cylinder/regulator connection. If reused, it's possible for workers to damage crush gaskets as they tighten them, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

The FDA has received 12 reports in which oxygen cylinder regulators burned or exploded, in some cases injuring employees.

Healthcare Life Safety Compliance will have much more about this matter in an upcoming issue.



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