JCAHO warns about hand gel fire risks
Ambulatory Safety Monitor, June 1, 2006
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The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) has issued an alert about potential fire risks when using alcohol-based hand gel.
A hospital in Michigan reported that on April 26, a worker suffered a small burn after an electrostatic discharge ignited gel on her hand, according to a notice by Joint Commission Resources, Inc. The hospital suspects the discharge came from a small shock the worker received after she answered a nurse call system in combination with her standing on a carpeted floor, the notice said.
To reduce the likelihood of hand gel fires, the JCAHO recommends that facilities
- remind workers to let gel remnants fully evaporate before touching any potential sources of shock or fire
- reduce potential electrostatic discharge in the environment by reviewing humidification strategies and other environmental concerns
Click here to read the notice.
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